Softworld '98

The Province hosted an important IT function this past Fall which resulted in a number of favourable outcomes for the IT sector in particular and the tourism industry in general.

Softworld, an annual international conference sponsored by the Information Technology Association of Canada (ITAC), brought together information technology executives from around the world to discuss deal-making. Discussions covered many topics including the possibility of forming strategic alliances in the areas of software development, investment, marketing, distribution, research and development, and acquisitions and mergers. An integral component in the Province's bid to host the event was the selection of Scotland as an international partner. Under the umbrella of a Memorandum of Understanding signed between the Province and the Aberdeen City Council, the Scottish Software Federation and The Newfoundland and Labrador Association of Technology Industries co-hosted the event. Softworld, first hosted in Vancouver in 1991, has grown steadily over the years.

Many business-to-business discussions emanating from this occasion are continuing. Some key examples of deals signed at Softworld '98 include the following:

• Keltic Technologies, an Atlantic Canada based technologies solution provider, and The Fifth Business have signed a Memorandum of Understanding. The Fifth Business, a five-year old Scottish-based IT management company, specializes in virtual teamwork consultancy. Keltic Technologies and The Fifth Business have identified a need for Avirtual@ teams in technical, training and other business endeavours. Through a subsidiary (i.e., Keltic-ISG Technologies), Keltic has a strong local presence in the oil and gas, energy, mining and public sectors. The goal of this partnership is to build virtual teamwork platforms for the Canadian marketplace. Keltic expects to target local oil and gas customers before expanding its offer to a wider market.

• Keyin College, an independent post-secondary college that has been providing educational services for almost twenty years in Newfoundland & Labrador and, more recently in other parts of Canada, signed a deal with Communications Specialists (NewTel Communications) and Multimedia Experts (IDON EAST Corporation) to provide advanced training over the Internet. Through this strategic alliance, WORLDCLASSROOM.COM, curriculum development and delivery will be expanded through the Internet. The benefits of this alliance have already begun through the development of courses for New Sympatico User, Corel Suite training for the Province's teachers, and the development of on-line courses leading to accreditation with the Canadian Institute of Management.

In addition, the 4-day conference generated considerable benefits for the tourism industry. Approximately $1.5 million was spent by organizers, mostly on local goods and services, in preparation for and execution of the event. Also, it is estimated that the conference generated approximately $900,000 in direct consumer expenditures within the region.

Submitted by: Softworld '98

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