Interview with Mr. V R Venkatesh, Senior Vice President, Embedded Systems, Wipro Technologies

 V.R. Venkatesh:  I am glad you asked this question. Firstly we are AS/ EN/ JISQ 9100 certified organization & our development processes are DO-178B & DO-254 compliant for the aerospace industry. Through these certifications, we meet some of the stringent quality requirements of aerospace engineering. Work executed for our existing aerospace industry clients who are some of the tier one aircraft companies in this industry is indicative of our competence in this sector. Our work so far has included embedded systems, cabin electronics, in-flight entertainment, PLM and CAE.

 AeroIndianews.com:  How do you view the recent Indian Ministry of Defence policy of offsets, particularly that of involving private sector industry in product development and do you see an opportunity here.

 V.R. Venkatesh: We have identified defence as a growth area and getting involved in offset programs will be a key aspect of our entry into defence. We would like to position ourselves as a high quality offset partner offering a range of services to OEMs/Tier_1 companies. In this connection, we are planning interactions with international aeronautical majors during Aero India 2007 and beyond.

 AeroIndianews.com:  International defence firms have traditionally kept high technology close to their chests. How do you plan to get over this in terms of offering high level services in design and electronics.

 V.R. Venkatesh:   We understand that there are export control restrictions for certain technologies. But there are areas where we can offer international quality products and services such as wireless and wired communication systems, satellite communications equipment, , product engineering of sub-systems within the aircraft, design analysis for aerostructures and many others. Technical publication is another area where we have built-up competency. We are willing to work with international defence companies in terms of extending our experience in the civilian aeronautics sector as well as Telecom sector to the defence industry.

 AeroIndianews.com:  The domestic aeronautical industry is hotting up with Maintenance, Repair & Overhaul (MRO) facilities being planned by several aviation majors. Do you see yourself offering your services here.

 V.R. Venkatesh:  The MRO industry is exciting for us as we can offer MRO packages and customization services related to MRO, logistics and related areas such as supply chain management or PLM in addition to adapting our existing services to MRO requirements

 AeroIndianews.com:  How big is the aerospace division of Wipro, what kind of investment have you put into it and what are your future plans.

 V.R. Venkatesh:  We have a 400 strong workforce at present which can be scaled up as per market demands. We are investing in capability building and skills across all the areas I have described. We are also gearing up to offer our services as offset partners and intend to be strong player in the civilian and defence aerospace sector.

 AeroIndianews.com:  Can you please tell us something about your participation in Aero India.

 V.R. Venkatesh:  We have a 50 Sq M. space where we are showcasing all of our capabilities. We are sponsors to the Aero India Business Center. The show is important for us in terms of reaching out to international aeronautical companies. We have arranged for brainstorming sessions with some of the leading European & US aerospace & defence companies on India-specific projects.