E-Commerce Minister Douglas Alexander pledged Government support for the UK software industry when he approved the development of a new website dedicated to assisting the sector fulfil its export potential on Friday.
The Minister was speaking at Scotsoft 2001, Scotland’s key industry event for the software and computer services sector.
He said, “I am pleased to announce that I have given the go ahead for the development of a website specifically aimed at providing export and international business advice to the UK’s software and computer services sector.
“The dedicated website is to be managed by the DTI in partnership with British Trade International and the Computing Services and Software Association (CSSA). It will ensure that software companies in the UK will have a single point of contact for information on government support for international business.”
The development of the website is a result of one of the key recommendations to come from a recent industry study undertaken for the DTI.
The site will:
- Signpost and explain services from both the private and public sectors that assist software companies to successfully enter foreign markets;
- Be a source of accurate and up-to-date information on international markets, industry trends and opportunities;
- Deliver trade development advice and guidance to companies interested in international business opportunities; and
- Be linked to other relevant sites.
The DTI will invite companies to tender for the creation, hosting and content provision of the website. It is anticipated that the site will be operational by January 2002.