Information Technology in Colombia

Hardware Manufacturing

Many global hardware companies have operations in Colombia.  However, the operations of domestic hardware companies are less prevalent than that of domestic software companies.

Niche:

Colombia's best potential in the area of technology is in the last link of the production chain in the integration of equipment into systems, distribution, service, and post-sales support.  Colombia holds an advantage in this area over neighboring countries due to its large home market, qualified workforce, and greater capacity to distribute these goods and services than its neighbors. 

Domestic Hardware Companies:

Domestic hardware companies have not made much of a presence in Colombia.  However, many large Multinationals such as IBM and HP have a presence there in manufacturing and distribution.  In light of the multinational presence and the recent development of Colombia's telecommunications industry, domestic companies have not made a strong impact.

Domestic manufacturing companies have preferred to remain in areas where the giant international companies have not ventured so strongly, as seen by successful companies such as UyG that produced power conditioning equipment, Publik that produces public displays, and Microcircuitos that produces circuit boards.

Future:

With the growth of the telecommunications industry in Colombia in the recent years due to privatization and deregulation, we can expect to see more domestic companies as the need for hardware grows domestically.  Also, as the country's infrastructure improves, opportunities arise for export in this industry.  It will not be until Colombia's telecommunications infrastructure gets stronger that we will see strong domestic growth in the hardware industry.

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Author: Heather Batyski

Last Update: December 18, 1998