DTI approves four IT projects worth P653 M

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has approved four information technology projects worth P653 million.

These are the applications of Vinta Systems Inc., Meridian Telekoms Inc., Philenter.Com Inc., and Yapster e-Trade Inc.

Vinta Systems Inc. applied for registration as a new information technology service firm in the field of IT services on a pioneer status. Vinta Systems Inc. was incorporated last June 26, 2000 primarily to engage in and operate the business of providing e-commerce related services.

Its major stockholder, System Standards Inc. (SSI) was incorporated in 1987 and enjoys the distinction of being the very first business partner of IBM in the Philippines.

SSI provides hardware, software tools and other IT services for its clients which include system integration, networking, facilities management and IT education/training. The project involves the development of the following application software, namely e-loans; e-pay; e-ensure and Vinta inside.

Meridian Telekoms Inc., which is controlled by Triple V owner Victor "Vic-Vic Villavicencio, applied for registration as a new IT firm as an Internet service provider (ISP).

Meridian Telekoms Inc. was recently approved by the BOI for registration under EO 226 as a new operator of telecommunication systems on a pioneer status with an annual capacity of 7,500 subscribers.

For the telecoms project, Meridian was granted a legislative franchise under RA 8337 to construct, install, establish, maintain, lease and operate wire and/or wireless telecoms systems throughout the country.

In addition, the firm was granted a provisional authority by the National Telecommunications System (NTC) last March 23, 2000 to install and operate a nationwide data leased line.

Meridian’s project as an ISP is entirely different from the project that was previously registered.

Meridian Broadbank Internet service will provide high-speed "always-on" Internet access for all types and sizes of businesses including corporations, small to medium-scale enterprises (SMEs), entrepreneurial ventures and other companies who have build their business on an electronic platform. The total project cost is P167.392 million. Philenter.Com, Inc., for its part, will offer a business – to-business e-solution to SMEs in the fields of marketing, logistics, accounting applications, integrated or individual enterprise resources planning (ERP) and other concerns in manufacturing/distribution/financials and human resource management. Initially, however, the firm will focus on e-marketing. The project cost amounts to P128.4 million.

Yapster e-Trade Inc. applied as an IT service provider for online stock market trading and back office support facility. Its goal is to provide a facility where a client can directly place a buy or sell order via the Internet, real-time against the traditional process of trading thereby leveling the playing field for all investors alike. The project cost is P101.49 million.