IT sector set for leap forward

Vijayawada: The IT sector in Vijayawada looks set for a major leap forward with several IT companies expressing interest in working from the city.

The shift in the IT companies’ stand, though marginal, may result in Vijayawada getting back on the list of preferred destinations for the IT sector.

The fact that Cyclone Hudhud has left Visakhapatnam, the premier IT destination in the state, battered so badly that it is struggling to regain a sense of normalcy even after a week is perhaps the reason behind the shift in the IT firms’ stand.

Krishnaveni IT Association president D. Ramakrishna said that development of the sector in Vijayawada city is very much a possibility since the city offers air and road connectivity, besides skilled manpower.

As of now, several IT companies of Vijayawada are offering working accommodation to IT companies of Visakhapatnam that has suffered extensive damage due to Hudhud.

Mr Ramakrishna said that over 25 IT companies are functioning from Vijayawada. He said that the association has extended an invitation to the IT companies of Visakhapatnam to use the office premises of IT companies here.

He said that there was an understanding betw-een the IT companies of the two cities.

Mr Ramakrishna said that Vijayawada city will give stiff competition to Visakhapatnam since it is now the capital of the state, thus more attractive to the sector.

“Once the international airport is developed here, more and more IT companies will prefer to set up their companies in the city,” he said.

Meanwhile, some IT companies of Visakhapatnam have started enquiries with their counterparts here as sufficient space is available in the Medha IT Tower.

The incubation centre of the Software Technology Park of India (STPI) also has sufficient space to offer “ready to work space” for start up companies.