Davao City, Philippines – IBM Philippines, Davao City Chamber of Commerce, Inc. (DCCCII) and ICT Davao, Inc. has launched the SME (small-and-medium enterprises) Technology Center in Davao City.

The center, housed in DCCCII Building, Bajada is a collaborative effort between DCCCII, ICT Davao, Inc. and IBM Philippines. It will deliver IBM solutions to SMEs in the Mindanao region, expose local SMEs to the use of IT as a strategic business enabler and provide IBM partners and developers with facilities to increase homegrown software development. The establishment of this center also signals IBM's dedication to helping SMEs grow, especially in key areas outside Metro Manila.

“The SME Technology Center in Davao is part of IBM’s ongoing commitment to support SMEs around the world. The strategic use of technology can help give local SMEs - a competitive edge in this era of globalization. By providing Davao businesses with access to world class technology, we also hope to help the city become better equipped to seize greater opportunities to play an integral part in the Philippines’ economic growth,” said James Velasquez, IBM Philippines Country General Manager.

During the launch of the Davao SME Technology Center, businesses were also introduced tothe SME Toolkit, a major initiative undertaken by the International Finance Corporation (IFC), the private sector arm of the World Bank, and supported by IBM. The SME Toolkit allows the design and building of new business management platforms which delivers interactive tools, online collaboration and educational content for small businesses in developing and emerging markets.

The SME Toolkit is a free online program which provides information and communication technologies to help small businesses in emerging markets learn and implement sustainable business management practices. The Toolkit provides these businesses with highly developed information, tools, and training services usually only available to Fortune 1000 companies. Originally launched by the International Finance Corporation (IFC) in 2002, it is available in 22 emerging markets such as the Philippines, Vietnam, and Bangladesh. It offers free business management information and training for small businesses / small and medium enterprises (SMEs) on accounting and finance, business planning, human resources (HR), marketing and sales, operations, and information technology (IT).

Potential users welcomed the launch of the center and the toolkit.

"The lack of access to best practice and business management tools is a significant barrier to the growth and sustainability of small and medium enterprises (SMEs). IBM's technological contribution to the Davao SME Technology Center and the introduction of the SME Toolkit will enable us to bring information and communication technologies faster and more widely to the small-medium businesses throughout the Mindanao region," said Simeon P. Marfori II, DCCCII President.

"The SME Technology Center will help broaden and increase the uptake of ICTs by Davaoenos, a move that will spur the city's ICT readiness and attractiveness as an outsourcing destination", said Wit Holganza, ICT Davao Inc. President.

According to Chito Alvizo, Chairman of Enterprise Bank, "We are fortunate to have an SME Technology Center here in Davao. Outside of the IBM blades server we recently purchased, I believe this center will be of great value in supporting the bank's ongoing growth and expansion initiatives."

IBM considers mid-sized and small businesses as the engines fueling a smarter planet, creating roughly 65% of the worldwide gross domestic product. The company has the right tools for SMEs to thrive in today's global economy. Across the globe, IBM is currently working with thousands of mid-sized firms to help them compete in a smarter world -- utilizing its Express Advantage comprehensive portfolio of hardware, software and services offerings specifically designed and priced for the SMB's unique business needs. The Express Advantage set of offerings brings together IBM's extensive business, industry, technology knowledge and experience, through a network of local competent Business Partners. The local perspective gives these partners the ability, backed by IBM, to work hand-in-hand to provide total solutions with enhanced value.