*hyperLINK***hyperLINK***hyperLINK***hyperLINK***hyperLINK* Here is this week's hyperLINK, your window on the local, national and international IT sector, brought to you by Canterbury Software Inc and editor Carol Webb. It includes news on the next CSI Tech BBQ and other CSI events, as part of promoting success through connections for IT products, services and people.
See the full version at http://canterburysoftware.org.nz/current.htm Sign-up options at http://canterburysoftware.org.nz/news.htm + Please forward this newsletter. You can freely re-use the feature stories, provided you acknowledge the credited feature story writer and hyperLINK as source. ############### FRIDAY TECH BBQ JULY 18: Come along and check out the upstairs lounge at the Dux de Lux, recommended as being cosy and convivial. It's at the Arts Centre, on the corner Hereford & Montreal Streets. http://www.thedux.co.nz/lounging.htm JULY 25: Warm, cosy, private and smoke-free Marilyn's room at LA's Bar and Cafe, 31 Dundas St, from 5.30pm. Food and drinks available at the bar. Dundas St runs off Colombo St between the Smiths City buildings and behind Pak'n Save. Parking is (usually) pretty easy. Anyone interested in cracking the South American market should be there at 6pm to meet Jorge Villazon-Leon ([EMAIL PROTECTED])of Christchurch consultancy Novatek Sharp, who is keen to explore opportunities for NZ software in countries like Chile. He has posted an outline of what he can offer CSI member companies at http://www.nova-tek.co.nz/csi.html. For further information (and to see who got snapped by the CSI paparazzi at recent events) go to the Tech BBQ page at http://canterburysoftware.org.nz/bbq.htm + Canterbury Software Inc is keen to promote the Friday Tech BBQ as a meeting point for the Christchurch tech community. If it's been a while since you last checked out the BBQ scene, now could be the time. If you know of anyone who might be interested in coming along, especially those new to the sector or new to Christchurch, forward this to them. The BBQ is an informal social and networking event that takes place every Friday, 5.30pm to around 7.30pm. It gives members of the tech community a chance to meet other similar people in a relaxed environment, talk shop, network and get to know each other better. ############### hyperLINK contents: Issue 11, July 17 2003 + Workflow self-help opens door to software sales + Getting down to business with ICT growth plan + Court ruling stresses value of software development legal agreements + Tech Newsbytes from all around + Incredibly useful website of the week + Online with CSI + Hot topics at the forum + Contact us, subscribe/unsubscribe etc NEXT WEEK IN HYPERLINK: R&D tax treatment - the way forward? ############### *FEATURE* WORKFLOW SELF-HOPE OPENS DOOR TO SOFTWARE SALES By CAROL WEBB When newly-weds Julian and Sarah Stone decided to escape the Auckland rat race for Christchurch, scope for trout fishing (him) and horse riding (her) were prime drawcards. But they were soon caught up in the development of worldclass workflow management software that is selling like hotcakes from the ProWorkFlow.com website. [more here http://canterburysoftware.org.nz/current.htm#feature1 ] ------------------------------ *FEATURE* GETTING DOWN TO BUSINESS WITH ICT GROWTH CALL By CAROL WEBB Give entrepreneurs the skills needed to commercialise and compete globally; shake up government purchasing policies to boost local companies� chances of getting reference sites; reform the R&D tax rules; get more skilled graduates coming out of tertiary studies ready to hit the ground running in ICT; encourage share options for staff and qualified investors � the ICT Taskforce final report wants bold and decisive action to help propel the sector to its target of 100 companies earning $100m each by 2012. [more here http://canterburysoftware.org.nz/current.htm#feature2 ] ------------------------------ *FEATURE* COURT RULING STRESSES VALUE OF SOFTWARE DEVELOPMENT LEGAL AGREEMENTS While many developers feel uncertain about their legal position regarding ownership of software, barrister and Canterbury Software Inc executive member JANE MONTGOMERY says a recent decision by the Court of Appeal confirms that the law is in fact clear. The difficulties arise when applying the law in a given situation. [more here http://canterburysoftware.org.nz/current.htm#feature3 ] ------------------------------ *NEWSBYTES* PATENT FIGHT: Canterbury Software is keen to add its weight to opposition to a disturbing move by North American company DE Technologies to demand New Zealand online retailers pay licensing fees on the grounds that it has a patent covering trans-border electronic commerce. Many CSI forum members have voiced their concerns (http://www.mail-archive.com/[EMAIL PROTECTED]/maillist.html ) and a website has been set up to track developments, news reports, and host a discussion forum on the controversy at http://www.e-c.co.nz/fightthepatent MISSING OUT? Plenty of CSI member companies are tapping into Government funding assistance programmes to accelerate projects ranging from R&D to marketing. Are you missing out? CSI has a workshop coming up on July 29 where experts will talk about what�s available, and what might suit your business. And someone who knows the perils and pitfalls of preparing funding applications will talk about how to approach proposal writing. It�s at the Canterbury Innovation Incubator from 9am-noon on Tuesday July 29. It�s free, and it�s not to be missed, so email facilitator James Saruchera now to reserve your place [EMAIL PROTECTED] See the programme at http://www.canterburysoftware.org.nz/fundingsupportwksp.htm CHECK THIS OUT: ION, the Innovators Online Network, has introduced useful forum streams for NZ tech ventures seeking advice and guidance in opening market channels offshore, and for would-be mentors based overseas to outline what they have to offer NZ innovators. Profile your company and its offshore aspirations at the Project Profiles forum or look for a suitable mentor at eMentor Profiles. http://wms-soros.mngt.waikato.ac.nz/nr/ion/forum/ ANGEL OPPORTUNITY: Mentor Investor Networks, otherwise known as MINE for Business Angels, is coming to Christchurch on July 28 to give companies a chance to present their case for support by angel investors. MINE, an Industrial Research Ltd initiative aimed at creating a New Zealand angel network, is set up to help companies identify investors willing to invest in opportunities below $2 million. It also provides a forum where investors can hear up to six investment opportunities in one evening. The e-MINE newsletter has links to registration forms for both potential investors and companies keen to appear at the presentation evening. It also features an article for businesses searching for their business Angel, and provides helpful tips to potential investors on the expectations of businesses. http://www.mine.org.nz/news/eMINEnews/eMINEissue2.html GET READY: Anzatech will hold a Christchurch seminar on July 28 for businesses interested in taking part in its 2003 technology showcase conference in Palo Alto, California, from November 9-11. The event gives companies the chance to explore opportunities in the US and a series of informational sessions will provide an overview of the US market, the role of ANZA Technology Network and the rational for the conference program. Info at http://www.anzatechnet.com/conference2003 GEEKS INHERIT DOMAIN: The second level domain .geek.nz will be available from late August after being voted in by the council of InternetNZ. The proposal for what will be NZ�s 12th second level domain was put forward last year by a self assortment of kiwi geeks, including �engineers and technicians who have played pivotal roles in building Internet infrastructure in New Zealand, and who continue to do so today�. Domain name registrar Domainz says there about 130,000 .nz domain names registered, up from 84,000 in May 2000 and 100,000 in August 2001. By far the biggest number (107,523) is registered as .co. Of un-moderated second level domains .net comes next with 7885, and then the number dramatically drops to 775 for .gen, and 386 for .maori. ONE STOP SHOP: A new Government online initiative is the Business Information Zone, managed by NZ Trade and Enterprise and developed in consultation with other government agencies including ACC, the Inland Revenue Department, the Employment Relations Service and Occupational Safety and Health. It follows a 2001 recommendation by the Ministerial Panel on Business Compliance Costs on ways to make it easier for New Zealand businesses to meet their compliance obligations. The one-stop-shop concept behind the portal is to make it easier for businesses to find