Date:30/05/2006 URL: http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2006/05/30/stories/2006053002630400.htm

Back US co Relativity Tech sets up arm in Chennai

Raja Simhan T.E.

Plans additional offices to support software adoption

Chennai , May 29

Relativity Technologies, a US-based software technology company, has established its India subsidiary in Chennai.

The centre will have about 20 employees this year, and a "substantial" growth is expected in 2007. "Our growth is currently restrained by our ability to recruit and train experienced software engineers/consultants," said Mr Peter

Mollins of Relativity, in an e-mail response from the US.

Being a privately held company, Mr Mollins declined to give financial details. The company's major investors include CEC, Intel Corporation, Noro Moseley Partners, Sojitz Corporation, Tall Oaks Capital Partners, Wachovia Strategic Ventures and Wakefield Group, according to information available in the company Web site.

Globally, the company has 122 employees, a number that is expected to grow 30-40 per cent through the year, he said.

The Chennai centre will focus on helping the company's clients to use technology to improve maintenance of enterprise applications and to execute advanced modernisation activities, according to a company official.

Six of the top 10 India-based IT services providers are the company's clients. To support the increased adoption of and demand for its technology, Relativity has established the subsidiary in Chennai. The subsidiary will grow to the point where India becomes the largest market for the company's software platform. As a result, investment in India will increase , and the company plans to establish additional offices throughout India to support the adoption of its software, he said.

The company's clients are engaged in application maintenance and modernisation activities. Because of the high business value of these projects, it is imperative that the company trains, supports and is a mentor to users of the company's technology in India. In addition, Relativity will jointly develop intellectual property with partners. This requires experienced and skilled staff, he said.