Bangalore set to beat California

By siliconindia   |   Tuesday, 27 July 2004, 19:30 IST
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NEW DELHI: The Indian Silicon Valley - Bangalore - is home to the largest pool of tech workforce in the world. The city is - The Largest IT Employer - in one place globally, according to MS Shankaralinge Gowda, Secretary, IT & BT, Government of Karnataka. With a huge number of pros pouring in to the city from all over the world, Bangalore is all set to beat California, the Silicon Valley of US recently. Almost a quarter of the 10,000-12,000 foreigners employed in the Silicon Capital of India are part of the IT industry. There is a wide cross-section already. At present, Bangalore has 1,60,000 professionals working in the technology sector and the number is the largest in one place on the planet. While about 1,00,000 professionals work in IT companies, the remaining 60,000 are working in the ITES-BPO sector. The number of working professionals is expected to cross 2,00,000 during the year 2004-05 with many IT and ITES-BPO companies rapidly expanding their manpower. "We are very proud of this achievement and the contribution of the Indian IT Industry," says the beaming official, adding that the city is the perfect model for the IT Industry. As for the city, it has taken one decade to achieve the numero uno position. During 2003-04, the city attracted 168 new software exporting companies and 5 new electronic hardware exporting companies. The city is especially popular among start ups because of the huge manpower available in the city. What is it that makes B'lore so attractive? Bangalore is happening with a capital H. But does it offer comforts? No. Ambience? Yes. Salary jump? Not for all. Knowledge? Yes. Typically, most foreigners seek jobs - if they are not here on deputation - that will enable them to soak in the India and the IT experience for a couple of years. Full of polished young pros with hefty pay packets courtesy the innumerable MNCs in the city Bangalore is the just the place to be. Several companies are setting up operations in Bangalore as it has many advantages and strengths. Availability of large base of education, research institutions, telecom connectivity, quality of life, and better state policy and perception among the investors are the key driving factors. Not only the IT companies, restaurant, pubs and other recreational spots are also making big money due to the increased spending power. The city has a made a distinct plave for itself in the world IT circle that Bangalored' is being used as a noun in the West. To refer to the increasing job shifts westerners are using the word 'bangalored'.