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January 30, 1998
(Executive Council)


Supplier Development Initiative Launched

Operation ONLINE Inc. today announced the launch of its Information Technology (IT) Supplier Development Initiative and formation of the Supplier Development Council. Participating in the occasion were Brian Tobin, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, and Paul Mills, Vice President ACOA-Newfoundland.

The Information Technology Supplier Development Initiative is part of Operation ONLINE Inc.'s thrust to build the province's IT sector and is designed to increase the volume and value of sub-contract work and strategic partnerships between large IT buyers and local suppliers. The project will stimulate local innovation to support growth in other sectors and lead to building a greater capacity within the IT industry to support its services.

The Supplier Development Council comprises large IT buyers willing to support the province's IT business development. The objectives of the council are to promote procurement, and research and development partnerships between key industries and local IT firms, and to encourage partnerships between external suppliers and local industry.

The program will be delivered by the Newfoundland and Labrador Alliance of Technical Industries (NATI) on behalf of Operation ONLINE Inc.

Sam Walters, Operation ONLINE Chair, emphasized the importance of the Supplier Development Initiative stating:"We are pleased to see another component of our Action Plan unfold. The Supplier Development Initiative will play a key role in building strong local IT suppliers able to export their products and services. This initiative is made much stronger because of the involvement of the major industries in the province."

Premier Tobin said: "The growth of advanced technology in our province has been significant in our transition from a resource-based economy to a knowledge-based economy. The enabling effect of information technology influences all economic sectors. I challenge the Supplier Development Council to further the growth of the IT sector by creating and embracing new opportunities through this initiative."

Representing the Government of Canada, Paul Mills said: "The formation of the Supplier Development Council is a necessary step in the growth of IT companies based in Newfoundland and Labrador. It demonstrates a commitment on the part of major industries in the province to the development of knowledge-based businesses critical to the competitiveness of all sectors."

Rex Anthony, speaking on behalf of the Council, added, "As demonstrated by our commitment to the formation of the council, the business community recognizes the importance of building the province's IT industry for the local market and beyond."

Operation ONLINE Inc. (Opportunities for Newfoundland and Labrador In the New Economy) was launched on November 25, 1996 as a result of a joint industry/government Task Force on Information Technology. It is a not-for-profit corporation created to advance and promote the province's rapidly growing information technology industry. Operation ONLINE Inc. is supported through a $10 million investment from the Canada/Newfoundland Agreement on Economic Renewal.

Contact:

Lori Churchill
Operation ONLINE Inc.
Tel: (709) 729-4230

Heidi Bonnell
Office of the Premier
Tel: (709) 729-3564

Ellen Alcock
Canada/Newfoundland Agreement on Economic Renewal
(709) 772-5116

___________________________

Backgrounder
Information Technology Supplier Development Initiative

 

The Supplier Development Initiative is part of Operation ONLINE's Action Plan to increase business opportunities and develop partnerships among the Information Technology sector and other key sectors of the provincial economy. The initiative provides a coordinated approach to IT purchasing in local markets and ensures that Newfoundland and Labrador suppliers are able to meet the requirements of large IT buyers.

 

The project will also lead to an IT industry that:

- delivers new high-quality products and services to major local buyers;
- leads to new and innovative ways of doing business in all sectors;
- provides greater access to national and international markets.

The two main components are a Supplier Development Council and a quality improvement and skills development program for IT businesses.

Information Technology Supplier Development Council

The Council comprises large IT buyers representing key industries in the province. Members demonstrate a commitment by their respective organizations to promoting new procurements and partnerships between their industries and local IT firms. In addition, the Council promotes local IT providers to external industry leaders. Further representation on the Council will be drawn from industry and trade organizations as well as major IT service providers interested in developing partnerships and doing business in Newfoundland and Labrador.

Program Management

Through Operation ONLINE Inc., the Newfoundland and Labrador Alliance of Technical Industries (NATI) will provide ongoing administration and support services for the IT Supplier Development Council. NATI will be responsible for a range of activities including communications and promotion, business opportunities identification, networking events, and implementation of capacity-building projects. Furthermore, NATI will serve on the Council as the primary representative of the IT industry.

 

Business Opportunities Analysis

Based upon the objectives outlined by the Supplier Development Council, support will be available to analyse buyer needs within target sectors. This will result in the identification of detailed project opportunities which can be supported through this Initiative.

Supplier Analysis and Promotion

Ongoing analysis of the operations and capabilities of specific companies within the Newfoundland and Labrador IT community will be conducted to identify gaps and potential areas of improvement. In addition, promotional material highlighting local capabilities will be developed and used in networking and partnering events locally and abroad.

Information Technology Supplier Enhancement Projects

Under this element, projects will be undertaken to upgrade company capabilities to meet buyers' requirements. Projects supported may include specialized skills development, targeted networking events, and quality assurance programs.

1998 10 30 4:46 p.m.

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