IBM opens global delivery centre in Chennai

Chennai, Aug 23: IBM today launched its new Global Delivery Centre, scaling up its existing application services portfolio to meet the growing client demands.

While inaugurating the centre IT and Communications Minister A Raja said Tamil Nadu provided a cohesive environment, including an educated workforce, access to good talent base and excellent administration for global compaies like IBM to invest and grow. ''Initially, the centre will offer server consolidation, middleware services and site and facilities services for global clients. It will be expanded to include IT strategy and architecture, network services, business continuity and resilience, security and privacy, storage and data services,'' IBM India Managing Director Shankar Annaswamy told reporters.

The 2.95 lakh sq ft facility will initially employ 100 people and eventually as many as 2,500 people would be enrolled depending on customer utilisation of the centre's services.

The centre will form integral part of IBM's global delivery network spread across three dozen countries. It would fortify the company's existing IT infrastructure services portfolio and strengthen IBM's position as a leader in the global IT infrastructure outsourcing industry.

The expansion of IBM's Global Delivery Centre in Chennai is a reflection of the state's enormous potential.

Ms Katherine Hegmann of IBM said the centre will offer consulting and systems integration services, customer relationship and human capital management, besides strategic consultants. This is the largest centre outside the US for IBM.

Replying to questions, Mr Annaswamy said IBM is also looking at expanding its base in tier-II and III cities.

''Coimbatore is one of the places where we are evaluating the availability of talent pool,'' he added.

UNI