Autodesk steams up Indian operations

BANGALORE: Global design software and digital content major, Autodesk has chalked up plans to fire all cylinders for its Indian operations. After "understanding" and taking "corrective" measures for its operations in the country, Autodesk has appointed a managing director in India after three years.

Ex-Sun Microsystems sales director in India, Vishal Dhupar has taken over the reins of the Indian operations for Autodesk and will be responsible for Autodesk's startegy and growth in India. He will also spearhead all strategic initiatives for India, motivate and lead the teams to achieve business goals and support Autodesk's anti-piracy efforts.

California based Autodesk plans to hike its workforce in India by scaling up to 200 employees within the next couple of years from the present strength of 83 people. "We have job functions in India such as product support, global support, IT development and consulting, apart from the regular sales team. We will be doubling our support team and almost tripling our IT development team," said Andre Pravaz, Vice President, Autodesk South Asia Pacific.

China and India continue to contribute significantly to Autodesk's global revenue. Last year, the Asia Pacific region had contributed close to 22 percent of the company's $952 million worldwide revenue in 2004. However, the two large markets are high on the piracy rate too as much as it offers business opportunity to vendors.