The Hindu Business Line : IT.com to focus on games software, animation

Mr B. V. Naidu (left), Director, Software Technology Parks of India, and Mr M. K. Shankaralinge Gowda, Secretary, Information Technology, Government of Karnataka, at a press conference in Bangalore on Thursday. - - G. R. N. Somashekar

Bangalore , Oct. 14

BANGALORE IT.Com 2004, in its seventh edition, has generated significant international interest and local support according to the Karnataka Government and the Software and Technology Parks of India.

Over 15 countries and their trade delegations are participating in the event, Australia and Spain for the first time.

With the support of local trade bodies such as the Confederation of Indian Industry, the National Association of Software and Services Companies, and TiE , apart from the participation by over 250 companies in the event, the Asia's largest IT event validates the brand that is Bangalore, said the State Secretary, Department of IT, Biotech and Science and Technology, Mr M.K. Shankaralinge Gowda.

Bangalore IT.Com, which would start on November 1, would highlight India's animation and games software capabilities to enable more such work to be outsourced to India, said the STPI Director, Mr B.V. Naidu, said.

The event would feature a pavilion dedicated to the segment apart from other focus pavilions such as Digital Lifestyle and Spectrum, which would provide hardware and peripherals companies a platform.

Considering that Bangalore alone has a 2,50,000 strong IT and ITES, Bangalore IT. Com has organised a BPO and career mart to bring together ITES employers and jobseekers and students, Mr Gowda said, adding that the event had already seen 250 companies confirm their participation.

Twelve other Indian States would also participate with their trade delegations with the total number of participating companies expected to touch 285-300, Mr Naidu said.

Over 85 per cent of the 25,000 sq. ft of space at the event had been booked and enquiries were still coming in, Mr Naidu said.

A series of conferences would be held in association with trade bodies such as the technology outsourcing summit in association with the IDC, Nasscom's `IT Innovation n India', TiE's focus on India as a source of entrepreneurial opportunities and the CII seminar of e-governance.