Date:25/10/2005 URL: http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2005/10/25/stories/2005102501790400.htm

Back Over 270 cos to take part in BangaloreIT.in

Our Bureau

Bangalore , Oct. 24

THE stage is set for the eighth edition of BangaloreIT.in 2005 that will take off on Wednesday, even as the city continues to grapple with its deteriorating infrastructure.

Over 270 companies, including 120 international and 150 local firms, would be participating in the four-day event to showcase their technologies.

"The response to this year's event is encouraging," said the Karnataka's IT Secretary, Mr M.K. Shankarlinge Gowda. "Overseas participation is tremendous as 18 nations are bringing in their delegations compared to 12 last year," Mr Gowda said, adding there was high level of interest from European countries such as the UK, Spain, France and Bavaria, among other countries such as Australia, China, Mexico and Taiwan.

Besides Karnataka, 16 other States are also participating in the event, which will also focus on promoting the secondary cities as IT destinations, he said.

Mr B.V. Naidu, Director, Software Technology Parks of India, Bangalore, said the event had proved to be a perfect platform for exploring joint ventures, exchanging information, networking, headhunting, fund sourcing and finalising business deals.

Besides, the main pavilions, the trade show will have buyer-seller's meet, gaming zone, bid and win among others, he said.

The former Prime Minister and head of the Janata Dal (Secular), a partner in the coalition State Government, Mr H.D. Devegowda, would be the chief guest at this year's event.