Brandix becomes Microsoft’s first Sri Lankan Enterprise Customer

Microsoft, the world’s leading software producer has signed an Enterprise Agreement (EA), with apparel giant Brandix Lanka Limited. This landmark agreement is the very first Microsoft has signed with a Sri Lankan company. The EA is Microsoft’s most preferred offering for corporate clients – ensuring that the enterprise partner receives a host of value added benefits along with genuine Microsoft software.

Brandix on entering this groundbreaking agreement will be entitled to a series of unique privileges formulated for Enterprise Partners. Microsoft’s additional commitments to Brandix will include support to develop Brandix’s IT blue print as well as extensive consultancy services and training. The EA will enable Brandix to utilize the latest Microsoft technology, receive Software Assurance enabling them to use all future software release versions during the Agreement period, receive ongoing support, training components, spread payments and other value additions during the 3 years, on completion of which Brandix receives a perpetual license for these Microsoft products. Brandix has licensed the desktops of the organization and will henceforth use only licensed Microsoft software.

“As our very first enterprise customer in Sri Lanka, we pledge to assist Brandix realize the full potential that superior IT deployment can deliver to an organisation” said Faycal Bouchlaghem, Director, Business Development, Microsoft Corporation. He said, “We admire Brandix for taking this step, which will ensure that they use licensed world-class technology. Microsoft is committed to supporting our enterprise partners the world over; they are provided more value, more manageability, and more assistance through Software Assurance. We have observed tangible improvement in the IT Practices of several top corporations that we have signed EA’s with. We look forward to working closely with Brandix as well as many more companies from Sri Lanka’s Corporate Sector”.

Ken Balendra, Chairman of Brandix Lanka said “As a company that employs cutting edge technology as one of its key pillars, we are indeed happy with this agreement and will ensure that we abide by the Intellectual Property guidelines. This tie-up is a clear demonstration of our commitment to responsible and ethical business practices in keeping with Brandix’s principles of corporate governance”. Ashroff Omar, CEO of Brandix Lanka added “Brandix strives to constantly optimize the use of technology in developing innovative ways of conducting our business. This unique opportunity with Microsoft will enable us to harness the full powers of Microsoft technology and continue to enhance the knowledge of all our executives, to optimize the usage of MS Office applications.”

Microsoft established operations with a firm pledge to help businesses utilize the potential of IT, through sharing their global best practices. They are now in the process of signing direct agreements with several top corporate entities locally. The software volume licensing program allows companies to license Microsoft software at special prices based on a three-year agreement.

The EA stamps Brandix’s position as one of the premier IT-savvy organizations in Sri Lanka, and also demonstrates the company’s clear commitment to best-in-class business practices and corporate responsibility. By using licensed Software, Brandix will be ensuring that the common pitfalls and business risks of unlicensed software are avoided. Brandix has taken this step at a crucial time when it is on the verge of facing intense global competition due to the lifting of the quotas, since it strongly believes that Microsoft can add value to its operations and staff competencies.

Brandix is Sri Lanka’s single largest exporter. Through restructuring and merging of its business operations it has positioned the company to be a globally competitive total solutions provider in the apparel industry. Structured into three sectors : Apparel, Textiles and Investments, the company provides a range of value-added services benchmarked to international standards, supporting its key product lines – casualwear and intimate apparel. Recently Brandix announced its latest venture, a US$ 10mn investment in a fully automated, state-of-the-art denim manufacturing plant located in Seethawaka Sri Lanka.