THE WORLD INFORMATION
TECHNOLOGY & SERVICES ALLIANCE
(WITSA)
Business Plan
2014
Draft V 4.0
October 29, 2013
Prepared by:
James Liu, Deputy Chairman
Santiago Gutierrez, Chairman
Jim Poisant, Secretary General
Non-Disclosure and Confidentiality Agreement
The undersigned ("Recipient") hereby agrees that all financial and other information
("Information") that the recipient has and will receive concerning is confidential and will not be
disclosed to any individual or entity without prior written consent of WITSA. The Information
shall remain the property of and shall be returned to promptly at its request together with all
copies made thereof.
Recipient acknowledges that no remedy of law may be adequate to compensate for a violation of
this Agreement and Recipient hereby agrees that in addition to any legal or other rights that may
be available in the event of a breach hereunder may seek equitable relief to enforce this
Agreement in any Court of competent jurisdiction.
_______________
________________________________
Date
Signature
This is a Business Plan and does not imply an offering of securities.
Contact Information:
Dr. James H. Poisant
Secretary General
WITSA
8300 Boone Blvd (Suite 450)
Vienna, Virginia 22182
This document contains confidential information. It is disclosed to the reader for informational
purposes ONLY.
Its contents shall remain the property of WITSA and shall be returned to WITSA upon request.
2
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PAGE/S
PART A TABLE OF CONTENTS/EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Table of Contents………………………………………………………………………………………………….....3-4
SECTION 1
1.1 Executive Summary (Summary of Plan)………………………………………………………..........................5-7
1.2 Strategic Planning Process………………………………………………………………………………………6-7
1.3 Strategic Plan Results…………………………………………………………………………………………...7-9
1.4 WITSA’s Overall Goals…………………………………………………………………………………… ...9-10
1.5 WITSA’s 2-4-6 Year Goals………………………………………………………………………………….......11
PART B WHERE ARE WE TODAY?
SECTION 2 ADMINISTRATION
2.1 Company Overview/Summary Description of WITSA’s Business/History)………………………1…………2-14
2.2 Vision/Passion Statements/Mission………………………………………………………………..………….…14
2.3 Management Positions/Board of Directors, (Chart)……………………………………………………………1415
2.3.1 Executive Staff………………………………………………………………………..
2.3.2 Chairman Emeritus………………………………………………………………………….
2.4 Office Staff Location………………………………………………………………………………..
2.4.1 Operations Staff………………………………………………………………………….
2.4.2 Consultants………………………………………………………………………………..
2.4.3 Compensation…………………………………………………………………………………
2.4.4 Relocation Compensation……………………………………………………………….
2.4.5 WITSA’s Web Site Address…………………………………………………………….
2.4.6 Operating Equipment……………………………………………………………………
2.4.7 Supplies and Vendors…………………………………………………………………..
2.5 Committees…………………………………………………………………………………………..
2.6 Regional Office Chart…………………………………………………………………………..…..
SECTION 3-LEGAL
3.0 Legal Description…………………………………………………………………………………
3.1 Legal Documents…………………………………………………………………………………
PART C -PRODUCT OFFERINGS
4.0 Product Offerings…………………………………………………………………………………
4.1 Description of Member Services (Why WITSA?) ……………………………………………
4.2. Membership Survey………………………………………………………………………………..
4.3 Programs (Advisory Council/Global Partners)…………………………………………………
4.4 WITSA Events………………………………………………………….
4.5 Alternate Product offerings………………………………………………………………………
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PART D MARKET
SECTION 5
5.1 Market Opportunity ……………………………………………………………..……
5.2 Industry Definition…………………………………………………………………..
5.3 Market Size…………………………………………………………………………..
5.4 Market Share…………………………………………………………………………..
5.5 Primary Competition……………………………………………………………
5.6 Relevance to Members…………………………………………………
5.7 Market Trends (identify industry trends and customer trends)…………………………………
5.8 SWOT Analysis……………………………………………………………………………………..
PART E FINANCIAL
SECTION 6
6.1 Revenue Sources…………………………………………………………………………
6.2 Dues……………………………………………………………………………………………
6.3 Events…………………………………………………………………………………………
6.4 Programs (Advisory Council/Global Partners…………………………………………………
6.5 Past Performance P&L Combined Statements (Past three years)…………………………………
6.6 Sources and % of WITSA Revenue Sources…………………………………………………………
6.7 Three year cash flow projections……………………………………………………………………
6.8 Projected Balance Sheet (Projection of Assets, Liabilities, and Net Worth of WITSA
(end of 2015 fiscal year)……………………………………………………………………………..
6.9 Financial Projections (Summary of Income Statement Projections (Next 3 years)………………
6.10 WITSA’s Financial Review Policy…………………………………………………………………
HOW DO WE KNOW WE MET OUR GOALS?
PART F /KPI
SECTION 7
7.0 2011-2012-2013-2014 Key Performance Index (Secretary General)…………………………..
4
SECTION 1
1.1 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
WITSA is a consortium of 80 leading Information and Communications Technology associations
(Oct 2013). In 2011, WITSA signed an MOU with the CCID of China. It should be noted that
all organizations are not in good standing within WITSA as a number of them are delinquent in
paying their dues. An unknown number of these associations may be defunct. WITSA is
addressing this issue by deleting their names from our membership roles (2013).
WITSA is an organization that has evolved from being a small group of likeminded individuals
in the 1970’s interested in gaining an international perspective on association management,
common issues and interests to a globally recognized organization representing over 90% of the
ICT industry. The 90% representation is an estimate as it is near impossible to have a precise
number.
WITSA’s growth has paralleled the growth of perhaps the most significant industry in human
history, the Information and Communications Technology (ICT) Industry.
ICT has been
heralded by many as the key driver of global economic development and enabling globalization.
ICT is also credited with positively affecting nearly every aspect of human life from health care,
education, government services, transportation, communications, and environment to the global
economy.
With all of WITSA’s successes, growth and accomplishments over the past three decades,
WITSA finds itself in a position to exponentially further increase its influence and impact, on not
only its member community and the ICT industry as a whole, but to the improved welfare and
well-being of every person, government, institution and industry on earth by advocating,
facilitating and promoting the increased use of ICT.
It is within this realm of this potential opportunity that WITSA has reevaluated its vision of
being the recognized as the “Voice of the ICT Industry” to envisioning itself as the organization
facilitating the Fulfillment of the Promise of the Digital Age. The promise is that every person
on earth, regardless of who they are, where they live or how much money can and will derive
benefits from digital technologies. This refocus or realization of WITSA’s vision resulted
directly from the Strategic Planning session that occurred in Johannesburg, SA on October 29,
2010. Given that WITSA’s vision has been changed to Fulfilling the Promise of the Digital Age
5
it is important for WITSA’s management to indentify activities and actions that reinforce and
implement this vision. Accordingly, striving in ways to fulfill the vision will be addressed
throughout this plan. During the October 29th meeting the WITSA Board of Directors not only
