Visakhapatnam, April 2:

It is essential to create the right eco system for promoting the IT sector in the Seemandhra region (residual Andhra Pradesh) and to brand and position the Visakhapatnam-Rajahmundry-Vijayawada region as one of immense promise and potential to attract the big IT companies, according to Rajiv Vaishnav, the vice-president of the NASSCOM.

He said it was necessary to give up "the tier-two mentality" and act big. "In the united state of Andhra Pradesh, Visakhapatnam was positioned as one of the most promising tier-two IT destinations in the State and the country, but the time now has come after bifurcation to promote and project Visakhapatnam-Vijayawada region as the prime IT destination.

The USPs of the region has to be highlighted. The local industry and academic institutions must act in tandem in branding and positioning the region. NASSCOM will of course extend all necessary help, but the initiative has to come from the region," he said.

He said the tax incentives during the initial five-year period may attract some companies, but later on the natural strengths and advantages of the region would have to play the crucial role. He suggested that there should not be too much emphasis on cost arbitrage in promoting the region, but knowledge arbitrage. "Whatever is visible in the market place, has a better chance of being sold. The visibility of the region should be improved and it should be put on the IT map prominently," he added.

Viswanadham Kandukuri, the location head of Tech Mahindra, said cost-effective delivery models available in Visakhapatnam region should be sold to big IT companies to draw them here. B. Murali Manohar Rao, of Sankhya Technologies, gave a presentation highlighting the potential of the region.

K.V.S.S Rajeswara Rao, the General Manager (IT) of Visakhapatnam steel plant, said the RINL would do its best to promote Brand Vizag in the IT sector.

sarma.rs@thehindu.co.in

(This article was published on April 2, 2014)

Original post:

`Create right eco system for promoting IT in Seemandhra'