Victorian Government ICT Industry Plan 2005–2010
Reprinted October 2007 Reprinted October 2007
Also published on www.mmv.vic.gov.au
© State of Victoria 2007
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This document is also available in PDF format on the Internet at www.mmv.vic.gov.au. Minister’s Message
You can’t stop progress – nowhere is this contracts with government. In partnership priorities to continue working with the more apparent than in the ICT industry, with the Australian Industry Group and the industry and education sectors to ensure where the pace of change is outweighed only Australian Information Industries Association, that industry demand for ICT skills can be by the scope of technological advancement. we launched an ICT Skills awareness met with high quality Victorian graduates. With ICT holding the key to solving some campaign – ICT: Start Here. Go Anywhere Having a strong supply of ICT workers in the of the biggest challenges facing the world - which has been adopted as a national State also has a flow-on effect for innovation today, there should be no doubt that locally, brand. We helped establish the world-class and productivity and in supporting other the ICT industry remains one of the Victorian motion capture facilities at Deakin University, growing areas like advanced manufacturing, Government’s key priorities. which are being used for research, teaching biotechnology, nanotechnology and all and commercial development. In addition In the two years since the Victorian service industries. With Victoria facing an to this assistance, since December 2005, Government’s ICT Industry Plan 2005 – increasing need to foster economic growth we have awarded nearly 500 grants to local 2010 was first released there have been through innovation, the ICT workforce will ICT companies as encouragement to attend far-reaching technological developments, have a central role in our future growth overseas trade fairs, resulting in projected including the emergence of web 2.0 and success. exports worth $571 million. platforms for networking, collaboration and Already technologies such as sensors syndication. Coupled with advances in The best endorsement of the ICT sector and RFID are playing a role in improving broadband capabilities, these developments in Victoria and its continuing world-class environment and resource management, and will underpin future changes to business performance comes from the market itself, I am keen to see Victorian ICT products and operations, personal communications, and the strong rate of ICT investment services at the centre of initiatives to reduce entertainment and household technology here. As further demonstration that we greenhouse gases, improve our use and use. are operating in a global market, we have conservation of water and combat terrorism. I had recent new investments not only from I believe that we are on the verge of another know we have the drive and the talent to lead multinationals such as Hewlett Packard, wave of social and economic change that will the world on these issues and I look forward Computershare and AXA, but also through herald valuable opportunities, and I call on to playing a supporting role in achieving this the expansion of local companies such as the local ICT industry to be ready to respond. vision. games developer IR Gurus. While individual businesses must take responsibility for their own success, I am proud of what the Government and the Government remains committed to a industry have achieved collaboratively over raft of support measures that can help to the last few years, but there is much more reduce barriers. hard work required to maintain growth and meet future market challenges. One such Victorian Government support for the challenge is the potential skills shortage, local ICT industry has been significant. The Hon Theo Theophanous indicated by rising jobs demand, and a In the last two years, we have assisted in Minister for Information and general decline in enrolments for ICT courses establishing new industry clusters focused Communication Technology and graduate numbers. The Government’s on security (SECIA), mobile applications ICT skills programs have assisted students (Mobility Mesh) and spatial applications to gain practical industry experience as part (Spatial Victoria). In an Australian-first, of their ICT courses, enhancing employment the Government has implemented ICT opportunities, and providing industry with procurement policies that give vendors job-ready graduates. It is one of my highest ownership of intellectual property created in
Victorian Government ICT Industry Plan 2005-2010 1
Contents
Minister’s Message 1
Growing Tomorrow’s Industries Today 4 Achievements 5 Time for review 7
The ICT Landscape 8 Current environment 8 Victorian ICT capability 8 Future environment 10 Playing to current and emerging strengths 12
Victorian Government ICT Industry Plan 14 ICT industry plan 14 Framework 14 Strategies 15 Working with industry 15 Measuring success 15
Playing on a Global Stage 17 Current situation 17 Role of Victorian Government 18 Strategies 18 Current initiatives 18 New initiatives 19
Encouraging Strategic Collaboration 21 Current situation 21 Role of Victorian Government 22 Strategies 22 Current initiatives 22 New initiatives 23
Linking with the Domestic Market 25 Current situation 25 Role of Victorian Government 26 Strategies 26 Current initiatives 26 New initiatives 26
Investing in Innovation 29 Current situation 29 Role of Victorian Government 30 Strategies 31 Current initiatives 31 New initiatives 31
Building the Skills to Succeed 33 Current situation 33 Role of Victorian Government 34 Strategies 35 Current initiatives 35 New initiatives 35
Delivering Infrastructure Capability 37 Current situation 37 Role of Victorian Government 38 Strategy 38 Current initiatives 38 New initiatives 39
Contributions 40
Victorian Government ICT Industry Plan 2005-2010 3 Growing Tomorrow’s Industries Today
In 2001, the Victorian Government released Growing Tomorrow’s Industries Today, a 10-year plan for the information and communication technology (ICT) industry.
Growing Tomorrow’s Growing Tomorrow’s Industries Today Industries Today Vision Medium-term targets Growing Tomorrow’s Industries Today was the most comprehensive ICT industry policy ever By 2010, Victoria is a globally recognised • The Victorian Government is released by a Victorian Government. ICT industry hotspot. successfully targeting emerging clusters of excellence. It recognised the opportunities for Objectives economic development in the State from the • The Victorian ICT industry is • The Victorian ICT industry generates production and consumption of ICT. It also recognised as a supplier of goods substantial exports, jobs and wealth identified the Victorian Government’s strong and services to key global industries. for the State. commitment to work with the local industry • Victorian investment and export to help it become a significant player in the • Victoria is home to internationally performance reflect the increased international ICT sector. recognised and globally competitive integration of ICT product into global ICT companies that are integrated Growing Tomorrow’s Industries Today outlined supply chains. into global industry supply chains. a long-term vision for the ICT industry and Long-term international targets areas critical to its growth. It identified the • Victoria is an internationally recognised Government’s objectives for the industry centre for ICT research, development • The value of Victorian ICT exports is and set targets by which success would and commercialisation. more than $1.5 billion each year. be measured over time. Finally, Growing • Victorian industry fully leverages • Significant increases in the number Tomorrow’s Industries Today identified a the advantages provided by ICT. and success of Victorian start-up broad range of current and future initiatives companies and Victoria recognised to help the local industry grow and reach Short-term targets as a global centre of ICT innovation. its potential. Each year, the Government • The importance of the ICT directly facilitates: industry trade and employment to • More than 800 new ICT jobs the Victorian economy surpassing global benchmarks. • ICT investment in the State worth more than $150 million
• ICT exports valued at $150 million.
4 Victorian Government ICT Industry Plan 2005-2010 Achievements Growing Tomorrow’s Industries Today: highlights Growing Tomorrow’s Industries Today was released before the full impact of the Short-term targets prototype development and idigital global downturn in ICT was felt. In these audience development. Since 2001, the Government has circumstances, it has provided a strong directly facilitated: • Game Plan: Game On, building foundation for government and ICT industry on previous Victorian Government activity over a turbulent period. • Creation of more than 5,000 jobs initiatives to assist local electronic Critically, the commitment of the Victorian • $700 million of new ICT investment games developers. Government to the local ICT industry outlined • More than $900 million in exports. • 10 industry networks and clusters in 2001 has proved to be at a time when established, including in emerging that support was most needed. Having a Highlights areas of: comprehensive plan in place for the sector • Establishment of Computershare enabled government and industry to remain RFID – radio frequency Global Headquarters and Operations focused on outcomes and to ensure the identification Centre with more than 1,250 jobs. industry would be well prepared for recovery. ITS – Intelligent Transport Systems • Major investments by Hewlett-Packard, The level of investment in the local ICT SingTel Optus, NEC, IBM, Hitachi, eLearning. industry has been a major achievement of Satyam, Infosys, Bosch, Birlasoft, Growing Tomorrow’s Industries Today. Since • More than 40,000 students informed Foxtel, TCS and Fujitsu (Atos). 2001, there have been substantial investments about ICT careers in 370 secondary made in the State by local and international • Eight of the top 15 Indian ICT schools. businesses. These include the establishment companies now located in Victoria. • National ICT Australia Victoria of the Global Headquarters and Operations • More than 300 companies involved in Research Laboratory established with Centre of Computershare — a leading trade fairs and missions with expected $8 million in funding provided by the provider of registry services and solutions export sales of more than $260 million. State Government. — in Abbotsford in 2003, which brought more than 1,250 new jobs to the State. • 1,700 Victorian ICT companies listed • NEC Next Generation Broadband Significant other investments have included on VicIT, a database allowing local Research and Development Hewlett-Packard, IBM, SingTel Optus, Satyam, companies to market their capabilities Centre established. NEC, Infosys, Foxtel, TCS, Birlasoft, Pacific to an international audience. • eServices Panel – more than $30 million Internet, Bosch, Hitachi and Fujitsu (Atos). • ICT use encouraged and supported transacted; 70 per cent of projects won The Victorian Government has been through a suite of programs under by Victorian companies. successful in attracting strategic investment Victoria’s eCommerce Advantage, • More than 500 companies from companies in emerging markets such including funding for eCommerce attended government and industry as India. Today, eight out of the top 15 Indian Roadshows providing training to more ICT symposiums. ICT companies have a presence in Victoria. than 2,000 businesses across the State. • More than 200 companies exposed Programs and activities under Growing • $3.7 million announced for projects to collaborative ICT projects under the Tomorrow’s Industries Today have been well under the Digital Media Fund, eCommerce Exhibition Projects Program. received by industry and have led to a broad including digital animation, game range of successes.
