NEWS: Keeping ICT growth on track

KEY ICT players are adamant that there will be no let-up in growth for the local technology market, despite the dire outlook of the global economic landscape. Industry giants Intel, Hewlett-Packard, Acer, Dell and Microsoft say they are here for the long haul and that they aim to help both consumers and enterprises brave through this crisis through smart technology usage.

Patel points out that Intel has taken an extensive approach in broadband locally.

Yan says HP aims to go after markets beyond major towns.

Intel Malaysia’s country manager Ryaz Patel says the company is committed to manufacturing through its Penang and Kulim sites and has taken an extensive approach in broadband locally.

“The new class of product that Intel has introduced, the netbook, embraces this (strategy). The fact that connectivity is a rising necessity in both corporate and personal markets and key to productivity, also supports this drive. Globally, we’re taking a bullish approach into 2009 in the R&D (research and development) perspective,” he says, adding that Intel spent some US$5 billion (RM17.5 billion) across the globe this year.

Although the market has softened in the current fourth quarter and the outlook grim for next year, growth is still positive, according to Acer Sales & Services Sdn Bhd’s general manager Ricky Tan.

“In terms of PC penetration, there is room for growth, and Acer’s projection for next year is double-digit. The components market is set to slow down, and prices will come down. All this will allow us to make our products more competitive,” he says, adding that services and solutions will be key in Acer’s product offerings.

HP Malaysia also will continue to drive demand in the market.

“This year, we have put investments into the retail business by establishing eight HP shops operated by retailers. Next year, we will continue on this path. We aim to make our products available in smaller towns around the country and also run meaningful ICT programmes,” says company general manager, imaging and printing group Yan Yoke Ping.

Besides that, HP intends to grow the number of its retail stores by double- or triple-fold, depending

on area and the readiness of retailers.

Dell is on the same track with HP in terms of going after markets beyond major towns.

“Dell is committed to continue to invest in Malaysia and to roll out competitive products that enhance connectivity such as the netbook,” says company marketing director, Asean consumers Alex Ng.

And although cost is important, Dell is looking at service to offer a better deal to consumers, he adds.

Microsoft, meanwhile, is urging local enterprises to look at fundamentals and not put the brakes on ICT spending.

“I don’t know how long it will take to pull out of the bad times, but things will get better. Although it is important to be prudent, it must be done with more dimension so that we come out of it better. This is where investing in ICT wisely plays a role,” says Microsoft Malaysia’s managing director Yasmin Mahmood.

She highlights virtualisation, collaboration and office productivity as technology areas important for enterprises.

Packet-1 Networks’ chief executive officer Michael Lai believes that ICT is no longer just about technology, but also about being connected. By second half of next year, P1, together with Intel, will make available products that allow auto-WiMax/Wi-Fi connection for both businesses and masses, he says.