MICROSOFT OPTIMISTIC ABOUT ARMENIAN IT INDUSTRY FUTURE

ARKA
Oct 15, 2008

YEREVAN, October 15. /ARKA/. Armenia definitely has good prospects
for information and innovative technologies (ITT), said Veronika
Prikrylova, Microsoft general manager, in Central and Eastern Europe.

Armenia has a well-developed network of software companies, she said,
adding Microsoft plans to choose a local IT specialist to be in charge
of the companies.

If Armenia keeps enhancing the IT sector, it will be able to become
a leader among post-soviet countries

The expert called on local companies to work in copyright to have a
robust IT sector.

If the government settles the issue, the companies and potential
investors that plan to enter Armenian market will have a guarantee
that their intellectual property rights are protected and will take
a more active interest in local market, Prikrylova added.

According to the survey of the Incubator Enterprise Fund (EIF),
Armenia?s IT turnover has exceeded $100mln this year. During the period
under review, 120 software companies ensured 15% growth in the sector,
involving 6,000 IT specialist and 8,000 indirect workers.

Armenia Ministry of Economy, foreign investments in Armenia?s IT
industry reached $10mln, ensuring 30% growth in 2007 (IT output
reached $100mln in 2006 – ARKA).

According to the Armenian Government-Microsoft Corp. cooperation
agreement signed in Edinburgh on January 30, 2007, Microsoft is to
implement a range of innovation programs in Armenia.