The Hindu Business Line : Autodesk to expand operations

Mr Andre Pravaz, Vice-President, Autodesk South Asia Pacific (right), and Mr Vishal Dhupur, Managing Director, Autodesk India, at a press conference in Bangalore on Tuesday. - - G.R.N. Somashekar

Bangalore , Aug. 17

AUTODESK India is planning to hire and expand its IT development and support strength in India as well as strengthen its sales and partner network.

Announcing this, Mr Andre Pravaz, VP, Asia-Pacific (A-PAC), said the company expected traction from governments, enterprises and service providers as the infrastructure development in the country progressed.

The company, however, voiced its concern about the software piracy in the country - where about 73 per cent of commercially used Autodesk products are pirated.

"Data conversion companies in some States, training institutes and other commercial applications including the creation of intellectual property (IP) violates our IP rights," said Mr Pravaz .

He said the company was part of the Business Software Alliance and was also working independently to combat the piracy.

"We will be investing in developing India both as a development and support centre as well as a market", Mr Pravaz, said, although he did not give any numbers.

Mr Vishal Dhupur, Managing Director, Autodesk India, said the company planned to work through its partner network, while also developing direct relationships with trendsetting top customers and on a programme-oriented approach to working with small and medium enterprises (SMEs).

The company derives 70 per cent of its revenues worldwide from SMEs, Mr Pravaz added.