Victorian Government ICT Industry Plan 2005-2010 5 The Government has helped more ICT research and development (R&D) in the Aconex companies achieve export success through State was provided with a significant boost initiatives such as its Trade Fairs and Missions with the establishment of the National ICT Established in Melbourne in 2000, and Spotlight on Victoria programs, which Australia Victoria Research Laboratory. Aconex has quickly become a leading together highlight the capabilities of Victorian NEC Australia also made a major commitment global ICT provider, offering online ICT small to medium enterprises (SMEs) to to continue to grow its globally orientated ICT information management solutions a global audience. R&D effort by establishing its Next Generation to the construction, resources and Broadband R&D centre in Victoria. property management industries. There have been concerted industry and government efforts to drive industry Making it easier for local industry to do The Aconex web collaboration system growth through supporting and promoting business with government has also been enables companies to share, track, filter key existing Victorian ICT strengths and a focus of activities. For example, the and archive all project documentation capabilities. The Government has worked Government has refined and updated its and correspondence via a secure closely with the electronic games sector on eServices Panel and held regular ICT- internet login, saving time and money on the development of a series of dedicated government symposiums to give industry the projects through increased control and strategies, the latest being Game Plan: opportunity to liaise directly with government productivity. Game On. The State is now host to more departments and agencies about their future Aconex has been recognised as one of than 10 industry clusters, focused on new procurement needs. Australia’s fastest growing companies, and emerging areas of ICT. The Government has also supported innovative ranking in the top 15 in the BRW Fast Victoria retained its position as the leading and collaborative use of ICT by other industry 100 and Deloitte Technology Fast 50 state for ICT graduates during the period. The sectors such as through the eCommerce Awards for two years running. Government helped the industry attract and Exhibition Projects Program. Currently, more than 20,000 companies retain the skills it needs through initiatives In recognition of the critical role that are using Aconex on projects valued at such as the New Realities awareness communications infrastructure plays for the over $45 billion worldwide. campaign and its PositionMentor online ICT and all other industries, the Government careers and course information resource. Major projects managed on Aconex announced its Broadband Framework in 2005. include the Dubai International Airport, City University of Hong Kong, White City in London, and Eureka Towers, the tallest ‘AEEMA commends the Victorian Government for its residential building in the world, in Melbourne. initiative in recognising the importance of a strategic
Aconex has its head office and research approach to the development of its ICT industry.’ and development facilities in Melbourne, Australian Electrical and Electronic Manufacturers’ Association with offices in London, Dubai, Kuala Submission, August 2004 Lumpur, Hong Kong, Shanghai, Vietnam, India, Singapore, South Africa, Auckland, and throughout Australia.
6 Victorian Government ICT Industry Plan 2005-2010 Time for review stakeholders in industry and the education Computershare sector. A series of round tables in late 2004 As a long-term plan for a dynamic sector, the was attended by more than 60 practitioners. Since establishing in Melbourne in Government is committed to regular reviews 1978, Computershare has become of its ICT policy to ensure it continues to The views of the industry have been central a leading technology provider for the respond to changing needs. to the Government’s deliberations on new global securities industry, providing initiatives and directions to further assist the As part of this commitment, the Government registry services and solutions to listed industry’s growth in pursuit of the long-term began a formal review process in July 2004. companies, investors, employees, targets identified in Growing Tomorrow’s An issues paper released at this time exchanges and financial institutions. Industries Today. drew submissions from a broad range of In 2005, it had a market capitalisation of $4 billion and offices in 21 countries. Computershare announced in 2003 that ‘AIIA would like to commend the Government for the it would locate its Global Headquarters and Operations Centre in Melbourne, energy it puts into promoting Victoria as a location of creating 1,250 new jobs. The Centre is choice for ICT companies.’ expected to deliver an $800-million boost to the Victorian economy by 2009. Australian Information Industry Association Submission, August 2004 Computershare cited access to relevant skills, the safety of the Australian environment and the lifestyle in Victoria as critical factors in its decision to invest in the State.
Victorian Government ICT Industry Plan 2005-2010 7 The ICT Landscape
ICT remains a key enabling tool for the development of an innovation economy.
Current environment 56 per cent to 74 per cent.3 Victorian productivity growth in the services sector communities also increased their use of ICT, over the past 20 years is attributable to ICT.7 The importance of ICT has not been with household internet access rising from diminished by the market instabilities ICT is also increasingly converging with 32 per cent in 2000 to 53 per cent in 2003.4 of the early years of this century. other industries and other scientific ICT remains one of the key enabling disciplines to create completely new Global growth in ICT usage presents technologies for business. As the OECD has streams of opportunity such as significant opportunities for a local argued, investment in ICT capital by business bioinformatics and nanotechnology. industry that is globally focused and provides a continuing means of innovation that internationally competitive. is not delivered by any other form of capital.5 Victorian ICT capability Global investment in ICT products and Deep usage of ICT across the whole economy Local ICT capabilities remain vital. A local services was recently estimated to be continues to contribute to productivity industry that is responsive to market demand $3 trillion and expected to continue growth. ICT was responsible for an estimated for new products and services has the growing at 8 per cent a year to at least contribution of 0.1 to 0.2 per cent to the potential to make a significant contribution to 2007.1 This reflects the enduring importance acceleration in the high multifactor productivity the economy in its own right. The experience of ICT to consumers, businesses and growth experienced in Australia through the of the industry over the past few years shows governments across the world. It also 1990s and is expected to continue this role.6 that a focus on innovation and business provides significant opportunities for the In some industries, the role of ICT has been fundamentals is necessary to ensure these Victorian ICT industry. particularly significant, with recent research opportunities are not taken for granted. The industry instability of the early 2000s indicating that between 60 and 80 per cent of inevitably shook market confidence in the ICT sector. The leading markets in the USA and Europe suffered the largest losses, but ‘Computershare is committed to Victoria and the impact was also felt acutely in Australia the future of the local ICT industry. As a local ICT and Victoria. company that has achieved scale and global reach, Against this, the use of ICT has continued to rise in Australia. Business ownership of we can make a strong contribution to an innovative a computer rose from 76 per cent to 85 per and internationally competitive local ICT industry.’ cent between 2000 and 2004.2 Businesses with an internet connection rose from Chris Morris, CEO Computershare
1 World Information Technology and Services Alliance, Digital Planet 2004 (figures for 2003). 2 Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) Business Use of Information Technology, Catalogue No. 8129.0, 2003–04. 3 Ibid. 4 ABS Household Use of Information Technology, Catalogue No. 8146.0, Sept. 2004. 5 OECD, The Economic Impact of ICT, Measurement, Evidence and Implications, p.146, 2004. 6 Productivity Commission, ICT Use and Productivity: A Synthesis from Studies of Australian Firms, 2004. 7 Department of Communications, Information Technology and the Arts, Productivity Growth in Service Industries, Occasional Economic Paper, April 2005.
8 Victorian Government ICT Industry Plan 2005-2010 The Victorian ICT industry has shown strong Key Victorian ICT statistics, 2005 (% of national) resilience in this period. Key industry-wide % statistics are showing a return to levels 45 of prosperity comparable to those before
2001. Industry revenue, employment and 40 Victoria represents 25 per cent exports are all climbing, and industry of the national population sentiment suggests a period of growth 35 for the medium term.
In broad terms, Victoria accounts for 30 one-third of the Australian ICT industry which in turn represents 1 to 1.5 per cent 25 of the global market. With revenue in excess of $20 billion, annual exports worth around 20 $1 billion, and strong levels of R&D, the Victorian ICT industry continues to be 15 an important contributor to the economic Revenue Employment Private R&D University Enrolments in ICT performance and wealth of the State.
Growing Tomorrow’s Industries Today As ICT becomes a core part of the business • ICT professionals and ICT tradespeople reported employment in the ICT industry of other sectors in the economy, the ICT representing around 3.6 per cent of the in 2001 at 65,000 people. The most industry continues to blur at its edges. ICT Australian workforce10 which is higher than recent statistics show Victorian ICT capabilities and production are now evident Europe (about 2.5 per cent) and the USA industry employment at around 71,000.8 in many industry sectors with: (about 2.8 per cent). These statistics and Commonwealth Government research suggest that ICT • around 55 per cent of Australia’s Victoria has retained its position as the industry employment has now settled into approximately 355,600 ICT leading producer of ICT skills over the period, a more sustained pattern after marked falls professionals and ICT tradespeople with the highest proportion of university through 2001.9 Victoria’s share of national employed by firms outside the enrolments ranging from 35 per cent of the employment in ICT has remained steady at traditionally defined ICT industry; and national figure in 2001 to 39 per cent in 2004. 30 per cent — a strong result for the local Overseas students consistently make up about industry over a period of sustained downturn. one-third of all enrolments in Victoria.
8 Whitehorse Strategic Group, July 2005. Whitehorse employs ABS statistical categorisations to model ICT industry employment. The ABS adjusted its statistical categorisation for ICT employment in 2003; it is not directly comparable with the 2001 figure. 9 Commonwealth Department of Education and Workplace Relations, ICT Vacancy Index, January 2002–August 2005; DEWR Vacancy Report, August 2005. 10 ABS, Quarterly Labour Force Survey, November 2004 and A Willi Petersen, Peter Revill, Tony Ward & Carsten Wehmeyer, Towards a comprehensive European e-skills reference framework: ICT and e-business skills and training in Europe, Final synthesis report, Cedefop 2004.
