Singaporeans will soon experience how Web Services can make life more convenient and take the hassle out of everyday tasks. To support this primary objective, the leaders of .NET MySingapore, the Infocomm Development Authority of Singapore (IDA Singapore) and Microsoft today announced three new partners - the Institute of Systems Science (ISS), National Computer Systems (NCS) and NTUC Income. Together, they create the world's first living lab for XML (Extensible Markup Language) Web Services. First announced in April 2002 by IDA Singapore and Microsoft, .NET MySingapore is a collaborative project to develop XML Web Services in Singapore. The project also aims to tap into the potential of Web Services for opportunities to build new infocomm skills and knowledge as well as open new avenues of business.

IDA Singapore Chairman Lam Chuan Leong said, ".NET MySingapore is in line with IDA's efforts to leverage the potential and growth of Web Services. We have identified Web Services as one of the areas that Singapore can play a leadership role, and become an engine of growth for our software and IT services industry." In line with the collaborative spirit of .NET MySingapore, both IDA Singapore and Microsoft have invited the new partners on board. Each partner brings industry leadership to the project. The ISS is a leader in IT training, NCS is a premier IT service and engineering provider, and NTUC Income has consistently shown its customers how it can make their daily tasks even more convenient through the Internet.