Forum Views ()
Forum Replies ()
Read more with google mobile :
India's outsourcing sector hits tough times
Yahoo!
My Yahoo!
Mail
Yahoo! Search
Search:
Sign InNew User? Sign Up
News Home -
Help
Navigation
Primary Navigation
Home
Singapore
Asia Pacific
World
Business
Entertainment
Sports
Technology
Top Stories
Most Popular
Secondary Navigation
Singapore
Asia Pacific
World
Search
Search:
India's outsourcing sector hits tough times
AFP - Thursday, August 6
NEW DELHI (AFP) - - These are tough times for India's flagship outsourcing industry whose skilled, low-cost workforce helped plant the country on the global business map.
ADVERTISEMENT
With the world in the grip of the worst economic slump since the 1930s, revenue growth from outsourcing -- subcontracting work to a third-party company -- is slowing sharply after years of posting scorching double-digit increases.
"IT budgets are still being cut and consumers will need a lot more persuading before they can feel confident enough to loosen purse strings," Richard Gordon, head of global forecasting at Gartner consultancy, said.
"The full impact of the global recession on the IT services and telecommunications sectors is still emerging," he added in a recent outlook.
Now, the National Association of Software and Service Companies, or Nasscom, India's top outsourcing body, projects the sector's export revenues will rise by just four to seven percent this year to at most 50 billion dollars.
That's down sharply from the 16 percent logged in the last financial year to March and the 30 percent rise the industry clocked annually for most of the decade as the country became a back office to the world.
Nasscom says global companies are showing reluctance to authorise new spending -- even cash that reduce costs by taking advantage of India's cheaper English-speaking educated labour force.
"Worldwide information technology spending growth is expected to come down further in 2009 and 2010," Som Mittal, head of Nasscom, said.
The outsourcing sector has been particularly hard hit by the recession in the United States, which accounts for 60 percent of the Indian industry's revenues.
The industry has made India a top business destination by offering software development and information technology, engineering and design, and business process outsourcing (BPO).
But with the global slump hitting spending, there are fewer credit card transactions and airline tickets to process and lower demand for software design, sales calls, help desks, accounting and legal services.
Indias largest software exporter, Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), and other companies forecast a difficult business climate despite announcing better-than-expected quarterly profits. Their profits increased, helped by tight cost management, even though revenue growth slowed.
"Global conditions are weak," TCS chief executive S. Ramadorai said after the results. "Recovery isn't something thats going to happen very soon."
And Amitabh Chaudhry, chief executive of Infosys BPO, in a recent interview admitted the business environment was "much tougher" than in past years.
Technology Partners International, a global sourcing advisory firm, said the international banking, oil and gas, food and drink and other sectors have all slowed their outsourcing.
According to Nasscom, the industry is also facing other challenges such as rising protectionist sentiment -- especially in the United States.
Indian outsourcing companies have already started focusing on the home market to drive growth.
The domestic market is still dwarfed by the export market but it is growing at a much faster pace as India's relatively closed economy has been less hard hit by the global slowdown.
In the last financial year, the outsourcing industry racked up exports of 47 million dollars while the domestic business added another 11.8 billion dollars in revenue.
Domestic outsourcing industry revenues are expected to grow by up to 18 percent this year to reach 14 billion dollars.
The focus "is definitely on the domestic segment and unexplored markets like South America, West Asia and blocks of Europe", said Nasscom's Mittal.
The sector, which accounts for nearly six percent of India's GDP, has played a key role in fuelling the country's new middle class affluence, employing two million people directly and eight million indirectly.
Longer term, the industry is still upbeat about its prospects.
Nasscom and management consultancy firm McKinsey said in a joint report the outsourcing industry could quadruple its revenues to 225 billion dollars by 2020 with the majority coming from exports.
