28 Pentasoft Technologies: Enterprising Growth 

It was a year packed with activities for Chennai-based Pentasoft Technologies. The transformation of Pentafour Communications into Pentasoft Technologies brought about major growth areas for the company. 

Agency revenues for 2000-01 stood at Rs 67 crore, as against a mere Rs 9 crore in fiscal 1999-01. This signifies a whopping growth rate of 622 percent, which is the highest registered by any company in Silver Club and Next 25. However, the total revenues grew modestly at 45 percent from Rs 404 crore to Rs 583

crore. 

The operating profit of the company for the current quarter and year ended 31st March 2001 is Rs 51 crore and Rs 206 crore respectively as against Rs 39 crore and Rs 121 crore for the corresponding period in the last fiscal.

During the end of the fourth quarter, the Strategic Business Units (SBUs) recorded impressive growth. The three SBUs -- enterprise, engineering services and education and training -- accounted for 69 percent, 18 percent and 13 percent respectively of the total revenue generated. Of the 69 percent growth in the enterprise division, the financial services contributed around 26 percent, while logistics and supply chain solutions around 17 percent and e-business solutions 19 percent. Products and services in this division contributed around seven percent. 

Meanwhile, with the growing industry needs, Pentasoft Technology has entered into an arrangement with Credence Analytics, an investment technology solutions provider, to provide i-Deal, which is a fully integrated, front, middle and back office treasury management system. 

As a part of the company's marketing initiatives for the current fiscal, Pentasoft has recruited channel partners to increase its geographic reach and also introduced several new channel rating schemes, which helped the company measure their performance. Pentasoft also conducted road-shows to improve the company's image and channel identity. 

Also with an emphasis to leverage on the product availability and Penta brand positioning in the market, Pentasoft Technologies plans to increase its reach and penetration in existing markets.