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Scope for IT sector in Vellore explored

VELLORE: Vellore's strategic location between two information technology hubs — Chennai and Bangalore — was the topic of a panel discussion on ‘Vellore as an IT destination' on Saturday. Experts drawn from various IT-related fields pointed out the key requirements of IT industries — human resource and infrastructure — and how the district could turn a hub for small IT firms and specialised IT industries.

The discussion, which was held at the ongoing book fair Noolaaru, looked at the various facets of the scope for the IT sector in Vellore. Whether replicating the model of Silicon Valley, Bangalore and Chennai is possible in Vellore or whether innovative measures were necessary were the salient features of the discussion.

A. Kumaran, head of Microsoft Research India's Multilingual Systems Research, said Boston, New York and London had all tried to replicate the Silicon Valley's model during the late 1970s and early 80s but could not succeed.

“The main reason for this was that the people were willing to take risk in California much more than anywhere else. When someone succeeded, it took everybody to the next level. A futuristic vision is necessary for Vellore,” he stated. The unique selling point of Vellore, according to him, was the geographic location.

Human resource, infrastructure and living standard in a place determined the scope for IT industries, pointed out A.J. Balasubramanian of CareVoyant Technologies Private Limited, Chennai. “Tier-2 units of IT firms established in Chennai and Bangalore could be set up in Vellore. The government could also create IT parks here. In fact, an IT Special Economic Zone could be established in Vellore for small-scale IT firms,” he opined.

However, Narayan of Bookflip observed that small IT firms held more opportunities and provided increased exposure for freshers. He insisted on looking at the local IT needs of Vellore and understand the potential markets of places in Vellore such as Ambur.

“At least 500 small IT firms could be established in Vellore,” added Senthilnathan of Aazhi publishing, who stressed on bringing in specialised IT industries focusing on domain-based solution. “If such a culture is developed in Vellore, more companies will come. We need to think on something new and take steps,” he said.

General Manager of VIT Technology Business Incubator A. Balachandran said two more German companies have approached the centre for establishing their units in Vellore.

“If a 200-seater or 5,000-seater IT industry comes to Vellore, there will be a catalytic reaction. The triggering growth will be phenomenal,” he said.

The suggestions put forward by the panel discussion will be forwarded to the district administration and a taskforce could also be formed accordingly to enable IT firms to come to Vellore, said M.A. Sivakumar, Managing Director of BSG Leather Link, Chennai.

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Scope for IT sector in Vellore explored

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