Email Story
IM Story
Printable View
Blog This
Sign in to recommend this article »
0 users recommend
Related Articles: China's Economy
China weighs opening market to foreign stocksAP - 2 hours 52 minutes ago
SKorean strikers resume talks after fierce clashesAFP - Thursday, August 6
GLOBAL MARKETS-Shanghai stocks dip, Australia dollar cuts gainsReuters - Thursday, August 6
Beauty parlour owner executed for scam: reportAFP - Thursday, August 6
Related Articles: Business
Court blocks road construction in national forestsAP - Thursday, August 6
Judge approves Smoky Canyon Mine expansionAP - Thursday, August 6
Goodman to raise A$1.8 bln; agrees China dealsReuters - Thursday, August 6
Australia's Tabcorp year net profit A$521.7 mlnReuters - Thursday, August 6
Cisco earnings fall 46 pct but beat expectationsAP - Thursday, August 6
Enlarge Photo
India's outsourcing sector hits tough times
Related Photos
Slideshow Full Photo Coverage: Business & Economy
Related Full Coverage
China Economy
china economy
All Full Coverage
Most Popular – Business
Viewed
Cupcakes for reporter on Obama's birthday
Swine flu toll up sharply in Latin America
New York chapel offers gay marriage service
BNP Paribas bonuses spark anger in France
US private-sector job losses rise, services sector shrinks
View Complete List »
Search:
Home
Singapore
Asia Pacific
World
Business
Entertainment
Sports
Technology
Top Stories
Most Popular
Copyright © 2009 Yahoo! Southeast Asia Pte Ltd. (Co. Reg. No. 199700735D). All Rights Reserved.
Privacy Policy
- Terms of Service
- Community
- Intellectual Property Rights Policy
- Help
Other News on Thursday, 6 August 2009 Defiant Ahmadinejad sworn in as police break up protests
BNP Paribas bonuses spark anger in France
EA shares slide, concerns about industry linger
Israel claims control over split village
Japan electric car makers, utility plan battery-charge stations
Plane engine fire sparks evacuation, eight injured
Guantanamo ex-prisoners get jobs on golf course
| International
|
Baghdad blast walls to come down
In France, 92 percent of residents use a mobile: report
Swine flu toll up sharply in Latin America
Demi Lovato Joins "Teens Against Bullying" Movement
Societe Generale posts 52% drop in net profits
Turkey charges 52 more people in coup plot
| International
|
Mercedes-Benz To Honor Photographer Jesse Alexander At Pebble Beach Gala
News Corp increases stake in Sky Deutschland
Media Journalists Laura Ling and Euna Lee Released From North Korea
US private sector job losses bode ill for recovery
Tweet tweet: You're not Lithuania's president!
Italy's president drawn into Berlusconi scandals
| International
|
US says wants to be 'partner, not patron' of Africa
Pirate Bay suitor GGF set for deal with record label
Indo-American Leader Calls Planned Playboy Invasion Of India A "Crude Westernization"
New NATO chief makes maiden visit to Afghanistan
Donald Faison To Host Money Management Special Show
Naomi Sims, One Of World's First Black Supermodels, Dies At 61
Old guard hijacks Fatah congress, say reformers
| International
|
"Gossip Girl" Actress Kelly Rutherford Settles Custody Battle With Ex-Husband
Chavez asks Obama not to raise troops in Colombia
| International
|
U.S. appears to soften support for Honduras's Zelaya
| International
|
Madonna, Beyonce Knowles and Mariah Carey Planning Michael Jackson Tribute Album
US-TECH Summary
Paula Abdul Confirms "American Idol" Exit
Sony plans $199 e-reader in Amazon challenge
Tomb Of A Bulgarian Princess Discovered
San Diego Zoo super panda gives birth to 5th cub
Thailand and Cambodia resume ministerial talks
Subway rides via cell phones-still a ways away
| Technology
|
Valentine's Day rampage suspect stands trial in NY
Filipinos bid farewell to democracy icon Aquino
Google bolsters video push with On2 deal
| Technology
|
Cornyn declines to endorse Ensign in 2012
Wyoming police Taser 76-year-old tractor driver
'Clunkers' rebates look likely for another month
Iraq mulls website ban, fuels censorship fears
| Technology
|
I'm ready for Ashes return, says Aussie quick Lee
Officials: Wife of Pakistani Taliban leader killed
Clinton says farm investment top US priority
EA shares slide, concerns about industry linger
| Technology
|
In France, 92 percent of residents use a mobile: report
| Technology
|
AP sources: LA police chief Bratton stepping down
Suspected U.S. drone kills Pakistan Taliban chief's wife
Iraqi child witnessed missing Navy pilot's burial
Sri Lanka resettles 1,094 war-displaced
Freed journalists were separated, fed bad food
Lightning strikes kill 11, injure 15 in India
Hundreds panic as India reports swine flu death
AP NewsAlert
Toshiba eyes new businesses for recovery
Toyota to build affordable sports car: exec
Taiwan's July consumer price in record fall
Dollar slips, hits 2009 low vs New Zealand dollar
Michael Jackson film deal outlined in court papers
| Entertainment
|
Struggling NBC looks to quality shows, cost control
| Entertainment
|
Robbie Williams to release new album in November
