Renowned software company Microsoft inked Memorandum of Understanding with Pakistan Software Export  Board (PSEB) with an aim to provide assistance to Information Technology (IT) in the country.

The MoU was formally signed by General Manager for Microsoft Eastern Mediterranean and Pakistan, Charles Nahas and Managing Director PSEB, Yusuf Hussain. Among others, the signing ceremony was witness by Secretary Ministry of Information Technology, Farrakh Qayyum and officials of both the organizations.

According to the MoU Microsoft will deliver courses on “Good Corporate Governance and Reporting”, Software Entrepreneurship and software development in the country. It will provide access to limited hours of complimentary ISV Advisory Services and also make available its facilities at Microsoft Innovation Center (MIC) in Karachi for enrolled IT companies to test their specific applications and facilitate local customer engagements.

The company will make available the facility of international and local Tele sales Service for enrolled IT companies besides making available the online Marketing Tool that helps provide content and facilitates design marketing collaterals.

The company will facilitate participating IT Companies in their Channel Builder Program to forge alliance with IT Companies globally and will offer Royalty Agreement Program to them to gain more leverage and advantage on selling Microsoft based technology.

According to the memorandum, Microsoft will embark on the preparations of a feasibility of a Development Support Center in Pakistan and would consider holding a CEO summit in Pakistan which will be addressed by top global technology gurus.

Speaking as a chief guest on the occasion, Farrakh Qayyum described the MoU as beginning of long journey and expressed the hope that cooperation between the two organizations would be enhance gradually.

He described the Microsoft’s initiative as and indicator that Pakistani IT sector was rapidly growing adding that it was the reflective that country possessed a conducive environment for development of software. He said, the programme would help Pakistani IT companies to leverage their potential in software developments, business management, business Planning and financing, marketing collateral developments, global alliances and international sales.

Charles Nahas described the MoU as significant achievement and said that this would enable Microsoft to support Pakistani companies and make them able to cater to the needs of their country as well as abroad. He said that Microsoft would help Pakistani IT companies to become competitive in the market.