redefined the vision of WITSA it identified and prioritized activities and initiatives intended to
set WITSA on its refocused path.
New initiatives and activities intended to expand WITSA’s global influence and footprint as well
as secure WITSA’s financial future were put forth. In so doing, this plan will address WITSA’s
(2-4-6 year goals) and set forth new goals and initiatives for 2014. In addition, the 2014 plan will
address operational support responsibilities of the WITSA Regional Vice Chairpersons
(Executive Committee).
Adhering to traditional business plan models the 2014 Business Plan will contain historical
information, WITSA’s legal form, financial information, management and organization, resource
requirements, programs, products and services.
In addition, the Secretary General’s 2014 Key
Performance Indicators (KPI) will be included in this document as it relates directly to
WITSA’s 2014 goals and prioritized initiatives. Ref: Part F Section7.2. It should be noted
however, that the main focus on this plan MUST be on creating alternate revenue sources as
well as maximizing the ones that already exist.
This plan is a working document open to recommendations and updating. Members of WITSA
are invited to comment.
1.2 Strategic Planning Process
The purpose of this section is to identify actions and associated timelines required for the
completion of WITSA’S 2014 Strategic Plan which will lead to the creation of WITSA’s 2014
Business Plan to be completed before the end of the 2013 year. The following describes said
actions with accompanying time lines:
1. Define Strategic Plans and Business Plans to include outlines (formats) for each. (End
of July 2013/Completed)
2. Define the Strategic Planning Process to include steps (Outline) and lessons learned
from strategic planning literature. (Mid August 2013/Completed)
3. To assess existing elements of former Strategic Planning data to be considered for
inclusion in the 2014 planning process. (Mid August 2013/Completed)
6
4. To vet the Strategic Planning process with WITSA’s Deputy Chairman (Strategic
Plan Chairman) and WITSA’s Chairman. (End of August 2013/Completed)
5. Send out a series of questions to WITSA’s Executive Committee in order to assess
the degree of changes necessary to update the 2014 Strategic Plan. (1st week of
September 2013/Completed)
6. Summarize the results of the Executive Committee questionnaire (end of
September/Completed)
7. Produce the first draft of the 2014 Business Plan by mid November.
8. Conduct a special Business Plan session on November 9th in Sao Paulo.
9. Update the Business plan on November 11th in Sao Paulo at the WITSA BOD
meeting.
10. Send updated version out to all members for their comments (Beginning of December
2013).
11. Finalize the 2014 Strategic and Business Plan. (January 2014).
1.3 Strategic Plan Results
As follow up action regarding #6 above, on September 18th, 2013 a Conference call was
conducted with the WITSA Chairman, Business Plan Chairman, several members of the
Executive Committee and the Secretary General regarding two important Business Plan
questions:
A. Where are we today?”
B. “Things we need to do in the future.”
The group reported that WITSA:
1. Is too dependent on Event License Revenue therefore it must establish alternate
sources of revenue.
2. Needs more involvement from members is areas such as event attendance and policy
input.
3. Needs to build it capabilities to assist event hosts.
4. Must provide its members with more value.
5. Needs to expand its membership and should look at other models such as Digital
Europe.
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6. Should provide its members with helpful information about running associations.
WITSA should gather information from all members to offer this service.
7. Formalize a way for WITSA to contact WITSA’s global network.
8. Needs to participate in global institutions.
9. Increase business opportunities for small and medium sized companies.
10. Bylaws need to be reviewed and incorporated into the 2014 Business Plan or be
changed.
11. Needs to review the selection process for Vice Chairpersons.
12. Needs to be more involvement within the regions.
13. Needs to train VC’s on selling Global Partners and Advisory Council members.
In the process of updating WITSA’s 2014 Business Plan the initial focus will be on answering
the following four (4) key questions:
1. Where are we?
2. Where do we want to be?
3. How do we get there?
4. How do we evaluate and measure what we are doing?
The (4) key questions are restated accompanied by an outline of subject matter necessary to
answer the questions:
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STRATEGIC PLAN OUTLINE
Where do we
Where we are?
How do we get
there?
want to be?
Assessment
Baseline
Scan
• Situation – Past,
Present and Future
Specific
Components
• Mission, Vision, Passion Performance M
• Background Information Significant Issues
• KPI’s
• Key Goals &
• SWOT –
Strengths,
Weaknesses,
Opportunities
, Threats
• Align / Fit with
• Capabilities
Objectives
Resources
• Initiatives
Action Pla
Gaps
1.4 WITSA GOALS
WITSA’s Overall Goals
WITSA aims to further advance and to position itself as the leading recognized voice of the
global ICT industry. WITSA has identified and adopted eight (8) key critical forces to propel the
organization in meeting its goals:
1. Public Policy: To strengthen WITSA's advocacy role in the development of ICTrelated international public policy.
2. Global Trade: To facilitate global trade among WITSA members that impacts the
growth of the ICT industry.
3. Membership: To increase and to retain WITSA members by providing greater
membership value.
9
4. Partnership: To build and to enhance WITSA’s relationships with private
corporations, globally recognized organizations and institutions and governments in
order to garner greater support, participation and recognition of WITSA.
5. Collaboration: To enhance WITSA's collaborative efforts with internationally
recognized global organizations.
6. Flagship Events: To continue in hosting WITSA’s flagship events in different parts of
the world in order to strengthen WITSA’s global thought leadership position.
7. Global Recognition: To improve WITSA's brand and public relation efforts in order to
increase and to enhance WITSA’s image and reputation around the globe.
8. Operational Efficiency: To improve WITSA’s operational efficiency in financial
capabilities, organizational capabilities, and increase value to WITSA’s members and
partners.
9. Advocating international public policies that advance the industry’s growth and
development;
10. Facilitating international trade and investment in ICT products and services
through our global network of contacts;
11. Promoting industry cooperation and strengthening our national associations through
the sharing of knowledge, experience, and critical information;
12. Working closely with internationally recognized organizations to promote and
facilitate growth.
13. Awarding signature events - WITSA World Congress on Information Technology
(WCIT) and WITSA Global Policy and Trade Summit (GPATS) - to member countries
from around the world.
14. Organizing Global ICT Excellence Awards to recognize outstanding ICT users.
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SECTION 1 .5
WITSA’s 2-4-6 Year Goals
Critical
Forces
Activities
Flagship Events
Hold WITSA flagship
events each year
Membership
Membership
Survey
Global
Partnerships
WITSA
Advisory
Council
Increase number of
members
Conduct membership
survey
Recruit WITSA Global
Partners