Victorian Government ICT Industry Plan 2005-2010 9 The strength of the local higher education all sizes around the world. The emergence IR Gurus Interactive sector and the graduates that it produces of software standards and accreditation remain key reasons for international will place further pressure on local ICT IR Gurus Interactive is an electronic companies to locate in Victoria, as well as companies to measure up. The limited size game developer excelling in the high levels of experienced local and migrant of the domestic market will make it critical fastest growing segment of the ICT workers. for enterprising and innovative Victorian ICT worldwide entertainment industry – suppliers to compete internationally. entertainment software. Founded in Victoria remains home to a significant 1996, it has gained a foothold in a number of large companies – including The recent emergence of Asia as an US$40 billion industry dominated by many foreign-owned multinationals – either influential ICT region will present new major US publishers and Hollywood headquartered or with offices here. However, partnering opportunities and new pathways licensed product. like most industry sectors, the ICT industry into overseas markets. Spending on ICT in overwhelmingly comprises small companies Asia is projected to grow at an average of IR Gurus is one of Australia’s most with fewer than 20 employees. more than 9 per cent over the next few years.11 successful game studios – responsible Victoria is well-placed to take advantage of for the development of Australia’s Future environment regional growth with the presence of eight of top-selling AFL football games and the top 15 Indian ICT companies in the State. the world’s first computer game based With signs of ICT industry recovery and growth This may well prove to be one of the future on Gaelic football – both for Sony in recent years, and an overall business strategic advantages for the local ICT Computer Entertainment. environment that has experienced five years of strong economic and employment growth, industry. Asian-based companies operating The company has also broken into the local companies can feel optimistic about the in Victoria will provide a valuable link for local international mainstream with Heroes of future. While these conditions are favourable companies into global supply chains as well the Pacific, a World WarII aerial fighter for the local industry, there will continue to as skills and employment opportunities for simulation game. be significant challenges ahead to meet the local ICT workers. A key to IR Gurus’ success has been needs of local and export markets. Exploiting the strategy of many technology its ability to retain intellectual property The Victorian ICT industry will continue to users to ‘globally source’ ICT, Indian rights in its titles, allowing it to build face strong competition from companies of companies in particular have been successful on previous successes and create franchises rather than one-off games, thereby supporting its growth from 30 to more than 60 staff since early 2004. ‘We wouldn’t have been able to sell “Heroes of the Pacific” internationally without the assistance of the Victorian Government’s Game Development Kit Program.’ Ben Palmer, Executive Producer IR Gurus Interactive
11 World Information Technology and Services Alliance, Digital Planet 2004 (figures for 2003)
10 Victorian Government ICT Industry Plan 2005-2010 in attracting outsourced work from Australia and other markets. While there have been Hitwise concerns about the difficulty for local Melbourne-founded ICT/Online companies in competing with the mix of Competitive Intelligence company capability, capacity and low wages offered Hitwise is the world’s leading provider in Asia, it is too early to conclude whether in its field. Australia will be a net beneficiary or loser from this trend. Most commentators agree that an Founded in 1997 in Melbourne, Hitwise effective way to offset the movement of jobs founders targeted a niche market for the offshore is to ensure that workers have access measurement of website visitors. to the means to continually upgrade their Hitwise came up with the idea of skills so as to stay ahead of the overseas tracking marketing data at the ISP level, talent. The ICT industry will need to work and developed software that rests hard to ensure that it continues to develop, with the ISP and monitors a volume of attract and retain the high-end technical and sites that could not be achieved by a business skills that it needs in such a fluid traditionally small review panel. employment environment. The company’s proprietary data At the same time, users will continue to capture, analysis, processing, develop an increasingly sophisticated aggregation and categorisation understanding of the role of ICT in business, technologies took years to develop and and be more strategic and demanding of are constantly updated to keep pace vendors when making ICT investment. There with a rapidly evolving industry. will be increasing emphasis on solutions addressing security, privacy and reliability The company now has more than 1,000 issues. The investment market will also be clients worldwide, and has expanded more exacting of ICT companies and require internationally from its Melbourne more rigour and discipline in the industry’s base into New Zealand, Hong Kong, efforts to raise capital and fund new ventures. Singapore, the United Kingdom and the USA. Hitwise claimed the Information ICT will continue to evolve rapidly, with a and Communications Technology constant stream of new technologies and Award in the 2005 Governor of Victoria applications emerging in shorter time frames. Export Awards. The time from development to commoditisation of technology will tighten so that the local industry must move quickly to bring products to market before its competitors.
Victorian Government ICT Industry Plan 2005-2010 11 Playing to current and Table 1. Victorian ICT industry strengths emerging strengths Products/Services Research Findings To compete effectively, Victorian companies must continue to distinguish themselves from overseas providers by exploiting current This is a key strength for Victoria, taking in the provision of areas of competitive strength and by using telephony and data services. It encompasses the operations of innovation to establish new ones. This means Communications Telstra, Optus, Primus and other carriers and represents a large the industry must not only capitalise on services proportion of the ICT employment and revenue for the State. current strengths but ensure it is aware of Demand for communications services, particularly broadband competition and market developments that services, is likely to experience continued growth. shape the major opportunities for the future.
Independent research commissioned by This subsector includes the provision of ICT consultancy services the Victorian Government in 2004 suggests and the installation, integration and maintenance of business ICT Victoria’s ICT strengths have evolved since systems. Developing on the back of trends to outsource functions, Business systems 2001 and that there continue to be areas local providers are well-placed to develop combined technology solutions where the Victorian ICT industry can be and service solutions that allow businesses to carve out whole globally-competitive (see Table 1). business functions at reduced overall cost. Companies currently operating in Victoria include IBM, EDS, Infosys and Oakton Ltd.
There is broad scope in software development for local suppliers to continue to develop markets in specialised industry sectors, such as financial services, health or transport. Solutions are often highly specialised or customised to meet particular Vertical applications sector needs and rely on a deep understanding of the target solutions market. The level of specialisation required has led to a large number of Victorian companies such as Retail Directions Pty Ltd, Ocean Software Pty Ltd and Aconex Pty Ltd successfully developing vertical applications.
Microtechnology refers to technology with features near one micrometre in size. It underpins the main capabilities for a diverse range of applications and sensor technologies, including consumer electronics, automotive, health and defence. Microtechnology Victoria has strong microtechnology research capabilities and manufacturers in significant vertical sectors such as automotive (Robert Bosch, Siemens, GM Holden), communications (NEC, Agilent, CEOS) and biomedical (Compumedics).
12 Victorian Government ICT Industry Plan 2005-2010 Products/Services Research Findings
Exponential growth in web applications is expected over the coming years as demand rises for seamless connectivity within and between businesses. Victoria’s strength in web applications is enhanced through expertise in two of the major development Web applications platforms – the Java-based J2EE and Microsoft’s .NET as well as software more general capabilities in open source software. Victoria has a substantial base of development capability in these platforms, including three industry clusters with a combined membership of around 300.
The global electronics games industry has been growing rapidly for the past two decades with global revenue now surpassing cinema box office sales. Victoria is home to most of the Australian Electronic games games industry with production companies such as IR Gurus Interactive, Torus Games and Tantalus Interactive, the national headquarters of the Game Developers’ Association of Australia and the annual Game Developers’ Conference.
Photonics refers to the technology of generating and harnessing light and other radiant energy. It is the basis for developments in fibre-optic communications. Victoria’s main strengths are at Photonics the R&D end of the market where there is a focus on high-end technical skills and the development of intellectual property. The presence of facilities such as NICTA, REDlab and COLT underpin world-class activity in the State.
Horizontal applications solutions also require specialisation but, unlike vertical applications solutions, they are relevant to users Horizontal across sectors. Examples include eSecurity solutions, human applications resources solutions and eLearning solutions. The most prominent solutions example of Victorian capability in horizontal applications solutions is Computershare, which provides share registry and related solutions across industry sectors.
Victorian Government ICT Industry Plan 2005-2010 13 Victorian Government ICT Industry Plan
The Victorian Government believes the ICT industry will continue to play a critical role in the economic development of the State.
ICT Industry Plan The new framework does not distinguish most likely to occur. This could be through between local and international markets but new R&D activities between the research The local industry is ultimately responsible operates in a global context. It recognises sector and ICT companies. It could also be for its own future. However, the Government the increasing complexity of the ICT industry in new collaborative activities between the can play a valuable role in ensuring an as it becomes more integrated with other ICT industry and other economic sectors with environment that supports the growth of the sectors of the economy. It illustrates the global reach – such as financial services. ICT industry and the application and use of growing linkages between the ICT industry The Government recognises that it can advanced ICT across the economy. and other industry sectors. It highlights play a role in expanding innovation through the key importance of Victoria’s research The Victorian Government’s ICT Industry facilitating relationships, encouraging more and education sector to the industry’s Plan 2005-2010 reflects industry changes collaboration, influencing skills development, future growth. It also recognises that, to a since 2001 and re-commits the Government supporting the establishment and access to large degree, all sectors rely on common to its vision and objectives set out in its key infrastructure and promoting R&D. 10-year industry plan — Growing infrastructure such as skills, communications Tomorrow’s Industries Today. and capital. The new framework will guide the Government’s strategies and activities in Importantly, the Government considers that The plan is consistent with the strategic continuing to support the development where these elements intersect is where issues identified in Growing Victoria of the ICT industry. Together – the Government’s vision for innovation and competitive advantage are Victoria to 2010 and beyond:
• more quality jobs and thriving, innovative industries across Victoria
• high-quality education and training for ICT Industry lifelong learning.
It also reflects the identification of ICT as a key strategic priority in the Government’s VAT INNO ION N INN Innovation Statement, Victorians. Bright IO O T VA VA T Ideas. Brilliant Future, and will contribute O IO N N N I I to the implementation of the Government’s N N N
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Tomorrow’s Industry Today included a Research and Industry Framework for Growth to guide government Education Sector Users of ICT activity. This analytical framework has been refined to take account of changes in the market environment over the period.
