Microsoft in Malaysia

Microsoft has announced the signing of a memorandum of understanding with Malaysian independent software vendor IFCA MSC Bhd. to adopt the Microsoft .NET platform. IFCA will be standardizing its software development in harmony with Microsoft .NET for its product offerings in various markets including contract accounting, CRM, distribution management, hospitality, knowledge management, manufacturing management and property management.

IFCA has sold over 16,000 user licenses in Asia, Africa, Australia and Europe. With the .NET collaboration, IFCA will be on target to begin marketing new products, starting with property management solutions, by the third quarter of 2006. IFCA expects its overseas revenues to exceed local revenues, as a result of its continued efforts to gain new overseas markets. The current IFCA development plan will include adoption of Microsoft tools such as Visual Studio 2005; SQL Server 2005 with analysis services and reporting services for business intelligence capabilities; Windows Workflow Foundation; Windows Sharepoint Services; and Sharepoint Portal Server. IFCA chief operating officer Leong Nyu Kuan stated the company’s hopes were that the Microsoft developer network would also provide additional support to push IFCA solutions in new markets, particularly the United States. “Part of the support provided to .NET developers is the availability of first-hand information on Microsoft technology, and the ability to leverage Microsoft’s presence in other markets.” Microsoft sees things the same way, with Microsoft Malaysia managing director Butt Wai Choon stated with the announcement that Microsoft saw the new development with IFCA as allowing Microsoft greater access to important market segments. Microsoft may have the innovative tools and software to help organisations realise their potential, said Butt, but partners like IFCA will help ensure greater results to groom, support and nurture developers.

This announcement followed others by Microsoft Malaysia in March and April, indicating the willingness of the firm to involve itself heavily in the country. This month will see the release of operating system Windows XP Starter Edition in four Malaysian languages, and those who purchase the Windows XP Starter Edition Bahasa Malaysia version from now until the release receive a free upgrade. Dubbed the “Multilingual” version, the new Windows XP Starter Edition also features more than twenty system improvements in addition to the multiple language interface. Languages on the system include Bahasa Malaysia, English, Mandarin and Tamil.

Technical upgrades for this version include extending the maximum system requirements on the hard drive from 40GB to 80GB, increasing RAM from 128MB to 256 MB, enhancing PC resolution to 1024 x 768 and changing the CD reader from the previous CDRW to CDRW/DVD-ROM. Microsoft also announced the release of a specially priced PC which runs Windows XP Starter Edition with a choice of Microsoft Encarta and Microsoft Works 8.0 two education games. The Bahasa Malaysia version was launched by deputy prime minister YAB Dato Sri Najib Tun Razak in February, announcing the results the collaboration between Microsoft and the Malaysian government to accelerate digital inclusion in the country.