Microsoft partners with Intel to entice SMEs in Vietnam

This involves a multi-pronged approach involving a webcast with Intel and Forrester Research, special 15 per cent discount on Windows 8 and Office 2013 through the Open License volume programme, Windows 8 Pro notebooks and tablet hardware upgrade offers as well as an SME IT Makeover contest in Vietnam and across Asia Pacific.

Through these initiatives, Microsoft hopes to promote the benefits of and provide incentives for SMEs to upgrade their IT operations.

Pham Tran Anh, director of Small, Medium Business & Partner Group at Microsoft Vietnam said “SMEs make up over 95 per cent of organisations in Vietnam. They form the backbone of the economy as they employ a large portion of the workforce and contribute significantly to productivity, export and revenues. Yet, many are stuck with old technology and processes which do not address today’s needs for increased collaboration, higher productivity for a multi-generational workforce and security.”

“Our goal through this multi-pronged effort, is to make it more compelling for SMEs to modernize by moving away from old technologies like Windows XP or Office 2003 so they can truly realise new levels of productivity, be more secure and take advantage of cloud services cost effectively,” he added.

In a recent study by IDC, 75 per cent of Asia Pacific companies have adopted or are planning to adopt enterprise social tools to increase collaboration and reduce operation costs. New collaboration and communications features found in the new versions of Office and Windows have been designed to support the needs of the fast growing population of mobile workers. IDC expects mobile workers in Asia Pacific to grow from 601.7 million in 2010 to 838.7 million in 2015.

In addition, SMEs running Windows XP and Office 2003 need to be aware that these products will no longer receive support from Microsoft, which means they will be exposed to security and privacy risks, software incompatibility, will not have anyone to call, may experience downtime and higher total cost of ownership.

Microsoft’s Security Intelligence Report, Volume 14, which was released in April 2013, highlighted that PCs running Windows XP with SP3 are 2.5 times more vulnerable than Windows 7 SP1, and about 14 times more vulnerable than Windows 8. More recently released versions of Windows also feature a number of security improvements, including Windows Defender, Early Launch Anti-Malware and SmartScreen Filter on Windows 8. These new features assist users in securing their information and protecting PCs against risk that could be detrimental to business operations.

Trinh Khac Toan, Windows Client Product Marketing manager, Microsoft Vietnam said: “The PC is undisputedly at the centre of productivity for most SMEs today. In the same analogy that it is hard to find people willing to drive a car that is 11 years old, we are still seeing many SME owners willing to let their information workers cope with 11-year-old IT systems. With less than a year to go before end of support for Windows XP and Office 2003, it is time for business owners to rethink how more modern IT solutions will not just support, but enable the business to grow and be more productive.

On this occasion, Microsoft and Intel will host an Asia Pacific-wide Windows XP and Office 2003 migration webcast on May 14, 2013 with experts from Microsoft, Intel and Forrester Research at http://www.microsoft.com/business/vi-vn/Pages/goodbye-xp.aspx. The session will provide viewpoints for SME audiences on why businesses should consider migration to a newer platform today, as well as how businesses can accelerate and achieve agility with the move.

As part of the campaign, Microsoft will be rolling out Get2Modern upgrade promotions targeted at SMEs in Vietnam and across Asia Pacific. Organizations can enjoy a special 15 per cent discount on Windows 8 and Office 2013 through the Open License volume programme, Windows 8 Pro notebooks and tablet hardware upgrade offers.

Microsoft has also most recently launched an Upgrade Centre website for Vietnam at http://www.microsoft.com/business/vi-vn/Pages/xp-eos.aspx  where SMEs can get more information about Windows XP and Office 2003 End of Support. Resources from experts and Microsoft are available for SMEs to learn more about the issue.