Would you invest in B'lore or H'bad?

With Bangalore and Hyderabad locked in an intense competition for investment, The Economic Times asked a number of top execs to pick between the two Silicon cities: if you were down to your last million, where would you invest it ? Here is their choice :

SUDHEER KONERU Managing Director SumTotal Systems India Private Ltd
Though Bangalore has the talent, the attrition rate there is alarmingly high. This adds cost to a company, besides resulting in project delays . In some areas, it’s difficult to find manpower even in Bangalore. Though the demand-supply gap exists in both cities, it’s comparatively easier to retain people in Hyderabad. This apart, it’s more feasible to establish a brand in Hyderabad, whereas it would be an expensive affair in Bangalore.

My Choice Hyderabad

C DAYAKAR REDDY Managing Director Moschip Semiconductors India Ltd
We can’t compare Bangalore , which is an established IT city, with new growth locations like Hyderabad . Even Boston could not overtake Silicon Valley. Agreed that Bangalore’s infrastructure is crumbling, but it will still be the premier silicon city of India. At the same time, I wouldn’t dismiss the possibility of Hyderabad emerging as a happening destination for IT and ITeS firms. The timing is just right and the industry is being embraced with open arms.

My Choice Bangalore

SANJAY KHENDRY Vice-President (Business Development) Sierra Atlantic India Ltd
Just as the cost of living is less in Hyderabad than in Bangalore, so is the cost of setting up a company. Hyderabad is witnessing tremendous growth and is on the radar of every visiting management mandarin . Considering where we began, we’ve come a long way. And with the government getting to work on the infrastructure, Hyderabad will avoid the pitfalls of Bangalore.

My Choice Hyderabad

M L N ACHARYULU Managing Director Qualcore Logic India Ltd
If you need high-end technology talent, Bangalore is the place to be. The ramp-up time in Bangalore is less and companies can grow much faster since the talent pool is vast. Though the city has been facing certain problems, for companies that need to get their operations going quickly, Bangalore is a compulsive choice rather than an attraction.

My Choice Bangalore

S N MURTHY President & Chief Operating Officer Intoto Software India Ltd
Had this question been raised five years ago, there would have been no takers for Hyderabad. But now the situation has turned on its head. Hyderabad has gained a lot of momentum . Its governments have been more proactive. If one talks of Bangalore’s advantages, one finds they are all historical factors. Except for Bangalore’s congenial climate, Hyderabad’s a better choice now.

My Choice Hyderabad

NARENDRA SHUKLA, Managing Director SQL Star International Ltd
Bangalore’s cosmopolitan culture allows people from across locations to settle down there with ease. Besides, there is no language barrier in Bangalore as in Chennai. But because nobody likes to be left with only one option, companies are spreading their risk by expanding to Hyderabad.

My Choice Bangalore

RANJIT PRITHVIRAJ, CEO, Intelligroup Asia Pvt Ltd
Hyderabad has great potential. Its infrastructure is good and it is developing like a model city. The city is quickly expanding its talent pool, and soft skills are going to be abundant soon. The action has just begun.

My Choice Hyderabad

SALIL JOSHI VP & Managing Director Manugistics India Private Ltd
Bangalore’s talent pool is vast and readyto-use . That’s a make-or-break factor for any organisation. Bangalore has more professionals, with better soft skills. Nevertheless, I don’t think Bangalore is still attracting the same amount of investment as it used to earlier. MNCs now want to have a presence in multiple locations. They are spreading operations, hence the focus on Hyderabad.

My Choice Bangalore

VENKATESH RODDAM Chief Executive Officer Nipuna Services Ltd
I’m for Hyderabad. Bangalore’s high attrition rate would be a nightmare for companies like mine, which recruit in great number . Executing projects would become very difficult. Moreover , for a BPO unit, the infrastructure has to be first class, which it is in Hyderabad. The travel radius from one’s workplace in Hyderabad is less than in Bangalore.

My Choice Hyderabad