The domestic IT firms may still not be out of the woods in terms of improvement in spending by clients across the globe. However, they are continuing to invest in newer technologies like Artificial Intelligence and expanding partnerships here. Wipro, for instance, recently launched an AI-ready platform, which is a new service that will allow its clients to create their enterprise-level, fully integrated and customised AI environments. Thierry Delaporte, Wipro CEO and MD, in an email interview with Sameer Ranjan Bakshi, shares how AI is changing the entire landscape of business for IT firms. Excerpts:
Wipro committed $1 billion investment in AI last year. How do you plan to deploy this?
We are deploying AI internally across almost all functions. Wipro has been using automation and artificial intelligence, including Gen AI, across departments like HR, sales and finance and procurement. Even engineering business uses Gen AI to develop software for some of the leading tech product companies. Our quality engineering and quality assurance testing teams use it for scenario-creation, code-generation and synthetic-data-creation. We are confident that these investments will allow us to capitalise on emerging opportunities, as the macro environment improves. In 2023, we have seen an increase in AI-led business, and have an AI component in almost every large, long-term deal now.
Q. How do you think AI will help in transforming the business?
For the IT industry at large, AI has been deployed for tasks such as coding, trials and testing, generating simulations, and more. This reduces the limitations on technological innovation, so it is possible to go from concept to use-cases to pilot in a shorter time frame. For example, using AI insights, we have been able to build real business outcomes for clients, such as delivering greater efficiencies, improving customer experiences, and for a handful of clients, we have generated additional revenues. In the next few years, AI-led or AI-inclusive solutions will be part of almost every organisation. For Wipro, AI training and upskilling continues to be a focus. We expect new AI-related jobs and roles to be created rapidly in the future, and want to ensure that our employees are prepared, confident, and ahead of the curve when opportunities arise.
Q: The industry has been facing global headwinds and macro uncertainty. Do you see the environment improving in the current calendar year?
Early signs of an uptick in discretionary spends are appearing. Our conversations with clients also indicate a similar sentiment. This is reflected in the order bookings in our consulting business. Although it’s too early to celebrate, there is reason enough for us to feel confident about 2024.
Q: You have been working on a transformation plan. What’s been the progress on this front?
Over the last four years, we have streamlined and optimised our business processes, enhanced our capabilities in high-growth areas such as consulting, significantly improved employee engagement, and are building a leadership team for the future. Due to these early moves, we are seeing good momentum in deals for cloud transformation, analytics, and cybersecurity. In January, Wipro reported better-than-expected revenue, despite a seasonally weak third quarter. In the same quarter, we also reported double-digit growth in our Capco business. Listening to our associates is a key component of our transformation. We launched an employee experience platform to help associates engage with each other, find tools and tips to be more productive, and participate in decision-making. Over 80,000 Wiproites engage with it every month.
