Maison Consulting & Solutions: October 2008

http://worldtradereview.com/news.asp?pType=N&iType=C&iID=187&siD=20&nID=42814

Home > Current Issue(Issue No.20, Vol No.8) > Pakistan & WTO
Pakistan & WTO
16-31 October 2008
25pc pirated software contain virus: research
Karachi: Genuine Software Manager, Microsoft Pakistan, Salman Siddiqui has highlighted that according to an IDC study in 2007, 25 per cent of all pirated software contained viruses, malware and other malicious elements.
“As a result, use of pirated software exposes the entire IT infrastructure to vulnerabilities, thus exposing up to 80 per cent of the investment,” he added. Siddiqui further said that by promoting the use of genuine software, Pakistan can encourage more foreign investment, create jobs and increase business opportunities for local businesses.
Microsoft, in collaboration with the Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI), held a seminar at the KCCI on the topic of “Business Efficiency through Information Technology Optimisation”.
Chief Operating Officer, Sultan Hamdani of Maison Consulting and Solutions, a leading software solution provider and partner of Microsoft Pakistan explained that in today’s competitive world, retaining an existing customer is a challenge and a key advantage as well. He said that delivering high quality customer service levels can only be possible if businesses employ information technology to constantly track their performance and respond to weaknesses. He highlighted several Microsoft solutions, which can be used for high level customer management. Speaking on the topic of IT Infrastructure Optimisation, Fareed M Khan, Engagement Manager, Microsoft Pakistan, highlighted that “IT should not be perceived as a cost, rather business must perceive this as a strategic investment and engage in this with a long term vision.
Iftikhar Ahmad Sheikh, Senior Vice President-KCCI said, “This is a critical piece in the puzzle, because the entire IT infrastructure and CRM depends on the reliability of the software to achieve its objective. Hence it is vital to use genuine software so that a safe, reliable and up to date service level is delivered to customers by local businesses.”
The agenda of the day was focused on three key areas where businesses can significantly benefit by leveraging information technology ie IT Infrastructure Optimisation, Customer Relationship Management and Value of Genuine Software.