The Hindu Business Line : Infosys `set to take on global giants'

INFOSYS Technologies Ltd said on Thursday that the company was set to challenge the might of international giants and is stepping up efforts to build a multi-cultural, multi-location workforce.

"All companies, whether it is the global giants or us, are approaching an end game which is based on a global delivery of solutions backed by domain knowledge. While the international giants are facing an anti-incumbency factor on account of higher costs, our model, that offers better quality at lower cost and lesser time, is gaining global acceptance," Infosys' President, CEO and Managing Director, Mr Nandan Nilekani, told reporters here.

"We are approaching the end game from two different starting points. Our approach involves growth and additions, while many of our rivals believe that value can be delivered simply by recruiting a bunch of guys in Bangalore. That means job dislocation and the trauma associated with it. Our model has meant that jobs are also being created in the US," he said.

The Infosys' chief said that his company's guidance for the new financial year has specified a 30-31 per cent growth in topline (revenues), while the bottomline (profits) are projected to grow at 27 per cent.

The difference, which comes to about $11 million, will be used for three initiatives - the new consulting arm in the US, China subsidiary and banking business unit.

The total investment planned for the consulting arm was $20 million, he said.

The subsidiary would employ 500 people in the next three years. Mr Nilekani said the consulting arm was expected to contribute to the revenues of the company from this year itself, but did not give a timeframe for breaking even.

Infosys has already hired four global experts in consulting business from rival firms to head the business and compete with the top IT consulting firms such as EDS, Accenture and Deloitte Consulting. The company plans to add 75 employees during the current year.