Colombian IT infrastructure outsourcing market is experiencing high growth rate that is likely to continue in the medium and long term. Companies are increasingly realizing the benefits of outsourcing such as fixed cost, better infrastructure, specialized human resources and most importantly, the ability to focus on their core activities.
According to the research analyst of Frost & Sullivan, Ana Maria Rojas, technology is developing at a rapid pace, making the resources and knowledge obsolete. Also the potential customers for IT infrastructure outsourcing services are becoming more aware of the advantages of handing over this function to an expert third party. This has paved the way for service providers to promote their solutions more easily to interested companies.
Solutions are becoming more flexible and comprehensive with the entry of new participants and rising competition between IT and telecommunications companies creating a healthy and dynamic market. Customers are gradually adopting these services, typically opting for simple solutions such as co-location initially and later scaling up to value- added services such as storage and network management.
However, convincing potential clients to entrust their internal and confidential information to an outside party will continue to pose a major challenge to service providers. Cultural beliefs on this issue lead to skepticism among companies about allowing a third party to control their processes, while concerns also abound about the security of outsourcing IT infrastructure. High prices of the solutions are another key factor restraining greater adoption of these services.
Despite the prevailing uncertainty about security issues, the high costs of maintaining up-to-date IT infrastructure in-house and the importance of remaining competitive are compelling enough reasons for companies to contract IT services to recognized specialists with core competencies in this area.
Recent trends suggest the growing participation of the mid-market as providers begin developing solutions aimed at addressing the unique needs of small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs). On their part, SMBs have become more aware of the critical role played by IT in their organizations but are restrained by high prices. Therefore, solutions will have to become more affordable if service providers wish to leverage the considerable potential of the SMB segment. And their inclusion in the target customer base is also likely to contribute to market growth.
