Apple eyes e-biz technology; may open centre in India

Apple Inc, which had so far only a market presence in India, is now seriously considering restarting operations in India with a new captive technology centre, which would also be in tune with its booming gadget sales in the country.

For this the company is evaluating options to set up a company-owned technology development centre, which would also meet the Modi government's 'Make in India' policy, according to media reports.

Apple sees a world of opportunity to service the retail and e-commerce segment that is fast growing in the country.

Bob Kupbens, VP at Apple's Online Retail division, who has also prior experience in working in India, is reported to be in charge of the proposed India centre.

Apple may tap into ''the pool of engineers specialised in retail and e-commerce,'' according to reports. However, plans are at an early stage the reports add.

Apple could hugely benefit from the centre as it could slowly assimilate the technologies into its patent pool even as the center would benefit India as well.

For Apple, which had closed down its tech support centre in India in 2006 due to poor service quality, it will be the second attempt at building a tech support unit in the country, the report added.

Moreover, with the Union Budget raising excise duties, Apple products will cost more in India, one of the company's biggest markets.

Post budget, Apple iPhone 5S will now cost Rs47,000 for 16GB, compared with Rs44,000 earlier while its 32GB version will cost Rs51,000 (Rs49,000 earlier), reports point out.

For Apple, which is preparing up a major India push, the setting up of a development center within the country is also a market necessity.

While several major tech companies now conduct whole lot of their global operations via India, Apple has been rather hesitant in doing any major business within or from India.

The e-business will surely spawn new technologies and Apple stands to benefit from its India venture.