IBM AND ASEAN SECRETARIAT TO FORM
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY PARTNERSHIP
Singapore, November 23, 2000 -- IBM and the ASEAN Secretariat today announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish a long-term information technology partnership, in which IBM will serve as technical advisor to the ASEAN Secretariat.
As technical advisor, IBM will recommend appropriate IT solutions, and provide consulting services, that will transform the operational processes within the ASEAN Secretariat. IBM also will assist the ASEAN Secretariat in implementing IT projects across the ASEAN countries. The work and consulting services will be provided by IBM services arm, IBM Global Services -- the largest IT services company in the world.
IBM already is working with the ASEAN Secretariat on a systems integration project utilizing Lotus Domino, and will carry out a video conferencing feasibility study for the organization.
These are initial projects taken to advance workflow, communications, and information storage and access in the Secretariat.
Mr. Rodolfo C. Severino Jr, Secretary-General of ASEAN Secretariat, said that the collaboration between the ASEAN Secretariat and IBM represents an important step toward making the Secretariat a model for IT use for governments throughout the region. Following an extensive review of alternative IT solutions and vendors, the Secretariat found that IBM had the range of expertise, products and strategic vision that best fit its requirements, Mr. Severino said.
IBM also will participate in the setting up of a special task force to drive implementation of the ASEAN Secretariat's IT blueprint for its member governments. The IT blueprint will enable ASEAN to utilize information technology to automate and support initiatives under The Hanoi Plan of Action. The Hanoi Plan of Action is a six-year regional work program adopted in December 1998 by ASEAN's leaders.
Mr. Ramon Jocson, General Manager, IBM Global Services for ASEAN/South Asia said, "We are very pleased to be chosen by the ASEAN Secretariat to be its technical advisor."
"The Internet is re-inventing entire markets and across all industries in all countries. It is no surprise then that the move toward tapping the advantages of IT in transforming organizational processes and operations is becoming inevitable, not just for businesses, but also for statutory agencies. IBM has a deep well of intellectual capital and products geared toward e-business, which we shall certainly share with the ASEAN Secretariat in fulfilling the programmes in its IT blueprint for the region," added Mr. Jocson.
IBM will develop and implement a technology framework and infrastructure to support the blue print, Aside from technology, hardware and software applications, IBM will provide consulting services to assist the ASEAN Secretariat in implementing the IT projects across the ASEAN region.
Information on ASEAN Secretariat
The Association of Southeast Asian Nations or ASEAN was established on 8 August 1967 and is composed of ten member countries: Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippine, Singapore, Thailand and Viet Nam. In 1976, the ASEAN Secretariat was established to act as a central administrative unit of the Association for greater efficiency in the coordination of ASEAN bodies and for more effective implementation of ASEAN projects and activities. The Secretariat is headed by the Secretary-General of ASEAN and is located in Jakarta, Indonesia (www.aseansec.org).
Information on IBM
IBM, the world's largest information technology company, is the global leader in developing e-business solutions, providing the technology and strategic end-to-end solutions that are helpings businesses and governments innovate.
IBM Global Services is the world’s largest information technology services provider, with 1999 gross revenue of $32,2 billion. Services is the fastest growing part of IBM, with more than 136,000 professionals operating in 160 countries. IBM Global Services integrates all of IBM's capabilities -- services, hardware, software and research -- to help companies of all sizes realize the full value of information technology. (www.ibm.com/services/)
Press Contact:
Au Soo Wei
Communications Manager
IBM Global Services, ASEAN/South Asia'I'el: (65) 320-1668
E-mail: [email protected]