With Vietnam’s accession to WTO, its economy is faced with new opportunities and new challenges, especially in the field of software and technology. Being swarned into attack by companies and corporations all over the world, Vietnamese software companies have to renew and adapt to fair competition without the government's protection. To make it clearer, we had an interview with Dr Tran Luong Son- a general manager of Viet Software Joint Stock Company- one of the biggest software companies in Vietnam to this day.
Would you mind telling us in general about your history and process of activities since Vietsoftware was set up until now? What were the defining events and factors?
Dr Tran Luong Son: Vietsoftware was set up in 2000, when the world software and information technology market was eventful and thousands of Vietnamese companies were beginning in the field of software. The IT market crisis in 2000-2001 influenced our first development period in the field. And recently, the crisis at home caused by the Government’s main point programs and projects, influenced software companies, including Vietsoftware. Business markets will be software`s future and this is our most important tactic in the new period. Currently, the strength of the Vietnamese economy will give us a better opportunity in the global field of software, of which Vietsoftware is one of the leaders.
What about the exertion on your production and business plans in the future and the pressure to maintain the title you have acquired?
Dr Tran Luong Son: Good tactics are Vietsoftware`s basic strongpoint. We have positive plans to reconstruct our company, increase management's ability and have more influence on the market. We did not take part in any competitions and didn't get any prizes in software, because we think the most important prize is the customer and the market's admittance.
Would you please tell us the solutions which were applied to maintain your market share?
Dr Tran Luong Son: Visibility, tactics and creation are our three basic guidelines. Vietsoftware`s solutions and products were made from great vision in technology and markets and very a strong development of technology. Correct tactics helped us take the leader’s position in a shorter time and with less expenditure than others. The value of Vietsoftware is that its products are made by continuously researching and developing activities. While most other Vietnamese IT companies also invested in research and development activities, they either didn't have enough potential or they didn’t know how.
In the future, by replacing old solutions and technologies, we will invest strongly in product business. Currently, we will also invest to upgrade our ability to carry out big and complicated projects on a national scale, something that will happen more and more as the domestic market shows signs of a come-back after a quiet period.
And it's time for these companies like ours….
Vietnam is joining WTO, and an integration process. What are the advantages and disadvantages your company has to face? What is the solution to increase your competitiveness?
Dr Tran Luong Son: Competition nowadays is not limited to one country. Vietnamese IT companies have to face competition from all over the world in technology and management. So, there is no alternative for Vietnamese companies but to adapt and alter themselves to also become companies of world standard and global competitors. The world’s lessons on management are no stranger to us, but we have to apply them determinedly and systematically.
With WTO accession, Vietnamese market's rules have to change, and it's an admirable opportunity for the world standard companies. I realize that now is the time for these companies like ours. We do hope to contribute to the development of a more complete and wholesome markets, attract the participation of the world community, and contribute to the development of the national economy as one important part of the global economy.
Luong Tuan
Vietnamese
