BANGALORE: In a move that underscores the importance of India as an
offshoring base, Sam Palmisano, chairman and CEO, IBM,
today announced the company's decision to triple investment from $2 billion to
$6 billion in the next three years.
“We are excited by the prospects in India which is why we plan to commit $6
billion in the next three years.” He was addressing around 10,000 IBM India
employees here.
The Big Blue's investment would be pumped into setting up service delivery
centers in Bangalore, which would offer automated IT services; create a Systems
and Technology Group (STG) with proof of concept center for customers; starting
a telecom research and innovation center at IBM's India research center;
setting up a lab for on-demand high performance computing solutions and social
and academic initiatives.
IBM has increased its headcount in India from 9000 in 2004 to 43,000 today,
making it its second biggest global hub outside the US.
Around 50-60 analysts from Wall Street and various other firms were also in
attendance at the event. This is the first time that an IBM analyst briefing is
being held outside the US.
Speaking in his address on what makes IBM special, Palmisano attributed the
company's achievements to innovation and also the fact that the company had
never defined or limited itself as a product company.
“This has served us well, given us flexibility and this has helped us drive
towards excellence. We are now a truly global integrated company and don't
define ourselves by reach or country but by intellectual skills.”
Michael J Cannon-Brookes, vice president, business development, China and
India, IBM Corporation, said that the $6 billion investment emphasized the
company's commitment not just to India but all emerging markets.
Shankar Annaswamy, MD, IBM India, said that the President's behest, the
company is also working on social initiatives and in establishing a world wide
grid working with universities and partners.
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