Hardware
Hardware is the largest single market sector (A$4.5 billion) of the Australian information technology market, followed by services (A$3.0 billion), data communications equipment (A$2.7 billion), and software packages (A$1.7 billion). However, a high proportion of hardware is imported (primarily from the US). Despite this fact, exports are growing at a rapid pace. This partly due to the high demand for personal computers. The per capita user of personal computers is one PC per single-user computer for every 6.3 Australians. (Australia - Growth for Communications Industry) The US is the only country who has a higher ratio.
The hardware industry is characterized by both indigenous companies and multinational corporations who provide computer systems, components, peripherals; desktop video and multimedia; and hardware and network solutions. Many local firms have formed strategic alliances with foreign firms as well as moved into overseas markets (e.g., Singapore and Malaysia). For example, in 1995 Datacraft entered the Latin American market creating two subsidiaries in both Mexico City and Sao Paulo. In addition, Datacraft Asia recently formed a joint venture with Superior Communications Bhd, an established telecommunications system integrator in Malaysia.
Software
Computer software remains one of the fastest growing sectors of information technology. Recent annual growth rates have averaged between 13 and 17 percent. Like the hardware industry, the software industry is comprised of a disperse number of competitors. These companies provide services in applications, databases, development, and games and entertainment. For example, Hudson Software which was established in 1991 specializes in Microsoft Windows productivity tools targeted at the business environment. They have a broad client base which extends to large international corporations such as Kodak, American Express and Coopers & Lybrand. On the other hand, Cross Target, is a company which provides tools to corporations to make business decisions faster and better through data mining.
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URL: http://www.http://gurukul.ucc.american.edu/initeb/lk0767a/australi.htm
Author: Linda Kallmeyer
Last Update: May 6, 1997