By Kim Yoo-chul
Samsung SDS, the information technology (IT) and software services affiliate of the Samsung Group, has set the goal of achieving more than 7 trillion won ($6.3 billion) in revenue this year by speeding up its overseas business expansion.
In an annual business plan unveiled Friday, the company set a target of 7.45 trillion won in revenue for 2013 by expanding its portion of overseas sales to 40 percent from the current 30 percent.
It posted sales of 6.1 trillion won last year and profit reached 407 billion won ― up 28.1 percent and 20 percent from the previous year, respectively, it said. This was the first time a local IT solutions firm exceeded 6 trillion won in annual revenue.
``Backed by a good response to our solutions in emerging markets, we aim to reap 2.98 trillion won in revenue solely from outside Korea this year,’’ the company said.
SDS said last year’s performance was thanks to robust demand for IT solutions from its biggest clients, including its affiliate Samsung Electronics.
The Seoul-based outfit is trying hard to cut its heavy reliance on the domestic market as it believes the domestic-oriented business structure does not guarantee corporate sustainability.
The company is eyeing developing countries, especially those in the Middle East and southern Asia, as well as China and India, as a launch pad for the company’s international business.
The company also plans to give more authority to divisions in charge of future businesses: construction, e-government, mobile and transportation. Those segments will receive more attention and investment, the company said.
``We will implement a `two track’ approach. SDS plans to sell converged management solutions combined with construction and transportation to emerging economies, while we will try to export our patented logistics IT solutions to Europe and South America as another diversification strategy,’’ said a company official.
Mentioning the latest deals to supply its patented management controlling system called CELLO to Samsung Corning Precision, POSCO and Doosan Group, the official said it is also seeking new clients.