Microsoft's software program

JAKARTA (JP): Computer software company PT Microsoft Indonesia is offering local small and medium software makers a chance to participate in its software making program.

Microsoft Indonesia's president Richard Kartawijaya said on Monday that five companies would be chosen as the forerunner for the so-called Microsoft.NET Incubator Program.

The program, which is aimed at creating high quality software makers, includes intensive training, product development, and the eventual marketing of the software, he said, adding that Microsoft provided Rp 2.5 billion ($250,000) to finance the program.

Interested companies would be selected based on the originality, feasibility, marketability, and innovative quality of their submitted product proposal, Richard added.

They are invited to submit their proposals to Microsoft's Business Internet Competency Center in Jakarta from March 13 to April 5, 2001.

"Hopefully the program would help create made in Indonesia software for the world's market," Richard said. (tnt)