14 Victorian Government ICT Industry Plan 2005-2010 Strategies Working with industry Under the ICT Industry Plan, the Government Delivering on these strategies will require a will pursue the following strategies: partnership between industry, government and the research and education sectors. The Government is committed to working Focus Strategy with the key industry associations in areas where there are common objectives and • Promote Victorian ICT industry capabilities in key broad-based benefits to industry. international markets. Playing on a Since 2001, the Victorian Government has • Pursue strategic ICT investment in Victoria. global stage provided substantial support for the work of • Encourage local companies to be more innovative and industry associations. Under the ICT Industry globally focused. Plan the Government will look to these associations to form more strategic alliances with the Government and between themselves Encouraging strategic • Encourage the Victorian ICT industry to be more to achieve mutually desired outcomes. collaboration collaborative. Measuring success The Victorian Government will continue • Ensure that government ICT procurement practices to measure the success of its policy encourage competition and innovation while pursuing approaches to ICT industry development by Linking with the value for money. ICT Industry domestic market the measures originally set out in Growing • Facilitate greater understanding by the ICT industry of Tomorrow’s Industries Today. In a rapidly opportunities in strategic industry sectors. changing environment, such measurement remains vital to ensure government activity is well focused and achieving results. VAT INNO ION N INN IO O • Support the establishment of future infrastructure for T VA VA T The Government will also work with the O IO advanced ICT research and application. N N N Commonwealth and other State and Territory I I Investing in innovation N N N • Maximise opportunities for industry engagement with local Governments to improve the availability and O O I T V
A A research institutions. timeliness of ICT-related data to track the ICT T V Skills I
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Delivering Research and Industry • Ensure the Victorian ICT industry has access to world-class infrastructure Education Sector Users of ICT infrastructure and services. capability
Action and initiatives under these strategies are identified in the following sections.
Victorian Government ICT Industry Plan 2005-2010 15
Playing on a Global Stage
Victorian ICT companies will need to be globally focused to grow and prosper.
Current situation successful in attracting outsourced work links with universities, research institutes and through a combination of scale, competitive innovative local companies. Over time, these In international terms, the Australian market wage rates and strong credentials in software links will help local companies make inroads is relatively small, with Victorian investment development. Victorian companies will into Asian and other markets. in ICT accounting for less than 1 per cent of increasingly face this type of competition from global demand. The market for ICT products Victorian companies can be more emerging markets in Asia and elsewhere, and services is global and open, and high competitive in a global market through but can reap benefits from global sourcing levels of ICT uptake make Australia an standards and accreditation. Capability strategies in other countries. It is significantly attractive market for foreign ICT suppliers. Maturity Model Integration and the ISO cheaper to operate a business in Australia What few barriers foreign companies face to group of standards provide ways to compared to the USA or Western Europe. selling here are continually being reduced demonstrate capabilities in software Victoria has people with advanced ICT and through free trade agreements or by engineering that can be important business skills as well as cultural similarities advances in technology. In this environment, credentials for some markets. Underpinning with major overseas markets. These strengths local companies need to understand and these types of standards is the discipline of must be fully exploited by the local industry benchmark themselves against international software metrics which provides the tools and effectively promoted overseas. competition from the outset. for organisations to measure, benchmark International companies in Victoria, whether and improve software engineering process As ICT use spreads internationally, new markets part of the ICT industry or not, can provide and projects over time. Victoria has world- continually emerge. These can be country entry into global supply chains. ICT leading expertise in software metrics and is markets – such as the growth of China as a multinationals can help to build the skill base the birthplace and home of the International market of interest to Australian ICT – or global of local suppliers, drive cutting-edge R&D, Software Benchmarking Standards Group markets for particular technologies – such as provide opportunities for collaboration and (www.isbsg.org). Where markets require, environmental technologies. To make the most stimulate innovation and productivity. The software process improvement and of these markets, the local ICT industry needs to experience of Indian companies locating in accreditation have the potential to deliver know them deeply, be able to access them, and Victoria has already shown some of these substantial economic benefits through be aggressive in pursuing opportunities. benefits. The Government has worked hard to improved project management and The local industry will also need to match embed such investments by helping establish better products. or better the skills of their international competitors in accessing new and traditional markets. Company leaders, particularly in small organisations, will need strong ‘Trade missions provide SME companies such as entrepreneurial and business skills as well as the technical skills to produce innovative Morpheum with opportunities not only to establish products and services. better Victorian networks but also grow our business Companies around the world are looking with an eye to international trends.’ to increase their productivity through outsourcing arrangements in areas such Nicole Dixon as ICT services. India has been particularly General Manager, Morpheum
Victorian Government ICT Industry Plan 2005-2010 17 Role of Victorian Government • announced its Opening Doors to Export Infosys Technologies Plan in 2004 – a whole-of-government The Victorian Government can play a policy and suite of programs and services Australia critical role in helping local companies to help Victoria’s export performance In late 2002, Indian consulting and ICT – particularly smaller companies – access services firm Infosys announced the international markets. • provided grants to more than 300 local establishment of a 100-employee Global ICT companies to attend international The Government will urge the industry and Development Centre in Melbourne. trade fairs under the Trade Fairs and other governments to more aggressively Missions program. Recipients reported About a year later, Infosys increased promote Victoria and Australia’s capabilities projected export sales, due to their its commitment to the local market by to strategically important markets. A more attendance, of more than $260 million merging with Melbourne-based coordinated approach to promotion will Expert Information Systems (Expert). support other efforts by the Government to • ran a series of overseas missions to Expert brought its strong knowledge identify and attract strategic ICT investment strategic markets including the USA, of the Australian market and its to the State from around the world. India, Japan, China, Germany and France. Australian staff to the new entity, An ICT mission to India in 2004 resulted The Government will continue to provide Infosys Technologies (Australia) Pty in $6.5 million worth of deals alone support for companies planning and Ltd. According to Expert’s founder and executing export strategies. It will also expand • provided on-ground support and use Infosys Australia CEO, Gary Ebeyan, its in-market support for local companies of fully equipped transit desks for the merger was a natural fit combining to enable better access to information from companies seeking to enter the USA Expert’s local knowledge and high-end the market and assistance for companies to (San Francisco) or China (Shanghai, skills with Infosys’ best practice models, achieve results from overseas visits. Hong Kong) markets under the Access global experience and reach. America and Access China programs. The Government will also work with industry, Infosys Australia hired the best local These offices provide support for ICT users and the higher education sector to talent, partnering with local companies establishing contacts, convening ensure local companies can meet emerging and contributing to the growth of meetings, gathering market intelligence standards required by the market and have Australia’s ICT industry. It is committed and assessing business opportunities access to the skills they need – in particular to maximising its use of local skills and entrepreneurial skills – to compete effectively. • established the US$6 million Victoria- blending this high-end local expertise Israel Science and Technology R&D Fund, with the scale and technical skills of its Strategies which was announced in an Agreement global parent. • Promote Victorian ICT industry signed between the Israeli and Victorian In late 2004, Infosys selected software capabilities in key international markets. Governments in February 2005. This builds supplied by Melbourne ICT company on the Memorandum of Understanding • Pursue strategic ICT investment in Victoria. 80-20 Software to supplement its own on Biotechnology Collaboration signed project management and delivery • Encourage local companies to be more by the two governments in June 2004. systems into its global network. innovative and globally focused. The VISTECH R&D Fund aims to provide support for joint commercially focused Today Infosys Australia employs about Current initiatives science and technology R&D projects 650 staff from its Melbourne head office. between Victorian and Israeli companies, The Government has provided the ICT in areas including biotechnology, life industry with a range of assistance and sciences and ICT support in developing export markets:
18 Victorian Government ICT Industry Plan 2005-2010 M emory G rid , A ustralian C entre for the M oving I mage (P hoto : P eter C larke )
• demonstrated the capabilities and skills opportunities in this important market by of leading Victorian ICT companies to appointing a dedicated ICT investment Pacific Internet international markets as part of Spotlight and business development officer at Pacific Internet operates in seven on Victoria the new Victorian Government Business countries across the Asia Pacific and Office in Bangalore • utilised expatriate skills and knowledge is listed on NASDAQ. We specialise in through the Victorian Expatriate Network, • urge the establishment of a collaborative assisting SMEs expand their markets an international network of science, approach to promoting our ICT capability beyond their own country through technology and ICT professionals internationally with other Australian delivering secure internet products governments and services. • offered a range of services and support to assist Victorian firms to • open up access for local companies We chose Melbourne as our become internationally competitive, to gain internationally recognised Australian head office because of the including development of export and skills needed to compete overseas genuine desire and enthusiasm by the marketing plans through the Grow by establishing strategic partnerships Victorian Government and the business Your Business program. with leading international business and community generally to engage in Asia. entrepreneurship schools New initiatives This mind-set was so important in • help local ICT companies to gather attracting the best people and forming Under this Plan, the Government has market intelligence and identify strategic the partnerships needed to grow our already announced that it will: opportunities in high-potential overseas business quickly and profitably. markets through a series of Emerging • double the support for international Dennis Muscat Markets Strategies networking, exhibiting and exporting Managing Director by the local ICT industry through a • provide international and domestic Pacific Internet (Australia) Pty Limited re-vitalised ICT Trade Events and companies with up-to-date access to Export Assistance Program. local ICT capabilities through VicIT New categories introduced under the program support first-time • boost existing industry and R&D sole exhibitors or group exhibitors strengths by identifying and attracting high-end ICT investments to the State • deliver crucial training, mentoring and business relationship development • monitor market requirements for skills to Victorian ICT companies so software quality accreditation and they can develop a three to five-year develop appropriate responses in export focused business action plan. consultation with industry and other The Developing Business Skills for Australian governments ICT Entrepreneurs program is a joint • investigate the potential for Victoria initiative with the AIIA. to capitalise on its leadership in Building on this support, the Government will: software metrics.
• build on the substantial Indian investment already in the State and assist Victorian companies to access
Victorian Government ICT Industry Plan 2005-2010 19
Encouraging Strategic Collaboration
There are significant opportunities for Victorian ICT companies to increase their scale, skills and success through strategic collaboration.