| Entertainment
|
Ex-Broadway mogul Drabinsky gets 7 years for fraud
| Entertainment
|
Gallows humor clicks in I Sell the Dead
| Entertainment
|
Rabbi Loew exhibition opens in Prague
Ex-Broadway mogul Drabinsky gets 7 years for fraud
Clinton: After Release of Journalists, Next Step Up To Korea
Taiwan denies boycotting Australian film festival
Fire, Explosion Hit Gulf Of Mexico Floating Gas Compressor Plant, No One Hurt
Top programs on cable for July 27-Aug. 2
With New Adminstration In Power EPA Wants To Re-Evaluate Impact Of Chemical Perchlorate In Drinking Water On Infants, Children
Bond Becomes 7th Republican To Support Sotomayor; Senate Continues Debate On Judge
2 former Broadway producers sentenced to prison
New Orleans rapper C-Murder's murder trial begins
White House Announces $2.4 Billion Investment For Electric Cars
Johnnie To: Johnny Hallyday no prima donna
Update: Obama, Sec. Clinton "Very Pleased" About Return Of Journalists From Pyongyang
Swine Flu Pandemic Kills Over 1,150 People Worldwide
Michael Jackson's mom played role in business, too
On 48th Birthday, Obama Has Cupcakes, Mountain Named After Him
Update: Imprisoned Journalists Freed: "We Could Feel Your Love In North Korea"
Pardoned Journalists Return Home With Former President
Iraq mulls website ban, fuels censorship fears
Your guide to online budget services
Eleven die in Iraq violence as would-be female bomber jailed
US-TECH Summary
ECB rate to stay at 1.0 pct: analysts
U.S. wants one-year Israeli settlement halt: report
| International
|
Britons willing to pay for enhanced media services
Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac could be split: report
Bomb in southern Afghanistan kills 21 civilians
| International
|
Google bolsters video push with On2 deal
U.S. appears to soften support for Honduras' Zelaya
| International
|
Subway rides via cell phones-still a ways away
Google sheds radio ad business-buys video tech firm
Obama announces $2.4 bln grant for electric vehicles
Japan PM says nuclear arms ban to remain
| International
|
Latin American leftist leaders assail U.S. troop plan
| International
|
Officials: 27 missing after ferry sinks off Tonga
Judge doesn't sign off on BofA, SEC settlement
Tearful reunion as Clinton mission raises NKorea hopes
US Postal Service proposes cockfighting ad ban
Analysis: Kim's choice after high-profile meeting
Uribe wins some, loses some on whirlwind tour
Britons willing to pay for enhanced media services
| Technology
|
Man indicted in death of Hawaiian monk seal
Freed U.S. journalists return home
Judge raises questions in NC terror prosecution
2 women vie for Afghan presidency
OC to prosecute Illinois convicted triple murderer
Boys charged in child rape case appear in court
Asian nations welcome release of US journalists
Michael Jackson's mom played role in business, too
Health care advocate Marilyn Clement dies at 74
NJ man pleads guilty in Iraq contracts scandal
Wealthy Hollywood producer paid for NKorea flight
Judge delays sentencing of singer Chris Brown
| Entertainment
|
Obsessed fan charged with stalking Miley Cyrus
| Entertainment
|
Ridley Scott, DiCaprio travel to Brave New World
| Entertainment
|
Experts doubtful about China-led recovery
India's outsourcing sector hits tough times
Fox pulls cheap DVD rentals from Redbox
| Entertainment
|
Obama trade policy tested in China tire tariffs case
Jay Leno promises more comedy, less chat on new show
| Entertainment
|
After Abdul, Idol will still ad up
| Entertainment
|
NZ's jobless rate hits 6 percent, 10-year high
Theron, Basinger movie premiering on DirecTV
| Entertainment
|
Korean paper seeks millions from Jackson estate
Seoul shares open lower; U.S. data, techs weigh
On the Waterfront screenwriter Schulberg dies, 95
| Entertainment
|
"Alice in Wonderland" gets sexy TV makeover
New Radiohead song honors World War I veteran
| Entertainment
|
Toyota to build affordable sports car: executive
New York Times names new restaurant critic
Magna teams up with Krishna to produce car seats for India
Canadian theatre moguls get jail for fraud
Mark-Paul Gosselaar, Justin Kirk join 'Understudy'
Judge delays sentencing of singer Chris Brown
Michael Jackson, rapper Fabolous lead album charts
Ga. man charged with trying to stalk Miley Cyrus
Witness says rapper the killer, but didn't see gun
Typecasting! Modine plays Modine in stage comedy
Paris Hilton Builds $325,000 Designer Dog House For Pups
Tomb Of Medieval Bulgarian Princess Discovered
Sharon Osbourne Thinks Being "Short, Fat And Hairy" Helped Make Her Successful
Mama Bear Adopts Orphaned Cub In Russia's Fat East
Michael Jackson's Chimp To Release A Tell-All Memoir
On 48th Birthday, President Obama Has Cupcakes, Mountain Named After Him
Foot Found In New York Recycling Plant Possibly From Toronto Garbage
Japan's TDK suffers Q1 loss
Germany's Commerzbank posts sharp loss
U.S. wants Israel to freeze settlement for year
ECB, Bank of England hold interest rates steady
Survivors of south Sudan massacre short of food: U.N.
