The Hindu Business Line : AppLabs in expansion mode

Hyderabad, Oct. 14 Software testing services provider, AppLabs Technologies, is in the process of expanding its operations in India and the US, bolstering its consultancy and delivery capabilities.

The company, which has grown through a combination of organic growth coupled with two strategic acquisitions of Key Labs and IS Integration, in the last two years, is also testing waters in the domestic market.

The President and Chief Operating Officer of AppLabs, Mr Makarand Raje, said that the company recently expanded its operations in Philadelphia and exploring opportunities for a near shore centre and for larger footprint. Fifty five per cent of company revenue now comes from the US and 45 per cent from the Europe.

Direct to end-users

Speaking to Business Line after recently assuming office as the COO of the company, Mr Raje as opposed to the traditional testing solutions offered to Independent Software Vendors (ISVs) and to companies such as Sun Micro, Cisco, Novell, AppLabs plans to offer solutions directly to end-users in the banking, financial services and insurance, airlines and retail segments. These are aimed at tapping into top 500 global companies in these areas.

“We are negotiating deals with a large entertainment company and an airline customer. And we expect to pursue more such deals focussed on requirements of companies,” he said.

The market itself is witness to some changes. As opposed to testing at the time of inception, more customers now periodically prefer an independent audit to ensure compliance. AppLabs is a pure testing services provider in contrast to some of the large systems integrators, who also offer testing services. For a specialised services provider, stream of testing and process management consulting practice is an emerging area. Asked about plans to go public, Mr Raje said that it was on the company agenda and would likely happen some time next year.