Cisco opens globalisation campus in Bangalore

Bangalore: In a move recognising the growing importance of emerging markets, Cisco yesterday inaugurated its Globalisation Centre East campus in Bangalore, India.

"We strongly believe that we will see in this part of the world a lot of growth, a lot of innovation, and a lot of talent," said CEO and chairman John Chambers. "It's a platform for growth from a globalisation standpoint and how we enter emerging markets."

The opening of the campus is part of Cisco's continued investment into India. The company announced during the opening ceremonies that it would invest another $100 million in venture capital into the country.

Since 2005, the company has invested $1.1 billion into India with approximately $750 million of that being invested in research and development. The opening ceremonies were attended by former Indian President Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam. The former president talked about India's growing IT industry, and what the opening of the campus meant to the country.

"This is about the evolution of a billion people in the electronic economy," Kalam said.

Strategy shift

Chambers also spoke about how India was a good choice for the campus, since the country has unlimited talent, understands how to partner with clients, and has a great legal system.

The opening of the campus also signals a shift in Cisco's strategy away from developed markets. Chambers said that the company expects 60 per cent of the company's growth to come from emerging markets and that campus has the potential to become Cisco's second headquarters.