Current situation Collaboration with the education and research sectors can ensure the right people RFID Association of The Victorian ICT industry is embedded with the right skills are available to industry. in a strong innovation culture with world-class Australia Collaboration can also provide access to public and private research institutions RFID Action Australia, a cluster of innovative research that can underpin the and leading universities that produce the Victorian businesses, was established development and commercialisation of new largest number of IT graduates in Australia. in 2004 with Victorian Government products and services. The industry is surrounded by many assistance. Within a year, it became the strategic, high-performing industries, such The Government’s Combined Advantage RFID Association of Australia (RFIDAA), as transport, agriculture, biotechnology and study – released in 2004 – confirmed the based in Melbourne. financial services. These are increasingly existence and effectiveness of collaborative This national peak body is a seeking innovative ICT solutions to enhance partnerships. While these partnerships have successful example of collaboration and improve their core business functions a positive impact on the development of among a broad range of users, and to pursue new business opportunities. industry-specific skills, the study also found solutions providers, researchers, that higher levels of collaboration are needed For many ICT companies, collaboration industry associations, educators, and to overcome market barriers and maximise with other organisations through large Australian organisations including R&D outcomes. partnerships, alliances and networks is the Australia Post, Alien Future Technology, best way to access the necessary skills, The establishment and ongoing Australian Food and Grocery Council, experience and resources required to build development of more formal types of CSIRO, GS1 Australia, Savi Technology, scale, innovate and go global. collaboration, such as clusters, can also and VeriSign Australia. generate benefits including driving innovation, Collaboration takes many forms and has the Research indicates that US boosting exports, attracting investment potential to generate significant benefits for manufacturers will spend more and generating high-quality jobs and new individual organisations and the industry as than $US5 billion on RFID tags and business opportunities. a whole. infrastructure over the next three years. Australia does not have a particularly The RFIDAA is uniquely placed to access By partnering each other, smaller strong collaborative culture. However, this global opportunity and play a key companies can explore shared in Victoria, there are many examples of role in Victoria’s economic growth. opportunities and address common companies pursuing opportunities to work challenges. Partnering larger companies A critical mass of RFID vendors with other organisations. While this is and multinationals gives these companies and potential users is based in encouraging, it is clear there is potential opportunities to gain international exposure Melbourne and RFIDAA is able to to increase collaboration within the ICT and access to global supply chains. drive collaboration between these industry. This requires long-term At the same time, collaboration gives innovative ICT professionals and key commitment and investment from larger companies access to local market Victorian user industries, such as industry to generate ongoing benefits knowledge, innovation and research. retail, automotive, manufacturing, for the Victorian economy. and transport and logistics.
Victorian Government ICT Industry Plan 2005-2010 21 Role of Victorian Government The Government is well-placed to Senko Advanced facilitate collaboration by using its industry The Victorian Government recognises networks and resources to foster linkages Components (Australia) the important role that collaborative between organisations and to support the Senko is a global leader in design, activities can play in overcoming barriers establishment of these activities. It can also manufacture and original equipment to growth for small companies and growing encourage greater collaboration between manufacturer (OEM) of fibre optic the ICT industry into an innovative, globally- industry and the education sector. product components. From its Melbourne focused sector. base, it services clients including The Government considers that the level of Strategies leading Victorian universities, American collaboration already occurring in Victoria is • Encourage the Victorian ICT multinationals, Japanese industrial encouraging, but believes greater activity industry to be more collaborative. conglomerates, telecom operators, can and should occur. prominent international universities and Current initiatives Government research laboratories. Collaborative activities must be largely driven by industry, not government, if they The Government has undertaken a In 2005, Senko successfully bid for are to be sustainable in the long term. number of initiatives to encourage the Thai COLT (Thailand Collaborative However, specific targeted action by greater collaboration: Optical Leading Tested) project to government can stimulate collaboration develop a world-class broadband • provided more than $600,000 to support and help existing collaborative activities communications network in Thailand. the establishment of seven industry move to the next stage of development Senko is also pursuing other clusters in key subsectors including web in order to generate benefits for the ICT opportunities to deploy fibre to the home services, open source software and industry and the Victorian economy. technologies with a particular focus on spatial business applications India, Italy and Bangladesh. • supported the establishment of the Senko has played a critical role in the Victorian Microelectronics Designers development of the local photonics NEC Australia Network, the Victorian Photonics Network and the eLearning Network sector, particularly through its The support the Government has participation in the Victorian Photonics shown has not only helped NEC • worked with the corporate and education Network (VPN). It is also a platinum continue strengthening its presence as sectors to establish the Victorian Women member of the Board of the Fiber to a sector leader in the ICT industry, but it in ICT Network to develop practical the Home Council Asia Pacific. has seen, through the strong leadership programs designed to attract and retain of the Government, rapid economic Building on relationships established women in the ICT Industry development of the State, significant with the education sector through the • encouraged engagement between users consistent growth in employment in VPN, Senko has developed a number and producers to develop projects as part the ICT sector and the ongoing of interactive photonics education of the Government’s eCommerce policy, investment by business – as the major kits tailored to the Victorian education Victoria’s eCommerce Advantage beneficiaries of a focused committed curriculum. These kits are being used Victorian State Government. by many Victorian schools to support the • released the Victorian eLearning Strategy in 2004 to provide support to study of photonics from the middle years Toshiharu Iwasa, local eLearning companies. The Strategy through to more advanced learning at Managing Director, emphasised the need to build scale VCE level. NEC Australia through collaboration, stimulate local
22 Victorian Government ICT Industry Plan 2005-2010 demand through awareness-raising In recognition of this, the company has won and improving infrastructure and QSR International three Australian Export Awards in 2001, improve global competitiveness Founded in Victoria in 1995, QSR through standards and facilitating 2002 and 2004. International is the world’s leading supplier access to overseas markets. of qualitative data analysis software. The company’s success rests on a commitment to deliver software that New initiatives QSR software helps researchers or anyone evolves in line with researchers’ and users’ Under this Plan, the Government has working with information, rather than needs. QSR’s developers and business already announced that it will: numerical data. From in-depth interview analysts have worked closely over and focus group transcripts, through • improve graduates’ job readiness, many years with a range of individuals to survey results and field notes, QSR enhance the attractiveness of ICT and organisations to understand their software helps users to systematically degrees and increase the number and research goals and the ways they work manage their information. quality of linkages between industry and with information. This knowledge of user requirements is augmented with feedback the education sector by undertaking a QSR provides researchers around the gathered by QSR’s expert help desk and pilot of the Industry and Universities world with support, resources and training consulting team. Collaboration Program, with support and is the only developer in its field to have of up to $450,000. an international conference series on its In June 2005 QSR was awarded a Building on this support, the Government will: software. The company has an estimated $1.1 million Commercial Ready grant 300,000 software users worldwide. from the Commonwealth Government • stimulate collaboration between It exports to more than 90 countries and to help take the latest in the series of organisations in the Victorian ICT sector accounts for around three percent of research software products, NVivo 7, to build industry strength with support Australia’s total IT software export earnings. to a global market. of up to $1 million over three years for
the establishment of new and emerging clusters and networks in strategic areas; and ‘AIIA notes with interest the effort (the Government) the development and growth of existing collaborative organisations is making to promote the development of industry
• drive increased collaboration between clusters and we acknowledge the key impact the industry and the education and successful clusters can have on the development of research sectors by developing tools to help them identify and exploit the Victorian ICT industry. We believe that these have partnership opportunities. excellent potential to facilitate the growth of the local ICT sector’ Australian Information Industry Association Submission, August 2004
Victorian Government ICT Industry Plan 2005-2010 23
Linking with the Domestic Market
Carefully targeted local user markets provide a springboard for Victorian ICT companies to grow their businesses here and overseas.
Current situation Similarly, the importance of ICT in new fields of endeavour – such as in Ocean Software ICT now plays a critical role in the success bioinformatics and nanotechnology of most industry sectors and is relied on Established in 1993 in Melbourne, – brings new challenges and opportunities. to improve performance and deliver a Ocean Software provides operations In these cases, ICT users are seeing the competitive edge. As a result, investment and training information management potential of new technologies and wanting in ICT by business has increased over the software for use in defence and dedicated ICT responses that underpin new past 10 years and is expected to continue. paramilitary environments. Its niche focus capabilities and drive further R&D. The value of the domestic market may be is reflected in its workforce of 50 specialist a fraction of the global total, but high levels Having a specialist understanding of an staff, combining experienced industry of ICT uptake combined with a strong base industry, research or government sector is leaders and former defence personnel. of sophisticated use can give local ICT becoming an essential part of developing Ocean Software has harnessed this suppliers a strategic foundation for growth highly-valued, marketable ICT products and expertise to develop innovative and and export. services. However, achieving this demands a practical ICT products geared to the significant investment of time and resources In the past few years, users have become specialist needs of the international in understanding a sector and the ability to more strategic in their application of ICT. defence industry. respond innovatively to needs. They are more able to recognise the Ocean Software’s flagship product, possibilities of technology for their own ICT providers that have succeeded in FlightPRO™, was developed for military businesses and less tolerant of ICT solutions this strategy have often combined squadron operations and training that do not precisely fit business needs. substantial past experience in an industry management and is used by the Many businesses are also actively looking sector with more recent ICT expertise. Australian Defence Force and defence for cheaper, more efficient or better ways Others have taken the time to network customers in the UK and Canada, helping to manage their ICT investment, such as or form strategic alliances with particular Ocean win the ‘emerging exporter’ award through outsourcing arrangements. businesses in a target sector to build up at the Governor of Victoria Export Awards their knowledge for the longer term. Highly sophisticated ICT users in global 2004. Ocean plans to build on its success Because opportunities will generally be industries – such as the financial services, by expanding into the USA and focused on emerging business needs, automotive and transport sectors in Victoria South-East Asian markets. they will call for a variable mix of – provide fertile ground for testing local specialisation, R&D, innovation, intellectual The company has offices in Melbourne, ICT capabilities as well as opportunities property development and collaboration. Manchester and Montreal, and a to develop and hone them for a broader They are also more likely to result in representative office in Dubai. market. This can lead to the creation of longer-term business relationships and innovative and unique new products with export opportunities. significant global markets.
