Microsoft strengthens ties with ICTA

Tuesday, 30 September 2014 01:14 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Microsoft Sri Lanka recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Information and Communication Technology Agency of Sri Lanka (ICTA) to facilitate a number of projects and activities involving information infrastructure systems and software research. The MoU would not only strengthen relations between ICTA and Microsoft, but will also result in constructive action through knowledge sharing and bringing together the considerable synergies of the two entities. The primary objective of the MoU is to exchange, develop and consolidate knowledge, information, practical skills, experience and technologies toward implementing joint programs to the Government, centred around improving Government productivity generally, with a specific focus on mobile applications, software process improvement and testing, digital rights management, cyber security, cyber threat intelligence security, computer forensics and business intelligence systems.

ICTA CEO Reshan Dewapura speaking on the partnership with Microsoft said, “In our pursuit of excellence it is timely that we embark on this broad MoU. This will help exchange, develop and consolidate knowledge, information, practical skills, experience and technologies toward implementing joint programs, especially in government. These programs will be centered around improving productivity in general, with a specific focus on mobile applications, software process improvement and testing, digital rights management, cyber-security, cyber-threat intelligence, computer forensics and business intelligence systems for the country.” Microsoft Sri Lanka & Maldives Country Manager Imran Vilcassim said that the signing of this MoU would play a pivotal role in specific areas of national interest. “This would allow Microsoft to support ICTA’s Smart-Sri Lanka initiative, which aims to develop our economy and improve quality of life through the use of IT. Other areas of partnership include supporting ICTA’s Nenasala and eServices initiative to expand access to technology in the country. Microsoft will also partner to grow the ICT ecosystem in the country by providing BizSpark training for Sri Lankan start-up companies. He also said that Microsoft intends to share new technology development in both their software and devices portfolio, with ICTA’s technical teams periodically, as well as explore opportunities of providing cloud services on a national level.