- India 'thin-clienting' can lower IT costs
May 26 (UPI)
http://www.sciencedaily.com/upi/index.php?feed=Science&article=
UPI-1-20050526-15545100-bc-us-computerserver.xml
U.S. technology companies are seeing major new business opportunities
in India, which already is viewed as the outsourcing capital of
the world.
Earlier this month, Neoware Systems of King of Prussia, Pa., reached
an agreement with Parrus IT Solutions of Bangalore to work together
to tap into the potential of India's computer industry. Specifically,
the two companies will provide server-based computing, also known
as "thin-client" networks, which allow desktop users to
cut back on hardware and software duplication in the office. It
works by making software available to all those using a specific
system, instead of requiring downloads to individual desktops.
Neoware, however, is far from alone in seeing huge potential in
the Indian market. Wyse Technology of Silicon Valley likewise is
stepping up efforts to do more business in the thin-client computing
industry.
The single-biggest benefit of a server-based computer system is
"definitely to cut costs," said Michael Kantrowitz, chief
executive of Neoware. He told United Press International that by
shifting from the traditional computer user form into the so-called
thin-client system, companies could cut information-technology costs
by about 75 percent.
- Infosys eyes software sales to Malaysian
banks
May 24 2005
TECHNOLOGY consulting and services provider Infosys Technologies
Ltd is in talks with several local banks to integrate its solutions
in the banking system.
The India-based company, which is also listed on the Nasdaq, provides
solutions for sectors like banking, automotive, healthcare, insurance
and communication services.
Sanat Rao, who is the associate vice-president and global head of
product strategy and management for the banking software Finacle,
said there are at least three to four banks here which are keen
on using the software. “We are here at the invitation of Asian
Bankers to talk about Finacle. So far, the response from the bankers
here are good.
“These banks are beginning to evaluate their systems and they
are looking for new technologies, so discussions are at the starting
point. We may see something happening in 12-18 months,” he
told Business Times in Kuala Lumpur.
He declined to name the banks which the company held talks with
but said “our focus is more on tier-one banks, either international,
regional or large local banks, which may be typically excited about
new technologies”.
Rao is positive about the Malaysian market as he sees financial
institutions opening their doors to new technologies. He said as
banks here are looking for software vendors from outside the country,
it is an opportune time for Infosys to step up its presence. The
cost for implementing Finacle depends on the individual bank’s
requirements in terms of its activities — loans, deposits,
treasury — its size and the users involved.
He added that a general core banking system involving Finacle for
a bank with 300 branches will cost US$3 million to US$5 million
(US$1 = RM3.80).
Rao said his sales team is also in talks with several local software
firms and distributors which are interested to be Infosys’
partners.
“We work very closely with Hewlett Packard and Sun Microsystems
in Malaysia because they are among our global vendor alliances.
“Our team is also discussing with two to three local companies
which have the expertise with banking systems and can be our local
support here,” he said without elaborating further.
Asked whether Infosys will open an office in Malaysia, he said it
depends entirely on the banking sector’s interest in what the
company can offer.
“I will not be too surprised if we do have an office here in
the near future,” he added.
Finacle is a banking software which will meet the end-to-end requirements
of banks.
It can handle 11,180 transactions per second, which translates into
40 million transactions per hour.
“We have received positive feedback from our clients due to
our good reputation worldwide. We have also created a global presence
with our offices in many countries,” he said.
Rao added that Finacle has proven to be highly reliable according
to the feedback from its clients in terms of system security, especially
in its ability to prevent outward hackers or inward bank tellers
from manipulating the system.
Finacle, which has a 70 per cent market share in India, is implemented
in 49 countries and in nearly 100 banks.
Rao said one of its clients is a bank that runs Finacle in more
than 1,000 branches.
Finacle is also used by clients such as ABN AMRO Bank, Industrial
Development Bank of India, ICICI Bank Ltd (India’s second largest
bank), First Bank of Nigeria and The National Commerce Bank in Saudi
Arabia.
Infosys has over 37,000 employees and offices in about 15 countries
worldwide.
It recorded a net profit of US$419 million on the back of a US$1.59
billion revenue for the year ended March 31 2005.
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