The Australian Information Industry Association (AIIA) today demonstrated its support for all levels of the ICT industry through the CollabIT ACT program.

The vision of CollabIT ACT is to create a supportive environment to accelerate the growth of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) throughout the ACT region. CollabIT provides the framework for local companies to partner with the large established players to pursue new business opportunities. CollabIT also facilitates greater SME access to support for innovation, employment, investment, and education.

“CollabIT’s role is to shape the business environment through collaboration with industry and government at all levels to create sustainable opportunities for local SMEs”, said Mr Ian Birks, AIIA’s Chief Executive Officer.

“The CollabIT Power Breakfast showcases collaboration and is a clear demonstration of the vibrant and innovative ICT community within the ACT”, he said.

The first CollabIT event showcased the successful business collaboration of three ICT companies, Intelledox, CSC and OBS.

“It is very pleasing to see the results of local collaboration, and witness the creation of a unique solution that provides a solution to the problem s inherent in management the information lifecycle in large enterprises”, said Mr Birks.

“The AIIA has been working hard to provide support to the SME sector, it is very rewarding to see innovation in practise. I applaud the success of CollabIT ACT,” he said.

The CollabIT ACT program was funded in the last ACT budget, expanding the program from a .NET membership base to include all ICT SMEs.

CollabIT ACT is the latest initiative under AIIA’s national CollabIT banner, complementing similar SME activities underway in New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia, Victoria and Western Australia.

CollabIT ACT will be officially launched on 24 September, 2009 by ACT Chief Minister Jon Stanhope.