One topic that I’ve been following is the growth in outsourcing information technology services from the U.S. to Latin America. Here in Buenos Aires I am definitely getting a sense that there is an increase in this business. I’m encountering an increasing number of people from the U.S. who are relocating to Buenos Aires in order to either start-up or relocate their technology businesses.
I don’t think that Latin America will eclipse India or Asia as the outsourcing leader, but I do believe that niche markets for IT services can work very well through outsourcing in Latin America. Of course, the same can also be said about Eastern Europe. Ultimately, I think that the outsourcing pie is so large that firms in a lot of countries will benefit.
Articles that focus exclusively on which country offers the best outsourcing potential and lowest costs are missing the full scope of providing a technology service. Indeed, one potentially lucrative aspect can be viewed not as outsourcing at all but as simply the provision of a high value technology-based service. Graphic design is one of those aspects. Traditionally, graphic design was provided onsite, in-person. But the rapid nature of worldwide communications enables talented designers to provide services for customers in other global locations.
Design is very much part of the nature of Buenos Aires. The city has a very sophisticated design pulse and is producing excellent designers that offer a stylistic sense that is different from those found elsewhere. Enabling opportunities that offers these designers access to markets in North America or Europe while continuing to work and live in Buenos Aires could be a successful business model. The key to the success of any company is gaining access to the market.
June 25th, 2005 at 8:30 pm
Here in Monterrey, Mexico the same is true. Hispanic Teleservices Corporation is aggresively recruiting just about anyone who can speak decent English. Ironically, many of my friends have told me that they are being called up by telemarketers based in Columbia and other South American countries.
I also agree with what you say about design. Now that manufacturing and even engineering have been exported to the developing world, first world economies seem to be hedging their bets on maintaining their leads in design, but from what I’ve seen of design work here in Mexico and in other developing nations, the big economies might be in for a big surprise. At the risk of sounding like a neoliberalist, I think this is a good thing.
June 27th, 2005 at 6:28 pm
Monday Global Blog Roundup
The Middle East
A Free Iraqi does an interesting Q&A with his readers.
Crossroads Arabia points to a news story that says that 2,500 scholarships are available for Saudis who want to study at American universities. While 2,500 students is a f…
July 25th, 2009 at 2:17 am
I too am seeing a increase in outsourcing companies setting up down in here in Argentina.
Have a look at this article that covers some of the reasons why this is happening, very interesting!!
http://www.creative-outsourcing.com/outsourcing-of-creative-work-is-to-argentina-what-outsourcing-of-programming-is-to-india-and-outsour.html