The Hindu Business Line : Oracle sees growth in SME sector

THAT India is the venue for the three-day Oracle Open World conference (starting January 9) highlights the importance accorded to the country by the company, said Mr Krishan Dhawan, Managing Director, Oracle India.

Over 2,000 officials, clients, partners and other delegates are expected to attend, he said.

Oracle has over the years scaled up its Indian operations to employ 8,600 people, with 99 per cent of the work being done for the global business of the company. However, a lot of customisation happens for Oracle, which has a growing business in India as well.

E-governance, the financial services sector, telecommunications are key verticals for Oracle in India. In addition, special attention is being accorded to the small and medium enterprises (SME) sector for which special editions of Oracle's products and special delivery support are being offered. "The engine of growth will be in the small and medium business space," said Mr Dhawan.

Oracle is in talks with the Government for use of its database products for Village Service Centres (which will provide a range of information and records), the company is awaiting cabinet clearance for this, he said. Other large e-governance projects in which Oracle is interested are the national ID project, customs and excise department projects. The company is already involved in several state government, municipal and state utility projects, he said.

As with many other companies, China and India are the fastest growing markets for Oracle.