It is indeed times of change and President Obama’s upcoming visit to India reflects it. Just two decades ago, U.S. was the green pasture out of which not only the native companies but also several Indian entrepreneurs built some of the world’s best of class products. But today, post three economic upheavals, this market has begun to lose lustre and the focus has shifted to the new emerging markets, especially India. The upcoming visit of President Obama to India is a testimony to this. Now for U.S., India is no more just a land of skilled labours but rather a potential market that will create opportunities for the country and help bolster its frail economy.

But then the Indian market always was a potential one, despite its complex and demanding nature, which every other industry player except the IT had realized. Surviving this market is the acid test that one can perhaps take before setting up a global footprint. But in the last decade Indian technology companies like Tejas Networks and Roamware proved that by developing world class products for the domestic market; they were able to enter the global markets with ease.

Indian entrepreneurs who once set up shop in U.S. too have now started focusing on Indian market for the next big growth wave, a trend we observed when we reviewed several companies for the 13th edition of si100, an annual listing of the top 100 technology companies founded and managed by Indians in the U.S. This is true home coming!

This year’s si100 listing not only represents the continuing rise and glory of the Indian entrepreneur in high-tech but also identifies companies impacting the marketplace. The companies in this year’s list display the characteristics of long-term visibility, sustained growth, business focus, profitability and customer and employee value-creation.

We salute each and every one of these entrepreneurs for their leadership, and particularly for their unrelenting dedication in building their companies. Each and every entrepreneur on this list demonstrates the utmost passion for building lasting enterprises and exudes confidence that they will succeed in tackling the current economic conditions. We congratulate the 100 finalists for achieving this vote of respect from industry leaders and wish each and every one of them a great future.