RUSSOFT Celebrates Year One of Results
Sep 20, 2002
MOSCOW-September 17, 2002 -RUSSOFT, the National Software Development Association, announced today its first year results and plans for promoting Russian software developers in the international and domestic markets.
The announcement was made by Valentin Makarov, president of RUSSOFT, during an extended RUSSOFT conference held at the conference hall of The Renaissance Olympic Penta Hotel today. Makarov discussed major milestones achieved by the organization, and its first year results, as well as the association's operations and marketing strategies for 2002-2003.
Since its inception last year, RUSSOFT has developed into a top alliance of leading Russian and Belarus software developers. Currently RUSSOFT represents more than 50 companies with more than 6,000 programmers, and projected total services and products export revenue of more than $150 million.
To meet the projected revenue, RUSSOFT is taking an active role in promoting Russian software developers by increasing awareness and visibility in international markets. In 2001, RUSSOFT organized association membership participation in a number of major international technology events such as Comdex-Nordic and OutsourceWorld London. Also, RUSSOFT presented at the Russia-America Cooperation Forum held in Washington, D.C. in April 2002 and became a recognized partner in organizing a Russia-U.S. IT round table to coincide with U.S. President George W. Bush's visit to Moscow in May 2002. In July, 2002, RUSSOFT helped to organize the second forum called "Russia's Software Development and Export Opportunities" held in St.Petersburg.
A more aggressive marketing strategy is planned for the next year, providing participation in a large number of key industry events and conferences, along with the organization of RUSSOFT's own special events and road shows in the U.S., Europe and Asia (for more details see the attached plan of marketing activities). Along with marketing activities, RUSSOFT is focused on the development of the association itself, finding its place in the Russian IT community. Initiation of regional development has begun to take form and close links have been established with the regional and industrial associations, such as Fort Ross, SibAcademSoft, Tomsoft, APKIT and Inforus.
This past year has also brought many changes in quality management and overall improvement of internal practices of software development. For the first time two Russian companies have been assessed at CMM Level 4, while the St. Petersburg's software development center of the world's largest telecommunication corporation has received CMM Level 5. Several companies have been ISO 9001:2000 certified as well. Today at the conference, RUSSOFT together with the UNIDO center and the Small Businesses Support Fund, have announced a joint initiative aimed at implementing modern quality management standards among software developers. Over $150,000 has been allocated for this project.
Also, RUSSOFT has suggested a number of improvements to the tax and custom laws aimed at supporting the association's participation in international exhibitions, introduction and implementation of modern quality management practices, as well as the development of IT infrastructures through building IT techno-parks. In addition, an agreement between RUSSOFT and the Ministry of Industry and Technology envisaging a long-term partnership in this area has been signed today.
Summarizing the success of the last year, Makarov emphasized that RUSSOFT marked the end of the first stage of the Russian software development industry's infancy.
"There is no doubt that this sector of the economy has a very bright future, and Russia will benefit in the long run from this promising industry," said Makarov. "Developing a strong IT industry will put us among the world's technology leaders. We have taken a giant leap by creating a national association and software development industry leader that has emerged from the collaboration of leading Russian technology companies. "
About RUSSOFT
RUSSOFT
The announcement was made by Valentin Makarov, president of RUSSOFT, during an extended RUSSOFT conference held at the conference hall of The Renaissance Olympic Penta Hotel today. Makarov discussed major milestones achieved by the organization, and its first year results, as well as the association's operations and marketing strategies for 2002-2003.
Since its inception last year, RUSSOFT has developed into a top alliance of leading Russian and Belarus software developers. Currently RUSSOFT represents more than 50 companies with more than 6,000 programmers, and projected total services and products export revenue of more than $150 million.
To meet the projected revenue, RUSSOFT is taking an active role in promoting Russian software developers by increasing awareness and visibility in international markets. In 2001, RUSSOFT organized association membership participation in a number of major international technology events such as Comdex-Nordic and OutsourceWorld London. Also, RUSSOFT presented at the Russia-America Cooperation Forum held in Washington, D.C. in April 2002 and became a recognized partner in organizing a Russia-U.S. IT round table to coincide with U.S. President George W. Bush's visit to Moscow in May 2002. In July, 2002, RUSSOFT helped to organize the second forum called "Russia's Software Development and Export Opportunities" held in St.Petersburg.
A more aggressive marketing strategy is planned for the next year, providing participation in a large number of key industry events and conferences, along with the organization of RUSSOFT's own special events and road shows in the U.S., Europe and Asia (for more details see the attached plan of marketing activities). Along with marketing activities, RUSSOFT is focused on the development of the association itself, finding its place in the Russian IT community. Initiation of regional development has begun to take form and close links have been established with the regional and industrial associations, such as Fort Ross, SibAcademSoft, Tomsoft, APKIT and Inforus.
This past year has also brought many changes in quality management and overall improvement of internal practices of software development. For the first time two Russian companies have been assessed at CMM Level 4, while the St. Petersburg's software development center of the world's largest telecommunication corporation has received CMM Level 5. Several companies have been ISO 9001:2000 certified as well. Today at the conference, RUSSOFT together with the UNIDO center and the Small Businesses Support Fund, have announced a joint initiative aimed at implementing modern quality management standards among software developers. Over $150,000 has been allocated for this project.
Also, RUSSOFT has suggested a number of improvements to the tax and custom laws aimed at supporting the association's participation in international exhibitions, introduction and implementation of modern quality management practices, as well as the development of IT infrastructures through building IT techno-parks. In addition, an agreement between RUSSOFT and the Ministry of Industry and Technology envisaging a long-term partnership in this area has been signed today.
Summarizing the success of the last year, Makarov emphasized that RUSSOFT marked the end of the first stage of the Russian software development industry's infancy.
"There is no doubt that this sector of the economy has a very bright future, and Russia will benefit in the long run from this promising industry," said Makarov. "Developing a strong IT industry will put us among the world's technology leaders. We have taken a giant leap by creating a national association and software development industry leader that has emerged from the collaboration of leading Russian technology companies. "
About RUSSOFT
RUSSOFT