C-DAC likely OEM partner for Silicon Graphics

In what can be termed as one of the highest recognitions for the Indian hardware manufacturing expertise, the $900 million Silicon Graphics Inc (SGI) is in talks with the Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC), to be its OEM (original equipment manufacturer) in India.

SGI is a global leader in high-performance computing, visualisation and storage, while C-DAC is among the top Indian research centres involved in high-performance computing and is the organisation which indigenously built the Param supercomputer.

C-DAC will use core Silicon Graphics technology to design and architect its own hardware offerings which will then be manufactured by third party fabricators.

Stating plans for the pact, Prasad V Medury, managing director, SGI India said: "We have had a few high-level discussions with C-DAC on making them our OEM partner in India and we need to see how it pans out. One thing is for sure, we are keen to expand our partnership with C-DAC as it has established itself in the high-performance computing."

The fact that SGI is engaging C-DAC to be its OEM partner gains prominence as there are few SGI OEMs across the globe, "in fact in single digits", who have this status. GE Medical Systems is one of them which uses SGI core architecture to build its high-end scanning medical equipment.

Added Medury: "If the deal sails through with C-DAC, we will share our technology with which C-DAC can build their offerings, customise if needed, brand them and sell in the marketplace. We would like them to be active as part of our high-performance computing and storage network verticals."

Outlining, SGI's other initiatives in India, he said that there are indeed plans to start research or software development work in India but no concrete plans in the near future.

"We are a pure sale and marketing subsidiary currently focussing on expanding our presence here directly and through strategic partners," Medury added. In an effort to bolster the Indian presence, Robert Bishop, SGI chairman and CEO, will visit India for a week from December 16.

He is scheduled to meet SGI's large customers in India, especially in Mumbai and New Delhi.

SGI in India sells and services five key market segments such as government and defence, science, manufacturing, energy and media. Sciences, energy and manufacturing contributing the major chunk of its revenues from this part of the globe.