“I cannot make estimates, but I can make it clear that IBM directs a large part of its investments towards markets such as Eastern European ones: countries such as Romania, Poland, Turkey, Russia – around 20 countries in total.”
Duncan says the business generated by investments made on these markets, not only in software, but also in hardware and other services is very encouraging, and that he sees no reason why this trend should change.
“For the whole company, growth generated on these markets – such as Romania and other countries in Eastern Europe, as well as in Asia and other regions, is almost twice as high as that recorded in the other areas.”
Software solutions are central to IBM’s strategy, says Duncan Buell, considering that they can solve “pressing” global issues. Companies are not only looking for ways to cut spending, but also for ways to change the way they do business, while Governments are under huge pressure to rebalance their spending.
“In order to do that, they have to look at the services they offer to citizens. This is a very good opportunity for technology.”
The IBM official cited the example of a contract won by IBM in Romania with the Transport Ministry, whereby the company will deliver an electronic program meant to reveal the number of tourists accommodated in hotels and pensions across Romania, and to combat tax evasion.
“A good example is the way we have worked with the Regional Development and Tourism Ministry by using technology to improve the amount and accuracy of data on the occupancy rate of hotels, and which could have an impact on raising the taxes collected.”
IBM Romania’s software division has also won contracts with Raiffeisen Bank, which implemented a solution to make activity more efficient, and Heidi Chocolat, which uses an IBM Cognos solution for a better analysis and understanding of financial trends and of clients’ buying patterns.
The American company has steadily increased its revenues in the last few years in Romania. According to Finance Ministry data, which only partly reflect IBM’s Romanian business, revenues of the local division amounted to EUR54 million in 2010, higher than in preceding years. The company also has two services centers in Romania, and a total of 1,500 employees.
(English version by Daniela Stoican)