Nineteen Hour IT to expand BPO services in Tamil Nadu

February 14, 2008

Nineteen hours IT Private Ltd, the global ITeS firm from the US is to expand its BPO operations across Tamil Nadu.

P Dayaparan, Executive Director, NHIT told Business Standard, the company engaged in software development, web application development and BPO operations like medical transcription, voice-based process, mapping and data capturing, was keen to expand in Tamil Nadu.

NHIT recently franchised its branch at Madurai and very soon branches at Kumbakonam, Coimbatore and Pudukkottai would be commissioned. Each Centre would be a 100-seater and before March-end, the centres will start generating BPO services for their clientele based in the UK, the USA, Australia and Canada.
The headcount of the company would be around 850 and by 2008-end, this will be rise to 1,500.

During financial year-ended December 31, NHIT registered a turnover of $3.7 million and in the present year, it is targeted to garner $5.2 million.

Dayaparan was in the city to formally inaugurate WIZ-KIDS, a computer-based education system for children from the ages of 6 years to 14 years, which will enable the younger generation to enhance their technical and non-technical skills.

He claimed this was the first time this type of diploma programme was made available in India and on the success of which the programme would be extended to cities including Hyderabad and Mumbai, and the entire classes would be conducted from the UK and the USA via video conferencing.

BPO IDOL Contest @ Infosys

Taking a cue from the success of Indian Idol, a popular television talent contest, Infosys BPO has now started a similar contest for its employees.

Infosys BPO Idol, as the contest is known, is expected to get the employees involved in activities other than business, and "create a vibrant, passionate and culturally stimulating workplace," says the company.

The show has been organised on the lines of the American Idol. The elimination rounds have already been held. To maintain the same aura and energy around the event, the Infosys BPO has introduced the concept of wildcard entries, SMS voting system and a live band. Each participant is given time to practice with the band to ensure their singing is flawless.

The SMS voting system was introduced in the fifth round, which had 10 contestants. The SMS votes are given 20 per cent weightage, according to organisers. In a week, following the start of the fifth round, the event has received 5,525 SMS votes.

Besides, the company is also sending out mailers on each participant called 'Know Your Infy Idol', wherein the participants share personal information. Each participant is also expected to canvass for votes with innovative ideas to increase his/her SMS poll rating.
Said Newtom Paul, a participant: "Infosys BPO Idol is a great opportunity to show my talent.
Very few people know I can sing, Infosys BPO Idol has given me the much-needed exposure. I have also established friendships with other colleagues."

The event is being organised at three locations in India including Jaipur, Pune and Bangalore. For the final round scheduled at Infosys' Bangalore campus on December 21, Bollywood playback singer Kavita Krishnamurthy will be the judge.
The winners of the contest will be awarded an all-expenses paid trip to Singapore for two persons. The other six finalists would get an i-Pod shuffle.

"The participants of Infosys Idol are given opportunities to participate at all our other events and functions. We are providing them with various platforms to showcase their talent," said Nandita Gurjar, Group Head, HR, Infosys Technologies.
Looking at the response received for the Infosys BPO idol, Infosys BPO is looking at continuing the event next year and making it an annual affair.
Infosys BPO, which was in the news till recently for high attrition rates, is planning to organise many such events to get its employees involved with the organisation.