Cutting-edge technology: business solutions for today and beyond

Latin Trade, Dec, 2004

The Latin American market for technology is in a comeback, and companies throughout the region are eager to take advantage of new generations of products that help them do business more efficiently and profitably.

Latin America's purchases of technology-related equipment are on the rise, according to Gartner, a leading provider of research and analysis on the global information technology industry. PC shipments in Latin America grew 29% in the third quarter of the year over their number in the same quarter of 2003, the group says, even though PC purchases in some other regions of the world have decreased.

The strong shipment increase is attributed to demand for PC replacement, lower interest rates, flexible PC vendor purchasing programs, broadband deployment and better system specification/ price point positioning.

Worldwide spending on information technology (IT) in general will increase by 5% in 2005, Gartner predicts. As companies respond to increasing competition from India, China, Brazil and other emerging economies and to rising energy costs, their pursuit of productivity gains through investments in new IT products and services will continue to be a strategic priority.

AXALTO: SMART CARDS FOR SMART PRODUCTS

Mobile communications companies throughout Latin America today are actively using Axalto's smart cards, says Arnaud Laurans, marketing director of Latin America.

Gartner Dataquest ranked Axalto as the world's leading provider of microprocessor cards (smart cards)--the key to digital networks--and a major supplier of point-of-sale terminals. The company, which has offered its products throughout Latin America for the past decade, has 25 years of experience in smart card innovation and leads the industry in security technology and open systems.

"Consumer demand is increasing for content and the convenience of m-commerce, m-banking and real-time data via mobile phones," says Laurans. "Axalto specializes in finding fast and secure ways to deliver value-added services across mobile networks." The company's services include creation of SIM cards that give operators the most competitive and interoperable platform for second and third-generation mobile communications; specially designed and implemented innovative applications; the deployment of proven software and hardware platforms for reliable services; and ensuring that new applications and content deliver optimum performance.

Telcel, the leading wireless services provider in Mexico, recently chose Axalto to provide SIM cards and services for subscriber access to dynamic Internet content and services to any GSM mobile phone. To date, Axalto has shipped one million Simera N@vigate 3.4 64K SIM cards under the program in use by Telcel.

Financial institutions in the region have also begun to use the state-of-the-art smart card technology to help reduce fraud.

"Banks are finding that smart cards with EMV Migration Features have benefits in addition to security," Laurans adds. "Smart cards help banks differentiate their credit or debit cards from others because they have the capability of unique design and the ability to offer special services--such as loyalty program participation and e-banking."

Axalto continuously creates new generations of products for use in a variety of applications in the telecommunications, finance, retail, transport, entertainment, health care, personal identification, information technology and public sector markets. Microprocessor cards provide convenience, security and privacy to public and private services operators, their customers and end users, according to Laurans.

SONY LATIN AMERICA: A VIDEOCONFERENCING ALL-IN-ONE SOLUTION

Businesses throughout Latin America are beginning to realize the benefits of using videoconferencing technology.

"Now that telecommunications are improving and the use of broadband and digital services are becoming less expensive in the region, videoconference use is taking off," says Guillermo Gasparini, sales manager, Application Systems for Sony Latin America.

Sony recently launched the PCS-TL50 All-in-One, a transportable videoconferencing desktop package for executive personal communication and/or small meeting space usage. Bringing a new level of versatility and convenience to videoconferencing, the breakthrough system features a unique pan-tilt-zoom camera embedded in an attractive 20-inch wide LCD display that doubles as a PC monitor.

In addition to the embedded camera, the PCS-TL50 includes an embedded codec, microphone and speakers to minimize desktop clutter and simplified set-up. A new user-friendly graphic interface assists in call execution, while a convenient remote control directs the camera.

"This is a complete videoconferencing solution in just one piece of equipment, offering the ultimate in convenience and cost-savings," Gasparini says. "The feedback we have had so far from end-users of the PCS-TL50 has been great. They love its stylish design and privacy features."

Sony's new system allows for six conference call points and has the option of a data solution box that enables users to show Power Point, Excel files and/or any other PC applications to call participants. It is also possible to work independently on the PC monitor even as the system is employed in a videoconference.