The escalation of the information technology and business process management (IT-BPM) can be credited to the progress of software development and the IT outsourcing sector, says the Philippine Software Industry Association (PSIA), a partner association of the Information Technology and Business Process Association of the Philippines. The association, whose goal is to aid in the advancement of global competitiveness and growth of the country’s software industry, is now celebrating its 25th aniversary, commemorating its ground-breaking work that largely contributed to the success of the sector.
PSIA President Nora Terrado said that the Philippines has been an imperative destination for IT services and outsourcing software development over the years. “Our sector is composed of companies with solid track records of delivering high-value software services and with decades of software development experience focused on niche technology areas and industry domains,” Terrado added.
In an industry delegating for Japan IT Week’s Software Development Expo (SODEC), PSIA played a key role through taking part in a series of meetings and seminars, and an exhibition. The PSIA delegation included Advanced World Systems, Inc., Alliance Software, Inc., CAI-STA Philippines, Inc., Manpower Group, Pointwest Technologies Corp., PNI Business Solutions, Tsukiden Global Solutions, and Ubiquitous Technologies Philippines, Inc.
In the event KLab Scorpions, a Japanese firm investor in the Philippines, founder Taro Naguchi highly commended the Philippine software and IT industry. Keizo Kawata of Nihon Unisys Ltd. added that among the qualities of Filipino software developers and IT professionals, their ability to speak better English gives them an edge over their competitors.
In an annual ranking by investment advisory firm Tholons released early this year, Philippine cities Manila and Cebu ranked third and eighth, respectively, in the top 100 global outsourcing destinations, beating out other countries. Furthermore, in a report from international research firm Everest Group, the Philippines join the ranks of India, China, and Poland as an established destination for software development and ITO. Other key strengths of the sector are content creation, strong social media penetration, and cultural similarity with the US and Asian market.
PSIA has also been on the talks of start-ups and the innovation ecosystem at the Cebu ICT-BPO Conference.
A culminating dinner entitled, “PSIA Silver Night” and a general membership meeting on June 28 will wrap off the series of activities that mark PSIA’s 25th anniversary.