IBM is to set up what it calls a Business Analytics
Center of Competency in Bangalore, India. It is intended to
capitalise on a growing demand from global
enterprises.
IBM is one of several big IT services suppliers tapping into the
abundant supply of relatively low-cost IT skills in Bangalore,
such as
Capgemini and Accenture.
Representatives of
IBM workers have
strongly criticised
IBM's strategy of
cutting jobs in the US and elsewhere, while expanding in
offshore locations like India.
IBM's new business analytics centre is to offer global support
and is expected to be staffed by over 200 consultants with advanced
analytics skills.
"These experts will collaborate with local client teams to craft
advanced solutions that apply analytics to a company's most complex
information-based challenges and biggest opportunities," IBM said
in a statement.
The demand for deep analytical skills has begun to emerge as a
strategic imperative, as companies seek a competitive advantage in
today's transformed global economy, the company said.
Some
83% of CIOs polled in a recent
IBM study identified business intelligence and analytics as
their top priority to enhance their organisations'
competitiveness.
The new centre is an important component in IBM's expanding
portfolio of business analytics capabilities, said Fred Balboni,
global leader of IBM Business Analytics and Optimization.