SDG Software to up headcount to 500

To start campus recruitment in Hyderabad soon

Noida-based SDG Software India Private Limited, a technology consultation provider, that recently opened its technology centre in Hyderabad, is looking at increasing its headcount to 500 in the next 18-24 months.

SDG' s portfolio of services integrates strategic advisory services, e-business solutions, enterprise solutions and managed-support services for diverse verticals including the public sector, healthcare, financial services and manufacturing.

Speaking to Business Standard, Ajay Gupta, president and chief executive officer of SDG Corporation, said, "While the headcount at the Hyderabad centre will be increased to 200 from around 35 people at present, it will be increased from 125 to 300 at Noida during the same period." "We will be starting campus recruitment in Hyderabad soon," he added.

SDG has four technology centres with two being in India and the remaining being in Connecticut and Cincinnati. The company currently employs 220 people globally with 70 per cent of the workforce being in India and the remaining 30 per cent outside. The company is a closely held one and has no equity investors.

"Most of our clients are in the US. We are, however, close to engaging a customer in India. It is a manufacturing conglomerate and we may close the deal in the next few weeks," Gupta said. "We want to grow in terms of customer base as well in India and will set up our sales and marketing team here by December this year. At present, we are testing the market by working with partners like Sun Microsystems, Vignette, IBM and Oracle to acquire clients," he added.

With regard to the tentative deal with the manufacturing conglomerate in India, Gupta said that the typical size of the deal would be within the range of Rs 75 lakh to Rs 1 crore for a year.

SDG has so far grown organically. However, inorganic growth has also been considered by the company. "We have thought about it and may acquire a company abroad to expand our range of services, add clients or step into a geography where we do not have a presence," Gupta said.

SDG Corporation, a $10-million company, is looking at ending this year at around $14 million. Some of SDG's clients include Accenture, Bank One, Motorola and GE Corporate.