BANGALORE: Wipro Technologies opened its first software development center in Nordic Countries by opening a development center in Tampere, Finland. This marks the first investment made by any Indian technology company in Finland. Wipro has two more development centers in Europe at Kiel in Germany and Reading in UK.

In a statement forwarded by the company, it was mentioned that the center would complement Wipro’s services by addressing issues, which need local presence. Typically Wipro conducts 70 per cent of its work for European customers in India and the other 30 percent at more local development centers.

Wipro EMEA, head, Sudip Nandy, said, "This northern European investment is the first of its kind from an India based IT services company. The center will enable Wipro’s engineers to focus on joint global technology initiative developments, working with customers like Nokia. The establishment of this localized development center is part of Wipro’s strategy to offer a global execution model by combining a next door presence with the cost savings associated with India."

The Tampere region is the second largest province in Finland with about half a million inhabitants. In Tampere region, nearly 300 businesses operate in the field of ICT. All operations focus on design, research and product development. Education and research in the field are high.

The director of business development for the city of Tampere, said, " The "Invest in Tampere" service within Tampere Technology center would provides soft-landing services for foreign companies investing in Tampere."