TCS bets on embedded systems to spur growth in Japan
November 12, 2007

• Innovation lab for embedded software in Pune
• Focused Centre of Excellence in Yokohama
• Recruiting R&D engineers with Japanese language capability
  

TCS has announced a series of investments in the field of embedded systems to help Japanese corporations innovate and remain globally competitive.

TCS will invest $10 million over the next 12 months for a dedicated innovation lab for embedded systems research in key verticals like automotive, consumer electronics, telecom, and office automation to fuel innovative solutions focused on the needs of the Japanese market. The new lab will be based in Pune, India, along with a Center of Excellence in Embedded Systems in Yokohama, Japan.

With an initial team of 100 engineers and researchers located across India and Japan, the new lab will also leverage the capabilities of 19 other innovation labs as well as the TCS Co-Innovation Network. TCS currently has more than 6,500 embedded systems engineers servicing global customers, including 500 embedded engineers servicing Japanese corporations in Pune, Kolkata and Bangalore.

In addition, TCS will set up its second Japan-focused Offshore Delivery Center (J-ODC) at Pune focused on embedded systems to provide quality, a delivery framework and infrastructure customised for the needs of Japanese customers.

Simultaneously, TCS has identified several engineering colleges and language solutions business partners to enlarge the pool of Japanese-speaking engineers. It has implemented programmes to teach Japanese language to students selected by TCS during their engineering course.

"Japan, the second largest market in terms of technology spend globally, is a key strategic market for TCS," said Girija Pande, EVP and head, TCS-APAC. "Being a world-class manufacturing and hi-tech hub, we have identified embedded systems as one of the key focus areas for our growth strategy in Japan."

"With a significant talent shortage facing the Japanese market, TCS is investing in embedded systems R&D and Japan-specific delivery centre, to help our customers in applied innovation and reducing their go-to-market cycle time," said Masahiko Kaji, president of TCS Japan. He added: "These new investments underscore our commitment to Japan and our eagerness to address the current market imperatives."

Regu Ayyaswamy, VP, engineering and industrial services, TCS said, "The spend on embedded systems is growing rapidly driven by greater software content in products. Through the Embedded Systems Research Center and J-ODC, we are aiming to further extend our ability in providing the innovative solutions to our Japanese customers."

TCS Japan works with leading companies in Japan across sectors like banking and financial services, insurance and manufacturing. There are more than 1,800 TCS associates servicing Japanese corporations worldwide, including more than 300 associates in Japan.