Mainstream Technology Firms IBM, INTEL, MICROSOFT Target Microfinance for Social, Capital Returns
Prof. C.K. Prahalad Says These Companies are Smart to Look at Bottom of the Pyramid Consumers in Interview Published Today in Microfinance Insights

Mumbai, Maharashtra, India, Thursday, September 04, 2008 -- (Business Wire India)

Increasingly, mainstream technology firms like IBM, Microsoft and Intel are looking at the microfinance customer base and seeing an opportunity for new clients—microfinance institutions and their borrowers—and a way to help people who normally can’t afford to buy their products. C.K. Prahalad, the author and business strategist said in an interview released today in Microfinance Insights magazine, referring to IBM, Intel and Unilever, “I believe that the companies that are clued in [to this market] will have enormous benefits, and will take that knowledge back to the rest of the world. To me, the base of the pyramid is not just an opportunity for market expansion…it is an opportunity for innovation.”

Prof. Prahalad’s cover story is accompanied by interviews with leaders from IBM and Microsoft and a perspective from Intel in the latest edition of Microfinance Insights focused on Technology Solutions for microfinance. In the past couple of years, telecom companies, as well as technology firms, have been more deliberate in their outreach to the low-income segment. Global telecom companies, like Vodafone and Nokia, see the microfinance market as key to their growth strategies. In the Sept/Oct issue of the magazine, Microfinance Insights looks at some of the technologies that are opening up the world of “financial inclusion” and analyzes the risks and the needs created by these new entrants to the world of microfinance.

Also, in this issue, the magazine publishes a new Survey on technology for microfinance institutions (MFIs), gathering views from nearly 250 MFIs around the world on a range of issues from technology used, technology spending, the challenges faced by MFIs when adopting technology, and the use of Management Information Systems. The results are previewed in the issue.

Features of Vol. 8 Microfinance Insights Technology Solutions: Testing the Waters include:

-- Interview with C.K. Prahalad, known for his pioneering approach towards poor people at in his book Fortune at the Bottom of the Pyramid

-- Commentary by James Dailey, creator of open-source microfinance software Mifos

-- Advice on technology for MFIs from Alexander Bloch, Associate Partner, IBM;

-- Global perspectives on large and small technology projects in China, Egypt, Vanuatu, Bangladesh

-- A perspective on mobile banking and risk from Bankable Frontier

-- An interview with Microsoft on the need for appropriate technologies for microfinance

-- A field visit to the Eko mobile banking pilot project in Delhi

-- An introduction to credit bureaus for MFIs from PlaNet Finance

-- And much more…

Microfinance Insights is a dynamic, fast growing magazine with over 4,000 readers around the world. The magazine is published from India, but international in content and distribution, bringing in articles, interviews and commentary from India as well as microfinance markets around the world including Morocco, Pakistan, Ecuador, Kazakhstan and Pakistan.

With the September issue, Microfinance Insights has moved to a bimonthly schedule, publishing 6 times a year, instead of 4. The magazine will also launch a new website this month to provide readers with more content and commentary on a regular basis.

Upcoming issues of the magazine include a focus on Africa in Nov/Dec and a look at “Microfinance Plus,” the innovative use of microfinance delivery channels to bring new products and services to the poor, in Jan/Feb 2009.

Past issues of the magazine have highlighted opinions and analyses from leading industry voices from the World Bank, the IFC, Morgan Stanley, Blue Orchard, Women’s World Banking, MIX Market, MicroCapital Monitor, the Micro Insurance Center, Sanabel, SKS and many others.

About Microfinance Insights

Microfinance Insights (www.microfinanceinsights.com) is an international bimonthly print magazine published by Intellecap to serve the knowledge needs of the growing microfinance sector. A comprehensive and consolidated resource, the magazine publishes diverse global voices, uncovers trends, and analyzes critical issues from economic, business, and social angles. By building knowledge and bringing in new international perspectives, particularly from developing countries, the magazine has become a microfinance thought leader. It is read by over 4,000 people around the world, who attend our knowledge-building events, and participate in global responsible finance, mobile finance, and microfinance conferences. Subscriptions are available online: www.microfinanceinsights.com.

About Intellecap

Intellectual Capital Advisory (Intellecap) (www.intellecap.net) is a social business advisory firm that incubates innovative businesses, enables capacity building, and facilitates investment initiatives in the development sector. Working in direct design, execution, as well as indirect strategic advisory roles, Intellecap seeks to create unique solutions that efficiently and effectively address development problems.