Sharp Software to extend R&D capabilities

Sharp Software Development India (SSDI), a fully-owned subsidiary of Sharp Labs of America, plans to extend its research capabilities apart from expanding its centre in Bangalore.

One of the five R&D centres of Sharp Corporation worldwide, SSDI, which employs 120 engineers in Bangalore, is engaged in product-oriented research and software development for copiers, printers and consumer electronics devices.

It is also engaged in software development for digital imaging, networking, client software, server applications, windows system software, colour technology and digital document management.

"At present, the focus is more on multi-functional peripherals (copier, printer, scanner and fax "" all in one) for the company. Going ahead, we intend to extend our capabilities to consumer electronics in a big way apart from the communications systems," said SSDI President Praveen Kanipakam.

The centre has already commenced research on consumer electronics devices in a small way. "Sharp is well-known worldwide for consumer electronics devices such as audio/video products, LCD display systems and others. We are keen on participating in writing the software for these products," he added.

The SSDI is responsible for the entire software development of Sharp's multi-functional peripherals.

"For the last seven years, we have been solely writing the software for multi-functional peripherals. No other Sharp lab is engaged in writing software for multi-functional peripherals. We are updating the software systems powering these equipment for different markets. We want to expand our capabilities as Sharp Corporation views our contributions significantly," he said.

The Bangalore centre also played a key role in developing a tool for the healthcare sector.

"We regularly work with Sharp's Corporate R&D Centre to develop new products depending on the market requirements," Kanipakam noted.

It also engages local vendors in the research and development. "We share some of the software development work with local Indian companies. It is on the basis of individual projects," he said.

Sharp Corporation's other R&D centres include Sharp Labs America, Sharp Labs of Europe, Sharp Technology Corporation in Taiwan and Sharp Electronics in Malaysia.