Johannesburg, 17 Mar 1999
New research from International Data Corporation`s (IDC`s) Latin America Research group reveals that the PC markets in Ecuador and Peru registered moderate growth in 1998, in spite of political and economic inhibitors. Last year these countries overcame political instability, falling oil prices, high interest rates, and El Ni~o. Ecuador may be vulnerable in 1999, with many experts expressing concern, feeling that low foreign currency reserves will leave it susceptible to speculative attacks. Peru, however, should experience a slight recovery, fueled primarily by government sales, which will be particularly strong in light of forthcoming elections.
IBM claimed PC market leadership in Peru with a 22% market share. However, stiff competition from Compaq and the strengthening clone market promise to offer IBM many challenges in 1999. "Average prices are being driven down, which we see as a consequence of the current price-sensitive economic conditions," said Andrew Newman, a senior analyst with IDC`s Latin America Research group. "A number of major international distributors, such as CHS and Ingram Micro, are bringing new clones to market in these countries. Others, such as Tech Data and FutureTech, are planning to ship more components to supply local assemblers."
In Ecuador, IDC`s research reveals that the notebook market is growing more rapidly than in neighboring countries. "This is surprising, given that the economy is so weak right now, and notebooks are relatively expensive products," Newman said. "In the midst of these uncertain times, we see Compaq, Toshiba, and others penetrating new vertical markets such as education and the small office."
IDC`s research on the IT markets in Peru and Ecuador provides information from more than 80 personal, in-country interviews, as well as coverage of new expanded price bands, channels, and grey market estimates derived from a Miami-based methodology. The research is available for purchase by contacting Daniel Cardamone at (305) 267-2616 or dcardamone@idc.com. For more information about IDC`s Latin America Research programs, please contact either Beth Freedman or Lisa Bloom at (508) 872-8200.
With a network of six country offices in Latin America and two regional offices in Silicon Valley, California and Miami, Florida IDC provides full market coverage of PCs, mainframes, Unix systems and workstations, servers, desktop printers, professional services, local area networks, the Internet, RDBMS software, distribution channels, NT, and IT spending patterns in Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Mexico, and Venezuela. IDC also conducts primary research in Peru, Ecuador, Central America, and the Caribbean. International Data Corporation is the leading supplier of IT market information on Latin America.
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