A tech park for the senses

BANGALORE: In an economy where software rules the roost, one might think that running a software technology park where software is the main concern will be the easiest thing in the world. But, according to Global Technology Ventures partner and director of Tanglin Developments Shankar Venkataraman, this is just an illusion. Excerpts of his interview with Sathya Mithra Ashok of CyberMedia News Service as he goes into the various features necessary for a successful software park and how Global Village fits perfectly into the groove.

Why was Global Village created and how has its purpose changed over time?



Tanglin Developments built Global Village for occupation by portfolio companies of global technology ventures. Because of its original intentions the park was intended to provide plug and play facilities to IT, software and hi-technology companies. But, recently we have started aggressively marketing ourselves to companies outside the portfolio umbrella.

What makes Global Village unique?



Global Village was created keeping the needs of organizations in mind. For one, Global Village is located on the Bangalore-Mysore Expressway, at a distance of a mere 12 kilometers from the heart of the city making it easy to commute to and fro. Apart from that, companies are provided with built to order facilities and well laid out communication networks like the STPI earth station. We have also invested in recreation facilities like a golf driving range, a tennis court and soon a clubhouse. Moreover, steering clean of sky rise buildings, Global Village provides sprawling offices amidst lush greenery. The philosophy behind the design is that the more spacious and less cluttered the surroundings, the calmer and less stressful the work atmosphere

What does the future hold for Global Village?



The tech park, which was inaugurated in 2000, now sprawls over an expansive 60 acres with an investment of close to Rs 15 crore. Currently, Global Village houses Kshema Technologies in an 80,000 sq ft facility and Ivega Corporation with a 35,000 sq ft facility. Around five more companies including MindTree have expressed their interest in the park. We will be expanding to another 60 acres in the next few years. The future developments to the existing as well as the additional land to be obtained will depend on the number of companies that come in and their subsequent needs. As I said, we are pushing aggressively forward and hope that more and more companies will come in soon.

(CyberMedia News Service)