The software exports figure of Pune is all set to cross the $ one billion
mark this fiscal–the highest ever in the history of this city that reported an
export figure of $ 600 million during the previous year."We have already
crossed the Rs 4,200 crore mark and hope to cross the Rs 4,500 crore milestone
this year," informed Sushil Kumar Gupta, Pune Director, STPI.
According to him, there are several reasons for the resurgence of Pune
emerging as a preferred IT destination. "The industry itself is booming
because of the upswing in the US economy and this is being reflected in the
city. There has been a sustained demand that is now getting released," he
explained, quick enough to point out that it was not just the cost advantage
that was attracting companies to the city but the quality of work.
As against the registration of 50 new units last year, Pune this year has
seen over 70 new units being registered by December itself. Gupta hoped that the
figure would cross the 100 mark by March 2004. The Hinjewadi Infotech Park is
packed to the hilt. Infosys went in for an acquisition of 110 acres to set up
Progeon. IT majors like Wipro, Satyam, Patni, TCS, etc. have set up base in the
city. There have been private IT parks such as Magarpatta Cyber City, Marisoft
and Kharadi IT Park that have attracted major software companies. For the first
time, Pune has been sharing the spotlight with Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad and
Bangalore.
Other initiatives undertaken to promote Pune as the preferred IT destination
includes construction of a 1.2 million square feet International Convention
Center offering 60,000 sq. feet for IT companies alone by MCCIA. Another firm
Panchshil Reality is offering space for BPOs in at least five convenient
locations across the city. Marisoft, which currently houses PTC and MsourcE, is
now in second phase of expansion.
CyberMedia News Service
Pune