Victorian Government ICT Industry Plan 2005-2010 25 Role of Victorian Government • Facilitate greater understanding by the nSynergy ICT industry of opportunities in strategic The Victorian Government is one of the largest industry sectors. Melbourne-based software vendor and purchasers of ICT products and services in the service provider nSynergy specialises State. There are many areas of government Current initiatives in developing collaboration platforms in which new and innovative applications and for the legal industry. services are needed and these can be valuable The Government has undertaken a number opportunities for local companies developing of initiatives to link Victorian ICT companies Since launching LegalNet, a software tailored solutions. The Victorian Government is with local business: platform for collaboration between committed to reducing the costs to business of law firms and in-house legal teams • established the eServices Panel as winning ICT work. It also recognises the scope in early 2004, nSynergy has a whole-of-Victorian Government to support ICT industry development through achieved significant success in the panel covering specific areas of ICT improved procurement practices. Australasian market with 30 of the expertise designed to help Victorian top 100 Australasian companies The eServices Panel has addressed SME ICT companies do business with choosing LegalNet as their preferred some procurement barriers over the government. By November 2005, legal management solution. last three years and provides more more than $30 million of business had flexibility in adapting to different project been placed with panel members with Five months after opening its London and contractual circumstances. 70 per cent of projects performed by office in mid-2004, nSynergy secured Victorian companies contracts with some of the top 50 UK Understanding user needs, developing companies, including private practice market strategy and responding to emerging • co-funded and participated in the AIIA law firms. opportunities are the responsibility of ICT – Government Symposium – an annual companies. However, government can help symposium to brief industry on the ICT LegalNet helped nSynergy win the reduce some of the barriers for companies strategies and technical needs of key 2005 Microsoft Global Export Potential taking these steps. Victorian government agencies and Award at the Consensus Software outline key government ICT priorities Awards, the only independently-judged The Government can facilitate greater awards for Australian software. interaction between users and local suppliers • supported, in partnership with the AIIA, of ICT. It can help promote local industry further industry symposiums on the retail, The company has benefited strengths and provide better information transport, water utilities and education enormously from research partnerships on the ICT needs of global advanced-use sectors as well as Commonwealth Games with Telstra and Microsoft. nSynergy sectors. These include financial services, 2006, as a way to highlight business is a Microsoft Certified Partner using health, retail, construction, energy, and development and ICT issues affecting the .Net platform and LegalNet was transport and logistics. specific industry sectors. More than 500 developed from an in-house CRM ICT companies have attended these system implemented by Telstra. Strategies symposiums since 2002 • Ensure government ICT procurement • established VicIT as a way for practices encourage competition and Victorian ICT companies to market their innovation while pursuing value for money. capabilities to an international audience.
26 Victorian Government ICT Industry Plan 2005-2010 New initiatives • Strengthen arrangements for the highly successful eServices Panel, Acumentum Building on this support, the Government will: in anticipation of its renewal in the first Acumentum is a user-centred • encourage greater innovation and half of 2006. In addition to potential design company based in Melbourne reduce costs to business of working with new service categories, the new panel that builds powerful, intuitive online government by amending its whole-of- contract will incorporate changes to applications. In 2003, the Victorian government ICT policies to: the intellectual property, liability and Government licensed one of our most insurance provisions discussed above. establish a default position by which successful products, ScenarioBuilder™ ownership of intellectual property in • Explore ways to help the ICT industry including some customised features for ICT developed under contract vests make strategic decisions about use by agencies in the Department in the contractor rather than in the interaction and collaboration with of Justice. Government locally-based industries that hold the The State’s approach to intellectual greatest potential for industry growth. ensure that apportionment of property negotiated in this case liability in ICT contracting reflects allowed us to retain control over actual project risk and minimises improvements to the product that we the need for ICT contractors to made in the course of this contract bear unlimited liability while meeting the current and future business needs of each agency. ensure that types and levels of ScenarioBuilder™ has now been taken insurance required in ICT contracts up by Victorian Business Master Key are appropriate having regard to and Local Government Compliance actual project risks Project EasyBiz. This flexible approach ensure that tender documentation to intellectual property has allowed us specifies the expected contract to continue to develop the product and provisions for dealing with these enhance the services we have provided issues (following appropriate risk to government and major corporations analysis), or flags that these will be both here and overseas. negotiated with shortlisted suppliers. Russell Yardley In the months ahead, the Government Managing Director will start implementing these policies. Acumentum Pty Ltd It will also ensure that government ICT procurement officers are given appropriate guidelines, education and training to understand and act on changes.
Victorian Government ICT Industry Plan 2005-2010 27
Investing in Innovation
Innovation through research and development will help ICT companies build future success.
Current situation This success is attributable to a broad range of factors. Government policies have Daintree Networks A quality base of R&D available to the local been very supportive in the establishment ICT industry is an essential part of its capacity Founded in 2003, Daintree Networks is of leading-edge ICT R&D activities and to be innovative, develop local intellectual a leading global provider of tools and infrastructure such as research laboratories, property and grow. Firms are also recognising services to assist in the development, centres of excellence and other facilities. that R&D needs to be used as part of a wider deployment and management of Victoria also leads Australia in R&D skills and system of innovation, rather than simply wireless sensor networks. tertiary training. Alongside a strong graduate relying on R&D to uncover new opportunities. pool, Victoria has an ICT workforce capable The company has established a Victoria performs strongly on investment of leading world-class R&D in traditional and leading position internationally as a in ICT R&D by Australian standards. emerging technologies. These outstanding provider of design verification tools for Recent research suggests Victorian private research resources and infrastructure are an products employing wireless sensor sector ICT R&D accounts for as much as excellent platform for industry collaboration, and control networking technology. 42 per cent of the national total.12 commercialisation and growth. Daintree began exporting in mid-2004 However, neither Victoria nor Australia ranks Victorian ICT companies continue to and has achieved significant sales highly for R&D expenditure by international conduct R&D in established areas of to companies, universities and standards. OECD figures on specific company telecommunications, software development, research laboratories in the USA, expenditures suggest Victorian companies microelectronics and photonics. However, Japan and Korea. spend substantially less on R&D activities the convergence of ICT into other sectors Daintree Networks is an active member compared to their international counterparts.13 has created a need for more diverse ICT of the ZigBee™ Alliance, an international Improving this ranking is a key challenge for the R&D expertise, such as in automotive, life association developing cost-effective, local ICT industry as well as other industries. sciences, financial services, transport and low-power, wireless monitoring and education, as well as into newer fields like At a time when many global companies control products based on an open optoelectronics and bioinformatics. have rationalised their R&D operations, global standard. It also collaborates Victoria has been able to maintain its position Technology is also leading to new, with NICTA, a partnership which as the premier Australian state for R&D. more collaborative ways for research combines Daintree’s expertise in During this period, Victoria has also been to be undertaken. These practices are network analysis with NICTA’s skills successful in attracting and retaining major described as e-research, and the term in communications networking and ICT R&D centres. A number of major R&D ‘grid’ is used to describe the underlying computer-based visualisation. centres have continued to operate here enabling ICT infrastructure. Daintree Networks is based in (Agilent, VPI photonics, Telstra and Bosch), Through e-research, collaboration extends Melbourne, where it maintains its while some have consolidated their presence within an organisation, across many R&D and manufacturing facilities, with additional investment such as NEC and organisations, across academic disciplines and has a sales and marketing office Computer Associates. New R&D investments and across geographic boundaries. in San Francisco. have also been made by Satyam, Infosys, The grid will enable accessing of data from Daintree Networks and DEK.
12 Whitehorse Strategic Group, July 2005. 13 See ABS, Research and Experimental Development, Businesses, 8104.0, 2005.
Victorian Government ICT Industry Plan 2005-2010 29 new sources and the sharing of ideas and NICTA – Victoria VRL is Victoria’s pre-eminent ICT research research in real time. It will reduce the time it Research Laboratory organisation undertaking world-class takes for research to find solutions, assisting research into fibre and wireless broadband earlier discovery and ultimate application. The Victoria Research Laboratory (VRL) and sensor networks. A notable example was established by National ICT Australia is its NICTOR solution built around Role of Victorian Government (NICTA), the Victorian Government and sensor networks technologies and smart The Government recognises the critical the University of Melbourne, on 11 June water management systems to increase importance of innovation to economic 2004. NICTA is Australia’s ICT Centre economic water efficiency in the dairy, performance. In knowledge-based economies, of Excellence focused on ICT research, horticulture and viticulture industries. innovation plays a crucial role in wealth creation commercialisation, education and industry The progress to date by VRL has been and is a key to global competitiveness. It is collaboration. It has Commonwealth impressive, both in terms of VRL’s the new products, processes and services Government funding of $251 million. achievement against its original research generated through R&D that give industries VRL began operation in July 2004 commitment and the outcomes against and economies a competitive edge. at the University of Melbourne Parkville R&D and commercialisation objectives for The Commonwealth Government has the campus. It is guided by a single research the NICTA organisation. greatest capacity to influence Australia’s R&D vision to ‘create the technologies to build, Some highlights of VRL achievements in its performance, through taxation arrangements, manage and exploit the networks of the first year include: funding programs and support to the higher future’. Three research programs have education sector. been established at the laboratory: • 14 invention disclosures/patents lodged However, the Victorian Government will • Sensor Networks – to promote the • three research projects showing strong continue to play an important role in establishment of a sensor networks commercial opportunities supporting the establishment of strategic R&D industry in Australia through the • strong industry linkages and infrastructure in the State. Investments in the development of world-leading collaboration, including the Defence Victoria Research Laboratory of National ICT technology. Science and Technology Organisation, Australia and the Australian Synchrotron in • Network Technologies – to transform Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial particular, aim to keep Victoria at the forefront of the internet through intelligent Research Organisation, Daintree Australian ICT R&D. The Victorian Government measurement and design. Networks and Rubicon Systems will also ensure that our research community is both enabled with, and adopts, leading edge • Network Information Processing • strong collaboration with international e-research tools and methodologies. – to effectively utilise massive research institutions information networks. Through the Science Technology and • linkages with many universities, Innovation (STI) Infrastructure Grants The VRL R&D program is supported by including Berkeley, Princeton and Texas Program, the Government will continue to the Terabit Networking Laboratory (TNL), • 30 research staff employed build on the State’s physical and ‘intellectual’ a world-class research infrastructure R&D infrastructure through investments in facility that will also form the basis for • 43 PhD students supported by NICTA collaborative industry and research projects engagement with industry. scholarships. that lead to the commercialisation of local ideas and technologies.
