Bill Gates: A Bangalore unto himself

Microsoft tycoon Bill Gates is in India this week to mark the opening of the company's first software development centre outside the US.

Gates' visit re-affirms India's emergence as a dominant player in global IT services.

Speaking in Bangalore, where he met IT services firm Wipro, Gates said: "I often say that India is a software superpower.

"One of the reasons that helped it get started is the incredible, high quality of education that I am sure most of you here are beneficiaries of. India is to be complimented for making investments in universities and continuing to increase those investments. That really drives the future and that commitment is as strong as ever."

Gates also praised the cost-effectiveness of basing business units in India, where expertise and cheap labour are in plentiful supply - a fact which has seen the country become a magnet for companies looking to outsource in recent years.

He said: "Another key element is that [Indian] companies are developing a reputation. Not only do they do projects in a very cost efficient manner, but also they do them in a timely manner and most importantly, with very high quality."