'We are taking a bigger canvas on PC manufacturing'

HCL Infosystems is gearing up to focus on newer industry segments as it prepares for newer challenges, Harsh Chitale, CEO, HCL Info, tells HT in a candid chat about the company’s future growth strategy. Excerpts:

HCL Infosystems is gearing up to focus on newer industry segments as it prepares for newer challenges, Harsh Chitale, CEO, HCL Info, tells HT in a candid chat about the company's future growth strategy. Excerpts:

HT Image

How is HCL Info changing its strategy with the advent of tablet PCs, smartphones and cloud computing technologies?
The opportunities present today require different set to skills than what we have done traditionally. A lot of these opportunities have emerged because of the convergence of broadband and mobility that provide the possibilities of cloud computing-based solutions. We have therefore identified revenue-driving businesses to drive future growth, including cloud computing, mobility solutions, remote infrastructure management, system integration and distribution of digital lifestyle products. We would want to solutions developed therein to emerging markets in Africa, West Asia, and South East Asian countries.

Does this mean the company is shifting its focus from being a PC maker to a business solutions company?
No absolutely not. Our PC manufacturing business is strong and growing. It is just that we are now taking a bigger canvas due to the immense opportunities available due to mobility (tablet PC) and cloud computing. Close to 1 crore PCs are sold in India every year. Compare this with around 20 crore mobile handsets sold every year in the country. We want to keep pace with the available opportunities.

Google recently launched Chrome Book? Any plans on similar lines?
We are still studying the concepts and technology and it will be too early to comment at the moment.