It-business startup in isaan

[exchange1973]

Hi there,

I think about start up a  small IT-business in Iaan with emphasis "Networking" and maybe "Softwareengineering".

Costumers could be Offices, small corporates and "end-user". I'm interested in your opinion! Is there a "market" in Isaan. Networkingdevelopment,Configuration and maintenance, also Serverconfiguration could be covered.

Softwareengineering: Windowssoftware (also bigger applications, officeautomation... , Linuxsoftware developed in Java, Websitedevelopment, design and programming.

Could that work in Isaan? Are IT-services demanded in Isaan?

Additional question: Is sdsl available in bigger cities in Isaan(maybe UdonThani). At least 0,5 MBit up- and downstream!

If sdsl_available=True Then

   what does it cost?

End If

Thanks for your help!

[lopburi3]

I think you had better make a ground survey before you leap in as it does not sound vary viable to me; but I am not involved in IT work.  You are talking about the least developed area of Thailand for starters.  Most people would not speak English.  Don't believe they need too much "IT" for the production of rice.  Don't know what 'sdsl' is, (we are still in the 56k world), but you can't even get adsl in many parts of Bangkok; much less upcountry where you will be lucky to even have a phone line.  Here in Bangkok the lowest price for 64/128 ADSL would be about 6,000 baht per month for full time service.  Upcountry you would probably have to have direct satellite system which is charged by bits passed (and is not cheap).  Things are changing but not fast.

[singa-traz]

There was an article in the BangkokPost about a possible Software Park in Khon Kaen.

http://search.bangkokpost.co.th/bkkpost....05.html

or here (thanks google cache):

http://www.google.com.au/search?....e=UTF-8

512K in Issan ... never heard of ... ADSL is possible in Issan, but at what price ...

Check for IP-Star ... satellite based.

As for the viability of an IT Business in Issan ... the best would be to check with the local PC/HW Vendors ...

SVOA has two IT Clinics in Issan, as per their web site (in Thai):

http://www.svoa.co.th/IT_AddressNortheast.asp

CDGM has one office in Khon Kaen:

http://www.cdgm.co.th/service_eng/index.htm

...

Maybe you could survive as a part-time IT Technology Teacher ... and run a small business as a complement ... Setting up intranet, email, internet connection to small companies/factories...

Good Luck !