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Saturday, February 25, 2006
IBM mulls bigger coverage of Cebu, Mindanao markets
While IBM can afford to remain cool even as cheaper hardware and software solutions flood the market, it will intensify its presence in Cebu and in the rest of the Visayas and Mindanao.
IBM country manager for cross industry sector Carolyn Andaya said the firm — which provides various products including computer infrastructure systems, server, software, storage, financial machines and semi-conductors, among others — also plan to expand coverage in Western Visayas and Western Mindanao.
While IBM has an office and support service in Cebu since the 1980s, Andaya said it wants to strengthen its market share in the province as well.
“About 53 percent of IT (information technology) spending outside of Metro Manila is in six regions. One of those (regions) is Central Visayas. We want to make Cebu the hub support for Visayas and Midanao,” she added.
Abraham Thomas, IBM vice president for global mid-market business in Southeast and South Asia, said the firm wants to increase its coverage and number of customers in the region.
Meetings
IBM executives conducted a series of meetings with partners and customers this week in Cebu.
Thomas said IBM will also focus on small and medium businesses, as well as economic zones, call centers and other business process outsourcing firms.
Asked how IBM fares in the market where affordability is a main concern, Andaya said some companies and individuals have realized that the technology and reliability of IBM products have a high value.
“The purchase price is just an initial investment. Later, they will realize that good quality does not only have a higher value than the purchase cost but (is also there for) a lifetime,” Thomas said.
This is just one reason that IBM remains confident despite competition.
“Competition is good. It ensures (that products are of) good quality,” Thomas said. “But IBM is unique, (in a sense that) we almost have everything that the customer needs. Like a one-stop shop.”
Another added value is IBM’s over 100 authorized service centers, Andaya said.
“Even if you are in Tawi-Tawi, you need not worry about bringing your IBM Thinkpad there,” she said. (LAP)
For Bisaya stories from Cebu. Click here. (February 25, 2006 issue)
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