IBM chief Palmisano meets Maran

Samuel J Palmisano, chairman and CEO, IBM today called on Communications and IT Minister Dayanidhi Maran to discuss company's plans in India.

According to official sources, Maran invited IBM to take part in India's national e-governance initiative besides discussing IBM's India plans.

Elaborating on Palmisano's sixth visit to India, IBM Asia Pacific Director (External Communications) Amanda Garland said: "India is an important country for IBM. He (Palmisano) met some of company's existing clients during the visit."

While Palmisano managed to avoid the waiting media contingent, company officials declined to comment on specific issues.

On the reported talks for providing technology support to the Bharti-Wal-Mart retail venture, Garland said, "I am not aware of it."

She also denied any meeting of the company's CEO with Reliance officials. According to reports, Reliance Communications is in talks with IBM for outsourcing IT functions.

IBM had, in June 2006, announced an investment of $6 billion in India over the next three years to set up research facilities and expand its centres here.

It had recently signed a 10-year contract worth $600-800 million with Indian mobile operator Idea Cellular to manage its IT infrastructure and with real estate major DLF. It already has an IT outsourcing agreement with Bharti Airtel.

IBM employs over 50,000 people in India, its largest employee base outside the US.