IBM brings business solutions to Central Luzon

Thursday, November 3, 2011

CLARK FREEPORT -- At an event for customers and business partners in Pampanga, IBM announced that it is strengthening its presence in Central Luzon to support and help transform local business communities in the region.

This in line with the company’s commitment to help bring smarter business and technology solutions to small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in key areas outside Metro Manila.

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At the IBM Comes To You (ICTY) event at the Holiday Inn Hotel recently, IBM showcased its end-to-end solutions (hardware, software and services) that address many of the challenges facing businesses today.

The one-day interactive ICTY solutions seminar is part of IBM’s efforts to increase technology adoption in Aurora, Bataan, Bulacan, Nueva Ecija, Pampanga, Tarlac and Zambales.

Companies of any size can leverage on IBM’s accessible, approachable and affordable solutions to help transform their businesses.

IBM officials said Central Luzon is an important market for IBM since the region has vast potential for economic expansion given its strategic location, world-class infrastructure and attractive business environment.

“We recognize the increasing demands and challenges faced by businesses in the area. Central Luzon plays a key role in the economic development of the Philippines. That is why we continue to strengthen our presence here and in the rest of the region,” Christine Llanto, market segment manager for general business of the IBM Philippines, said.

“Businesses based outside capital cities see great value in information technology (IT) as a way to increase competitiveness and as a key enabler for growth. This roadshow is part of our growth strategy to bring expertise and technology solutions to clients at greater speed and efficiency. It is our commitment to work more closely with our clients outside Metro Manila to empower them to drive innovation and business efficiencies while improving service and productivity,” Llanto added.

IBM offers customized solutions and a strong business partner support network to SMEs that face the same challenges as large enterprises but lack the IT resources, time and budget.

The company has also built a network of technical resources, distributors and business partners in the region based mostly in Clark and Subic to support the growth and innovation in Central Luzon.

IBM’s commitment and focus in the region reaches beyond the business frontiers—it extends to the community.

The company regularly partners with local ICT groups, government, business chambers and academic institutions to actively promote and harness technology for the region’s business and economic growth.

For instance, IBM has deployed two teams of high-performing employees from various parts of the world to Central Luzon as part of the IBM Corporate Service Corps (CSC) program in 2009.

IBM’s CSC, often referred to as a corporate version of the “Peace Corps”, is an innovative employee development training program, which places teams of IBMers into emerging markets for one month projects.

They work on a pro bono basis on core socio-economical challenges that support local development while exposing them to diverse cultures and operating environments.

The IBM volunteers were deployed to Olongapo City Government, Subic Bay Management Authority (SBMA), Conteq Computer and Business College, Hanafil Golf and Tour, IDESS Interactive Technologies and IDESS Maritime Training Center to work on strategic plans around project management, marketing and promotion, talent management, information system management and software training.

IBM has also deployed its KidSmart Early Learning Program to a number of public schools in the region.

IBM’s KidSmart program includes the Young Explorer, a computer housed in brightly-colored, child friendly Little Tikes furniture and equipped with award-winning educational software to help children learn and explore concepts in math, science and language.

For more information, please visit www.ibm.com. (Charlene Cayabyab)