SME customers typically operate in lean environments with limited resources and IT personnel.

Notwithstanding, business and technology issues confronting SMEs can even be more challenging than those faced by big corporations. At the very least, they are often dealing with similar business complexities and demands as large enterprises.

Thus, SMEs in the Asia Pacific continue to invest for the future by selecting applications solutions from providers which can address their needs. SMEs are making critical investments that will enable them to thrive and become more agile in the face of global economic growth and competition.

According to IDC, global SME “IT spend” has reached its highest level in the past decade, growing by 8.3% in 2007. The next phase of growth will be driven by greater industry verticalization.
The benefits of ICT to SMEs will be one of the major topics at the forthcoming 12th ICT Professionals’ Congress on May 14 and 15, 2008, to be held at the Hotel Intercontinental Manila, Makati City. Being organized by the Philippine Computer Society (PCS), the event is being sponsored by Microsoft, JobsDB.com, Globe, Oracle, IBM and e-PLDT. For more details, please visit www.pcs-it.org or call 840-0985 to 86 or e-mail secretariat@pcs-it.org.

When asked about the kinds of technologies that are in high demand to SMEs, Microsoft Philippines SMSP Director Louie Castañeda reported that their company has several offerings that SMEs are taking advantage of.

Castañeda shares, “There is Microsoft Dynamics – a line of integrated and adaptable business management solutions which automate and streamline financial, customer relationship, and supply chain processes in a way that helps drive business success.”

Affordability & Flexibility

One thing that will make technology providers click to SMEs are their capability to reduce complexity and total cost of technology ownership – value applications and technology solutions which are affordable, and will enable faster returns on investments (ROI) and reduced risk.

SMEs intend to build flexible, adaptable IT infrastructures and adopt modern technologies such as service-oriented architecture (SOA), which are critical to enabling them to respond quickly to new business opportunities, customer demands and changes in operating conditions.

To be of utmost assistance to SMEs, Castañeda says that, “Microsoft Dynamics software and services are designed to be customizable in order to respond to unique requirements and allow users to easily manage workplaces for maximum productivity. SMEs can also take advantage of the secure Web functionality of Microsoft Dynamics for employees, customers, and other partners.”

He further adds, “To make our technology offerings more affordable to SMEs, we have financing programs to aid them as they invest in the technology that will empower their business. These programs cover the acquisition and implementation of business software, hardware, and services. Moreover, SMEs can manage their finances more effectively as the program allows them to extend the costs over time.”