Bangalore for IT (BFIT)

I wanted to write about an organization that I have been part of for the last 4 years.  Bangalore for IT (BFIT) is an informal group of CEOs of multi-national (MNC) software companies that are based in Bangalore.  Members include TI, HP, Motorola, Sun Microsystems, Philips Software and others.  BFIT's agenda is quite informal and focused on sharing information and expertise that is locally relevant and help create a thriving and successful software product ecosystem here in Bangalore.  As a new leader in Bangalore back in 2002 I found membership in this organization very useful to keep upto date on the happenings in the industry and government as well as policies that could have a potential impact on the company and what to do about it.

BFIT was also active in promoting active government-industry partnerships and raising awareness with the government on key issues affecting our industry.  Members of BFIT are in committees sponsored by the local government to help drive improvements to local infrastructure.  One action that was covered in the press -- after the apathy shown by the government in the last 2 years to Bangalore's infrastructure, BFIT proposed a boycott of Bangalore IT.in last year (termed in the press as "IT.out").  This made the government react and attempt to resolve some of the pending issues on infrastructure.  But more needs to be done.

BFIT has recently been active in promoting corporate social responsibility.  Recently, a community kickoff event was held on July 29 at the Ramakrishna Mission school in Shivannahalli, Anekal Taluk.  Many BFIT member organizations attended the event that included a tour of the school, a program by the school children and distribution of uniforms and provisions by BFIT members to the school.  More such events are being planned.  Sun Microsystems for example has an active volunteering effort going that provides employees with a mechanism to give something back to the community.

There's certainly more that BFIT can do for Bangalore.  A concerted effort by the industry to drive a higher level of ethics and values among our employees and candidates is a popular topic.  Here is an article on this topic.  Some of the suggestions here include publishing a compilation of articles written by industry luminaries on the importance of setting high standards on ethics and values; getting these industry leaders to go talk at University campuses and developer forums on this topic etc.  Productivity is another interesting topic.  As our wage standards rise, are we raising our value correspondingly by driving higher output and results.  How can we collectively ensure that the IT industry in India stays ahead on the value curve while costs continue to escalate?  These are tough but important topics and there is a vibrant discussion going in within BFIT that will come out in the form of actions that you all are soon to participate in.

I have enjoyed my association with BFIT and learned a lot.  I'm confident this informal group will contribute to Bangalore's growth in the future.  I welcome suggestions and comments on what else BFIT can do for Bangalore.

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