"This year we expect 15% of our revenues to come from outside of Brazil, whereas in 2006 we expect this to be at least 25% with growth in software exports to the USA and Europe, especially the UK," said Nascimento.

Stefanini IT Solutions also intends to make local acquisitions in 2006. "It is difficult to give a time frame, but we are analyzing three companies and probably will close a deal in six months," said Nascimento.

In 2006, Stefanini hopes to finalize a partnership with a major international IT company to support its operations in Brazil and other countries. "If this happens, it will greatly increase our expected targets," added Nascimento.

CMMI LEVEL 5
Stefanini IT Solutions has also received Capability Maturity Model integration (CMMI) level 5 certification in Brazil, a level reached only by the local units of Indian giant Tata Consultancy Services and US IT giants IBM and EDS, and some 30 others worldwide.

The CMMi certification combines a carefully chosen set of best practices based on experience in a variety of disciplines, including systems analysis and design, software engineering and management.

Although he could not quantify the value, Nascimento said that the CMMi level 5 is important for marketing and is vital overseas.

"This is important because many US companies only do offshore business with companies that have this standard," said Nascimento. "This is also true for some British and European companies," he added.

Stefanini IT Solutions has a workforce of some 3,000 consultants, of which over 10% are located outside of Brazil in Angola, Argentina, Chile, Peru, Colombia, Mexico, Spain, Portugal and the US.

The company offers three main services: IT infrastructure projects such as IT outsourcing; implementation of corporate software systems such as SAP and ERP; and developing and building applications.