Good IP protection framework here draws Indian telco equipment maker.
DRAWN by Singapore's robust legal framework for the protection of Intellectual Property (IP), Bangalore-based telecom equipment maker Ordyn Technologies has announced plans to set up a research and development (R&D) operation here.
Ordyn's chief operating officer and co-founder R Srinivasan disclosed those plans in an interview with BizIT last week. He said Ordyn's nine month-old Science Park Drive office will be transformed over the next six months to include a 'principal architecting centre' - the company's first research operation outside India.
Ordyn also plans to grow its Singapore headcount from 10 to 25 staff to cater for the new operation.
Explaining why Singapore was picked, Mr Srinivasan said the IP laws here are better compared to many other countries.
'The safety with which innovation can be done in Singapore is definitely a plus,' he said.
Ordyn's upcoming centre will develop 'high-level product lines' that are three years' away from commercial reality, in the field of high-capacity delivery and grooming systems for telecom networks, he said.
Besides the favourable research climate here, Singapore's popularity as a working destination for foreign talent is another reason why Ordyn is ramping up operations here, said Mr Srinivasan.
'Singapore is an excellent ecosystem that attracts Western talent, as well as makes them feel at home,' he said.
Ordyn provides optical networking and wireless transmission gear. Its current product range include Synchronous Digital Hierarchy-based (SDH) multiplexers, WiMax base stations and WiMax USB adapters.
Founded in 2001, the privately held company has established a strong presence in India, where it claims a market share of more than 50 per cent for optical transport equipment in the telecoms, utilities and enterprise segments. One of its key customers in India is BSNL, the country's incumbent national carrier.
Ordyn currently holds two technology patents - both registered in India.
Mr Srinivasan said that beyond setting up an R&D operation here, the company also plans to establish Singapore as its international headquarters. He said he intends to hold more talks with Singapore's Economic Development Board on the matter.
Another upcoming move is to make Singapore the company's global supply-chain centre.
Ordyn's investment in Singapore is part of the company's recent globalisation trek, which saw it establish offices in Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia and Dubai in the past year.
Looking ahead, a notable regional investment will be its 40,000 sq ft factory in Petaling Jaya of Selangor, which is expected to be ready later this month. This will be Ordyn's first production operation outside India.
To further fuel regional growth, Mr Srinivasan said the company will be ramping up headcount in Asia by tenfold in the next 18 months - from 30 to about 300 staff.