Recruit key
members
existing
members
2-Year
Goals
(2012-2014)
1 WCIT
(even year)
and 1
GPATS
(odd years)
Members
2012 (Goals
Exceeded)
(2013) Goal
80
Annual
Survey
Results 2012
& 2013
WCIT 2012
(Completed)
GPATS 2013
WCIT 2016
Awarded
(2012) 80
Numbers
adjusted due to
removing non
payments
Conducted in
Dec 2010-1112-13
4-Year Goals
(2014 – 2016)
6-Year Goals
(2016 – 2018)
GPATS 2017-
2014-WCIT 2015 GPATS2016 WCIT –
2018 WCITCumulative 85
Cumulative 88
Annual Survey
Annual Survey
WCIT 2018-
Cumulative
5 partners
Global Partners
In 2012- 4 Full
partners
One Associate
Member
Cumulative 7
Full Partners
One (1)
Associate
Members
Total=7
Cumulative 10
partners
(Maximum)
Continue to
expand the
group (not
limited at this
time)
10 Members
Maintain strong
Agenda/produce
two major
papers per year
Maintain strong
Agenda/produce
two major
papers per year
cover cost of
outside
consultant/s
15 Members
Maintain strong
Agenda/produce
two major
papers per
year\20
members
11
PART B WHERE ARE WE TODAY?
SECTION 2 ADMINISTRATION
2.1 Company Overview/ (Summary Description of WITSA’s Business/History)
WITSA is an association/consortium of leading Information and Communications Technology
(ICT) associations.
WITSA was founded in 1978 and was incorporated as a 501 (C6)
corporation in the Commonwealth of Virginia, United States of America, on January 16, 1998.
WITSA was originally known as the World Computing Services Industry Association. It was
founded by a small group of likeminded individuals within the IT industry seeking to better
understand how countries (IT associations) dealt with similar concerns such as government
regulations, industry trends and member services.
From 1992 to 2006, WITSA headquarters (Secretariat) was physically housed and financially
administered by TechAmerica, formerly the Information Technology Association of America
(ITAA). In July of 2008, WITSA offices relocated to Vienna, Virginia. Since that time, WITSA
has become an independent organization. By independent, it is meant that WITSA is responsible
for its payroll, provides employee benefits, owns equipment, rents office space and operates
independently.
In 2006, WITSA faced an economic crisis due to WCIT 2006, Inc. defaulting on its contractual
obligation to pay WITSA over $200,000.00 in licensing fees from the 2006 World Congress on
IT event held in Austin, Texas that year. This default resulted in a retardation of WITSA’s
development and focused its management on remedying its financial condition. Through several
measures, WITSA’s debt was paid in full by the end of 2007. At the end of 2009, WITSA had
cash reserves of $200,000.00 and had $929,000.00 in cash at the end of 2010. This large jump in
revenue was primarily due to the Mexico (WCIT 2014 host organization) paying their WCIT
licensing fee of $500,000.00 in advance.
By the end of 2010, WITSA membership had grown to 78 country/economies. During its
existence, WITSA established two significant conferences and summits; created a Global Partner
program (formally the Founding Partner program) and established a dues structure for its
members. It also established an Advisory Council in 2012. WITSA had also created a significant
footprint in the area of public policy and established a number of professional relationships with
12
internationally recognized organizations such as the ICANN, the United Nations, the OECD, the
World Economic Forum and the World Bank, which included having the WITSA Secretary
General being appointed to the Strategy Council for the United Nations Global Alliance for
Information Development (GAID). In addition, WITSA established several Standing
Committees and comprehensively revised its woefully inadequate bylaws.
WITSA is uniquely positioned as a global organization representing leading national Information
and Communications Technology industry associations. In 2013, the leadership of WITSA is
comprised of a Board of Directors, including a Chairman, Deputy Chairman, three (3) full time
paid professionals, a senior Policy Advisor six (6) and Regional Vice Chairman.
In 2008-2010, PIKOM provided financial assistance ($100,000.00 USD) to WITSA to support
its move toward becoming a fully independent organization, as well as to provide human
resources to assist WITSA in the establishment and support of a number of administrative
functions for a period of four (4) years ending in May 2012. The term of the chairman, Dan E
Khoo had been extended until October 2012 due to a request granted to ITAC, Canada to extend
the date of the WCIT 2012 from May to October 2012. PIKOM agreed to continue providing
WITSA with one person to support the Chairman and provide administrative support until
October 2012.
On October 21, 2012 Mr. Santiago Gutierrez, the Deputy Chairman of WITSA and President of
Canieti, Mexico was elected as WITSA’s new Chairman. Unfortunately, the WCIT 2012 for a
number of reasons operated at a significant deficit. The payment of $400,000.00 remains
outstanding as of the writing of this document (August 2013). Actions to remedy the debt will be
part of the goals and objectives of the 2013 as well as the 2014 Business Plan.
In 2014, WITSA’s next stage of development will be to intensify the identification of alternate
funding sources. WITSA cannot continue to rely as heavily as it has on WCIT licensing fees.
Even though there are hosts for the WCIT 2014 and WCIT 2016, WITSA cannot take the risk of
depending so heavily on this revenue source. Therefore, WITSA resources will concentrate on
other revenue opportunities by expanding its membership, Global Partners, Advisory Committee
members and other sources. At the time of this writing (August 2013) there appears to be an
13
opportunity for WITSA to earn money (finder’s fee) from promoting the Millennium Education
Project.
2.2 MISSION AND VISION
WITSA's (Former) Vision Statement “WITSA is the leading recognized voice of the global ICT
Industry, which is the key driver of global economic growth”
Note: Based on the Strategic Planning meeting in Johannesburg, SA on Oct 29, 2010 the vision
of WITSA the new vision of WITSA became its passion: “Fulfilling the Promise of the Digital
Age”.
WITSA’s Mission Statement
“To promote and facilitate the global growth of the information and communications
technology and services industry through public policy development and advocacy, the
promotion of global trade and investment, global forum, networking and sharing of experiences thus facilitating the Promise of the Digital Age.”
2.3 MANAGEMENT/ MANAGEMENT/ORGANIZATION
WITSA’s management structure is consistent with other multinational organizations. The
following chart will be revised to reflect the BOD decision on regions.
14
WITSA Management Structure (Chart)
Board of
Directors
Executive
Committee/
Vice Chairs
Chairman
Deputy
Chairman
Secretary
General
Vice
Chairman
Asia Pacific
Vice
Chairman
Europe
EU
Vice
Chairman
Europe
Non-EU
Vice
Chairman
Sub Saharan
Africa
Vice Chairman
Middle East &
North Africa
Global Policy
Membership
Global Trade
Nominating
Vice
Chairman
Caribbean
Vice
Chairman
Latin
America
Audit
Finance/ Co
Events
mpensation
MANAGEMENT POSITIONS
15
WITSA's management consists of:

