Indian tech giants aim high in troubled times

IT is inseparable from modern business. We have heard the mantra so often that we have come to believe it, to the extent that it now seems impossible IT suppliers can benefit from a recession. You can't have it both ways.

But that is precisely some analysts' claim. They say plunging prices on Nasdaq open up the field for smaller companies. It is as though the pioneers of four years ago - the Autonomys, the Inktomis and dozens of others - have already peaked and the time has come for them to be taken over by the new - Indian - generation.

They wait with bated breath for Infosys, Satyam and Wipro to plunge into the US market and take on if not always take over IT service companies from start-ups to multinationals. Hell, why not take on Microsoft while they're at it?

Did anyone pause to ask why these monsters of tomorrow would want to enter a market already saturated with IT? Why keep looking to the US?

The analysts are right when they say the global stage is shifting. But it is not dragging towards the US. South Asian IT companies were given a kick-start by US outsourcing needs, but they have gained independence with their strength.

Europe still needs basic IT services. Many companies here still lack websites and don't use the internet to market products, attract new customers or streamline their business processes.

It would be far easier for dynamic Indian companies to make outstanding profits in Europe than in the US, at least in this business climate. Perhaps one of them might be kind enough to take over BT?