Hyderabad: Satyam Computer Services chairman B Ramalinga Raju gave a keynote speech on ''Relevance of Global IT Sourcing to the Canadian Market'' hosted by TiE Toronto, a not-for-profit network of entrepreneurs and professionals dedicated to the advancement of entrepreneurship, on 10 November 2003. Raju addressed the vital role outsourcing plays in business strategy, more than a technology or cost savings issue for Canadian businesses.

"As part of a global sourcing strategy, countries like Canada are going to play a critical role. While Canada is the near shore option to the clients in the US, it also brings talent which companies like Satyam can tap into, and deliver value to customers in local and global markets," said Raju.

During the panel discussion, Ram Mynampati, president (commercial and healthcare business) at Satyam, related the following issues involving outsourcing by Canadian companies:

• The success of any outsourcing engagement depends on the internal awareness of the customers, in addition to the expertise and maturity of the service provider.
• Outsourcing is most beneficial when it is part of a long-term well-thought-out strategy and not utilised for one-time projects.
• Satyam''s focus is on creating value over a long-term relationship with its customers by identifying, defining, designing and executing such a strategy.

Since 1995 Satyam has provided IT solutions to Fortune companies in Canada. It opened its first office in Toronto in early 2003 to provide better service to local clients and offer a near shore option to its US customers.

Sanjay Tugnait, Satyam''s country manager for Canada, said: "At a time when Canadian companies are looking at outsourcing as an important part of their IT strategy, this event highlights the ''why, when and how'' in executing a global sourcing strategy. Satyam is at the forefront in partnering and delivering significant value to the leading US and Canadian companies."

Satyam is also working on setting up Satyam''s first solutions centre in Toronto to be operational in coming months. Over 150 representatives from major Canadian companies such as Scotia Bank, CIBC, Royal Bank of Canada, GM, Ford, Glaxo SmithKline attended the event. Satyam has already partnered with select companies in Canada to provide long-term outsourcing solutions.