Sipa calls for more discounted software

PHUKET: The Software Industry Promotion Agency (Sipa) has called for all Thai software development companies to join its Small-to-Medium Enterprise Software Exchange (SMEse) project, which will provide cut-price Thai-language computer programs to the Thai private sector.

To encourage developers and vendors to provide software for the project, Sipa has set up a website at www.smese.net as a marketing portal for the programs, and will provide after-sales service on behalf of the software companies that join the project.

Some 150 software vendors, including Phuket-based On On Business, Ceron Software, B.Lue D.Zine and Phuket Programmers, have joined the project since it began in June.

The website is currently in Thai only. However, Dr Rattana Wetprasit, Acting Manager of the Phuket branch for Sipa, said that a mirror site in English will be launched, but that a date for completion has yet to be decided.

There are currently at least 100 programs available, most of which are selling at half the normal price. Any Thai company may buy the discounted software, but must first register online through the website. Registration is free.

Sipa President Dr Manoo Ordeedolchest said that Sipa has set a target of 1,000 businesses to take advantage of the discounted software within three years. “Sipa expects to have at least 200 businesses registered to buy the cheap software by the end of this year,” he added.

As an added incentive, Dr Manoo also said that in October, Sipa will choose 10 SMEs from among those that buy discounted software through the project. These 10 will receive a further 50% off the already discounted price, up to a limit of 200,000 baht for any one company.

Sipa will also provide staff to install and configure the software for the 10 companies, and train employees in how to use it.

Developers and vendors interested in joining the SMEse should not do so through the website but should contact Sipa at Tel: 076-379111- 2, Fax: 076 379 000 or by email at: phuket@sipa.or.th