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LCQ17: Capability Maturity Model Assessment Grant
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    Following is a question by the Hon Sin Chung-kai and a written reply by the Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury, Mr Frederick Ma (in the absence of Secretary for Commerce, Industry and Technology), in the Legislative Council today (November 8):

Question:

     In regard to assisting local software developers and vendors in obtaining internationally recognised information technology (IT) certification so as to improve their products and the quality assurance procedures, and to enhance their competitiveness in securing software outsourcing contracts in the Mainland and overseas markets, will the Government inform this Council:

(a)  since the inception of the Capability Maturity Model (CMM) Assessment Grant, of the respective numbers of local software companies which have made applications and received funding support; the respective numbers of companies receiving funding support which have obtained CMM Certification or Capability Maturity Model Integration (CMMI) Certification, together with a breakdown by the levels of certification; and

(b)  given that the 2004 Digital 21 Strategy is drawing to its end, whether the authorities will, by continuing to provide funding support to the CMM Assessment Grant and adopting other measures, encourage and assist local software vendors in obtaining various internationally recognised IT certification expeditiously; if they will, of the details; if not, the reasons for that?


Reply:

Madam President:

(a)  Since the inception of the CMM Assessment Grant, 26 local software companies have submitted applications and 15 companies have received funding support after vetting. One company, however, has subsequently dropped out. Eight companies have successfully obtained Level 2 or above certification in CMM/CMMI. Of these companies, five obtained CMMI L3, two obtained SW-CMM L3, and one obtained SW-CMM L2. Besides, four companies are under assessment and are expected to obtain certification early next year.
     
(b) The Government will continue to encourage the local IT industry to upgrade its technologies and capabilities, as well as to facilitate its efforts in obtaining international and Mainland certifications, such as CMM/CMMI and Computer Information System Integration Qualification Certification. As necessary, the Government will also consider financial support of the CMM/CMMI certification for companies from the local software industry.

Ends/Wednesday, November 8, 2006
Issued at HKT 14:49

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