Chairman

Deputy Chairman

Board of Directors

Executive Committee (Regional Vice Chairpersons)

Secretary General

Vice President of Administration

Secretary/ (Secretary General)

Treasurer
Position
Name
Organization
Country
Chairman*
Santiago Guiterrez
Canieti
Mexico
Deputy Chairman*
James Liu
CISA
Chinese, Taipei
Treasurer
Dr. Amado Espinosa
Canieti
Mexico
Asia Pacific
Takashi Igarashi
JISA
Japan
Sub Saharan Africa
Roger Latchman
ITA
South Africa
Middle East and
North Africa
Europe (Non EU)
Nizar Zakka
PCA
Lebanon
Yannis Sirros
SEPE
Greece
Europe (EU + EEA)
Dr. Boris Komrakov
InfoPark
Republic of Belarus
Latin America
Dr. Silvia Bidart
CESSI
Argentina
Caribbean
Mr. John Kyle
Bermuda Chamber of
Commerce
Bermuda
North America
Vacant
Vice Chairman*
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Position
Name
Organization
Country
Director
Omar Ansari
NICTAA
Afghanistan
Director
Dr. Silvia Bidart
CESSI
Argentina
Director
BCS
Bangladesh
Director
Shaheen Mahmud
Iqbal
Dr. Boris Komrakov
InfoPark
Belarus
Director
John Kyle
Bermuda
Director
Roberto Mayer
Bermuda Chamber of
Commerce
ASSESPRO
Director
Karna Gupta
ITAC
Canada
Director
Luis Stein
Gechs
Chile
Director
James Liu
CISA
Chinese Taipei
Director
EITESAL
Egypt
Director
Eng. Tarek A Monem
Taha
Yannis Sirros
SEPE
Greece
Director
Francis Fong
HKITF
Hong Kong
Director
Som Mittal
NASSCOM
India
Director
Takashi Igarashi
JISA
Japan
Director
Waudo Siganga
CSK
Kenya
Director
Nizar Zakka
PCA
Lebanon
Director
Looi Kien Leong
PIKOM
Malaysia
Director
Dr. Amado Espinosa
CANIETI
Mexico
Director
Santiago Gutierrez
CANIETI
Mexico
Director
Florence Seriki
ITAN
Nigeria
Director
Ki-Chul Kim
FKII
Republic of Korea
Director
Owen Field
ICTS
Director
Dr. Vasile Baltac
ATIC
Republic of Trinidad
& Tobago
Romania
Director
Roger Latchman
ITA
South Africa
Director
Antonio Cimmora
AMETIC
Spain
Brazil
17
Director
Shawn Osborne
TechAmerica
USA
Director
Julian David
Intellect
UK
2.3.1 Executive Staff
Mr. Santiago Gutierrez, Chairman; sgutierrez@witsa.org
Dr. James H. Poisant, Secretary General; jpoisant@witsa.org
Mr. James M. Lewis, Esq., General Counsel; JLewis@reesbroome.com (Contractor)
Mr. Anders Halvorsen, Vice President Administration ahalvorsen@witsa.org
Mr. Tim Conway, Senior Policy Advisor (Consultant)
Ms. Jeralyn Quinsayas, Administrative Support (Consultant)
2.3.2 Chairmen Emeritus
Mr. Robert B. Laurence
Mr. George C. Newstrom
Mr. Dan E. Khoo
2.4 OFFICE STAFF/LOCATION
WITSA’s administrative operations are located in a number of geographic locations. WITSA
Principle Secretariat offices (HQ) are located in the United States. Office hours in the US are
(8:30AM-5PM). It should be noted that WITSA staff are usually available at all times during the
day and night and are equipped with PDA devices so that they can be contacted at any time.
Secretariat Office Locations:
WITSA's Principle Office
8300 Boone Boulevard, Suite 450
Vienna, Virginia 22182
United States of America
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2.4.1 OPERATIONS SECRETARIAT STAFF
1. Dr. James Poisant, Secretary General jpoisant@witsa.org
2. Mr. Anders Halvorsen, Vice President Administration and Marketing;
ahalvorsen@witsa.org
3. Ms. Jeralyn Quinsayas, (Malaysia): jquinsayas@witsa.org-Administrative Support
2.4.2 CONSULTANTS
WITSA retains a Legal Firm (RB Rees Broome, PC); an Accounting Firm (Burdette, Smith &
Bish) and the consulting firm C Metrics, Melbourne, Australia headed by Mr. Tim Conway. Mr.
Conway is the senior policy advisor for WITSA. WITSA also retains Ms. Jeralyn Quinsayas
from Borneo as an administrative support professional.
2.4.3 Compensation-WITSA has a competitive employee compensation and benefit package.
WITSA benefits are contained within the WITSA Personnel Policy Manual.
2.4.4 Relocation Compensation- Due to the fact that work for WITSA can be accomplished in a
virtual world (via the web) it is not anticipated that relocation compensation will be required.
2.4.5 WITSA Website Address: www.witsa.org
2.4.6 Operating Equipment
WITSA's US equipment requirements consist of office equipment, i.e., computers, printers,
scanners, phones and desks. The office furniture is not owed by WITSA.
2.4.7 Suppliers and Vendors
WITSA's key suppliers are those that provide computer, telephone, office leases, web hosting,
PDA’s and Internet support services. WITSA is not dependent on suppliers other than the
aforementioned to perform services.
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Section 2.5
Committees
Finance/Compensation
Audit
Membership (Vice
Chairpersons)
Global Trade
Public Policy
Nominating
Events
Education/Training
Human Resources
Dr. Amado Espinosa
Roberto Mayer
Nizar Zakka
Canieti
ASSESPRO
PCA
Mexico
Brasil
Lebanon
David Wong
John Higgins
Nizar Zakka
Dr. Jim Poisant
Dr. Boris Komrakov
PIKOM
Digital Europe
PCA
WITSA
INFO PARK
Malaysia
UK
Lebanon
USA
Belarus
SECTION 2.5.1 COMMITTEE DESCRIPTIONS
1. FINANCE & Compensation Committee
Role and Responsibilities-Committee Members consist of all regional vice chairpersons
and other WITSA members that volunteer or are nominated (and accept appointment)
each of whom shall be free from any relationship that, in the opinion of the Board, would
interfere with the exercise of his or her independent judgment as a member of the
Committee.
In accomplishing its assigned responsibilities, the Finance Committee will undertake the
following listed duties and other matters within its responsibilities as may warrant its
attention.

Assist the Board of Directors and the Secretary-General in carrying out his or her
responsibilities, including the preparation and presentation of the annual budget to the
Board, including, where pertinent, the setting of fees and charges of membership.

Responsible for consulting with the Secretary General on the annual budget process
of WITSA.

Reviewing and making recommendations on the annual budget submitted by the
Secretary General and for developing and recommending long-range financial
objectives for WITSA.

Facilitate the annual budget process, including recommendations to the Secretary-
20
General.

In consultation with the Secretary General, establish such budget tracking and
reporting standards as are appropriate to the needs of the committee and the Board.

Review the annual budget and make specific recommendations to the Board on its
adoption, including where desirable, comments on expense levels, revenue structures,
fees and charges, adequacy of proposed funding levels of programs, and adequacy of
provision for reserves.

