Multimedia Victoria - New Jobs for Ballarat as Global ICT Company Moves in

New Jobs for Ballarat as Global ICT Company Moves in Media release - 13 June 2008 International technology company iGATE Global Solutions today opened a national operations centre in Ballarat, creating 40 new jobs with more to come in the next few years. Information and Communication Technology Minister Theo Theophanous, who officially opened the IGATE centre in the Wendouree area, said the Brumby Labor Government was taking action to create jobs in communities across Victoria. "The decision by iGATE Global Solutions to base its national operations centre in Ballarat is a vote of confidence for ICT in the region and testament to Victoria's reputation as Australia's leading state in the industry," Mr Theophanous said. Mr Theophanous said the ICT industry in Ballarat continued to prosper, combining a mix of skills, infrastructure and local innovation to attract global companies such as iGATE to the region. "Ballarat has become an international investment hub for ICT companies – especially at the Ballarat Technology Park – creating jobs and strengthening the local economy," he said. "iGATE's Ballarat operations centre will create 40 jobs, with job numbers expected to grow over the next three years. This is an excellent opportunity for skilled ICT workers living in and around the Ballarat area." iGATE Global Solutions provides new computer infrastructure, known as Integrated Technology and Operations (iTOPS), delivering clients optimised business solutions and savings. Its Ballarat centre joins other similar operations in the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Malaysia and India. iGATE Global Solutions CEO Phaneesh Murthy said he was delighted to open the new Australian operations centre in Ballarat. "We are very pleased to be in Ballarat, an ICT knowledge-centre within Victoria. With this centre in place iGATE now has more ambitious plans to introduce the revolutionary iTOPS model to businesses and government in Australia," Mr Murthy said. Ballarat Mayor Stephen Jones said the opening of the new iGATE centre would bring significant economic benefits to the city. "iGATE has a solid reputation for delivering quality services and will be a valued addition to Ballarat’s diverse economy," Mr Jones said. Mr Theophanous said iGATE's move to Ballarat reaffirmed the Brumby Government's strong support for local ICT to ensure a sustainable and competitive future for the industry in Victoria. "Since 1999, the Victorian Government has attracted and facilitated investment worth more than $1.5 billion and over 10,000 jobs in the ICT sector. The industry generates of $24.4 billion in annual revenue, exports over $1 billion and employs more than 84,000 people – over a third of the national ICT workforce," he said.