out what government services are available to support businesses, and access easy to use information on their compliance obligations. http://www.biz.org.nz UK SALARIES SKYROCKET: IT professionals are in demand in the UK, by both local and central government, according to the Association of Technology Staffing Companies (ATSCo). This has apparently caused salaries to skyrocket. The figures, the result of more than 6000 responses from IT recruiters, highlighted a disparity between pay in the private and public sectors. The survey suggests IT experts working for government earn an average �31 per hour, compared with �24 an hour for those working in media. Government IT workers also beat those in the engineering and electronics sector. PIRATE DOING PORRIDGE: A British software pirate who sold Adobe, Macromedia and Microsoft products is doing his time in some illustrious company at category A HMP Belmarsh, whose more famous inmates have included train robber Ronnie Biggs, Tory peer Jeffrey Archer and disgraced former cabinet minister Jonathan Aitken. The Business Software Alliance claims Khan was turning over �300,000 per year, by using online auction services eBay and QXL to sell his pirate software. ----------------------------- *EXPORT FOCUS* SWOT ANALYSIS: Self-knowledge is a major contributor to long-term export success. An analysis of strengths and weaknesses, opportunities and threats (SWOT) should be part of the export planning process. It will help you identify the next steps for your company to take and potential export opportunities. http://www.marketnewzealand.com/common/files/swotanalysis-workshee t.pdf Download swot analysis worksheet: http://www.marketnewzealand.com/common/files/swotanalysis-workshee t.pdf + From a series of checklists prepared by Trade NZ to help companies work through the export planning process. NEXT WEEK: Pricing ------------------------------ *WEBSITE OF THE WEEK* PDABUYERSGUIDE.COM Bewildered by the ever-growing range of choices in the PDA and smartphone market? PDA Buyers Guide is put together by a vendor-independent group of self-confessed PDA maniacs in Silicon Valley who've been working with PDAs since the days of the Apple Newton. They say they love all PDAs, and are not biased toward one platform, and while the most expensive units offer the most features, �we understand that our readers have all sorts of budgets and hence we review models in all price ranges and will never tell you that you've got to buy the most expensive model out there�. http://www.pdabuyersguide.com/ + Tell the editor ([EMAIL PROTECTED]) about any sites you'd like to share with hyperLINK's readers ------------------------------ *CSI WEBSITE HAPPENINGS* JOBS ..JOBS � JOBS � Who said it�s hard to find out where the IT talent and IT jobs are in Christchurch? CSI provides free listings on its website for job hunters and staff seekers and has joined with Christchurch-based RealContacts to provide the ability to find jobs or staff via word of mouth using extended social networks. Go to the Jobs page to join the CSI network on RealContacts and to see jobs posted to the CSI website. You will be able to see jobs posted to the CSI network by other RealContacts members, as well as start building your own network to help the process of finding jobs or staff. http://www.canterburysoftware.org.nz/jobs.htm ------------------------------ *MEANWHILE, AT THE FORUM* + What can Canterbury Software and its members - and the Government - do to push towards the ICT Taskforce target of 100 companies each turning over $100m, by 2012? Share your ideas at the Forum. The Forum is your online community, where you can: + air your problems and concerns about marketing your software internationally + get rapid and effective suggestions from others like you,who've already done it + raise and discuss subjects of general concern to members Go to http://canterburysoftware.org.nz/forum.htm ------------------------------ CONTACT US ... SUBSCRIBE/UNSUBSCRIBE hyperLINK email options: http://canterburysoftware.org.nz/news.htm Contact the editor, Carol Webb: [EMAIL PROTECTED] ------------------------------ --> via Canterbury Software email forum: Success through Connections Email your messages to [EMAIL PROTECTED] Searchable list archive: http://www.mail-archive.com/[EMAIL PROTECTED] Leave or rejoin the list: http://canterburysoftware.org.nz/forum.htm
