CEE Outsourcing Summit in Kiev!

Last September, Ukraine, for three days, had become the center of Central/Eastern European IT outsourcing, as it got together professionals from 18 countries of Central/Eastern Europe and other regions of the world for the I-st CEE Outsourcing Summit-2007. More than 150 participants, amongst which were famous experts in IT outsourcing, analysts of leading research companies, top management of advanced companies from Europe and the USA, national IT associations of the CEE Region, convened to discuss contemporary trends of the regional IT industry.

The event was organized by the “IT Ukraine” Association and its Marketing Agency “IT Market Group”.

Over the last three years, Ukraine has become one of the most IT - attractive countries of Eastern Europe. Being the sixth largest, in terms of population, country of Europe, with rich traditions and history of IT development, as well as possessing European technological mentality, our country is now demonstrating a high pace of IT services export growth, and is active in the international division of labor at the world markets.

The press-conference, dedicated to the Summit opening, was held by Mr. Nikolay Royenko, “IT Ukraine” President, Mr. Vitali Balyuk, Deputy Director of the State Department for Communication and IT of the Ministry for Transport and Communication of Ukraine, Mr. Vladimir Basko, Director General of Research/Technological Association “InfoPark” (Belarus), Mr. Valentin Makarov, Chairman, “Russoft” Association (Russia), Mr. Robert Farish, Regional Director on CIS of IDC research company.

As planned, during the Summit two plenary sessions and four panel discussions had been held.

B2B meetings, organized for participating companies during the Summit’s last day, provided for establishing business contacts and outlining prospects for their further development.

The intensive culture/entertainment program, which was an integral part of the Summit, created an informal networking and contributed for improving close business relationship. According to participants and guests of the Summit, the most memorable part of it was the Day of Ukraine, which included a welcome concert and tasting Ukrainian national dishes.

All in all, more than 170 specialists from 18 world countries took part in the event, with another 100 visiting it as guests. 25 leading specialists, analysts and top managers delivered their reports and presentations. More than 30 Ukrainian software developing companies, 4 largest analytical agencies, 28 large foreign companies, 5 venture foundations attended the Summit, with 5 analytical reports, 16 presentations, 5 investment projects submitted by them.

Leading world and European professional organizations, specifically, WITSA, EICTA, Intellect, Russoft, Infopark, etc., either supported the Summit or participated in it. Among its Golden Sponsors were such companies, as Microsoft Ukraine, Miratech, SoftServe, GlobalLogic, while Exigen Service, ProFIX Company, Softline were Silver ones. A due tribute should be paid to our Special Sponsor – Deloitte.

A successful Summit held at such a level is definitely a step forward in strengthening image of Ukraine as the country with a developed IT industry. However, we should make a lot more of suchlike steps. Our Association, uniting the best companies and universities of Ukraine, has a clear vision how to further promote the image of Ukraine. However, without a state strategy in this area, we are doomed to be legging behind the others. In addition to a clear vision of our perspective, we also have patience; therefore we will, time and again, initiate the formulation of IT national strategy, which is required by our state.