Cloud systems platform VMware to invest $2 bn in India over five years

Cloud systems platform VMware Inc. on Wednesday said it is planning to invest $2 billion (Rs 14,713 crore) in India over the next five years as part of its global investment and expansion strategy.

Speaking at a conference in New Delhi, VMware chief executive officer (CEO) Pat Gelsinger said that the planned investment will enable the company to set up new offices in Bengaluru and Pune as well as increase the headcount and capital expenditure. 

“India is a key cornerstone of our overall global investment strategy, providing outstanding engineering talent for our research and development operations,” said Gelsinger, who is on an India tour.

“VMware remains committed to providing innovative technologies that help drive our customers’ digital transformation,” he added.

The CEO, who is also expected to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday, also said that the company was happy with the investment and business environment in the country.

Arun Parameswaran, vice-president and managing director, VMware, said the company was working on initiatives that support government policies and agenda such as Digital India.

“We intend these efforts to not only help drive innovation for VMware’s customers globally, but to help drive innovation across India itself,” said Parameswaran. “India has a deep pool of talented, creative people that can help fuel our innovation now and in the future,” he added. 

VMware India employs close to 5,000 people in Bengaluru, Pune and Chennai.

According to the latest report by financial data firm Interactive Data Corp (IDC) on the cloud systems management market, VMware topped the rankings with its market share growing to 21.7% by the end of 2017.

On 17 October, the company also announced the launch of a programme aimed at women working in the tech sector to stop them from quitting their jobs.