Autodesk increasingly worried over piracy in India

Autodesk, the $950 million design software major, is getting increasingly worried over rampant piracy in India.

Speaking on this to the media in Bangalore on Tuesday, Andre Pravaz, VP, Autodesk, South Asia Pacific said: "Piracy is growing in India. This year it touched 73 per cent from the earlier 70 per cent. With regard to Autodesk products, we anticipate it to be around 80 per cent."

He added, "We are working with many organisations in an effort to stem this spread and we should see results of this in the near future."

Further commenting on the issue, he said: "It is indeed strange that with India being such an IT literate country, piracy is growing. On the one hand, Indian software industry is increasingly involved in developing Intellectual Property Rights (IPR), while on the other hand, this plague is eroding Indian companies' IPR efforts. It would be fatal for Indian IPR if the piracy is not stopped."

The company also announced the appointment of Vishal Dhupar as managing director for its Indian operations and stated that it will have a total professional strength of 200 in 2-3 years from the current manpower of 83.

Autodesk India was functioning without an MD for the past three years, "During which period the organisation underwent a series of restructuring exercises to manage its channel in a more effective way."

Added Pravaz: "We have seen rapid expansion in the Indian market and the need for a senior person to be located in India. This is to ensure that our customers receive the required support and service from Autodesk. Vishal will spearhead all strategic initiatives for India and support our anti-piracy efforts. He will primarily be responsible for development and execution of a strategic plan for Autodesk Design Solutions Group business in SAARC."

In addition, Vishal will provide leadership and support for various Autodesk function located in India - such as IT and Professional Services to ensure they deliver to expectations. Vishal joins Autodesk from Sun Microsystems - India, where he was Director - Sales.

"Said Vishal: "My immediate tactical focus is to drive sales, channels and anti-piracy programmes. More importantly, I want to develop a mid- to long-term business infrstructure that will provide our customers with the necessary service and support expected of Autodesk."

Commenting on the expansion plans for Autodesk in India, Pravaz said: "We should actively enhance our strength and we are looking at a professional base of 200 in India in 2-3 years. Most of the additions will be in support and consulting as most of our sales are through our channel partners."