Information Technology - Domestic Linkage Program
Introduction
Under the USAID's Asia Near East ((ANE) Bureau IT program a business development-matchmaking tour for Sri Lankan software companies was conducted by a US based Venture Capitalist. The program conducted in January 2003 focused on selection of firms that toured the US, business development, co-fund match-making exercise and provide follow-on support to ensure success.
The international business linkage program proved that Sri Lankan companies had the capability to develop world class software products. Domestically, however, these products are not being employed by a wide variety of Sri Lankan businesses and individuals. While international business deals are excellent as they offer Sri Lankan IT companies the opportunity to earn international wages, domestic support also allows for income generation, job employment, valuable product creation (which in turn can be sold overseas), diversified the client basis, and assists in establishing a solid reputation.
A domestically focused Software & Services exposition / business linkage activity could therefore assist in the computerization of companies in secondary and tertiary cities, resulting in more people employed locally to support computer applications, increasing the efficiency of SL companies. This would also lead to job growth by the software and service supplies, principally located in Colombo.
Objectives
The IT Domestic Business Development program will assist Sri Lankan IT companies develop presentation and company packaging skills to increase the marketability of their products and services. The activity will support the use of IT in secondary and tertiary cities in Sri Lanka, increasing companies and individuals productivity and will support job creation island-wide.
The Program
Needs Assessment
Before selling IT services to the SL general populace, one must understand the current state of the market in Sri Lanka. A needs assessment in selected areas of the country would be conducted in advance of the domestic business linkage tour. Purpose of the needs assessment is to determine the level of IT use by companies in the selected areas.
Marketing Information
With a need assessment completed, the next step would be to work with selected Sri Lankan IT companies so that they can effectively market their product and support that product after the sale. A consultant under the IT Mentors Alliance program will provide marketing training to selected firms of the Sri Lankan IT sector identify effective strategies for business development within the Sri Lankan marketplace. In particular, the consultant will conduct a training session for the IT sector to get them to prepare:
- Marketing materials
- Making the sale
- Providing support after the sale
Road Show
With the needs assessment conducted, and the selected Sri Lankan IT firms prepared by the marketing specialist, one-day road shows in Kurunegala, Kandy, Galle and possibly Jaffna would be organized to link the selected Sri Lankan IT companies to domestic companies needs. A suitable venue will be identified and adequate publicity will be provided through national and specific regional media.
The tour will be facilitated by the Sri Lanka ICT Association (SLICTA).