30 Victorian Government ICT Industry Plan 2005-2010 Strategies • provided $1 million to the Victorian Building on this support, the Government will: Partnership for Advanced Computing, • Support the establishment of future • help to link researchers with key a key R&D tool and member of the national infrastructure for advanced ICT sources of scientific data in real time by peak supercomputing facility, the Australian research and application. investigating and establishing, where Partnership for Advanced Computing needed, advanced grid infrastructure, • Maximise opportunities for • supported the establishment of the services and applications industry engagement with local National Networked Teletest Facility at research institutions. • better equip ICT businesses undertaking Victoria University. or thinking about undertaking R&D by Current initiatives New initiatives offering information seminars on grants The Government has undertaken a number of and other government assistance. Under this Plan, the Government has initiatives to support innovation through R&D: already announced that it will: • contributed $8 million towards the • make it easier for SMEs to locate establishment of the NICTA Victoria important information related to sources Research Laboratory at the University of government and non-government of Melbourne R&D support by establishing an R&D • established the Science Technology Resource Centre website. and Innovation Initiative involving a commitment of $620 million to develop world-class science and technology capabilities through investment in ‘CA believes Victoria offers a unique environment research infrastructure, with ICT being for high-end development centres – universities that one of five high-priority areas targeted to drive innovation across the Victorian produce world-class skills, a stable workforce that economy. The STI Initiative recently is loyal to the businesses it works for and a legal provided $1.5 million towards ICT R&D to trial water-management systems environment that protects the IP we are developing. supported by advanced wireless sensor Our costs are also lower than in many other technologies and $3.3 million to Quantum Communications Victoria, which aims to developed countries.’ Dr Eugene Dozortsev develop new technology for secure data Vice-President – Research & Development eTrust Security Solutions transfer over long distances Computer Associates International Inc • provided support under VicStart for the development and commercialisation of technologies, products and services to grow the number of export-oriented technology businesses
Victorian Government ICT Industry Plan 2005-2010 31
Building the Skills to Succeed
Maximising skills across the whole ICT workforce will be a key competitive advantage for the Victorian ICT industry.
Current situation Improving skills in business development, project management, team building Computer Associates Skills are the foundation of a high-performing and marketing across the workforce (CA) ICT industry. With increasing convergence is particularly important to support the of technology and business, ICT skills are CA is one of the world’s largest industry’s high-end capacities. becoming crucial to the performance of other enterprise management software industries and the economy as a whole. Many graduates are responding to companies, with offices in more than Employers are increasingly requiring ICT staff new demands with increased numbers 45 countries and employing more than to have a mix of business and technical skills undertaking double degrees such as 15,000 people. to respond to new market demands. Business/IT. In contrast, contractors In 2002, it opened the largest security – who make up almost one-third of all The Victorian ICT industry is underpinned by software R&D lab outside the USA in ICT jobs advertised in Victoria – are not a world-class education sector and a strong Richmond, Melbourne. The Richmond responding as well to this new environment. R&D base. Despite Victoria’s strong standing facility focuses on key security issues Research commissioned by the Victorian compared to other States, the declining such as anti-virus and identity and Government suggests that while contractors number of ICT graduates from Victorian access management, and is recognised accept responsibility for their own training, universities over recent years – consistent by CA as a Corporate Centre of more than half have not undertaken any with the national trend – will affect the Excellence for security, one of only a professional development in the past workforce over the next three to four years. handful in the world. 12 months. Those who do undertake In contrast to enrolments at universities, development tend to focus on their The Richmond lab is complemented enrolment levels for TAFE ICT courses appear technical skills primarily at the high-end by the Mooroolbark R&D lab, which to have steadied. With strong investment of technical expertise. undertakes development in electronic in ICT continuing, there is again talk of the directories and web services security for possibility of future ICT skills shortages. Companies will need to develop the skills of CA on a global basis. their staff through their own training initiatives. In this environment, the industry will need Business leaders will also need to develop Between them the R&D labs employ access to skilled workers from across its their own capabilities and entrepreneurial more than 150 specialised development entire workforce, not just relying on the skills to compete on an international stage. and technical support staff. graduate pool to meet future demand. CA points to the availability of high- quality software development talent as ‘Our competitive advantage relies heavily on highly the primary reason for basing two R&D centres in Victoria. The development skilled and motivated people, including our contract of alliances with local universities, workforce. We encourage employees to take every including Deakin, Swinburne, Monash, Melbourne and RMIT, has therefore been learning opportunity that comes along so they can reach a high priority. More than one-third of their potential and we can all benefit at the same time.’ the Melbourne team were part of CA’s student intake program. Rhonda O’Donnell President, Novell Asia Pacific
Victorian Government ICT Industry Plan 2005-2010 33 Contributing to the low enrolment rates in ICT to broaden its focus beyond skills shortages IBM/Ballarat University undergraduate courses is the continuing lack and the capabilities of emerging graduates. of appeal of ICT careers for many secondary The Government believes a greater emphasis When IBM, the world’s largest school students, especially young women. needs to be placed on the development of the information technology services Research commissioned by the Victorian whole workforce to underpin the future growth provider, arrived in Ballarat a decade Government indicates a high proportion of of the industry. ago, opportunity came knocking for young people believe they lack adequate the University of Ballarat’s School This requires a strategic approach to improve information on available tertiary courses and of Information Technology and linkages between the education sector and ICT careers. Teaching methods and the nature Mathematical Sciences. the industry, which will lead to more sharing of school curricula were also identified as of research and greater skills exchange. It will Both organisations have since barriers to students considering ICT careers. also ensure that graduates are developing developed a relationship that gives work-ready skills and encourage ongoing up to 20 undergraduate students Role of Victorian Government professional development for existing each year sought-after workplace The Victorian Government has a role working ICT workers. experience, through the ‘Earn As with industry and the education sector in You Learn’ Program. attracting, developing and retaining a highly The Government is well-placed to undertake research into workforce issues The program is for students in the skilled ICT workforce. and to implement initiatives to address Bachelor of Information Technology At the same time, the Government’s education specific workforce development issues. (Professional Practice) course, policies need to continue to emphasise This also requires significant commitment who work on a range of IBM projects the value of ICT skills in problem-solving, from industry and the education sector. throughout the second, third and fourth cooperative working and communicating as years of the course and gain well as in improving efficiency and productivity. The Victorian Government will continue to experience in software development work with the Commonwealth Government and maintenance, database and Recognising changes to the ICT industry over on addressing declining ICT enrolments in call centre management and data the past four years, the Government is keen the higher education sector. communications services.
The program is a leading example of successful industry collaboration with ‘We have a core commitment to life-long learning a university to deliver concrete learning and employment outcomes to regional and actively support skill development through Victorian students. our partnerships with industry. These partnerships The program helps the university to ensure that our education programs incorporate attract potential students, gives IBM an opportunity to contribute to the relevant workplace skills for our undergraduates curriculum design and have a reliable and provide upgrade pathways for existing source of ICT skills, and provides employment opportunities for students professional qualifications.’ during study and after graduating. Professor John Rosenberg Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic) Deakin University
34 Victorian Government ICT Industry Plan 2005-2010 A ustralian centre for the moving image
Strategies • delivered the ICT Scholarships Program, with funding of $3.4 million to encourage Satyam • Help education and training providers to local students to undertake further align their courses with industry needs. Satyam Computer Services Ltd is a research in ICT at post-graduate levels. leading Indian global consulting and Current initiatives New initiatives IT services company with offices in The Government has implemented a number 46 countries and more than 20,000 IT Under this Plan, the Government has already of initiatives to build ICT skills in VIctoria: professionals on staff. announced that it will: • developed a methodology for collection In 2004, Satyam opened a 300- • continue to support Victoria’s best and and analysis of statistics about the supply employee Global Development Centre brightest students through a $1.1 million and demand of ICT skills in Victoria, in Melbourne, its largest outside India. extension of the highly successful ICT brought together in a single publication The next year, it boosted its investment Scholarships Program. The program called the ICT Skills Snapshot in the State by announcing an alliance supports ICT postgraduate students with Victoria University that will enable up • delivered the New Realities awareness- undertaking research programs at to 10 students to undertake a software raising campaign to more than 40,000 Victorian universities development internship and up to 20 Year 9 and 10 students in more than 370 • help more students become job-ready graduates to undergo training and Victorian secondary schools by undertaking an industry-based project employment with Satyam each year. • developed the PositionMentor careers during their university course through the Victoria University considers the alliance an reference website – a resource to assist ICT Industry Skills Scholarships Pilot invaluable boon for its students, but also people to understand the different types Program with funding of up to $370,000. highlights Satyam’s additional commitment of ICT careers and make informed subject Building on this support, the Government will: to ICT curriculum review and teaching as choices. The website encouraged young well as the possibilities for joint research. people to explore a large range of ICT jobs • vigorously pursue a coordinated, national and corresponding tertiary ICT courses approach to the promotion of ICT careers to young people with industry, • worked with RMIT University, the higher education sector and other Victoria University, La Trobe University Australian governments and Swinburne University of Technology to establish Chipskills, the Master of • provide a comprehensive ICT career Engineering (Microelectronic Engineering) reference tool on careers targeted at degree with more than 350 enrolments young people through the Government’s to date website for young people, www.youthcentral.vic.gov.au • commissioned research (Attitudes to ICT careers among 17-19 year old Victorians, • work with the Victorian education sector to 2004) to demonstrate the importance of ensure secondary school curricula remain education providers in providing careers in line with industry needs advice and information about the ICT • analyse ICT workforce needs to better industry and to help the industry and understand the existing and future needs education sector to better understand the of the industry with a particular focus on views of the young people they want to attraction, professional development encourage into ICT courses / careers and retention.
