The International Business Machines Corporation (IBM) announced earlier this week it will be building a new cloud computing center in Bogota, to meet Colombia’s rising technology demand and sure up existing investments and business relations in the country.
IBM already has fulltime IT support centers in Colombia, and the new $17 million dollar facility will be aimed at capitalizing on increasingly tech-heavy business growth in the country.
According to a prominent Colombian consulting firm, 2013 has already seen a 15.3% rise in Colombia’s data service market, of which cloud computing has been an important component. IBM — clients with 88% of the Colombian Chamber of Commerce’s Top-100 companies, as defined in a 2012 report — does not want to miss out on the action, and indeed, offers what the International Data Corporation (IDC) has called industry-leading cloud services.
Said IBM Colombia’s General Manager: “In the current competitive environment, Colombia companies are looking for high value solutions that help them solve complexity through innovation and business insight by addressing organic growth and productivity issues. Our new datacenter and our professionals aim to contribute to the private and public companies’ development and the countries progress. This new investment showcases our clients’ trust in our expertise and services, as well as the commitment IBM has made to the country’ growth.”
And IBM isn’t the only company to recognize the need for investment in improved internet capabilities to keep up with demand in Colombia’s growing business sector.
Earlier this summer, America Movil, the parent company of Colombia’s Claro phone service provider, announced it is building a massive underwater cable to bring 4G internet to Colombia, increasing overall processing speeds by 50,000 gigabytes.
MORE: Massive underwater cable to improve internet in Colombia
The Colombian government, too, has plans to expand basic broadband internet access to residents throughout the country, even as public debates over personal privacy scandals have spilled over into the highest legal bodies of government.
MORE: Govt approves funds that will provide broadband internet in all Colombia
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IBM’s Colombia operation began in 2011, and the latest project will build on the $8 million the company has already invested in the country. According to the company’s own estimates, IBM does business with companies producing a total 40% of Colombia’s GDP.
Industry experts say Colombia is one of the fastest growing datacenter markets in Latin America, as well as one of the fastest outsources of internet technology services.
Sources
- IBM Press Release
- Los US$17 Millones de IBM en Colombia (El Espectador)