The Commission on Information and Communications Technology – Human Capital Development Group (CICT- HCDG) will soft-launch Open STEP, a compilation of mature open source applications for micro and small entrepreneurs from July 19 to 22.

Free CDs will be distributed at the Megatrade Hall of SM Megamall in Mandaluyong City, Philippines to bonafide mSMEs that are willing to further test the adaptability and appropriateness of the applications.

The CICT evaluates mature and open source applications and selects one per category based on user-friendliness, comprehensiveness and maturity. The following applications form part of Open STEP: Turbocash, osCommerce, Adempiere, Orange HRM, TimeTrex, IDCMS, Open Office and other open source support tools.

The project aims to leverage ICT in business operations such that information management can be done efficiently and effectively without added cost on software and also to make micro and small entrepreneurs aware of the Internet's many advantages and benefits, like business-matching, raw materials sourcing, online networks and forums.

The project is made possible by the cooperation of the Department of Trade and Industry – Bureau of Small and Medium Enterprise Development, the University of the Philippines – Institute for Small Scale Industries, the International Open Source Network, Open Desk and IdeaCorp.