For its part, Sun conducted its own review a year ago. "We're in the midst of a complete overhaul--not because we're not happy with what we did, but something conceptualized two years ago for us is far too long. The same principle applies: if ain't broke, break it. So we're breaking and we're rebuilding it," Pillai said.
Sun initially touted its Java technology and a Java competency center for the MSC. Pillai said the company has now switched to a multi-pronged approach including pushing its Hot Desk architecture and Sun Ray thin-client servers to schools; working on secure services for B2B commerce over the Net; setting up a rendering lab for entertainment applications; assisting in getting the telemedicine flagship application off the ground; and encouraging Java use for e-procurement applications.
"We need to bring these technologies here quickly and do pilots because the country is in a rush to make that quantum leap and it needs the access," he said.
Other investors are also in favor of a review. "It's always good to review large ongoing projects from time to time. The MSC should not be an exception," said Tim Loving, managing director of AccTrak21, an accounting solutions company.
Loving's sore point is the shortage of "real commercial software industry talent" at the MDC. "There are any number of bureaucrats and academics in there but they are not what's needed in our industry. It may not be a major stumbling block but it will certainly affect the way MDC views and interacts with the homegrown commercial software industry."
Loving said MDC staff should visit their software industry clients more frequently. "My company has received very few pro-active visits from MDC staff. The culture seems to be that we should go to see them. That's a pity because when they do visit us on a one-on-one basis, I'm sure there is a marked change in perceptions. Until they get closer to the software companies and understand what they are trying to do and how they are currently constrained, it will be difficult to formulate an appropriate climate and culture for growth."
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