Meta4 unit aims for 40% growth this year

The Chilean unit of Spanish human resources software developer Meta4 expects sales to increase 40% this year compared to the US$2.2mn recorded in 2008, when revenue grew nearly 50%, the company said in a statement. According to the unit's new general manager Roger Marull, strategies planned to achieve the targets include strengthening relationships with current clients and increasing sales in the outsourcing unit and to the public sector. "The outsourcing unit, even though we haven't invested in publicity or anything of the sort, grew considerably because in moments of crisis, clients think 'I'm not going to invest everything, I can only pay a monthly fee to reduce expenses,'" Marull told BNamericas. Marull said the economic crisis leads many firms to look for such options, although there still are companies that planned their investments for the next 3-5 years, that are more willing to analyze and buy a solution, rather than acquiring it as a service. "The outsourcing unit, even though we haven't invested in publicity or anything of the sort, grew considerably because in moments of crisis, clients think 'I'm not going to invest everything, I can only pay a monthly fee to reduce expenses,'" Marull told BNamericas. He said the economic crisis leads many firms to look for such options. Consequently, Meta4 Chile expects the largest growth this year to come from sales of outsourcing and licensing. Revenues from services are not expected to increase significantly, as the unit plans to strengthen its relationship with partners that implement the services. Meta4 is currently working with four partners in Chile, and Marull aims to sign at least two more, one of them being a services provider with regional presence and the other being a small boutique shop specialized in human resources. "Meta4 has a regional development center, we do not depend on Spain to customize our applications, which is necessary considering local legislation. So if a client wants to deploy the solution regionally, we have it ready for all countries. And a regional partner could really help us there," Marull added. With nearly 10 years of presence in Chile, Meta4 has a strong presence in the banking and mining industry and sees growth coming from the public sector this year. In terms of activities to further promote the brand in the country, the company is planning to host several marketing conferences and seminars, and continue with its Human Resource Innovation Prizes.