Business Objects, a global provider of business intelligence (BI) solutions, has launched a new research and development (R&D) centre in Bangalore. The centre, besides focussing on global product development, will also work closely with regional customers to help them use the company's solutions for specific Asia-based requirements. "Business Objects India is strongly committed to research and innovation in the Asia Pacific region. The new center will focus on delivering technology and services to allow our regional customers to maximise the benefits of their investment in our solutions," John Schwarz, CEO of Business Objects said here today. This is a shift from its existing practice of having a sales and marketing office in India. The centre will play an important role in the company's overall development group, and play an role in offering products for India and the Asia Pacific region, both important markets for the company, he added. The centre will have a staff strength of over 200 software engineers and it will be headed by Srivibhavan Balaram in his capacity as vice president.Business Objects has over 39,000 customers worldwide, including over 80% of Fortune 500 companies.
