The purpose was to present the Armenian IT sector's increasing international competitiveness, and to encourage continued foreign investment into Armenia while also seeking opportunities for local companies to enter the global marketplace.

Republic of Armenia Prime Minister Andranik Margaryan had proclaimed IT Month as a logical "next step" toward continued development of Armenia's flag-bearing industry at home and abroad.

IT Month was a precedent-setting achievement both nationally and regionally. The sheer scope of the huge undertaking was extremely impressive. Thousands of people participated in events ranging from a national microelectronics Olympiad, E-content contest, to international conferences, exhibitions, and a global summit. The month of activities clearly demonstrated the depth, breadth, dynamism and cooperation of Armenia's IT cluster. IT Month participants were comprised of a wide spectrum of IT and IT-related companies and organizations, universities, government, donors, NGOs and individuals representing many countries. Participating Armenian companies were of all sizes, and events were held in all regions of the country.

The Enterprise Incubation Foundation organized the Armenian Open Programming Contest, which attracted 355 programmers from Yerevan and the regions. More than 15,000 visitors attended the Digitec 2006 exhibition, which also included Internet search contests, DigiLife seminars and the "Technologies of the Future Today" international conference.

Eighty people from 30 countries, plus about 300 more from within Armenia attended the Global E-Content Summit in Yerevan. Thanks to impressive victories won last year by Armenian specialists at the World Summit Award Contest, it became possible for Armenia to host this large-scale 2006 gathering.

The quality and number of participants was exceptional for the second All-Armenia E-Content Award Contest. Winners were given cash prizes, along with the opportunity to participate in the World Summit Award 2007 Contest and perhaps further enhance Armenia's winning IT tradition.

By Public Radio of Armenia