Creative business solutions: helping global companies meet demand.

Creative technology-based solutions to help businesses competing globally meet and exceed their goals are in demand throughout Latin America. Information technology (IT) spending in the region is set to increase in 2004, reaching 4.5% to 6.4%, according to US-based technology consulting firms, Gartner and IDC. IDC has forecast a 4.5% to 5% annual growth rata for this year, while Gartner is slightly more optimistic with a 6.4% predicted 2004 growth rate.

Brazil, Mexico and Argentina will likely lead the growth, Gartner said, with a more stable currency providing a boost to Brazil--due largely to the country's more solid government. Increased business is also expected in Mexico due to its proximity to the US and projected growth this year in that market, while greater stability in Argentina is also anticipated as the country is widely considered in post-economic crisis mode.

"Companies throughout Latin America began to reconsider their business support systems quite actively in the third quarter of 2003 as it became clear that to adequately compete locally and worldwide these companies needed better Business Support Systems to deliver and differentiate their services," said Roberto de Atayde Vicente, marketing director of Latin America for Convergys, a global leader in integrated billing, employee care and customer care services provided through out-sourcing or licensing.

Convergys, which increased the number of its employees in the region by 300% in 2003, serves clients in more than 40 countries in industries such as telecommunications, cable and broadband services, technology and financial services. The company also offers integrated, outsourced human resources services to leading companies across a variety of sectors.

"Within our Latin American division there are 50 staff devoted to developing solutions specifically for businesses within the region," said Atayde. "We are committed to working with local partners in furthering the development of Latin America's telecommunications industry, as well as other sectors."

Over the past three years, Convergys has invested US$3 million in Latin America via offices and new technology development centers in Sao Paulo, Brazil; Buenos Aires, Argentina; and in Mexico City, Mexico. The company also has been investing in programs of social responsibility in Brazil, including the Laramara institution for the blind and the Transformar institution for people with disabilities.

"We have experienced great success in Latin America and expect to grow further in 2004--particularly in Spanish-speaking countries," said Atayde. "Although our customers include large companies--such as Brazilian telecommunications groups Telesp Celular (VIVO) and Brasil Telecom--many of our Infinys software solutions are perfect for small or medium-sized companies because they can be installed in modules. This reduces the total cost of ownership and allows the system to grow alongside the company."

Convergys recently launched its Infinys software for convergent services billing. Infinys software can provide discrete support or complete solutions for convergent billing support of packaged and discounted voice and data services across wireless, wireline and cable services.

"Infinys software can be easily integrated with legacy systems to enable businesses to quickly realize its benefits and coat efficiencies for business growth," said Atayde. "Beyond our license options for Infinys, our Billing Outsourcing Services provide a service option for small and medium sized businesses without high acquisition costs."

The increase in Latin American corporate demand for IT-related services is evident through the rise in use of higher bandwidth wireless telecommunications services in the region, according to Marcelo Valdez, regional director for Latin America for QUALCOMM Internet Services. The company is focused on the next generation of wireless applications and services that will combine data and voice capabilities to better suit consumers' needs in a converged wireless Internet world.

QUALCOMM is best known globally as the company that pioneered Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) technology, which is now used in wireless networks and handsets worldwide. By making very efficient use of radio frequency spectrum, CDMA allows more people to share the airwaves at the same time--without cross-talk, static or interference. CDMA's components are also now being used in network base stations, handsets, modems and a variety of new products such as kid trackers, camera phones, MP3 players, game players, surveillance systems and car safety systems.

In addition, QUALCOMM has helped turn cell phones into small, sophisticated computers running Internet and multimedia software through its BREW (Binary Runtime Environment for Wireless) System.

"Using the BREW system, wireless telecommunications companies, can offer subscribers the ability to use their cell phones for e-mail, calendaring, sales force automation, games, instant messaging, smart navigation, photo sharing, video and soon--banking," said Valdez. "BREW-enabled cell phones can be used by both business users and consumers to get more useful and fun content on their phones quickly and easily. It is no longer necessary to have multiple devices for talking and performing business activities. This is good news for IT departments who want to supply their employees with a powerful business tool, but remain cost effective."

Valdez added that there is great potential for wireless voice and mobile data growth in Latin America due to the low penetration of IT and infrastructure in general.

"Many Latin Americans' first experience with the Internet is on a cell phone--not a computer. So they will likely be very comfortable using their cell phones very much the same way as they would use computers--probably more comfortable, he said."

More than 20 wireless operators around the world are offering BREW-based services and subscribers in Latin America are experiencing first hand the excitement of wireless data. Many operators in Latin America are currently offering BREW-based products and services, including BellSouth International Chile, BellSouth International Colombia, BellSouth International Ecuador, BellSouth International Panama, BellSouth International Peru, BellSouth International Argentina, VIVO in Brazil, Telefonica Moviles and Verizon Wireless Puerto Rico.

"QUALCOMM is looking to provide wireless operators with an array of value-added services to help them meet the demand of their customers and take advantage of their high speed networks," said Valdez. "In addition to consumer demand, businesses are now beginning to take advantage of these services because they can see greater employee productivity and profitability as a result."