Technology Finds An Opportunity in SMEs

Q: What does Qualisys offer to the Mexican market and what opportunities do you see in the country? 

A: Mainly, we promote IT services and products. We have over 30 years of experience developing technologies for different sectors, specifically through infrastructure, data centers, cloud services and ERP applications to operate and control their business. Our services are also supported by several certifications, best practices and high-end business associates. We also offer testing equipment, as well as a server for cloud services at a secure building with the latest data-security technologies.

IT supply is limited because of the services that companies have to offer. In northern Mexico, I do not think there are more than five IT suppliers and they do not have the advantages we offer. Most of our clients work with American companies and they have looked for us to strengthen their operations. Our main market is the private sector in Sonora, Chihuahua and Baja California, but we are present in all states and have clients in the US.

Q: What are the biggest challenges you see to achieve a comprehensive digital transformation in the country?

A: We see an opportunity in SMEs because these are growing companies and they need appropriate technologies that are an investment rather than a cost. Sometimes companies make an offer to the client but they depend on a third-party supplier, which entails a risk that neither the IT supplier nor the client can control. We have absolute control of our offering, which allows us to maintain the best practices. The Mejores Empresas Mexicanas (Best Mexican Companies) program also gives us an edge over our competitors, since we need to have evidence of the services and products we offer.

Digital transformation is coming like a wave and it is going to hit all companies. The ones that fail to modernize will be torn down by the competition. We need to renew technologies. There are systems that are already obsolete and those that cannot be adopted by SMEs due to telecommunications costs and accessibility. The arrival of 5G will make several companies stagger, especially tech companies. With 5G, we will be able to implement AI and the Internet of Things, both at a domestic and an industrial level. The Fourth Industrial Revolution is interesting and it will remain a hot topic for the next 20 to 30 years. We are mentally prepared for it but we lack the proper resources and infrastructure to face it. The government should redirect the Program for Innovation and the Development of the Software Industry (PROSOFT) to replicate what happened in Jalisco, which is now the Mexican Silicon Valley.

Q: How else can the government foster a successful digital transformation?

A: We need collaboration among the government, universities and the private sector to make a long-term country project protected from politics or changes in administration. We need projects with a long-term vision and a commitment from Congress and universities. 

Qualisys is a valued added distributor of software, hardware, IT and telecommunications products and services for high level corporations. Located in Hermosillo, Sonora, with over 30 years of experience collaborating with data centers, infrastructure, ERP, networks, storage, security, virtualization and cloud services.