This article reveals the struggles of President of Wipro Technologies Vivek Paul as he attempts to transform the company from a “provider of unglamorous back-office code-writing into a $4 billion multinational that offers end-to-end software solutions” (44). Currently, the company is catering to businesses that employ their services for code-writing, but Paul intends to change all that in a big and fast manner. He realizes that one of the quickest ways to become a multinational is through acquisition. Further, the company is refocusing its core services business to include wider-ranging, long-term contracts that cover a businesses’ total IT needs. Business process consulting is where the big bucks lie in the IT services providers industry.
Despite the ambitious plans of Paul, there are many obstacles that remain for the transformation of Wipro to be successful. Increased competition from other countries, particularly those like China, the Philippines, and Vietnam continue to offer a low-cost supply of labor while salaries are rising 15% annually in Bangalore (44). Further, Indian investors are extremely wary of foreign acquisitions and other strategies which create losses in the short-run “That’s anathema to Indian investors” (48). So, too, the company will need to recruit a group of business process consultants. Yet, Paul remains confident albeit relying on a little external help. As he says “Luck favors the brave” (48).
The impact and implications of Paul transforming his company into a major multinational competitor are far-reaching and complex. First, he will need to deal with the increased competition and unending supply of low-cost labor in other countries. Second, he will need to hire a qualified staff of business process consultants. Third, he will have to gain the confidence of wary investors if he is to be successful in
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