Hyderabad|India: Information Technology across the Globe is recognized as a tool for making the life of common man more easy, convenient and hassle free. Government of Andhra Pradesh aspires to transform the State into a Knowledge Society and make available the benefits of Information Technology to the last mile of the State and to all citizens, especially those living in rural areas.

As part of IT Promotion initiatives, Information Technology & Communications Department, Government of Andhra Pradesh, in association with IT & ITES Industries Association of AP, Software Technology Parks of India and Electronics Industries Association of Andhra Pradesh organized a two day national event Advantage AP 2012 – Annual IT & Knowledge Summit and exhibition held on 21st and 22nd June, 2012. The exhibition of Advantage AP 2012 has 150 stalls erected by the IT companies to show case their products and services.

The inaugural Session of Advantage AP 2012 was well attended by the Govt., Industry associations, Trade associations, Large Enterprises, SMEs, Start ups and Universities. Over 3500 delegates from various segments of the eco-system attended this event and made it a grand success. The inaugural Session was inangurated by Shri Kiran Kumar Reddy, Honourable Chief Minsiter and participated by Shri Kiran Kumar Reddy, Hon. Minister of State for DeiTY, Govt of India, Mr. Sachin Pilot and Hon. Minister for IT&C Shri. Ponnala Lakshmiah.

There was special session that is an exclusive meeting with 26 CXO’s by the Hon’ble Chief Minister, Hon’ble Minister of State Govt of India and Sri Ponnala Laxmaiah, Hon’ble Minister for IT. Mr. KV Kamath – Chairman Infosys and non-Executive Chairman ICICI Bank, has lead the industry perspective and discursion. Hon’ble Chief Minister informed all the 26 CXO’s to come to the state of Andhra Pradesh and setup their operations. Govt of AP shall extend them all the assistance. Hon’ble Chief Minister also announced to form a committee for attending to the Core problem for IT Industry in the field of providing industry grade talent and Infrastructure to them.

In the afternoon on 21st June, 2012 two sessions on Emerging Business Models and Innovation in the connected world were organized. The sessions have thrown an insight into the Emerging innovation Methods & technologies and viable business models. Mr R Chandra Sekharan, Group CEO cognizant gave his key note address.

On the second day that is on 22nd June, 2012 in the plenary session chaired by Sri Ponnala Laxmiah, Hon’ble Minister IT and participated by Sri Nadendla Manohar, Hon’ble Speaker was on Business friendly ecosystem. Mr. Som Mittal, President NASSCOM spoke about opportunities changing land scape in IT and electronic sector.

The First session on 22nd June, 2012 was on building business friendly ecosystem. Sri BR Meena, VC & MD, APIIC and Sri NK Prasad, HMDA dwelve upon infrastructure initiatives of the state Govt. Sri Sanjay Jaju, Secretary IT Govt. AP moderated the session.

In the afternoon on 22nd June, 2012 a give e-Governance session on e-Governance opportunities was held while Sri Sanjay Jaju, Secretary IT inform varies e-Governance programes such as Mee-Seva on state govt, Dr Rajendra Kumar, Joint secretary Govt. India has informed the statues of NEGP projects and e-Governance opportunities there on.

Mr Venugopal, Director STPI presented the performance report of the IT companies of the state and inform that the turnover has crossed Rs 53,000 Crores.

In the inaugural session Mr Pankaj Dwivedi, IAS Chief Secretary to Govt of AP assured the support of the state and commitment of the state government for IT companies to setup, sustention and grow there operation in AP. Sri Uttam Kumar Reddy, Minister for housing distributed the awards for best product companies and SMEs.

The two day session witnessed very fruitful and enlightening panel discussion on various topics ranging from emerging technologies (like Cloud Computing, Big Data, Analytics, Mobility), emerging business models, opportunities in Govt., and defense sector, opportunities in e-governance, building business friendly eco-system, talent development, way forward for electronics and manufacturing sector and the role of media in shaping the IT industry.

One of the key aspects of the session was the video address of Prof. Raj Reddy the winner of Alan Turing award and a world renowned computer scientist. Though he could not make it to the conference he made his presence felt through a video address and shared his thoughts on Andhra Pradesh and as to how it is one of the choicest locations for ICT industry.

Advantage Andhra Pradesh is one of its kind event in which significant focus is given to software product companies. The software product companies showcased their products and capabilities through demo’s set up in the exhibition hall and were judged and awarded for their excellence.

Advantage Andhra Pradesh is also a platform for SMEs, Companies and other entrepreneurs from Tier II cities to share knowledge, showcase their capabilities and learn from leaders. Various entrepreneurs and companies from Tier II / III cities in Andhra Pradesh were represented in this year’s edition and they were extremely participative through some of their questions during the interactive panel discussions.

The event was attended by more than 3000 delegates while more than 5000 students from various engineering colleges visited the exhibition area.With some specific commitments made by the industry, opportunities sought and leads generated during the event, the state is well poised to attract more investments and march ahead in its journey to become the choicest and leading destination for ICT industry.

-June 2012