| International
|
Afghan bomb kills 21 wedding guests: govt
Venezuela to buy Russian arms, tanks: Chavez
Pakistan says Indian evidence on militant leader weak
| International
|
'Virtual' computers span the digital divide
Clinton pledges strong support for Somali government
| International
|
Afghan bomb kills 21 going to wedding: officials
Hardline press insists Iran won't bow to US plots
Georgia, Russia blame each other for war year ago
| International
|
Squabbling Palestinian movement gets Saudi scolding
| International
|
Iraq denies blocking food to Iranian exile camp
| International
|
Uighur unrest shows China's failures: Dalai Lama
| International
|
Gambian journalists found guilty of sedition: source
| International
|
The Nation's weather
Clinton suggests US could join war crimes court
Aerosmith's Steven Tyler falls from stage in SD
The Sims creator eyes the world beyond games
| Technology
|
News Corp may charge for Web news; blasts Amazon
| Technology
|
U.S. subway rides via cellphones still a ways away
| Technology
|
Gunman at Pa. health club has Web videos
China probes Internet bootcamp after teen dies
| Technology
|
Vets shred uniforms to heal themselves through art
Petitions for US worker green cards down sharply
Activists say no letup for health protests
Senate poised to make history with Sotomayor vote
SKorean strikers to end factory sit-in: report
Labor talks resume at Ssangyong Motor
'Bird's nest' boom in Malaysia sparks protests
SKorean strikers end auto plant sit-in: company
Beauty parlour owner executed for scam: report
TV's Elly May Clampett is happy at home in La.
PC maker Lenovo reports loss amid weak demand
Steely Dan had to do some homework for tour
Spain reels as cash-strapped tourists stay away
Japan sees rays of hope for economy
Biden Takes Week-Long Break In South Carolina
Savoury ice creams to surprise the tastebuds
A Potential 2012 White House Contender, Romney Working On Book Due Out In March
New Michael Jackson songs on missing hard drives
| Entertainment
|
S.Korean bonds fall on rate concerns
After 200 Days In Office, Obama's Approval Rating Remains Positive
Korea Hot Stocks- Standard Diagnostics extends rally
Senate Votes Thursday On $2 Billion Extension For "Clunkers"
Fox pulls cheap DVD rentals from Redbox
The Late Princess Grace Of Monaco To Be Immortalized With A Plaque On California's Rodeo Drive Walk Of Style
Celebrity birthdays for the week of Aug. 9-15
Hurricane Felicia Heads For Hawaii
Boston Window Washers Escape Death After Dangling From 37th Floor
After Abdul, "Idol" will still ad up
Princess Firyal Of Jordan Accused Of Denying Her Lover Medical Care To Control His Assets
Beastie Boys member recovers from cancer surgery
Sotomayor Set To Be Confirmed For Supreme Court Thursday Afternoon
Nine-Term Rep. William Jefferson Convicted Of Corruption Charges
New Radiohead song honors World War I veteran
Greece at new risk of being pushed off euro
Bodies of missing Tenn. mom, Jo Ann Bain, and daughter found
Female Breasts Are Bigger Than Ever
AMD Trinity Accelerated Processing Units Now in Volume Production
The Avengers (2012 film), made the second biggest opening- and single-day gross of all-time
AMD to Start Production of piledriver
Ivy Bridge Quad-Core, Four-Thread Desktop CPUs
Islamists Protest Lady Gaga's Concert in Indonesia
Japan Successfully Broadcasts an 8K Signal Over the Air
ECB boosts loans to 1 trillion Euro to stop credit crunch
Egypt : Mohammed Morsi won with 52 percent
What do you call 100,000 Frenchmen with their hands up
AMD Launches AMD Embedded R-Series APU Platform
Fed Should not Ignore Emerging Market Crisis
Fed casts shadow over India, emerging markets
Why are Chinese tourists so rude? A few insights