Macintosh Computers

The Macintosh Fight in Mexico​

 

Paquetes Interactivos S.A. of C.V.

Ing. Pedro Baram K.
General Manager

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A undoubtedly unique story is that of Apple Computer Inc. in Mexico, which established itself in this country at the beginning of this decade, obtaining great acceptance both commercially and professionally; acceptance that was diminished by a series of circumstances that will be mentioned below.

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As a consequence of this, Apple equipment is not officially distributed in this country and yet there are, in addition to us, a large number of enthusiastic allies, and therefore a large potential market.

Due to changes in the country's economic structure, and thanks to the hard convincing work carried out by Macintosh technology experts, this situation may soon change in favor of Apple Computer Inc.

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BACKGROUND:

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The Mexican government, wishing to promote investment, job creation and technological development, requested a national integration program from computer manufacturers in order to establish themselves in Mexico. This means that in order to sell their product, they would have to gradually manufacture their components in the country, until they reach a certain degree of integration.

The companies negotiated with the Mexican government their integration programs with which they generally committed to initially assembling computers, to later install industrial plants for the manufacturing and assembly of components in Mexico, both for internal use and for export. This satisfied the conditions set by the government.

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Companies such as Hewlett Packard and IBM have installed factories in Mexico, but other PC clone manufacturing companies have not been able to comply with their integration programs since they continue to import and assemble computers but do not yet manufacture their components.

Apple Computer Inc., which had had great success in Mexico with its Apple // model, and being a young company that had barely completed automatic plants in other parts of the world, could not commit to an integration program with the Mexican government, with which it was officially excluded from the computing market after having formed a considerable group of users in companies, schools and universities.

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THE MARKET:

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In the absence of Apple Computer Inc. in the computing market in Mexico, the predominant technology has been the PC, although as in other countries, for price reasons, clones have taken the most important sector of the market.

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However, the proximity of Mexico to the United States has allowed many users to travel to that country, where they have had contact with Macintosh technology, which, like in other countries, has captivated users and programmers.

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It is worth mentioning that many users have had to fight with their own means to get their Macintosh in that country.

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The current market for Macintosh computers in Mexico, although small compared to the PC market, is large enough to import monthly specialized magazines such as MacWorld and MacUser that are sold even in self-service stores.

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The volume of installed computers has allowed the growth of companies like ours, dedicated to advising and providing services to Macintosh users.

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These users are currently in various companies, or are independent professionals such as doctors, dentists, architects and lawyers among others, who prefer it for its notable ease of learning and use.

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The most common applications are for graphic design, word processors and spreadsheets, although communication applications are increasingly required, since users, convinced by technology, want new equipment to integrate their networks.

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Currently our company has several software developments, among which administrative and accounting software, payroll calculation packages, as well as medical office administration packages, among others, stand out.

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In addition, systems have been developed for specific client needs such as inventory control, operational controls, systems for the calculation and control of property taxes in municipalities, which aims to bring Macintosh technology to all levels, including State governments.

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PERSPECTIVES:

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Faced with the economic situation that Mexico is going through, the government's economic policies are being modified. To allow the entry of technology, improve quality and stop inflation, Mexico is willing to open trade to the world.

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Due to the lack of success of the integration programs, he now proposes a new scheme for the development of the computer industry in the country: Allow the import of already assembled computers as long as the export of other items is achieved to compensate for foreign currency or is encouraged. computer training and software development.

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Faced with this new situation, Apple Computer Inc. has the opportunity to resume its position in Mexico by selecting Mexican suppliers for the manufacturing of components, and/or supporting training and software development in Mexico.

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Mexico has well-prepared elements in computing and the artistic creativity necessary to design software of the best quality. Due to the salary structure, the systems produced have very competitive prices in international markets.

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The first steps to resolve the existing situation have already been taken. Apple Computer Inc. has named Genetec S.A. exclusive distributor for Mexico. of C.V. who is currently providing service to existing users and carrying out negotiations with the corresponding authorities.

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Our company has had the opportunity to demonstrate to senior officials of the Mexican government the benefits of Macintosh technology and what this represents for the country in terms of efficiency.

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With the support of Apple Computer Inc. it is possible to create an institute where Mexican technicians can be trained in the design and programming of systems that meet quality requirements as well as help promote these products in international markets. This satisfies the current conditions established by the Mexican government.

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If this situation is resolved positively, Macintosh technology will openly enter Mexico, and therefore we will be extremely pleased to be part of the Apple international network, since we are convinced that due to its technology:

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APPLE NEEDS MEXICO AND MEXICO NEEDS APPLE.