Computer Hardware and Software
| Year | Number of PC's |
| 1993 | 220,000 |
| 1994 | 285,000 |
| 1995 | 370,000 |
Hardware
The market for computer hardware is growing quickly in Venezuela, the total market size in 1996 was $280 million, and it is estimated that it will be $403 million by year-end 1998. The increase in the use of Personal Computers for both private and public, and increased access to the Internet have contributed to the increase. Banks, financial institutions, petroleum industry, the manufacturing sector and some departments of the government are investing heavily in computer hardware and software.
Venezuela does not produce any hardware inside its own boarders. It is all imported from the United States and other locations.
Computers and Peripherals (US dollars in millions)
Year |
Total Market Size |
Total Local Production |
Total Exports |
Total Imports |
Total Imports from the U.S. |
| 1996 | 280 |
0 |
0 |
280 |
216 |
| 1997 | 322 |
0 |
0 |
322 |
255 |
| 1998(forecast) | 403 |
0 |
0 |
403 |
282 |
Source: Florida Trade Data Center Index
Software
The software market is also increasing in Venezuela.
Computer Software and Services (US dollars in millions)
Year |
Total Market Size |
Total Local Production |
Total Exports |
Total Imports |
Total Imports from the U.S. |
| 1996 | 212 |
20 |
15 |
177 |
154 |
| 1997 | 244 |
22 |
18 |
204 |
184 |
| 1998(forecast) | 260 |
26 |
21 |
255 |
230 |
Source: Florida Trade Data Center Index
The software industry is increasing in Venezuela as businesses and individuals are becoming more aware of technology, and how it can increase productivity and efficiency in their lives. Software is getting less expensive to produce, and to purchase. It is also becoming more user-friendly for people who do not have a great deal of experience in the use of computers.
The United States is the major supplier of software to Venezuela, and most of the exports from Venezuela are business applications which are in Spanish and are adapted to local needs (www.flatrade.org/ccg/venezuel.htm).
The major US players in the Venezuelan telecommunications market are; AT&T, GTE, Bellsouth Enterprises, General Electric Co., and IBM.
Back to Internet Activity