March 21, 2008	Friday	Rabi-ul-Awwal 12, 1429

ISLAMABAD, March 20: Pakistan Software Export Board (PSEB) has signed a MoU with Microsoft and AZM Computer Services to collaborate in the rollout of Global Business Management Solution (GBMS) – a Microsoft and open source technologies based software application.

The software had been developed by AZM Computers in consultation with Pakistan Readymade Garments Manufacturers and Exporters Association (Prgmea) and Pakistan Hosiery Manufacturers Association (PHMA) under the PSEB’s Industry Automation project.

According to a PSEB statement issued here on Thursday, the project had been successfully implemented in 15 member units of Prgmea and PHMA resulting in 50 to 60 per cent increase in productivity.

Under the MoU, Microsoft in partnership with AZM, would provide sales and marketing support to ensure the availability of GBMS application. Customer engagement activities would also be conducted by Microsoft’s innovation centre based in Karachi.

Business Support Fund, a not-for-profit organisation initiated by Ministry of Finance for the SME sector, had agreed to provide 50 per cent funding for implementing the GBMS application which also included the cost of software licences.