Undertake a review, at least annually of the long-range financial objectives of the
corporation and their ability to sustain the corporation and the accomplishment of its
stated mission and programs and report to the Board annually on such objectives,
including recommendations for revision as appropriate.
2. COMPENSATION

Establish, monitor, review and revise, at least annually, performance guidelines for
the Secretary General and guidance for the development of corporate strategy. (Note)
Presently this function is contained within the Annual KPI for the Secretary General.

Assess and evaluate the Secretary General’s performance;

Review and recommend the Secretary General’s compensation, including salary,
incentives, benefits and other perquisites to the Board of Directors;

On the recommendation of the SG, approve annual compensation plans for each
WITSA staff member, including salary, incentives, benefits and other perquisites;

Report on executive compensation as required in public disclosure documents.
3. Audit Committee
The WITSA Audit committee will be responsible for approving (Chairman Roberto
Mayer) approved in the recommended selection of a different firm in October 2012) the
selection of external auditors to the Board; receiving, reviewing, and forwarding to the
Board the annual financial report of the external auditors; and such other matters as may
warrant its attention.
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Membership of Audit Committee
The Audit Committee Chairperson shall be appointed biannually by the Board, each of
whom shall be free from any relationship that, in the opinion of the Board, would
interfere with the exercise of his or her independent judgment as a member of the
Committee. Unless a chair is appointed by the full Board, the members of the Committee
may designate a Chair by majority vote of the full Committee membership.
Scope of Audit Committee Work

In accomplishing its assigned responsibilities, the Audit Committee will review
the following listed matters and such other matters as may warrant its attention. It
may, with approval of the Board, engage additional assistance to undertake such
reviews of financial management performance as it deems necessary.

Recommend to the Board of Directors the selection of WITSA's external auditors
and the annual fees to be paid for services rendered by the external auditors,
review each proposed audit plan developed by management and the external
auditors, periodically review the performance of the external auditors, and
recommend to the Board any proposed retention or discharge of the external
auditors.

Review WITSA's annual financial statements and reports as required by the Bylaws,
including the compliance of the Corporation's accounting and financial management
systems and reports with generally accepted accounting principles for nonprofit
organizations.

Review and forward to the Board the annual financial management letter of the external
auditors, with such comments of its own as may be appropriate.

Periodically review WITSA’s system of internal controls, including its risk management
policy and any accompanying insurance coverage, and make recommendations to the
Board for changes it considers desirable.
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4. Membership Committee
The Membership Committee is responsible for recommending and enacting with
the Secretary General actions that assist in the retention of members and the
recruitment of new members. The committee has successfully implemented an
Annual Member Survey in 2009, 2010, 2011 and 2012.
5. Global Trade Committee
The Global Trade Committee is responsible for recommending and enacting in
coordination with the Secretary General Programs and activities that increase
trade
opportunities for WITSA members. The primary initiatives are
accomplished by Global Trade Missions throughout the world mostly associated with WITSA
events.
6. Global Policy Action Committee
The Global Policy Action Committee (formally the Public Policy Committee) is responsible for
advocating policies that promote the growth of the ICT industry. This committee will also be
heavily involved in the establishment and operations of the WITSA Advisory Council.
7.
Events Committee
The events committee was established in Oct 2010 at the Johannesburg BOD meeting. Dr.
Poisant was asked to chair this committee. The role of the committee is to assist WITSA
event hosts in planning for an executing the best event possible.
8. Education, Training and Human Resources
BACKGROUND
On June 5, 2013 the WITSA Board of Directors approved the establishment of its newest
committee called the Committee on Education, Training and Human Resources. The Board
agreed to have Boris Komrakov representing the Republic of Belarus to chair the committee.
The rational foe the establishment of this committee relates directly to the fact that it is widely
recognized that there is a global shortage of trained ICT workers. WITSA members are
adversely affected by this shortage as it restricts their ability to expand their business. In
addition every other entity to include governments, industry and civil society are also adversely
affected. Each day the problem intensifies. As WITSA is the voice of the ICT industry and
represents over 90% of the global industry, it is only fitting that WITSA establish a committee to
address the issues of education, training and human resources.
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Roles and Responsibilities of the Committee on Education, Training & Human Resources
The Committee on Education, Training and Human Resources will be responsible for:
1. Understanding the problems, issues and roadblocks contributing to the shortage of ICT
workers as they relate to education and training.
2. Identifying programs, curriculum, best practices and other educational activities and
initiatives that have proven successful in producing qualified ICT workers.
3. Evaluate opportunities for WITSA and its members to participate in revenue opportunities as
they apply to addressing the problems of the ICT workers shortage.
4. Producing at least one white paper that will serve as position on education and training for
WITSA.
5. Distribute its publications widely through WITSA members to improve the quality and the
quantity of ICT employees around the globe.
The Committee on Education, Training and Human Resources shall be appointed annually by the
Board. Unless a chair is appointed by the full Board, the members of the Committee may
designate a Chair by majority vote of the full Committee membership. At this point in time there
is no limit on the amount of committee members nor does a member of the committee need to be
a WITSA member.
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Organizational Structure (Section 2.6)
Chairman
Secretary
General
Asia
Japan
North
America
Secretariat
Caribbean
Bermuda
Middle East &
North Africa
Latin America
Argentina
Beirut
European (2)
Greece/Belarus
Johannesburg
EU/NON EU
SA
HQ
Mexico
Bermuda
USA
Africa
Russia
Lebanon
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SECTION 3 LEGAL
3.1 LEGAL DESCRIPTION -WITSA is a non-profit 501 (C6) corporation established in the
Commonwealth of Virginia, USA in 1998. The organization is "owned" by paying members and
governed by a Board of Directors.
3.2 LEGAL DOCUMENTS-All legal documents will be provided upon request from authorized
individuals and or organization.
PART C -PRODUCT OFFERINGS
4.0 Product Offerings…………………………………………………………………
4.1. Description of Member Services (Why WITSA) Link
4.2 Membership Survey……………………………………………………………………..
4.3 Global Partner/Associate Member Program
WITSA Global Partner Program-To be eligible, members need to represent economic
development organizations (Usually associated with governments interested in the ICT
industry as investors, partners with their geographic or political boundaries, etc…
(Agencies, authorities etc.);
Global Partners Benefits- (Associate Member benefits are essentially the same as full
members in terms of categories, however they receive fewer tickets, less advertising
space in the Digital Planet and so on).

