Internet Security Systems to set up CoE in Hyd

Internet Security Systems Inc, a Nasdaq-listed independent IT security provider, plans to set up a centre of excellence in Hyderabad. The $330-million company has a sales presence in Bangalore. At present, Internet Security Systems has around 40 people of Virtusa working with it.

Virtusa, which is into software development and IT services, employs 2,600 people globally.

"We have been working with Virtusa for the past three years and our engagement with them will continue. However, we intend to utilise the talent pool available in India in order to respond to the growing competitive pressure," Heath Thompson, vice-president (engineering), Internet Security Systems, told mediapersons.

"The centre will focus on new product development, security content and packaging in order to fill the gaps in our roadmap for growth. Over time, the centre will start working on other business functions as well," he added.

Internet Security Systems is scouting for land in Hyderabad and is likely to set up the centre by the second half of this year.

"We plan to start with 100 engineers and will grow significantly over the next few years," Thompson said, declining to divulge the investment outlined for the centre.

"One of the ways to grow in India is to leverage our partnership with Virtusa," Thompson said, indicating that Virtusa is likely to help them address the scalability issue in India.

Around 15 per cent of Internet Security Systems' revenues comes from the Asia-Pacific region.

"We have a client base in India and hope to tap the market further, both directly and indirectly," he added. The company may tie up with channel partners to enhance its client base in India.