NIIT to offer geographic info services globally
Wednesday, 04 February 2004, 20:30 IST
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NEW DELHI: NIIT Technologies, the software services arm of India's leading technology and computer education firm NIIT Ltd., said Wednesday it would offer geographic information systems (GIS) services to clients globally. NIIT has been offering complete solutions around GIS technology to various government departments, private sector corporations, and educational and research institutions in India since 1994, said a company statement. The company offers GIS services in India through its subsidiary ESRI India, a joint venture between ESRI Inc. and New Delhi-based NIIT. GIS is a computer-based system capable of assembling, storing, manipulating and displaying location data. The system is used for digital map making, site selection, finding the best route, solving environmental problems, exploration of natural resources, urban planning and solutions for other problems. Of the $7 billion global GIS industry, the US accounts for $2.5 billion, said the company. "Application of GIS in India has matured with software being used in various mission critical national projects including environment, forestry, land records, and utilities," said Jack Dangermond, founder of US-based ESRI Inc. "ESRI India is among our major distributors of GIS technology and a market leader in India. NIIT Technologies is well poised to provide services globally in this space," he added. Arvind Thakur, president of NIIT Technologies said GIS services were an under-penetrated niche segment. "NIIT Technologies, with its deep understanding of GIS technology, is gearing up to emerge as the preferred choice for providing this service," said Thakur. The company will set up a dedicated development facility for GIS services at Parwanoo, Himachal Pradesh, he added. ESRI India's customers for GIS services in India include the Department of Space, National Informatics Centre, State Forest Departments, the Survey of India, and the Geological Survey of India. NIIT Technologies provides solutions to customers in Asia Pacific, Europe, India, Japan and the US.
Source: IANS
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