Apple decision puts BPOs on alert
Apple's decision to shut down its new Bangalore centre has sparked introspection in the BPO sector.
By PTI |
NEW DELHI: Global iPod major and computer maker Apple Computers decision to shut down its new Bangalore centre has sparked introspection in the Indian BPO industry, which however, for now has shrugged off the move as a one off incident.
The maker of popular iPod digital music players and sleek Mac computers has been at the forefront of the Indian outsourcing market in the recent past first by announcing its grand foray into the country and then went packing within a matter of three months.
In between, Apple granted some major outsourcing contracts to Indian companies, including a deal with HCL Infosystems under which the Indian IT firm would provide wide range marketing and service support for iPods.
La-affaire Apple has left the Indian business process outsourcing market perplexed and the industry players are groping over possible conclusions whether Apple is acting as a doomsayer or indicating a further bloom in the market.
While the closure of the Bangalore centre, which was estimated to have more than 3,000 employees by next year, has come as a big shock for the industry, Apple's decision to continue with its existing outsourcing contracts to HCL Infosystems and Transworks has come as solace.
HCL Infosystems and Apple announced late last month a strategic alliance under which HCL would provide complete marketing and support services for Apple iPods in India.
Around the time of the HCL deal announcement, Apple issued an internal memo that it was shelving its plans for a full-fledged customer support facility in Bangalore.
The maker of popular iPod digital music players and sleek Mac computers has been at the forefront of the Indian outsourcing market in the recent past first by announcing its grand foray into the country and then went packing within a matter of three months.
In between, Apple granted some major outsourcing contracts to Indian companies, including a deal with HCL Infosystems under which the Indian IT firm would provide wide range marketing and service support for iPods.
La-affaire Apple has left the Indian business process outsourcing market perplexed and the industry players are groping over possible conclusions whether Apple is acting as a doomsayer or indicating a further bloom in the market.
While the closure of the Bangalore centre, which was estimated to have more than 3,000 employees by next year, has come as a big shock for the industry, Apple's decision to continue with its existing outsourcing contracts to HCL Infosystems and Transworks has come as solace.
HCL Infosystems and Apple announced late last month a strategic alliance under which HCL would provide complete marketing and support services for Apple iPods in India.
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Around the time of the HCL deal announcement, Apple issued an internal memo that it was shelving its plans for a full-fledged customer support facility in Bangalore.
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