Airwide solutions, global SMS and data software major has jumped on the off-shoring / outsourcing bandwagon by foraying into India to set up a research and development centre at Gurgaon, Delhi.
Initially, it will hire 100 to 150 people, raising it to around 200 – 250 in the next 18-months. The company absolutely believes that it will rake in 15% of its total revenues from its new facility in India.
In the words of Vincent Kadarl, airwide solutions Chief Technology Officer: “India is the second largest wireless market in the world and setting up a base here will help us cater to the needs of this market. The facility will also help us to target neighbouring countries with our sales and support services.” However, he did not reveal the investments ear-marked for the facility, only stating the company is expecting earning from equities. But, he did specify that the investment amount would be ‘significant’ and equal to that of its Tier-I operations across the world, with the R&D centre providing services to global clients, including countries such as Thailand, Indonesia and Sri Lanka.
Airwide’s regional director (ASEAN & India), Rajive Chandra said the company has posted revenue of $40-million in 2005, and expects to increase it by 10 to 15% this year. With operations in 46-countries and alliances with 70-operators across the globe, the $40-million company is planning to enter into similar tie-ups in India.
With its company products already subscribed t by Hutch, Airtel, Aircel, VSNL, Reliance and Idea, airwide is looking at providing solutions for expansion of these companies. Airwide provides solutions to help operators to enhance user experience and increase mobile messaging revenues and profits. Their products include air ‘n ‘able texts, short messaging solution – air ‘n ‘gine for MMS, airgate, a gateway solution and air guard, a fraud management solution, among others.
Further proof, that India has moved on from low-end outsourcing jobs to high-end, complex technicalities. The country is well and truly on its way to becoming the most sought after off-shore knowledge hub in the world.
For details read here.
The article is sponsored by A-1 Technology Inc, dealing in offshore outsourcing and offshore software development.
