Neusoft Institute of Information Technology (Neusoft IIT), aiming to become the world's No. 1 information technology (IT) service provider, is enhancing efforts to develop strategic co-operation initiatives with world-renowned (IT) firms.

Neusoft IIT is the initial "notebook university" and first specialized IT higher-learning institute in China.

Neusoft IIT and IBM recently conducted three days of workshops in Dalian in Northeast China's Liaoning Province. They highlighted the newest international education concepts and provided a forum for the discussion of current education-related issues.

IBM, during the workshops, shared with Neusoft IIT its wealth of experience and rich resources in the education sector, to help the latter become a global leader in training IT talent.

"IBM provided Neusoft IIT with valuable, individualized suggestions for education-system reform over the three days, which will push forward the institute's e-education," Wen Tao, vice-president of Neusoft Group and president of Neusoft IIT, told China Business Weekly.

Christopher W. Bernbrock, an education executive with IBM's public sector in Asia-Pacific, agrees with Wen.

"IBM is confident cooperation with Neusoft IIT will result in new ideas that aid the institute's education innovation," Bernbrock said.

IBM, a global leader in IT, has made education one of its top priorities since its establishment nearly a century ago.

"IBM firmly believes the development of the IT sector is rooted in the prosperity of the education industry," Bernbrock said.

"Neusoft IIT, which blazes the trail in ... innovative educational mechanism and mode, shares the same core value and interests as IBM, such as 'Innovation makes a difference.' That is why IBM has co-operated with Neusoft IIT."

Neusoft IIT's officials said the feeling is mutual.

"IBM is one of the best strategic partners ... It provides us with all-round, customized solutions -- including the digital campus, long-distance multimedia teaching, a digital library, a university network and the 'ThinkPad University,"' Wen said.

The cooperation between Neusoft IIT and IBM has been sound throughout the years since its establishment.

IBM launched its software-talent-education program in April 2002. Since then, the firm has provided Neusoft IIT with its software product line -- which includes WebSphere, DB2, Tivoli and Lotus -- at no charge.

The software products and solutions would have normally cost Neusoft IIT about 2 million yuan (US$240,000).

In October 2002, Neusoft IIT and IBM signed agreements involving the education of software technicians and the purchases of 3,800 ThinkPad Notebook PCs.

The latter pact signaled Neusoft IIT's commitment to exploring an innovative IT education mode, and ultimately led to the creation of the digital campus and IBM's "ThinkPad University" program.

IBM and Neusoft IIT said they hope to continue cooperating in the future.

"IBM hopes to continue cooperating with Neusoft IIT, and we will spare no effort in supporting Neusoft IIT's innovation and development in public education," Bernbrock said.

Wen was equally as complementary.

"Neusoft is very likely to cooperate with IBM in the future," he said.

Neusoft IIT is interested in communicating and cooperating with well-known IT firms, company officials said.

Besides IBM, Neusoft IIT has established close relationships with Microsoft, Cisco, Toshiba, Skillsoft, Bea, Intel and Sap.

Neusoft IIT has become the first authorized training center in China for several providers of products and services -- including Sun, Oracle and Sco.

Neusoft IIT has formed strategic relationships with well-known companies from Japan, Canada, Australia, Ireland and the United States.

Neusoft IIT, authorized by China's Ministry of Education, was co-founded by Dalian's Northeast University and Neusoft Group.

Located in Dalian Software Park -- the national model software industry and software export bases -- Neusoft IIT covers 500,000 square meters.

The campus' construction area is 350,000 square meters, and the facility is expected to have 10,000 full-time students this fall.

(Business Weekly August 19, 2004)