'Beach IT': Infosys setting up new branches in Visakhapatnam; women biggest beneficiaries

Visakhapatnam: Infosys is setting up new branches in Tier-II cities including Visakhapatnam. Industry gurus said this is a positive sign for the techies who can stay close to their hometowns. Infosys is likely to set up an office in the next-quarter end.

"Visakhapatnam has always been a future for the IT sector inviting IT companies to set up their offices. During the TDP regime, an area known as IT SEZ was also developed in the city. Information Technology Enabled Services (ITeS) companies were welcomed to set up their offices," experts said.

A chance for locals

Experts said this is a chance for the locals who have been working from home since the COVID-19 pandemic. Infosys has recruited 60% of the employees from Tier-II cities, who are now working from home. Since the offices are opening, they can stay close to their houses. The new branches of Infosys will have 1000 seating capacity and can be further expanded. According to the Infosys officials, this is a great opportunity for women stressed with working from home, managing work, and caregiving responsibilities.

Beach IT concept

Andhra Pradesh government is also planning a new concept, 'Beach IT' for Vizag. It is modeled on the lines of Virginia Beach. This would also be the first two-tier city in the country to have such an ecosystem. This has been a concept in Virginia, US, where IT companies were set up along the Beach.

Chief Minister YS Jagan Reddy discussed this concept at the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, Switzerland, in May. So far, it was not applied in AP due to the lack of an ecosystem. Once the new concept is introduced, Information Technology Enabled Services (ITeS) companies will be developed with a sea view.