Puerto Rico gov’t, Microsoft partner to boost IT, cloud computing
Michael Terner, vice president of Brazil, left, greets Gov. García-Padilla during Tuesday’s session of the Global Leaders Forum in Brazil. (Credit: La Fortaleza)
In light of the growth of cloud computing and application programming interfaces worldwide, Gov. Alejandro García-Padilla signed a memorandum of understanding and cooperation framework with Microsoft that seeks to turn Puerto Rico into a global exponent of the digital cloud and promote job creation, among other objectives.
The memorandum was signed in Rio de Janeiro Tuesday during the celebration of the Government Leaders Forum, sponsored by Microsoft.
“The government of Puerto Rico recognizes and understands how, with the use of new information technologies, including cloud and API’s, we can provide access to a new world of information, which unleashes creativity, interaction and facilitates communication and productivity of the overall economy,” García-Padilla said.
“With this collaboration commitment, we establish that these technologies contribute to improving the competitiveness of our productive sectors and foster the development of an economy based on knowledge and innovation,” said García-Padilla.
Meanwhile, Hernán Rincón, corporate vice president for Microsoft Latin America, said “one of our main objectives is to increase access and use of information technology, innovation, education and productivity.”
“These are crucial to achieve the most important social change and improve the quality of life so that people and economies can maximize their potential and boost job creation. This memorandum between Microsoft and Puerto Rico is an example of our commitment,” he said.
MOU’s key points
Among the MOU’s key points are: creating training programs for local companies so they can provide cloud computing services and develop API’s; fostering strategic discussions to promote Puerto Rico as a cloud-based services hub for the rest of the world; attracting research and technological development projects to Puerto Rico; strengthen government efforts in their efforts to consolidate data centers; and, work with the Puerto Rico Industrial Development Company to evaluate the best way to encourage the creation of computer companies in the cloud.
In addition, Microsoft and the government will analyze how to promote the professional development of young people through educational resources, programs and Microsoft technologies. Efforts will also be assessed regarding specific training and solutions for small and medium enterpreises, to help them develop and export solutions and services. This agreement will also help strengthen the curricula of educational institutions in technology.
“This memorandum seeks to set the basic parameters for the assessment of joint cooperation activities aimed at promoting the use of information technology as an enabler in a new era for education, entrepreneurship and the creation of a knowledge-based economy and human capital that helps to transform Puerto Rico into a global exponent in cloud computing,”said Rincón.
During his participation in the convention, García-Padilla delivered the closing remarks following a discussion on “Innovation and Society” Tuesday. The governor headed a delegation from Puerto Rico that included Economic Development and Commerce Secretary Alberto Bacó and PRIDCO Executive Director Antonio Medina.
Sources at the convention told this media outlet that during his meetings with representatives from companies in Brazil, García-Padilla did “an excellent job selling Puerto Rico and positively impressed and surprised everyone.”
