Indian IT training companies brave economic downturn storm

Although the IT training as an industry still plays an important role in this downward spiral,most major players have realized that while they are able to sustain revenue and profits,future double-digit growth would happen only by refreshing the vision.

Three key business players competing globally in this industry with over 100 centers are NIIT Ltd,Aptech (including Arena and several other brands) and Appin Technology Lab.

IT training firm NIIT Ltd,after stunted growth for several years in its education business,has been undergoing massive diversifying operations. They are offering courses in banking,BPO,Insurance and other sectors to branch out its interest and have added new courses in applied finance management and digital marketing.

Another IT training major,Aptech,has ventured into teaching English to students in Africa and Latin America as it seeks to stem five successive quarters of dipping sales. The company believes such expansion into unexplored markets has the potential to generate rich dividends.

Businesses are no longer operating on the traditional principles but are adopting ‘out of the box’ strategy. Innovative philosophy,novel skills and specialties are the tools needed to flourish. While most of the IT training institutes are trying to adjust by making inroads into different industries,others like Appin Technology Lab have stayed put in Information Technology arena with their emphasis on the information-age security and solutions domain.

With over 110 training institutes across the country,ATL has been a major feeder company to the IT sector over the last decade. With its presence in 70 cities globally,ATL has launched products and services on parallel tracks to ensure a multi-fold franchise and company growth even in testing times.

Software development is one such field of innovation. Software and network products sold under the brand ‘Fort Appin’,like Malware Guard,File Encryption,Centralized surveillance,Hosted project management,Hosted CRM and UTM have already created quite a flutter.

It is also growing as a major player in the ‘Internet reputation and marketing’ space,with a plethora of services available for the small and medium businesses. From branding to monitoring to suppression of negative content,Appin technology Lab keeps a tab on the virtual conversation and helps reduce the impact and visibility of negative search results by creating and promoting positive messages about businesses.

“We are essentially leveraging our strengths to keep our presence growing and our revenue will take care of itself. This is an acid test but we are confident that we can not only adapt,but create a wider impact. We are loyal towards are franchise and will not launch offerings via non-franchise or parallel franchise route. This diversification will ensure that both the company and franchise grow in this downturn.,” spokesperson Neha Kumar said.

ATL has also forayed into centralized surveillance,a software solution that integrates security systems and combines multiple security features such as CCTV,Access Control,Intruder Alarms,Smoke cloak,Smart water,Gates & Barriers and perimeter protection into one “front end”. These systems are bolted together with a vision.

While even one of the top IT training companies like US-based ‘NewHorizons’ face impending collapse,Indian companies have shown the resilience by chartering into new territories and innovations.