Business Development
Josh Hall
(206) 256-6118

International Trade
Karl da Gama Campos
(206) 256-6142

 
Information & Communication Technology
LABOR FORCE
186,800
REVENUES
$13.6B
COMPANIES
1,460
SOFTWARE
50,700
Employees
TELECOM FIRMS
349
 

Washington state is home to a vibrant and diversified information and communication technology sector, with the Seattle metro area considered the global center of software. From household names such as Microsoft, Amazon, and Real Networks, to emerging companies in the transformative areas of cloud computing virtualization and energy efficiency, Washington is one of the world's leading innovation hubs. 

The state is also a global center for game development and publishing, both for casual and core gaming. Major corporations from out-of-state, as well as from overseas, are attracted to Washington's highly skilled workforce in engineering, technical sales and support, and business development. 

Key high tech sectors include software publishing, interactive media, telecommunications and mobility, online services, and e-commerce, network systems and solutions, energy efficiency software, and health IT.

Entrepreneurs in Washington are not alone; they are supported by a strong entrepreneurial community that genuinely wants to see you succeed and are willing to help you get there. No matter the business issue, I've always been able with one phone call or email to find a resource locally to assist. Washington is a great place to start a business.

Andy Liu, CEO
BuddyTV

 
 
 
Quick Facts
  • Washington is one of the largest employers of software publishing workers in the US.
  • Video games are nearly a $10 billion dollar industry nationwide with more than a third of total revenue generated by companies in the Greater Seattle area.
  • Washington is a global center for game design and development, with more than 150 companies or divisions - the biggest concentration in the US.
  • Washington is home to Microsoft the world’s largest software publisher, and Amazon.com, a global innovator in e-commerce.
  • Employment in the software and computer-related sector of Washington state is 15% higher than the national average.
  • Washington is a leader in Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology, home to Impinj and Intermec .
  • In 2009, technology-based industries employed 381,546 people in Washington, or 13.2% of total covered employment. See the full report by the Technology Alliance.
  • Washington is widely recognized as the birthplace of the wireless sector. With a confluence of carrier DNA, software expertise and internet business experience, only London offers a more dense contribution.
  • Washington is emerging as a world leader in cloud computing and virtualization through the presence of Microsoft Azure, Amazon Web Services, Parallels, Skytap and Symform.
 
Workforce Training
 
 
Events
11/11/10
Seattle, Washington
09/25/10
Bellevue, Washington
09/18/10
Seattle, Washington