Islamabad –  Pakistan Software Export Board (PSEB) has signed an MoU with Microsoft and AZM Computer Services to collaborate in the rollout of GBMS (Global Business Management Solution) – a Microsoft and open source technologies based software application. The software has been developed by AZM Computers in consultation with PRGMEA (Pakistan Readymade Garments Manufacturers and Exporters Association) and PHMA (Pakistan Hosiery Manufacturers Association) under PSEB’s Industry Automation project and has been successfully implemented in 15 member units of PRGMEA and PHMA resulting in 50-60% increase in productivity.
 
Under the MoU, Microsoft in partnership with AZM, would provide sales and marketing support to ensure the availability of GBMS application. Customer engagement activities will also be conducted by Microsoft’s innovation centre based in Karachi.  This would allow greater flexibility for the industrial units to implement the GBMS software into their IT systems. Business Support Fund, a not-for-profit organization initiated by Ministry of Finance for the SME sector, has agreed to support the initiative by providing 50% funding for implementing the GBMS application which also includes the cost of software licenses.

Commenting on the collaboration, PSEB official said “PSEB has funded several IT companies for the development of software applications to boost the productivity of SME industrial units, which would provide an opportunity for the local IT companies to cater to the needs of the local manufacturing industry. The collaboration between PSEB, Microsoft and the software companies would ensure maximum flexibility and benefits to the end user. He urged the industrial units to avail the opportunity and increase their productivity by implementing the software.”

Regional Director, Microsoft North Africa, East Mediterranean and Pakistan, Mr. Sherif Seddik said, “Microsoft strongly feels that it must work hand in hand with companies that are driving the local software ecosystems to provide them with latest technologies and support to help address the key challenges of domestic industries.”
 
“At AZM, we are fully committed to develop state-of-the-art IT solutions for local industries enabling optimum utilization of time and resources as well as increased productivity.”  CEO, AZM Computer Services Mr.Noman Jamil said at the occasion.

PSEB is a Government agency mandated to promote Pakistan's IT Industry, including software, services, hardware and call centers locally and globally. PSEB has been facilitating the IT Industry through its programs in Human Capital, Office Space, Marketing, Company Capability Development, Telecom Bandwidth, Industry Finance, Public Policy, Strategy & Research, and Facilitation.

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