MANILA, Philippines - Delegates to the International Outsourcing Summit (IOS) in Manila next month can use a mobile application developed for Android and iOS handheld devices to keep abreast of changes in the agenda, manage their schedules, and take advantage of networking opportunities.
Analysts report that an increasing number of information technology and business process outsourcing (IT-BPO) players are getting past security concerns and seeing the value of cloud, mobile, and social media technologies in their operations.
Many firms are using these technologies to streamline the value chain and help reduce capital outlay and operational costs, according to McKinsey & Co. They are also seeing these technologies add value and foster service innovation.
As a result, IT-BPO and global in-house centers (GICs) are expected to offer clients and organizations these innovative services because they can strengthen and expand customer relationships. Service innovation — rather than cost efficiency — is the objective.
Organizers of the International Outsourcing Summit have developed a mobile app that they say provides these benefits for the 500 delegates expected to attend the annual industry event next month. They are not just preaching innovation, they are demonstrating innovation.
The Business Processing Association of the Philippines (BPAP), the umbrella association for the IT-BPO and GIC industry in the Philippines, is organizing the fourth IOS slated on Oct. 7-9.
Aside from the 500 delegates, the BPAP says 70 speakers and panelists will also attend the event. Delegates, speakers, and panelists are expected primarily to consist of influential IT-BPO leaders, experts, and analysts from around the globe.
The mobile app for delegates provides news, agenda updates, information on networking opportunities for the summit.
“Outsourcing Summit 2012” is a free mobile app available for download in the Google Play Store and, soon, the iTunes App Store.
“It will provide features that guide the user through the event,” says Raymond Lacdao, BPAP executive director for industry affairs.
“Delegates can use the app to identify sessions they don’t want to miss and organize them using the ‘My Schedule’ feature,’” Lacdao adds.
The app also gives users instant access to Twitter, where they can receive up-to-the-minute tweets on the sessions and discussions, and join in the conversation using their personal Twitter accounts and the hashtag, #IOSPH.
Other features include access to news and blogs; information on sponsors, partners, speakers, and exhibitors; and a map to the venue.
Delegates can download the IOS app from the Google Play store now and from the iTunes App Store beginning Sept. 18.
For more information on the summit, visit www.internationaloutsourcingsummit.com.