Chennai: Despite facing the challenges of rupee appreciation, talent crunch and emergence of newer media, Indian e-publishing industry is estimated to grow annually by 35 percent and offer a $1.46 billion outsourcing opportunity by 2010.

During the world's first conference on publishing BPO services organized by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) hosted at Chennai, Integra Software Services founder-MD-CEO Sriram Subramanya noted, "With several global publishers offshoring their publishing BPO services to India, there is an accelerated trend of acquisitions, which is likely to intensify as more players look to acquire new capabilities, clients, market presence, offshore capacity and onshore capability."

Subramanya said the industry is facing challenges in terms of global recession, the appreciating rupee and the emergence of new media. "The publishers' expectations are increasing in terms of speed to market, consistent quality, end-to-end services, reduced pricing, multiple and complex deliverables and need to deal with fewer suppliers," he said.

SPS Technologies CEO Sharad Wasani said publishing has to encompass a gamut of services. Companies in this space have to learn to listen to the customer and put together a package that will offer additional value-add services, for full-service management has come to stay.

"The KPO industry is predicted to be anywhere between $12 billion and $15.5 billion by 2010, at an annual growth rate of 40 to 50 percent. The global opportunity for publishing outsourcing is estimated at $8.1 billion, and, if offshored, it is estimated to be valued at $4.86 billion," Aptara International chief technologist and senior vice-president Guruvinder Batra said.

Anna University retired professor Lalitha Jayaraman, in her address, said there is a perception among employees that the publishing BPO industry does not offer enough growth opportunities. Fear of stagnation, stressful work schedule and having to work night shifts, are among the primary concerns.