Germany-based Software AG is intensifying its operations in the Philippines by launching highly-competitive E-business software products.
Software AG vice president/managing director for Asia Pacific region Wilson Tan, in an interview with The STAR said they consider the Philippines as one of the major markets for this kind of product.
Tan said the Philippines should concentrate on this kind of software product to enable it to compete with its neighboring countries in terms of conducting business through the use of computer networks.
"The Philippines has a lot talents to be able to emerge with E-commerce," he said, adding that "this is the area where the Philippines should focus."
He said the country should also take advantage of this new trend. "The outlook worldwide for E-commerce is increasing expeditiously wherein by 2003-2004, in Asia Pacific alone, E-Business will grow to $120 billion," he said.
According to Tan, they have already seen the potential of the software business in the Philippines when they put up an office in the country about three years ago.
Tan said their confidence in the Philippines is reflected on their decision to also set up their Asia Resource Center here. The center has application development capabilities, worldwide support and provide consultancy and training.
Jenifer Chua Sun, Software AG Philippines acting country manager, said they have been talking with at least two clients, one from government and one from private sector for their so-called "Tamino" software product.
Sun said they are looking forward to getting more clients for this particular product in the remaining months of the year.
Software AG has issued its shares in the international stock market in April 1999. Tan said their share is currently being traded four times their IPO price.
Last year, the software company reported revenues of 720 million Euro, up by 14 percent from 1998's earnings. Its capital base is currently at two to three billion Euro.