BangaloreIT gets a 'biz' tag

BANGALORE, INDIA: BangaloreIT.biz, the new avatar of the BangaloreIT.in, the flagship event of the ICT sector in the country, was launched at a gala function here on Tuesday evening.

The 11th edition of the event, to be held at the Palace Grounds from November 6 to 8, is being organized by the Department of IT/BT, Science and Technology, Govt. of Karnataka in association with STPI Bangalore, MM Activ and event manager Events Ten.

Inaugurating the launch of Bangalore IT.biz 2008, Karnataka Chief Minister BS Yeddyurappa said that his Government would consider establishing an exclusive authority for IT, BT and Nanotechnology to tap the potential of the emerging industry segment.

He was responding to the suggestion of Infosys mentor NR Narayana Murthy in this regard.

“BangaloreIT, which has been successfully organized for the last ten years has got a global visibility and no other IT event in the country has got this significance,” said the Chief Minister in his presidential address.

He also said that there is tremendous potential in the semiconductor sector and Karnataka is working on a semiconductor policy.

NR Narayana Murthy, who was the chief guest, said, “If we have to give more jobs to the youngsters in Karnataka, we have to invite more companies here and also enhance the operation of the existing ones.”

Information and IT/BT Minister Katta Subramanya Naidu, who spoke on the occasion, pointed out that 36 per cent of the software export for the country is from Karnataka.

Ashok Kumar C Manoli, Principal Secretary to the Department of IT, BT and S&T, Government of Karnataka, said the event would focus on B2B to give the SMB and start-ups the opportunity and environment to interact with participants and exhibitors for business and collaboration.

He also told the government would soon develop the IT sector in Tier-2 cities in the state as well. In its recent report the Nasscom had pointed out the Tier-2 cities as the new avenues of growth.

“We want to transform this event into a business platform and get IT leaders, user groups etc on one platform,” said Jagdish Patankar, who is coordinating the BangaloreIT.biz. This is not an event that showcases Karnataka, but it is an event of India, he said.

“We want BangaloreIT.biz to be a world class platform for the ICT industry,” said R.Rajalakshmi, Director, STPI, Bangalore. “We are working closely with the government, companies and industry bodies to make this a successful event."

BangaloreIT.biz will have international conferences on various topics, exhibitions, workshops and round tables, CEO Conclave, Power Golf tourney and award nite.

Leading ICT countries like USA, Germany, Japan, Australia, Singapore and Latin American countries like Mexico and Chile have confirmed their participation. Many other countries like Russia are also expected to participate, the organizers said.