FACTBOX - India's booming software, BPO sectors

REUTERS - As India emerges into a global and economic player, it has become an important hub for offshore software development, as well as a top destination for overseas companies to outsource business processes such as technical help desks, payroll management, and legal and design services.

Bangalore, touted as the Silicon Valley of India, is home to software giants Wipro Technologies and Infosys Technologies Ltd., and has a budding biotech sector.

Many expect a new wave of outsourcing, including gaming development and healthcare services, and Indian companies will be at the forefront of these emerging trends.

Following are some facts about India's software industry and outsourcing sector:

SOFTWARE INDUSTRY

-- The sector was pioneered by flagship Tata Consultancy Services Ltd. in the late 1960s.

-- The software sector saw a 33 percent rise in exports to $31.4 billion for the year to March 2007, according to the National Association of Software and Service Companies (Nasscom). It is expected to rise 24-27 percent to $49-$50 billion in the year to March 2008.

-- Tata Consultancy Services Ltd. is India's top software services firm, followed by Infosys Technologies Ltd. and Wipro Technologies. Foreign firms such as IBM and Accenture are also expanding in India.