TIMES NEWS NETWORK [ THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 2002 5:10:52 AM ]

BANGALORE: Post merger with PlanetOne, Net ProActive Services (BL), an IT consulting company, has identified IT support services (ITSS) as a thrust area for itself. ITSS includes managed data services (remote network and server management), managed security services, IT help desk and technical support desk services.

Net ProActive Services has tremendous experience in the niche area of infrastructure management services. We will look at leveraging BL's strengths in managed services especially in the ITSS arena,'' Charles Lim, COO of Planet One, said.

``India is already well established as a strong offshore hub for the IT enabled services (ITES) market. We see a huge potential for India to be an ITSS hub also, and we will look at capitalising on Net ProActive Services' strengths in this area,'' he added.

As per plans, PlanetOne will invest to the tune of $12-$15 million in Net ProActive Services over the next two years. This will be utilised to build infrastructure, increase headcount and invest in R&D to enhance the intellectual property of BL's services.

During this fiscal, BL will enter Australian and American markets and will leverage the presence of one of Planet Ones's group companies - 3D Networks. In Australia, 3D Networks has a captive base of about 2400 customers. In the US, Net ProActive Services will target the markets through strategic partnerships, and some select direct-customers.

Net ProActive Services is expected to significantly contribute to the overall revenues of PlanetOne. A conservative estimate of BL's revenues would be close to $10 million in a two year horizon. The Indian operations of Net ProActive Services is expected to break-even by the end of this fiscal year.

According to Lim, in the entire managed services arena, of which managed network services is just one service segment, the Indian players play a huge role over the next 2-3 years.

The companies building operations in India possess the requisite infrastructure, skill sets, knowledge base and low cost advantage to be able to provide competent and comprehensive services, both in an onshore and offshore modes.

According to Gartner Dataquest, the worldwide IT management services is expected to grow to $170 billion and managed security services to grow to $5 billion by 2005.

For Further information contact: Azra Fathima, Tel: 91 80 2121411, Email: Azra.Fathima@planetone-asia.com