March 14, 2010The role of ISV in SMB transformation
The role of ISV in SMB transformation
By Allan Tan | Feb 9, 2010
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Many small businesses have come to depend on Microsoft Excel to do simple accounting processes. Practically every business uses Microsoft PowerPoint for presentations and Microsoft Word is used to write customer letters or internal memos. These are common tools of the business trade.
But as a business grows in complexity, so too is the need for more custom-applications. The Independent Software Vendor (ISV) industry has grown to meet the need for specific business processes. Take for instance the Hong Kong Sanatorium Hospital (HKSH). An upscale private hospital, the HKSH is recognized for offering high quality hospital services and comfortable accommodation for patients. To maintain these standards, the hospital uses information technology extensively throughout its operations.
One such implementation is the IE Buddy (bedside monitor), a Patient Infotainment Terminal (PIT) which provides clinical information, entertainment plus communication channels. The terminal is purported to strengthen personalized healthcare, reduce human error and thus enhance patient safety. In addition, it aims to streamline the consultation and caring process as well as provide hospital information and entertainment to patients.
Up until IE Buddy, I've never quite thought of Microsoft's Windows platform as a platform for developing business-specific applications. Microsoft confirmed that in Hong Kong there are currently 600 independent software vendors (ISV) creating specific applications for the Hong Kong market. A majority of these target the small and mid-size businesses space with many different vertical solution like mobile app, CRM, ERP, HR solution, insurance, and trading to name a few.
Chin-Tang Chin, Director of Developer & Platform Group with Microsoft Hong Kong Limited, is quick to admit that Microsoft doesn't know many of the industry-specific requirements of organizations like the Hong Kong Sanatorium Hospital. It is encouraging the ISV community to develop the custom applications needed by organizations.
For its part, Microsoft offers free software (development and production) for start-up ISVs with free Microsoft architectural advisory. ISVs get free technical support online and over the phone. Microsoft will also partner with ISVs through joint sales and marketing activities.
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