PDMS: Pioneer Of Urdu Digitalized Fonts & Islamic Apps

PDMS is the most influential expert team in development of Urdu & Islamic Apps. The evolution of Urdu language script was a time taking process to flourish in the era of digitalization and Mobile apps. This is because technical expertise and skill level was limited for Urdu scripts in digital world. PDMS is among few pioneer companies who worked in Urdu Nastaliq fonts and introduced Nastaleeq Nizami in1989. After developed as a software solution, it increased enormously the use of computers in Pakistan by making them write in Nastaleeq Script of Urdu language.PDMS also developed fonts for Arabic and regional languages like Sindhi and Pushto.

Along with working in area of Urdu Script software, PDMS has been working in key areas which are as follows:

● First CNICs by NADRA as using Urdu software fonts, developed by PDMS.
● Pioneer in digitalized creation of the Urdu Nastaleeq font - since 1980s.
● Over 32 Million APPs downloaded (Languages and Islamic apps combined).
● QURAN MAJEED (this app downloaded by over 7 million).
 

HamariWeb conducted an interview with CEO of PDMS, Mr. Arif Hisam to recognize the achievements of his company and team, facilitating millions of Urdu& Islamic digital users as worldwide.

Q: Kindly brief about yourself and PDMS, what are the core expertise &services?

I have done my masters in Applied Physics from University of Karachi in 1992. Pakistan Data Management Services (PDMS) is based on the partnership of four brothers with me being the CEO. Our father Hisamuddin (late) founded the company in 1978. PDMS has developed and been developing complex software applications for use in variety of business domains of both private and government sector. PDMS being the creators of the Urdu Nastaleeq font in the 1980s, we have also developed multiple desktop publishing software in the Urdu language. PDMS is currently focused on developing local language and Islamic based applications offering rich and seamless experiences to our users. One of our few famous apps includes Quran Majeed and Easy Urdu applications.

Q: What was the motivation for starting this company?

The biggest motivation for starting this company, which is also a driving force for us is that we want to use the technology to connect people to Allah (SWT) and to one another by preserving native language heritage and for this very reason we have worked on multiple Islamic and language based apps and softwares since our inception.

Q: Who do you owe to your success in early era of digitization?

I thank Allah (SWT) who gave me such a father who invested in twice expensive home computers instead of home VCR. Also I would like to praise my elder brother who despite of living abroad, provided me constant guidance on this digital journey.

Q: Which projects are closer to your heart?

To be honest each and every project that PDMS has worked on is close to my heart. It is not because of the reason that I am the CEO of the company but it is due to the fact that we put our heart and soul into each and every project that we work on. But if I can name few projects which are closer to my heart include Nastaleeq Nizami and Quran Majeed iOS app.

Q: What are the proud moments of your/PDMS working history?

As I mentioned earlier we have worked on many multiple and diverse project throughout the history of PDMS and there has been quite a few highs and lows throughout the past 30 years. There have been many proud moments in the working history of PDMS and if I have to recall the proudest moment of PDMS, it will be the moment when NADRA printed their first CNICs using software developed by my company.

I cannot forget the unbelievable moment when I first printed Urdu Nastaleeq character based text using the kitabat algorithm I invented in 1989. I still remember that I was invited by Quaid e Azam University Islamabad to give a lecture in Urdu to their M.Sc. studentsand faculty while I was studying in B.Sc. Some other proud moments include receiving 1st prize from Dr. A.Q. Khan in all Pakistan software competition twice. During my student life when I was doing M.Sc, I went to UK to conduct training to London based newspaper computer user.

Q: What do you think is the best attribute of your business success?

This might sound a bit clichéd or generic to quite a few people but at PDMS, the key ingredients of our success include humbleness, integrity, honesty and self assessment on each and every level of the business.

Q: What are the key issues you had faced during your initial business development phase?

In the early 1980s we had no internet. Very few computing books and magazines and when you order a new book, it took months to have it in your hands. Think about all the coding you do and have no UPS and floppy disk gets corrupted. Other problem was unfriendly nature of Govt organizations and very sadly business dealings of local companies not giving you your justified payments.

Q: What advice do you give to young companies who want to succeed in their respective field?

They advice I would like to give to individuals who are just starting their own companies is that one should always stay humble no matter the circumstances. Throughout the years I have learned the following simple things to become successful:

● Always be observant and lookout for what sort of problems the society is facing and how your product or services can help the end consumer overcome such problems.
● Ensure that your product or service is relevant and resonates with your target audience
● Do not forget about the marketing and advertising aspect of your product/services.
● Never try to control the outcome of anything you do. Just try your best and leave the rest to Allah (SWT) with a surety that He will make you successful.
 

I would also like to give example of Elon Musk, a businessman/entrepreneur seeking to set foot on planet Mars. Making vertical landing of space rockets a reality. Message for young generation is have big dreams and vision because “what you can think of, you can make it a reality”.

Q: Any else do you want to share?

By the grace of Allah (SWT) PDMS has been developing and deploying state-of-the art PDAs and smartphone mobile applications for more than past 10 years. We have worked on multiple Islamic and local language based applications including Quran Majeed application for both Android and iOS which has more than 10 million downloads combined and in the local language apps we have developed Easy Urdu, Easy Pashto and Easy Sindhi keyboard based applications with Easy Urdu having more than 5 million downloads just on Android which easily is the highest number of downloads for a company which is based out of Pakistan.