SAS Expands R&D Efforts in Pune, India: A Hub for Innovation
SAS, a leading US-based analytics software company, is set to enhance its research and development (R&D) operations at its Pune location. With plans to develop two to three high-quality software products from inception to launch in the coming years, SAS is reinforcing its commitment to innovation in India. Currently, the Pune facility is home to nearly 1,000 engineers who work on a diverse product portfolio, including AI, analytics, and data management.
The Strategic Importance of Pune
Bryan Harris, SAS’s Executive Vice President and Chief Technology Officer, emphasized the significance of the Pune center, stating that it serves as more than just an offshore extension of the company. “Our R&D team in Pune acts as an unofficial second headquarters,” he remarked. The center plays a crucial role in shaping product strategy, supporting existing solutions, and contributing to the development of next-generation offerings. Harris expressed confidence in the Pune team’s capabilities, noting that the facility has experienced a remarkable 30% annual growth and is expected to maintain this momentum.
Driving Innovation in Software Development
The Pune R&D center is SAS’s largest outside its main headquarters in Cary, North Carolina. Harris explained that the journey of software development involves multiple stages, including ideation, market research, design, development, testing, and deployment. He highlighted that every aspect of SAS’s portfolio, from the Viya platform to industry-specific solutions and AI models, benefits from the expertise of the Pune team.
- Key Focus Areas:
- Retail analytics
- IoT analytics
- Risk modeling and decision-making
- Regulatory capital management
- Platform services
A Commitment to AI and Analytics Solutions
SAS is dedicated to creating tailored AI and analytics solutions for various industries. Harris mentioned that the company has invested over $1 billion in AI initiatives, which enhance its capabilities and strengthen its presence in critical markets such as India. By developing advanced, AI-powered, cloud-first solutions, SAS aims to cater to the unique requirements of different sectors.
India: A Fast-Growing Market
While the Americas remain the primary revenue source for SAS, the Asia Pacific region, particularly India, is quickly becoming one of the fastest-growing markets. There is a burgeoning interest among Indian enterprises in adopting advanced AI and data analytics solutions. Harris pointed out that numerous banks in India utilize SAS products, which are also instrumental for both central and state governments in driving public welfare initiatives, enhancing revenue collection, and improving transparency in key programs.
Leveraging Analytics for Business Growth
The strategic implementation of analytics, exemplified by SAS Viya, allows companies to optimize their operations and swiftly adapt to market shifts. Harris noted that these analytics solutions are crucial for compliance and effective risk management, especially in India’s regulatory landscape. “Our growth in the Indian market has been exceptional, fueled by robust double-digit growth and an unwavering commitment to innovation,” he concluded.
As SAS continues to invest in its Pune R&D center, the company is well-positioned to lead the way in AI and analytics, not just in India but globally.
