With big data, cloud and start ups, 21st century could be India’s: IBM chief Viriginia Rometty

With robust growth in GDP, increasing start-ups base and growing spread of new technologies like cloud in the country, the 21st century could be India's century, IBM chief Virginia Rometty said today.

Addressing IBM's ThinkForum in New Delhi, Rometty said Big Data and analytics coupled with the trends of engagement through social media and mobility were playing an important role in transforming the Indian economy and enterprises.

"I say this century, the 21st century is Indian century... I am very optimistic about the tomorrow ahead and this is a fact-based optimism," said Rometty, who is the chairman, president and chief executive officer of the US-based technology giant.

She pointed to the importance of securing the massive amounts of data being generated every day through the millions of devices.

Similar sentiments were voiced by Bharti Enterprises chief Sunil Bharti Mittal at the meet.

"With the massive amounts of data, everyone's life is on the cloud... There is so much that is being captured in this moment... if you start combining, you have compiled the profile of an individual. All the messages, mails are in the cloud. Is he or she secure, all these things will become very important," he said.

Rometty said the way India was developing toward technology, especially with government programmes, such as 'Digital India' and 'Make in India', the country could soon surpass China.

''I see India soon to be fastest growing country, surpassing China, a wonderful statistic (in terms of data usage)….It (India) makes the fourth largest base for start-ups in the world. So, to me, these are all great indicators and we are proud to play our part in this great transformation,'' she said.

Rometty added IBM was in the midst of three transformational stages – big data, cloud and engagement with newly empowered individuals – to help its customers achieve their business targets.

''The data traffic in India (3.7 Zettabyte) has doubled in the world wide web from what was there two years ago. I think such information can be the basis of competitive advantage for every company." She added that almost three out of every five companies had big data projects going on.

Rometty, who is in India to share such plans would meet prime minister Narendra Modi today to discuss how IBM could be part of 'Digital India' and 'Make in India' projects.