Goa has potential to be an IT hub: Salelkar

Herald: When did Umang start?
MANGIRISH SALELKAR: Umang was started on, Engineer’s day, 15th September 2009. It was started by my wife Uma and me. The name is a combination of our names and also means enthusiasm.
Herald: What are the services that Umang offers?
MS: Umang is an IT service-based company, but over time we have developed a few products. We offer custom software application development and maintenance, application re-engineering, extended workforce and IT consultancy. Our core competency lies in desktop software, web applications and mobile apps development.
Herald: How is the market for IT products in India/abroad?
MS: India has the best of IT companies in the world, but we don’t understand or adapt to this automation and digital world which will actually boost India’s growth. But I do see the trend changing. In the last few years, industry in India has started using software and web application to streamline their business and reduce efforts.
This situation is not the same abroad, where people know what they want and very clear about their requirements. It is easy for IT companies to work with them.
Given the weak global economic scenario , we as an Indian IT company need to be competitive with our prices and prompt with our services, as there are lots of new emerging IT destinations, like East European countries (Ukraine, Poland, Romania), South American countries (Brazil, Argentina, Colombia).  
Herald: What is the size of your company?  
MS: We are a team of 20 members. The team members are alumni of engineering and management colleges in Goa. We plan to grow with Goans, slowly and steadily.
Herald: What made you opt to base your company in Goa? How was your experience?
MS: I was born and brought up in Goa. Upon graduation, I have worked with different companies for few years outside Goa. When I got the opportunity of floating a startup, without any doubt I chose Goa as my base, with one aim of getting Goa on the IT map of India. Trust me, Goa was the right base as it is industry friendly, economically quite competitive as far as land, employment and infrastructure in concerned.
Today there are lots of Incubation centers in Goa with decent mentors guiding how to do business. But 5 years ago, there was no one to guide me, when it comes to IT registrations, IP rights, professional insurance, international legalities or financial audits. I had to find my way out by getting in touch with consultants outside Goa. The situation is still the same.
Herald: What is your customer profile?
MS: 95 per cent of Umang’s business comes from abroad. We aim to have a premium customer base and keep them satisfied. We have clients across the world in countries like Norway, Netherlands, UK, USA, Brazil, France, Bahrain, Venezuela and Canada. Our work covers a wide range of domains including GPS solutions, marine research, travel and tourism, hotel industry, banking and finance, construction industry, retail industry, logistics and fleet management, medicine, insurance and pharma.
Herald: Is there potential for Goa to become an IT hub? Is there relevant infrastructure?
MS: Yes Of course. We have the potential, provided all the SME IT companies from Goa come together and work united, instead of working as islands. I am struggling very hard along with Goa Chamber of Commerce to grow the IT industry in Goa and make a strong mark on the IT map of India. We need to build a healthy IT ecosystem like Bangalore, Pune and Hyderabad.
As a first attempt, we have started virtually a Whatsapp group of IT professionals/ entrepreneurs of Goa, instead of having registered IT association. So far, it is a very good platform, I hope we can take it to the next level in a few months from now.
I think, instead of simply inviting outside IT companies in Goa, Government of Goa should work on boosting the existing Goan IT entrepreneurs and check out their potential. IT parks are needed and setup space should be easily available to Goan IT companies. Also the necessary infrastructure facilities, electricity, Internet broadband/ lease line subsidies should be given to encourage and promote the IT industry.
Herald: What plans for the future?
MS: Continue providing quality services to all small and big customers across the globe.
Herald: What would you message be to aspiring entrepreneurs?   
MS: For aspiring entrepreneurs; Dont just start something without focus, Aim to deliver unique services and develop innovative products.