Speaking opportunities at WITSA meetings (to Board members)

Complementary admission tickets to WITSA events

Booth space at WITSA events;
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
Verbal and signage recognition at WITSA events;

Web Site link (Home Page);

Access to WITSA’s network of members

Complementary full-page as in the Digital Planet report;

Invitations to social events.
Global Partners membership fee- $25,000.00 (USD) for a 12-month period from signing
Global Partner Associate Members $10,000.00 (USD) for a 12-month period from signing.
This program is heavily marketed to the WITSA Board of Directors and general membership.
The program is also advertised on the WITSA Website. Thus far, the most effective way of
selling this program is by having a WITSA member work with Dr. Poisant to make a personal
visit to prospective organizations.
This program continues to be promoted heavily among
WITSA members. As stated, the most effective way to promote the program is in person.
WITSA Global Partners/Associate Member Listing
1. (Mexico) MexicoIT-Supported by the Mexican Ministry of Economy to promote
IT investments and doing business in Mexico. MexicoIT is a promotion program
for the IT industry. Its main objective is to promote Mexican IT services
internationally; MexicoIT is managed by the National Chamber of Electronic,
Telecommunications and Information Technologies Industry (CANIETI) with the
support of the PROSOFT program of the Economy Ministry.”
2. Taiwan made a decision to have the Industrial Technology Research Institute
(ITRI) assumed membership in the partner program in place of III.
Industrial Technology Research Institute (ITRI)-Taiwan ITRI was chosen by the
government of Taiwan to develop relationships within WITSA to complement
their existing cooperation with major companies such as IBM, HP, Microsoft,
Nokia, Sun Microsystems, Kodak, Lucent and Motorola.
ITRI is a nonprofit R&D organization engaging in applied research and technical
services. Founded in 1973, ITRI has played a vital role in transforming Taiwan’s
economy from a labor-intensive industry to a high-tech industry. Numerous wellknown, high-tech companies in Taiwan, such as leaders in the semiconductor
industry TSMC and UMC, can trace their origins to ITRI.
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USA) The Fairfax County Economic Development Authority (FCEDA)
Associate Member/s Time Magazine calls Fairfax County one of the great
economic success stories of our time. The Fairfax County Economic Development
Authority (FCEDA) promotes Fairfax County, Virginia USA as a global business
and technology center. The FCEDA provides a wide array of free and confidential
services and information to assist expanding companies and organizations. The
FCEDA maintains offices in five commercial centers worldwide: Silicon Valley,
Bangalore, Frankfurt, London, Seoul and Tel Aviv.
http://www.FairfaxCountyEDA.org.
4.5 WITSA EVENTS
WITSA awards the right to its members (in good standing) to host either the World Congress on
Information Technology (WCIT) (held on even years) or the Global Policy Action and Trade
Summit (GPATS) (held on odd years). WITSA produces an RFP, manages a competitive
bidding process and awards the events.
Signed contracts with the host organizations are
required.
Price-WCIT licensing fee is $750,000.00 paid over an agreed period. The GPATS licensing fee
is $75,000.00 paid over an agreed upon period.
Place-WITSA host organizations select the venue site in their respective countries.
Promotion-WITSA promotes each event years in advance, allowing hosts to have adequate
preparation time.
SECTION 5 MARKETS
5.1 MARKET OPPORTUNITY
WITSA is uniquely positioned as it is the only organization as it type in the world. Within the
ICT industry, WITSA’s customers represent 80 leading Information and Communications
Technology associations. In addition, WITSA signed an MOU with the CCID of China in
August of 2011.
5.2 Industry Definition: ICT Industry is defined as the Information and Communication
Technology Industry (ICT).
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5.3 Market Size: According the 2010 Digital Planet publication, global ICT spending. The
Market was expected to reach 4.6 trillion USD in 2013.
5.4 Industry Share- WITSA’s share of the ICT Association market can be measured by two
metrics.
1. Number of ICT Companies belonging to ICT Associations-If one wishes to measure
WITSA by this metric, WITSA represents the vast majority (estimated at over 90%) of
all ICT companies.
2. Total Number of Countries-If one wished to measure WITSA under this metric,
