Original post: http://www.ticotimes.net/daily_paid/dailynewsarchive/2010_06/061110.htm#story1
An often-mentioned goal of President Laura Chinchilla's administration is to transform Costa Rica into the first “developed” country in Latin America.
The recipe for success in achieving that goal will require many ingredients, and one of the most vital of them will be the development of advanced, accessible and reliable technology.
Over the last decade, access to new technologies, such as computers, cell phones and all-encompassing handheld devices, has gone from optional to almost mandatory. Many jobs require knowledge of how to operate a computer, schools teach computer literacy courses, and to roam about without a cell phone is considered almost Precambrian. These days, communication and information are expected to be accessible and immediate. Therefore, to be considered as such, a developed country must live up to these standards.
In a speech in Costa Rica in May, Norm Judah, the Chief Technology Officer of the Microsoft Corporation, the world's leading developer and provider of computer software, commented on today's high-tech life.
“One of the biggest changes with the Internet has been the immediacy of information,” he said. “If you are trying to find information, whether you are looking for it on your computer or on your phone, you can get it. We have practically done away with the need to go to people to get information. You don't even have to go to a library to get a reference book. Almost everything is available online.”
Fifteen years ago, Microsoft began operations in Costa Rica with the idea of promoting technological development in the country and in the Central American region. Recently, Juan Pablo Consuegra, Microsoft's newly appointed general manager in Costa Rica, met with The Tico Times to talk about the company's plans and the importance of technology in the country's development. Following is a summary of that interview.
TT: President Laura Chinchilla on many occasions has referred to the goal of Costa Rica becoming a developed country. What do you think the role of technology is in relation to this goal?
JPC: I think Costa Rica is already on track towards earning that distinction. Costa Rica grew 8 points in the network readiness index presented at the World Economic Forum in March. Through the work of the government, Costa Rica is known as being strong in education and health. The country is very focused on the idea of using technology to improve its standing in those areas. I think the application of technology will continue to improve, and the impact it will have on students will be vital, as being familiar with technology has become almost necessary in many career fields.
So, to answer the question, technology is fundamental to becoming a developed country. We are here to assist in developing it, and to work with the government to strengthen the availability of technology across the country.
What is the role of Microsoft in Costa Rica ?
We are committed to the Microsoft vision here and in Central America. Part of that vision is to develop technology in the country. We are very pleased to be the leader in the region in that regard, and to have the continued support of the government to contribute and commit to the development of technology here.
Secondly, Microsoft continues to be the company that guides the way in which people work. We know that this is important, and we take pride in it. We want to make sure companies in this country have access to the technology that optimizes the functioning of their organization.