Opportunity knocks as broadband expands
MANCHESTER-based software developer Acid is urging North West firms to take full advantage of the global expansion of high speed internet connections.
According to the firm three billion people in developing countries are set to access broadband services in 2010 through the O3b Networks system being developed by Google, cable operator Liberty Global and HSBC.
Michael Hawthornthwaite, the firm’s managing director, said that the region’s businesses needed to prepare now for the emerging African, Asian, Latin American and Middle Eastern markets.
“Broadband penetration in Africa currently runs around 1% which means there is a huge opportunity in this market place,” he said.
“It will revolutionise education and medicine in certain parts of the world with students able to connect with counterparts across the world and long distance medical training becoming possible.”
He added: “The sheer demographic weight of the developing regions is also good news for North West companies looking abroad for expansion and development opportunities. It is important that businesses keep their eye on developments and ensure their software is compliant with developing countries’ hardware.”
Acid provides bespoke software, database and web application solutions to UK and worldwide businesses and specialises in customer relationship management (CRM) and data management software.
