Nasscom has been spending a lot of time and money in assessing the Indian market and also bringing to light the hidden opportunities. The recent one being the seminar held in Bangalore, where Nasscom and BCG shared the findings of the report to the industry.

What is the objective of such reports?

The objective of such reports is to assess the size of the Indian market and its potential and make it known to the industry that there is enough business for everyone here within the country. It also gives everybody in India and worldwide a clear mindshare of our potential. We have to be competitive and be in the race and win it too. These reports give numbers and build confidence amongst the industry about the potential of the country.

So what has the BCG report on e-business revealed?

The report has revealed that e-commerce business in India will be as big as Rs 195,000 crore by 2005. Out of this the B2C transactions in the country will take upto Rs 3,000 crore. This clearly gives an indication that we are going the e-commerce way, inspite of being quizzed about the issues and mindset of the people about transacting business over the Net. This will encourage the industry to take make efforts to offer solutions, build payment gateways, offer services via the Net.

How much investment and time did Nasscom and BCG take to finish the report?

There were about 10 people from BCG involved in the study, 4 from here and about 5 to 6 people co-ordinating from the other overseas offices. About 5 people from Nasscom were involved in the study, these 5 people were the steering committee. About 50 members from companies in India were actually involved. Nasscom spends close to Rs 10 crore for such studies, advertisements, events and other such activities. We don't depend on anybody, we cater to our own needs. Events rake in a major portion of our revenues apart from our member companies.

How many such events are usually conducted in a year and how many in the pipeline?

Every year Nasscom holds annual events in the country. We have now tied up with CII and MAIT to hold the country's largest event annually, this will actually supplement our efforts. E-banks will be held in Mumabi soon to bring the financial sector together. Events on micro-electronics and embedded systems will follow.

What is the association with the European union for the SMEs all about? What is the role that Nasscom will play in it?

We are formulating a process, probably a corridor, where a virtual channel will be set for the companies, primarily with IT staff. The staff will be less than 100 and we will tap the business opportunities in the European market. Nasscom is just an enabler, the industries should make the best use of the business opportunities available. All this effort of making reports, conducting events, signing MoUs with other countries is all an effort to build and expand the market and business opportunity for the Indian industry.

Any plans of expands within or outside the country?

Nasccom will open offices in Chennai, Hyderabad, Bangalore and Calcutta by the end of this year. The respective governments have allotted us space. Next year Nasscom plans to go International and open offices overseas.