Tech guy David Almirol Jr., a former overseas Filipino worker in the Middle East who went on to establish a local IT company that has the best chance to become a tech unicorn, has a strong admiration for the world’s richest man—Bill Gates, the founder of global software company Microsoft Corp.
“The corporate culture that he [Gates] deeply ingrained in the company has shaped computer programming as we know it, and Microsoft as a global software giant that it is today. I look up to him and his mind,” says Almirol, who studied Computer Science at the University of Cordilleras.
After working at a US military camp in Iraq, Almirol returned to the Philippines a decade ago and established MultiSys Technologies Corp.—the country’s leading software company with more than 2,000 companies using its platform. In 2018, PLDT Inc. infused P2.15 billion for a 45-percent stake in MultiSys.
“When I founded MultiSys five years ago, I took a page from his iconic brand and, together with my team, applied its business model—one that is agnostic and user-friendly. In other words, we made sure that our solutions are compatible with as many types of platforms or operating systems as possible,” Almirol says.
He says building MultiSys to become a respected IT brand wasn’t an easy feat for him and his people.
“It entailed unimaginable sacrifices, hard work and dedication, coupled with an innovative vision turned into action and the implementation of this potent business model,” Almirol says.
Today, the company has nearly 300 Filipino information technology professionals under its domain, of which almost half are full-stack programmers.
“These people have the same vision as I do. The number is still growing, and these people are vital if we are to achieve our vision of proving that the Filipino software development capability is world-class. We at MultiSys will continue to search for local talents with potentials—people who we can mentor in order to hone their skills and achieve that vision. We hold hackathons and projects like Clash of Codes to find ‘rockstar’ programmers,” he says.
The company set up the 1.5-hectare MultiSys Smart Community in Moonwalk, Parañaque—a Google community-style complex where the firm’s growing band of computer programmers work under conducive environment that inspires them to design and develop computer platforms that focus on areas like eBusiness, eGovernment, eTechnology, eCommerce and eServices.
Almirol says that like Microsoft, MultiSys is a business enabler, not a disrupter as the company empowers businesses and is a partner to everyone.
“The solutions that we offer underscore our relentless commitment to help private companies operate more efficiently and grow, as well as to assist government agencies for faster and more effective delivery of service to the public. We at MultiSys genuinely have a vision for the country,” he says.
MultiSys developed HealthBox to manage the operations of local hospitals, electronic medical records, doctors’ schedules, as well as the integration of wellness partners, health maintenance organizations, and pharmacies. The software can be used by both private and public hospitals, pharmaceutical companies, HMOs and diagnostics and wellness centers.
On the other hand, uBox aids electricity, water, telecommunications and cable companies as well as internet service providers in performing better financial analytics and consumption monitoring. This software solution provides utility companies a better insight on consumption patterns and financial data that help them operate more efficiently.
MultiSys products also include the JobBox—an all-around job hiring dashboard that can be used by both the government and the private sector, such as the business process outsourcing industry and human resources and recruitment agencies, to quickly find and assess potential employees and candidates with excellent qualifications.
The company also developed SchoolBox for the integration of school curriculum, establishment of online enrollment with electronic payment, management of academic records and an all-in-one portal for students, teachers and school administrators.
“By making full use of the digital technology, MultiSys has been helping businesses in various industries for better organization and delivery of service that will ultimately help drive the Philippine economy. The establishment of MultiSys also underscores my faith and confidence in the immense potential of Filipino programmers and of the Philippines as a hub for software development. We truly hope to build a better future for the country through digital transformation,” he says.
Almirol wants to build a Smarter Philippines where technology can make everyday business processes more efficient and seamless.
He hopes that MultiSys will become the Philippines first tech unicorn, startup-up company valued at over $1 billion.
Almirol also believes the company can further grow by expanding internationally.
“Like Microsoft, MultiSys is looking to expand its reach globally by exploring possible markets in neighboring countries. With the support of our valued partners like PLDT, we strive hard to empower businesses and institutions beyond the Philippines, through the continuous development of innovative Filipino technology. Still, at the core of MultiSys, is the strategy to design and develop software platforms that anyone can use seamlessly, and an unwavering dedication to our team, family, and our country,” Almirol says.
