Novellus opens development center in Bangalore

BANGALORE: US based Novellus Systems Inc, engaged in supplying the

manufacturing systems to Integrated Circuit (ICs) manufacturers, has set up its

wholly owned Indian subsidiary in Bangalore. The subsidiary would be involved in

sharing software development, support for its global customers and testing

software along with its counterparts in the US. This is the company's first

development center outside the US.

Incorporated in July 2000, Novellus India plans to grow its strength up to 60

professionals by the end of the calendar year for all its three divisions,

software development, testing and customer support. It has earmarked a million

dollars in investment for its Indian operations. According to Novellus Systems

Inc, executive vice president for systems development, engineering and

manufacturing operations Jeffery C Benzing, "Most of the investment has

been focussed on setting up an excellent infrastructure and on professionals. A

state of the art communication infrastructure to supplement the support and

software development services in India. These services will synchronize with the

US centers and the time difference is an added advantage for us to deliver a

round the clock delivery and support model for our global customers."

He also added, "The new facility will cut our cycle time to develop new

systems software for Novellus' industry leading thin film deposition and surface

preparation equipment. The new capability will also allow us to expand our

worldwide customer satisfaction program by providing real time software support

for our customers around the globe."

The industry friendly government, especially in the state of Karnataka and

availability of quality professionals made Novellus choose Bangalore to set up

its development center. "Although our customers are globally located and

most of the manufacturing plant located in the South East Asia Pacific region,

the policies and thrust that the Indian government is putting on IT is simply

amazing. There is no parallel neighboring country to India when it comes to IT

infrastructure and policies," commented Benzing.