High speed, low drag...

As you and I know, getting up to speed on technology and/or setting up the fundamentals/infrastructure is the next step if we want to keep up to speed in the international technology theater. So what process fits each entity the best? Is a public lead strategy better than a private lead strategy, or vice versa? How much government funding or incentive is needed? Where will it come from? Like any other hot issue, these questions can be debated on and on; they have been debated from cradle to grave. But, just to reiterate what most of us are hoping, with the abundance of local technology, talent and clear vision, we’re all working toward getting the Philippines on the IT map and each local IT company is hoping that it would be the first company to be recognized for doing so.

Current scenario

Today, we find ourselves at a crossroads. The technology forecast is still a little cloudy, but the lay of the land calls for clearer skies in the up and coming years. So where are we? We are at a point where, at the lull of other countries, we are as close as we can get to a level-playing field. What else can we ask for? The question is: Do we have a cutting-edge product, like software or hardware-related that could get the Philippines recognized? People are aware of the Philippines and consider it as a "maybe" technology player – thanks to the "I Love You" virus hoopla, even though my personal experience does reflect on earlier years when that virus would not have been classified as such. But with the technology industry’s hiring frenzy and being too hasty in dubbing IT engineers as engineers without certifications, it happened to cause havoc on the systems it was sent to. In a twisted way, the "I Love You" virus showcased the Philippines as having the talents to create scripts/mini programs that are creative enough. Unfortunately in this case only harm and no good was caused. The mindsets of the companies here today are on the right track. They are getting deep into the technology of the business, which is to create the next killer app or the next phenomenon on the SMS level. No doubt that the race is on to get this internationally used app online via PC or mobile. One thing we definitely have a huge jumpstart on is the mobile applications arena. This is where, I think, we are poised to capture the attention of the international IT community.

Low drag

In reality, the country has many prospects – from simple SMS applications to hybrid old and new technology convergence such as maps and/or locators. The public and private sectors and we, as a whole, just have to agree on a process to highlight our Philippine-made applications. Believe me, our Asian neighbors are at every strategic location to do so. They have set up forward areas to streamline technology access and knowledge transfer. Do we have the same structure and support? Companies in the Philippines are stepping up to the challenge and getting the job done. But reinforcement by any means such as by making available more funds for IT ventures and introductions to and networking with local and international contacts is key. Hopefully the clear path will be created. As for now, local founders and executives of "HIGH SPEED, LOW DRAG" companies are chipping away at it and, if and when they do get an international audience, nine times out of 10 they surprise them. We just need more opportunities.

Semper Fi!