WITSA’s market share over 80 (Counting China) out of a possible 194 recognized
independent countries (Source: US State Department). For Country listing of
countries:
http://www.state.gov/www/regions/independent_states.html
It should be noted that not all countries have sustainable ICT industry associations, so
the exact number of viable potential WITSA members is not precisely known.
5.5 Primary Competitors
As noted, WITSA holds a unique competitive position in that it is the only global ICT industry
consortium of its kind. WITSA is vulnerable, however, to a hypothetical well-funded
competitor/s that may offer more value to members than WITSA can provide. Additionally,
there is a potential threat to WITSA in that some members feel that they are not receiving
enough value from WITSA.
There is yet another threat to WITSA within regional associations. Throughout the world there
are a number of very influential regional associations such as ASOCIO (Asia) and Digital
Europe. These associations are regionally focused because they feel that their respective markets
are large enough for their members; thus reducing the need for some members to belong to a
global organization such as WITSA. Germany is one such example. Even though WITSA enjoys
dominance in its marketplace, it is faced with a number of significant challenges. In order to be
the true Voice of the (Global) ICT Industry, WITSA should have Germany as a member.
Germany is a leader within the ICT industry and needs to be part of WITSA.
On January 7, 2013, Dr Poisant wrote and email to the chairman of BITKOM dr. Bernhard
Rohleder. The chairman responded on the 8th of January with the following: BITKOM
concentrates its international activities on its Digital Europe membership and we are sure that
29
John Higgins perfectly represents our internation interests.“ Dr. Poisant immedately wrote to
John Higgins to ask him if he could interven by builiding a case for why Digital Europe and
WITSA differ and why BITKOM should consider joining WITSA. John responded by saying
that he would continue to try to convince BITKOM to join WITSA; however based on
BITKOM’s insistance on thier business being in Europe it was not likely that the status quo
would change soon. As the 2013 years ends there has been no change in BITKOM’s postion and
no plans in 2014 to continue to pursue BITKOM. It appears that after all of the many attempts
over many years as long as BITKOM’s managemnt does not see value in belonging to WITSA.
It is hoped that John Higgins formally of Intellect (UK) who is now the DG for Digital Europe
will assist WITSA in having Germany join.
5.6 RELEVANCE TO MEMBERS
WITSA must continually seek to understand the value sought by its members in order to retain
them. This challenge must be addressed through a variety of assessments such as written
surveys, telephone conversations and networking events. This challenge is made even more
difficult due to the fact that WITSA members not only differ vastly in terms of size but also in
terms of interests. Retention of paying members is critical to WITSA’s success.
5.7 WITSA’s MARKETPLACE
Traditional definitions of marketing address how companies and organizations plan to expand
their businesses in markets that either need or demand their products and services. In some cases,
companies create new markets. By taking a cursory look at WITSA’s primary marketplace
(leading ICT associations) one could conclude that potential new association members would be
the prime targets for future growth. This assumption would be correct if WITSA defined its
market as association membership only. If this were the case, WITSA would severely hinder its
growth, revenue, influence and potential. Therefore, WITSA defines its market as:
A. Leading ICT industry Association (Countries and Economies) (Full and
Associates) Memberships Dues/Fees.
B. Economic Development Organizations-The Global Partner and Associate
Member program.
C. Event Hosts (WCIT and the GPATS), Licensing Fees (Largest source of
30
revenue for WITSA).
D. WITSA Advisory Council-this council was established in 2012 and has
resulted in having members from corporations, global institutions, non-profit
organizations, individuals and governments.
E. Research-publication sales and advertising in the Digital Planet. (In 2013 it is
doubtful that WITSA will be co publishing the Digital Planet due to
management changes within Global Insight.
F. Grants-ICT related grants for research, training and conferences
G. Internationally recognized Institutions such as the World Bank, IGF,
ICANN, UN and the OECD.
5.8 SWOT ANALYSIS
Strengths

