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Melbourne, Thursday 26th February 2004
From the Minister for Information and Communication
Technology
ICT Cluster Seminar Gives Victorian Firms the Edge
A seminar designed to equip Victoria.NET information and communication technology firms with the business skills they need to compete in tough local and international markets is the first cluster event of 2004.
Speaking at the one-day seminar in Melbourne today, the Minister for Information and Communication Technology, Marsha Thomson, said the event was an important part of helping establish Victoria as a centre of ICT excellence.
“It’s tremendous to see the Victoria.NET cluster getting off to such a good start, with more than 40 members coming together to share ideas and experiences,” Ms Thomson said.
“The commercialisation seminar is providing .NET members with the business skills they need to better understand customer requirements and build a culture of innovation.”
Ms Thomson said the .NET cluster was using curriculum from a new business management course developed by Microsoft and the Southern Cross University launched at the event by Microsoft managing director, Steve Vamos.
“Members of the Victoria.NET cluster are among the first SMEs in the state to have the chance to trial a curriculum which is already being used in Singapore, China, India and New Zealand,” Ms Thomson said.
“The course recognises that small to medium software business-owners must continually reinvent themselves if they to compete and sell software products on the global market.
The Bracks Government contributed $80,000 in seed funding to help establish the Victoria.NET cluster last year.
“The cluster is creating a critical mass activity around the .NET platform, providing opportunities for Victorian companies to share information and benefit from each other’s experience and networks,” Ms Thomson said.
Ms Thomson said the Bracks Government was working closely with the Microsoft Corporation to develop the cluster. She said the Government aimed to create opportunities for the best and brightest students wanting to work in the local industry.
“62 organisations have already joined up to the .NET cluster – .NET projects in the state are worth more than $150 million,” she said.
Ms Thomson said .NET was a great example of the enabling effect of information and communication technology (ICT) across a range of industry sectors.
“The establishment of the Victoria .NET cluster follows State Government support for similar Victorian clusters for the computer game, photonics and micro-electronics industries,” Ms Thomson said.
”The Victorian Government is providing strong support and helping transform emerging industries into globally recognised clusters of excellence. We will continue to explore opportunities for growth in emerging ICT sectors,” she said.
For additional information about the Victoria.NET cluster visit www.victoriadotnet.com.au
For information about other ICT clusters operating in Victoria click on industry information at www.mmv.vic.gov.au
Microsoft MD, Steve Vamos with Minister Marsha Thomson and Award Winner, Lito Cruze
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