During Futurecom 2010, IBM analyzed the potential business opportunities for Digital TV, especially in terms of applications demand. The company presented a controversial proposal, asking for the import of skilled labor to meet demand in a short term.

“TV is counted in the millions, the Internet in the thousands,” said Marco Bravo, director of IBM services, who participated in a panel discussion on digital TV at Futurecom 2010 on Thursday, October 28. Bravo intended to prove that Brazil’s software industry must move toward the development of interactive applications for digital TV using Ginga. “We realize that mobilization is still low.”

Due to a shortage of skilled labor in technology, both in Brazil and worldwide, Bravo acknowledged that IBM’s proposal to ‘import’ professionals is controversial, because the cost of imported resources triples local costs. However, it could be a good short-term solution if the idea is to meet the deadline of the 2014 Soccer World Cup.

In fact, the issue proved to be polemic. Andre Barbosa, Chief Advisor to the Presidential Staff,  stated that before importing professionals from other countries, especially India, it is necessary to repatriate Brazilian experts.

“It’s much healthier for our economy,” he said, acknowledging that there is indeed a shortage of skilled labor in the digital TV area. However, he adds, it is essential that Brazil builds a strong political structure to train national specialists, before subduing to the rules of labor importation.

By Convergencia Digital