WITSA is uniquely positioned with
approx 90% of ICT industrry
 Financially Stable for next two years
 Strong Public Policy Reputation
 Global Brand
 Institutional relationships
 Global Network
Weaknesses





WITSA brand is unknown in many parts
of the world
WITSA needs to better define what ICT
represents to its members
WITSA is not a relevant organization to
some associations (i.e. Germany)
WITSA is too dependent on WCIT
revenue
Member support of WITSA events is
lacking
Opportunities

Leverage WITSA’s strength as an
organization to create new offerings to
members
 Adding new WITSA members
 To become better recognized as the voice of
ICT industry
 To engage WITSA officers more effectively
Threats




Failure to meet member expectations
Failure to attract bidders for future WITSA
events
Failure of event hosts pay WITSA licensing
fees
Failure to create alternate sources of revenue
PART E FINANCIAL
SECTION 6
6.1 Revenue Sources
6.2 Dues
31
6.3 Events
6.4 Programs (Advisory Council/Global Partners
6.5 Past Performance P&L Combined Statements (Past three years)
6.6 Sources and % of WITSA Revenue Sources
6.7 Three year cash flow projections
6.8 Projected Balance Sheet (Projection of Assets, Liabilities, and Net Worth of WITSA
(end of 2015 fiscal yr
6.9 Financial Projections (Summary of Income Statement Projections (Next 3 years)
6.10 WITSA’s Financial Review Policy (Audits)
HOW DO WE KNOW WE MET OUR GOALS?
PART F /KPI
SECTION 7
7.0 2011-2012-2013-2014 Key Performance Index (Secretary General)
2014 (Proposed)
Activities/Initiatives
WCIT 2012-ITAC Canada (work to receive lice fee payment)
WCIT 2014 –work to achieve a world class event (Revenue Generator)
GPATS 2015 (Ensure location and support) (Revenue Generator)
WCIT 2016 Payment (Revenue Generator) (Completed Oct 2013)
Global Partners (Revenue Generator)
Expand WITSA’s Advisory Council (Revenue Generator)
Produce at least one major paper on Public Policy
Maintain Relationship w/Internationally Recognized Institutions
ICT Excellence Awards at WCIT 2014
Membership Development/ Retention (Revenue Generator) to include dropping of non
paying members unless extenuating circumstance exist
WITSA Eminent Persons Program (make award in Mexico)
OPERATIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES
Financial Responsibility ( Meet Budget Goals)
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Website Update
Annual Membership Survey (December 2014)
33
MASTER COPY
34
MASTER COPY
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