Information Technology

Big Player and creative spin-offs

In 2007, Austrian ICT companies achieved a turnover of 15 billion euros; if we include down-stream industries, such as consulting, advertising and the media, turnover was even 30 billion euros. Measured against the GDP, the ICT sector is even bigger than the major Austrian tourism industry. The ICT sector accounts for one quarter of the GNP growth.

The key to success: Competition and heterogeneity are the typical features of the growing ICT market in Austria. In addition to the big names, such as Siemens, Infineon, Sony or Microsoft, Austria is home to specialised niche suppliers, such as Frequentis, and numerous smaller companies, many of them spin-offs and temporary business/science cooperations that ensure creativity and dynamism on this market.

Some 2.7 percent of the gross national product (GDP) is currently invested in ICT; the total IT expenses amount to 6.3 billion euros, and the trend is upward: The industry expects an annual growth of 5.4 percent by 2011.

Microsoft strengthens subsidiary in Austria

In May 2006, Microsoft added an F&E subsidiary to its first subsidiary founded in 1991 in Vienna. With the take-over of the Austro-American company Vexcel, the American software and IT group now has a second base in Graz and employs approximately 350 people at the two locations.

In October 2008, a Microsoft Innovation Centre will be opened in Vienna. The centre, with partners such as Hewlett-Packard, Polycom and others, will develop software solutions further and train IT specialists of tomorrow.

Leading in e-government

In all rankings, Austria comes first with regard to the e-government offer in the EU. Austrian companies are able to carry out nearly all their dealings with authorities on-line.