IBM opens Kuching sales office to increase market presence

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SEEMLESS TECHNOLOGY: Tang (left) and Yeo (right) pose with the IBM banner.

KUCHING: Being one of the world’s greatest multinational technology and consulting corporations, IBM Malaysia Sdn Bhd (IBM) is targeting to increase its market presence in East Malaysia with the opening of IBM sales office here.

The American company which has 250 branches in more than 60 growth market (emerging) countries around the world is eying a geographic expansion this year especially in the developing and growing third world countries.

“IBM is reaffirming its commitment in Sarawak by organising a forum for business and information technology (IT) leaders here entitled ‘Smarter Business Symposium’ as we recognise the increasing demands of local business complexities in its software solutions for their daily business operations,” said Tang Cheong Weng, general manager for geographic expansion, IBM Malaysia, Brunei and Cambodia in a media interview during the Smarter Business Symposium held yesterday.

He explained that the Smarter Business Symposium was part of its geographic expansion strategy to bring IBM expertise and technology solutions to clients in Sarawak at greater speed and efficiency.

“We are committed to helping clients of all sizes optimise their infrastructure to be more competitive both in the local and global markets,” added Tang.

Globally, IBM expected to increase its revenue share from these potential growth markets (developing countries) from the current 22 per cent revenue share to 30 per cent by 2015.

Although Tang was unable to disclose any target projections of the company for privacy reason however, he stated that IBM could not ignore the growing market in East Malaysia, adding that the growth for software solutions outside of Kuala Lumpur was becoming robust with emerging new investments.

He opined that Sarawak was a significant market for IBM, being the largest state in Malaysia that had vast potential in agricultural, manufacturing and tourism hub in the country.

Meanwhile, IBM Sarawak branch manager, Michael Yeo said he would oversee the new Kuching sales office which was located at Menara MAA at Jalan Ban Hock and he would also be working closely with local IT entrepreneurs, vendors and suppliers to provide multi-pronged support and value added services for their customers.

The one-day ‘Smarter Business Symposium’ featured a series of presentations by industry experts and showcased IBM’s product portfolio with key offerings and solutions, ranging from hardware, software, business analytics and cloud computing to financing options.

When asked what was the price range for the products, Tang said the price would start from few thousand ringgit for a cash and carry server, adding that it had a product catalogue for the various types of products and services.

Generally, IBM manufactures and sells computer hardware and software. Among the famous inventions by IBM include the automated teller machines (ATM), the floppy disk, hard disk drive, Universal Product Code (UPC) and many more.