IBM to increase its presence in 25 more cities by 2013

As part of its expansion plan, particularly in smaller cities in India, software major IBM aims to increase its presence in 25 more cities, besides the existing 22, by 2013, a senior company official said today.

The expansion is part of the company's strategy to establish its presence in growth markets, which are at present spreading to smaller cities, Nipun Mehrotra, Vice-President, General Business, Routes and Geographic Expansion, IBM India, South Asia, told reporters here.

Mehrotra, who was here to inaugurate a new office, claimed that the growth rate in smaller cities was higher than big ones and the company wanted to tap the potential existing in such cities.

By adding 25 more offices in two years, the company is expecting to earn a 'significant' revenue, he said, without elaborating the quantum in value or percentage.

Stating that the company is now focusing on smarter solutions, particularly in security and traffic management, Mehrotra said it is also working with different state governments and the Centre, on various projects, which includes airports.

As far as Coimbatore was concerned, it has experienced rapid economic growth in recent years due to development of the local textile, manufacturing and IT services industries and IBM was able to offer the entrepreneurs advanced technology solutions to help them increase productivity, customer service and track business performance, he said.