Indore has been in news all the last year for the excitement of IT companies like TCS, Infosys and some others planning to setup their Indore development centers.

TCS was supposed to start work before 31st December in order to get the tax cut promised by state government. Infosys also finalized the land acquisiition plans in Indore. There were news about HCL coming to Indore too.

In 2011 many IT professionals from Indore were already thinking of moving back home if their companies planned to start the ODC (offshore development centers) in Indore. Its well known fact that students from Indore and around are hired by TCS, Infosys, Patni/iGate, Wipro, HCL and such in a huge number every year.

Indore boasts some of the best institute in Engineering, Management and IT, like GSITS, DAVV campus, IMS, IIM and now even IIT. What would be a better choice for Indorians to stay close to family, and still continue their career with the same company.

Though, still things are not very clear about the start dates of any of these companies, it seems Indore could be the next IT destination. It has been seen in past that most IT and tech companies follow this pattern. Where one company sets up its operations, others follow. Ofcourse, state govt. need to cooperate and provide the infrastructure, facilities and timely response.

Currently, Mumbai, Bangalore, Noida, Chennai, Pune and Hyderabad have the most number of IT companies. Now, as corporations start going into Tier2 cities like Chandigarh, Nagpur, Bhuvanshwar, its certain that Indore will be on the list.

Whether it happens today or later depends on the flexibility and benefits these IT companies will get in setting up a center in Indore. Infrastructure in Indore is not at par with some of the other tier-2 cities, that makes it a little difficult for IT companies.

In 2011 Indore Devi Ahilya Bai International Airport also got completed, giving it another reason for companies to look at Indore. Still, some of the basic needs like uninterrupted electricity, wide spready internet connectivity, seamless traffic conditions, roads etc. are lacking in indore. City has a regular power cut that troubles the citizens. It adds to the operational cost of any company as they'll have to have the standby generators and infact use them more often.

For job market and resource perspective, Indore can't be beaten. About 2 lakh students from everywhere in MP and other places come to Indore for studies, every year. There is a huge supply and a number of educational institutes and training institutes who train in latest technologies. Moreover, Indore provides a place for suitable lifestyle for most professionals. Malls, Theaters, events, food etc. are plenty to serve the engineers and managers both, even the customers of multinationals. Luxury hotels like Sayaji serve the hospitality needs.

One thing is sure, Indore is next on the list.

Looking at the past of Indore in Information Technology, the hopes don't go too far though. Indore IDA's IT park was developed some 10 years ago, and its still almost vacant. There are a few big names in IT in indore, including CSC, MPhasis, Suvi (Diaspark), Impetus, Yash Technolgies and then some niche and growing players like Infobeans, CDN Softwares etc. Back office and call center operations like Effort BPO Ltd. and few others, call Indore home.

There is a huge potential in Indore local market, as well as Global potential due to its connectivity with major cities in India. A lot of Indore born/based entrepreneurs have started their own businesses in USA and shipping work back home to develop the Indore operations.

In all respects, Indore is now overdue to be recognized for its IT capabilities. If this wave of getting IT companies to Indore can be successful, it will once again bring Indore's name on the IT roadmap of India. if the Government of Madhya Pradesh is not able to pull off this one, then I believe Indore doesn't stand a chance to be in the race for many years to come.

Something dramatic and positive needs to happen. Lets hope it happens soon.

Please share your comments and views on the future of IT industry in Indore.

References:
This article from 2008 talks about why Indore can't be an IT Destination

2003 article with interview of Infobeans' Avinash Sethi