"Offshore Development" in the IT world is the term most often used to describe the business of outsourcing software programming, web and multi-media projects to contractors or wholly-owned facilities located in foreign countries with lower labour costs. India is the largest provider of such services, estimated to be worth $6.3 billion in 2000-2001.

You know the reason behind India being the main destination for IT-enabled services for major global companies?

Here they are !

	India has a virtual 12-hour time zone difference with USA and other major markets for IT-enabled Services
	India has a huge pool of English speaking and computer literate graduate manpower, who will continue to cater to the growing demand for professionals for IT- enabled Services. These professionals are skilled as well as quality conscious.
	Cost of qualified personnel is amongst the lowest in the world.
	India provides an income tax holiday till 2010 for export of IT-enabled Services.
	Many State Governments in India offer special incentives and infrastructure for setting up IT-enabled Services.
	India enjoys a very strong brand equity in major markets, thanks to its growing and globally competitive software industry.
	More than 185 of Fortune 500 companies already have offshore centers in India. Therefore vendors in India are used to dealing with the requirements of an offshore initiative.