An achiever is one who raises the sights of others and gives them the hope and confidence that there is no goal unachievable. And Abhay Gupte, EDS India is one such team leader who has helped his colleagues and workers give their best. Not surprisingly, Gupte's mantra for facing challenges is - "Measure, monitor, manage". And that is what has taken him to where he is today - managing director of EDS India. In fact, the EDS (Electronic Data Systems) India was formed as a 100 percent subsidiary of EDS Corporation of the US in 1996.

EDS India was the first company in India to sign a multi-year outsourcing contract, which it did with its global customer General Motors India. The company's 2004 revenue totaled $20.7 billion and it was ranked 95th on the Fortune 500. A recognized expert in IT management, Gupte is also known for his superb manpower management, which is his forte. He believes in taking on the challenges by evaluating and mitigating risks. He emphasizes on the need for leading people to grow them as "thought leaders". Attracting the best talent is an easy task but the key lies in retaining them, says Gupte. And this is what sets Gupte apart as a leader. Not surprisingly, in May 2005, he was given additional responsibilities.

In his newly expanded role, which comes as part of the Global Applications Delivery Transformation (GADT) programme across the Asia-Pacific region, Gupte is now responsible for software development centres in Malaysia, Thailand and Singapore. Apart from being managing director of EDS India operations, he has also been responsible for EDS India's Application Services business. In this role, he has been and continues to be, responsible for the software development centres spread across Chennai, Pune, Mumbai and Gurgaon. In announcing the new responsibilities for Gupte, Iain Blacklaw, Vice-President of service delivery for EDS in Asia-Pacific said, "This constitutes a recognition of Abhay's tremendous contribution to EDS as our leader in India.

EDS is developing an improved Global Delivery Model (GDM), which will replace the Global Solution Centre Model (GSCM) as the new operating model." And despite all successes, Gupte remains a simple and humble man who gives credit of his achievements to his colleagues. "This development is a symbol of the tremendous ability, dedication and success of my colleagues in India as torchbearers," Gupte once said.

EDS'created ripples with its acquisition of majority stake in MphasiS last year. The purchase, one of the largest in the Indian IT services sector, gives EDS access to 11,000 India-based employees skilled in advanced applications development, emerging technologies, BPO/CRM services, and an applications development and business process services-focused sales channel. The acquisition not only bolstered their current offshore delivery capabilities in priority growth areas, but also in the future, allow EDS to deliver a stronger value proposition to better align with clients' changing needs. A firm believer in teamwork and trusting relationship, Gupte's positive attitude and his tremendous energy has certainly helped EDS reach new heights of professionalism.