Microsoft chief backs choice

By Kimberly Guest for Microsoft
Johannesburg, 21 Nov 2007

The increase in software solutions is good for purchasers and the market, says Microsoft SA MD Pfungwa Serima.

Noting the historical battle between open source software providers and proprietary software vendors, Serima says competition challenges developers to go further with their offerings.

"Choice is good; we should always back choice. Increased competition has led to explosions in software innovation. Has Microsoft been hurt by an increasingly competitive market? In SA I can`t say it has; we are delivering double-digit growth," he says.

Although some observers speculate the increase in players is biting at Microsoft`s bottom line, Serima says the company expects to continue on its strong growth path.

"Competition has had an impact on the software pie in SA, but not in the way people think it has. There are far more opportunities for everyone in the market. We`re not biting into other companies` slices, we are just seeing the benefits of the phenomenal growth in the pie itself," he explains.

Shift in approach

Despite Serima`s bullish take on the software market, he admits the global vendor has had to change its strategies.

"Microsoft, like other vendors, has to focus on demonstrating value to our customers. That`s the only way we should be able to win business. But this isn`t a bad thing; it means we learn more about our own offerings and where we have to go."

Serima is not concerned about the policies government is adopting to fast-track the implementation of open source software within its organisation.

"When it comes to the public sector, I truly believe there are roles for a multitude of players. What is important is that we take off our company hats and look at what needs to be done to address those issues which are in the public interest. The only asset we can give the people of SA is knowledge; we need to work together to make sure this happens."