VIA Technologies plans to set up IT solutions laboratories

VIA Technologies Inc, a US-based company which is into developing personal computer platform solutions, is planning to start 30 information technology (IT) laboratories in India, according to the company's country manager, India, Ravi Pradhan.

The laboratories will be set up in the four metros, followed by other places, including Pune, Ahmedabad, Bangalore and Hyderabad, says Pradhan. "These would help in testing and developing personal computers that are affordable to the masses."

The company, which had opened its first Affordable IT Solutions Lab jointly with IIT-Mumbai in Powai, will conduct researches to bring down the cost of the PCs, he adds. "We have developed a platform, which functions as a central processing unit (CPU), and a PC built on the platform that would cost just Rs 15,000."

The new labs will also be set up jointly with IIT, and VIA Technology is in talks with IITs in Bangalore, Chennai and New Delhi for setting up the lab. The company will also enter into joint development pacts with Indian Institute of Information Technology for the projects.

VIA Technologies is also planning to develop India as its hub for software development and procurement, due to the low labour costs and high-quality software available. Declining to comment on the expected timeframe for the completion of the project, Pradhan says around $10,000 will be spent for each lab.