IT.in finds few takers

IT.in finds few takers
Deccan Herald

The rain gods too have played a role in dampening the enthusiasm of even the most ardent of techies.

Has Bangalore IT.in met its waterloo? Literally, yes. Empty and shrunk stall and barely any crowds. A deathly silence seem to have descended on the Bangalore Palace, the venue of South Asia’s premier IT jamboree.

The venue of the prestigious event which once used to bustle with activity wore a deserted look on Thursday. With the weather God, who took a French Leave on Wednesday bringing a sigh of relief to all, making his appearance again on Thursday, most preferred to stay at home than venture out to visit Bangalore IT.in

Shankar T, a senior project co-ordinator in a software company, said that although he had attended some of the earlier editions of the event, this time he was unable to attend as he was in the midst of preparing for a project work.

B S Ravi, a final year engineering student, said that he did visit the event just as he had done during the past four years.

“I was not very impressed this time. There is nothing new in terms of technology. The event seems to have lost its sheen,” he added.

Except for the event organisers, exhibitors, delegations and the media, and a sprinkling of curious and brave visitors, the majority seem to have shunned the event.

Arun Prasad, Executive, Global Media House, said that he has so far not been to the event. “I would like to attend the event to update my knowledge on the new technology. I did not go last year, but I do not recollect much from my earlier visits to the event”, he added. The seminars at Bangalore’s posh hotels saw poor attendance.

When contacted, Software Technology Parks of India (STPI) Director B V Naidu blamed the poor response entirely on the incessant rains lashing the City.

“The fact that 270 companies are participating in the event is an indication of its success. But rain are beyond our control. With all the warnings being issued, some have preferred to stay indoors. But it is not that the IT event has lost its sheen”, he said.

STPI along with the Information Technology Department of the state government are the main organisers of Bangalore IT.in.