Victorian Government ICT Industry Plan 2005-2010 35
Delivering Infrastructure Capability
Victorian ICT companies require world-class infrastructure to compete on a global stage.
Current situation The reliance on increasing levels of broadband sector. In this environment, investors need connectivity will continue as broadband use accurate and relevant information about Alongside a strong skills base and access becomes more prevalent across the economy. prospective investments, and ICT companies to critical equipment for R&D, companies Historically, broadband developments, need to be able to deliver it. need fast, reliable and competitively priced such as the introduction of cable and DSL communications infrastructure and effective There are a number of avenues for ICT services, have not occurred in Australia access to development capital. companies to raise capital. The listed as quickly as they have in the leading markets are one, which in Australia are highly broadband countries. It is crucial that Victoria’s Communications sophisticated and of world-class standards. broadband infrastructure does not fall behind Companies, particularly at start-up or at an Access to advanced communications its competitors and trading partners in the early stage of development, can also seek infrastructure is a vital ongoing requirement for development of the next generation broadband investment from ‘angel’ or ‘seed’ investors or business. In the past four years, broadband services, including fibre to the premises and from the venture capital market which tends connections to business have increased from fixed and mobile wireless broadband. between 1 and 2 per cent to more than to look at later stage investments. The venture capital market in Australia remains relatively 60 per cent, easily surpassing levels of dial- Capital up access. Businesses and consumers are young but with a number of highly successful Businesses need capital investment to grow. also placing increasing demands on current firms established. A small number of businesses are able to services and ICT providers. provide their own capital but most need to ICT companies need to be able to access High-speed connectivity plays a role across rely on external sources of investment to capital effectively from all these sources. the full business life cycle. It underpins the fund development and/or growth strategies. Government has also been active in helping ability of companies to compete effectively Having access to capital investment options companies gain access to early stage and be innovative. It is a fundamental part for companies throughout their lifecycle is capital. Yet there is evidence to suggest the of advanced and collaborative research, an important part of the environment for an ICT industry performs poorly compared to development and production in scientific and innovative and outward-looking ICT industry. other industry sectors in securing capital commercial fields. It enables market growth investment from listed markets. The enthusiasm for investing in developmental through new ICT products and services and is ICT projects in the late 1990s and early 2000s Government research indicates there are central to business functions such as customer was tempered by the dotcom crash and barriers to accessing such investment as a relationship and supply chain management. market downturn. As a result, in the past few result of failures in the interaction between For businesses with dispersed operations, years, the ICT industry has experienced a listed markets and the ICT industry. Improved high-speed network connections are vital to more cautious investment climate. Investors understanding of this relationship may result maintain effective communication, information turned to more reliable and established ways in better access by ICT companies to this sharing and collaboration on projects. to assess risk and opportunity in the ICT major source of capital.
Victorian Government ICT Industry Plan 2005-2010 37 Role of Victorian Government bandwidth and expand Victoria’s Extel Communications broadband infrastructure to improve The Commonwealth Government sets competition. TPAMS contracts to date Extel Communications is a the national regulatory framework have lowered telecommunications costs successful developer of innovative, and is responsible for ensuring to the Government by approximately cost-effective ICT products, telecommunications services are accessible $200 million over five years and which improve the accessibility of on a reasonably equal basis and that they secured almost $200 million in new telecommunications services. meet community and business needs. telecommunications infrastructure Since establishing in 1991, State Governments have a more limited but investment for Victoria the Melbourne-based company has crucial role in influencing the development • established the $15 million gained a significant installed base in of broadband infrastructure and services. Broadband Innovation Fund to support Australia, North and South America and The Victorian Government is committed to the innovative use of broadband in Asia, including China, and its goal is to using the levers at its disposal to facilitate delivering government services become the global leader in delivering growth of broadband services and improve innovative network access solutions. the ICT industry’s access to these services. • facilitated broader access to the Government-owned Regional Fast Rail This goal has moved a step closer In 2005, the Victorian Government released fibre optic network to realisation through a cooperative its Broadband Framework: Pathway to the arrangement with Telstra’s suppliers Future describing how it will strategically • supported five regional projects to test for Extel to provide its innovative support the development of broadband different broadband technologies and expandsl technology as part of a infrastructure and services in the State. services in regional Victoria through the major trial by Telstra. expandsl extends $5 million Customer Access Networks The Government can also help the industry by the capacity and range of existing Demonstration Program creating a supportive investment environment, telephone networks, allowing previously promoting flows of relevant information and • supported the Municipal Association of isolated consumers to be economically addressing other barriers to obtaining the Victoria and the Growth Councils Wired connected to the high-speed investment capital needed for growth. Development Consortium’s development ADSL network. of a commercial planning model for Telstra began to trial Extel’s technology Strategy the provision of advanced broadband in several regional Victorian centres in • Ensure the Victorian ICT industry has services into new housing estates early 2005. The success of the trials is access to world-class infrastructure • published a series of Spend/Demand such that Telstra is planning to outfit and services. – Telecommunications in Regional further telephone exchanges with and Rural Victoria reports that expandsl, as part of a roll-out program Current initiatives provide much-needed information expected to continue for a number The Government has implemented a number on telecommunications demand and of years. of activities that have contributed to the expenditure throughout Victoria development of high-quality infrastructure • assisted in development of the technology in the State: finance sector through VicStart. • implemented the Telecommunications Purchasing and Management Strategy (TPAMS) to increase government
38 Victorian Government ICT Industry Plan 2005-2010 A ustralian centre for the moving image
New initiatives Tantalus Interactive Polaris Communications Supporting this ICT industry plan, the Government has already announced initiatives Tantalus was the first ever Australian Polaris Communications is a leading under its Broadband Framework: Pathway to company to develop an online, console developer and manufacturer of the Future. This outlines the Government’s video game. Broadband is critical to the telecommunications products for the agenda for using the most up-to-date continued growth of online gaming, desktop, specialising in the supply broadband technologies and fostering and better broadband translates and servicing of telephone headsets development of broadband services and inevitably to a better entertainment and handsets. infrastructure, particularly in regional areas. experience for video gamers. We look The company is headquartered at online gaming as a key growth area Building on this support the Government will: in Melbourne and employs 40 for our business, and with the continued people nationally. One of Polaris • help to establish in Victoria world- support of the Victorian Government we Communications’ biggest markets class motion capture facilities for the hope to build a worldwide reputation for is the Australian contact centre industry, electronic games, advertising, design excellence in this space. which has more than 220,000 seats and other digital industries as well as for Tom Crago and is one of the largest in the Asia- a wide variety of educational and skill CEO, Tantalus Interactive Pacific region. development, subject to a comprehensive business case Polaris Communications developed ‘Soundshield’, a world-first device to • drive more productive interactions protect contact-centre workers from between the ICT industry and the the potential health-hazard of ‘acoustic financial and capital markets through shock’, a phenomenon caused by deeper understanding of the pattern unexpected high-pitched tones. and influence of investment in the sector. In May 2005, Polaris signed a multi-million dollar contract with the Australian Tax Office to provide up 4,000 Soundshields and 8,500 new Soundpro headsets over the next few years.
Polaris Communications continues to invest in R&D, and works in close partnership with the National Acoustics Laboratory and the Cochlear Research Centre to support the ongoing development of a full suite of acoustically safe products.
Victorian Government ICT Industry Plan 2005-2010 39 Contributions
The Victorian Government is grateful to the following individuals and organisations for their contributions to the review of the ICT Industry Plan.
Abstract Plane EDS Australia National ICT Australia
Accenture Etechgroup Pty Ltd NEC Australia
Acumentum Pty Ltd Extel Communications Pty Ltd NeoProducts Pty Ltd
Agilent Technologies Australia Pty Ltd Hansen Technologies Novell
Analog Devices Hawker de Havilland nSynergy Pty Ltd
ANCA Pty Ltd Hewlett-Packard Australia Pty Ltd Oakton Ltd
Association of Professional Engineers, Hitwise Pty Ltd Ocean Software Pty Ltd Scientists and Managers, Australia IBM Australia Ltd Pacific Internet (Australia) Pty Ltd Australian Computer Society ICON Recruitment Polaris Communications Pty Ltd Australian Electrical and Electronic Manufacturers’ Association Information City Australia Pty Ltd QSR Ltd
Australian Information Industry Association Infosys Technologies Australia Pty Ltd Radiant Systems Asia Pacific Pty Ltd
Australian Software Metrics Association Invizage Pty Ltd RFID Association of Australia
Australian Stock Exchange Ltd IR Gurus Interactive Pty Ltd RMIT University
Ballarat University IT Skills Hub Robert Bosch (Australia) Pty Ltd
Bendigo Bank Limited Information Technology Contract and Sage Technology Recruitment Association Box Hill TAFE Satyam Computer Services Ltd Kangan Batman TAFE Calyptech Pty Ltd Senko Advanced Components cBallarat Kaz Group Ltd (Australia) Pty Ltd CEOS Pty Ltd Kingfisher International Pty Ltd Smart Internet Technology CRC
Coles-Myer Ltd La Trobe University Starfish Ventures Pty Ltd Linfox Computer Associates International Inc Stonehenge Mayne Group Computershare Ltd Tantalus Interactive Pty Ltd Microsoft Australia CSIRO Australia Telstra Ltd Monash Commercial Pty Ltd Cutler & Company Toyota Australia Monash University Daintree Networks University of Ballarat Morpheum Pty Ltd Deakin University University of Melbourne DialTime Moyston Fisheries Ltd Victoria University of Technology Dr Phil Gurney Murray Goulburn Co-operative Co. Ltd Victorian Learning and Employment e-CentricInnovations Pty Ltd N.Tea Skills Commission
40 Victorian Government ICT Industry Plan 2005-2010 www.mmv.vic.gov.au DOI 3237/07