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The demand for software products and solutions is showing signs of a strong comeback in the Indian market. Technology giant IBM’s software business is optimistic of engaging in projects that help companies lower costs and improve productivity, said IBM India software group director Pradeep Nair in an interview.

What is IBM software group’s outlook on the Indian market?

Clients have started coming back and they are looking at making a difference to their businesses with technology. In the last two months, we have seen a qualitative change and we hope it will sustain.

The sentiment has definitely improved. However, at the same time, the marketplace is also becoming more realistic about investments. They are certainly looking for a specific payback period where they could quantify their investments.

Which sectors do you think are fuelling the demand?

There are new ways of deploying software, which can reduce costs and improve efficiencies. For example, we have installed our software in a tsunami warning system or put up identification technologies for HPCL. These are the kind of projects we are being engaged. I would say government; telecom and financial services are seeing strong demand for technology.

The key point is that wherever there is infrastructure spending - be it roads, airports, oil & gas - the software group of IBM is finding a strong traction. Besides these engagements with large enterprises, we get a half our business from SMBs.

How are IBM India’s software labs contributing to these efforts?

We have got five such labs spread across the country and they are engaged in over 1,500 projects, which are closely aligned with the requirements of the marketplace and looking at new ways of implementing software.