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possible convergence among leading agricultural research and development
(R&D) management agencies with Microsoft, a world leader in
software development, is paving its way towards upscaling Cyber
Communities’ services.
Following
initial talks last 20-21 April, PCARRD, the Philippine Rice Research
Institute (PhilRice) and the Department of Agriculture – Bureau
of Agricultural Research (DA-BAR) came up with plans on the possible
convergence initiative with the software giant.
The
group identified possible areas where Microsoft Systems can intervene
including the provision of technical training for programmers on
e-learning content management; development of a market information/e-business
system software; and hardware provision.
Incidentally,
PCARRD’s Farmers Information and Technology Services (FITS)
centers across the country have become venues for the cyber communities
in developing an information and communications technology (ICT)-based
agriculture.
The
team is currently drafting the proposal for the said collaboration.
(Vanessa G. Villegas, S&T Media Service)
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