Title: The rise and globalisation of the Indian IT industry: dual case study of Wipro Technologies and Infosys

Authors: Sabeer Ahmed Khan, Pier A. Abetti

Addresses: Lally School of Management & Technology, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, NY 12180-3590, USA. ' Lally School of Management & Technology, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, NY 12180-3590, USA

Abstract: This paper discusses the rise and globalisation of the Indian IT industry with emphasis on software and services. First we review the driving forces that led to success and present an in-depth dual case study of Wipro Technologies and Infosys. We then discuss the position of the six major Indian IT companies compared to their four major competitors in the USA, and their competition from developing countries, specifically Pakistan. We develop two possible complementary strategies, organic and inorganic, for future progress: 1) climbing (integrating) up the value chain and relinquishing the lower end; 2) mergers and acquisitions utilising the available rich cash reserves. We conclude with a probable scenario of development of the Indian IT industry during the next decade.

Keywords: India; Indian software industry; Indian IT industry; Wipro; Infosys; India; globalisation; business process outsourcing; BPO; information technology; value chain; mergers and acquisitions; M&A.

DOI: 10.1504/IJSTM.2011.040376

International Journal of Services Technology and Management, 2011 Vol.15 No.3/4, pp.192 - 217

Published online: 21 Feb 2015 *

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