The Hindu Business Line : Rains keep visitors away — `Good overseas interest seen at BangaloreIT.in'

The unprecedented rains coupled with the spat between the industry and the Government over infrastructure issues in the run-up to the event impacted BangaloreIT.in 2005 as the visitor turnout this year was at an all-time low.

However, the organisers, the Karnataka Government and the Software Technology Parks of India (STPI), claimed that despite the anxious moments the business went on as usual during the four-day show. "The event did generate enough business prospects," said Mr M.K. Shankaralinge Gowda, IT secretary, Karnataka.

About 10,000 business visitors participated this year, which is significantly lower, compared to the annual turnout of around 35,000-40,000 witnessed during the previous editions. Admitting the poor turnout, Mr B.V. Naidu, director, STPI, Bangalore, attributed it mainly to the inclement weather conditions. "Because of the rains, many people did not visit the trade show," Mr Naidu said. The general visitor turnout was estimated to be a little over 50,000 this year, as compared to the average of around 1-1.5 lakh in the previous years.

A major positive development was the increase in international participation as 18 countries participated in this year's event. "We were quite amazed by the response of the international participation," Mr Gowda said.

Over 250 foreign delegates in addition to about 100 non-resident Indians took part in the event this year, he said. Several new product launches, business alliances and deals were struck during the event. A gaming zone set up for the first time attracted major visitor interest.

Four new companies - Zyme Solutions, Satyam Venture, Net Logic Microsystems, PMC Sierra - announced their decision to set up units in Bangalore.

Major overseas companies are looking at investing in Bangalore and Karnataka, Mr Gowda said adding that the CEO Conclave generated lot of enquiries and business prospects from the international delegates.

Mr Gowda also announced that of the $1.1 billion that networking major Cisco is investing in India over three years, $800 million would be invested in Bangalore, primarily in R&D.

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