Excerpts of the Interview with Krish Hegde on Technology Business and TIC's foray into Collaborative Applications space.

Technology Incubation Center (TIC) is a research outfit that is making foray into research and development works in the fast emerging collaborative applications space.

Krish's vision is to create significant Business Value for global customers through best of breed solutions developed by best-in-class people.

Krish always aims at building a world class organisation with dedication, hardwork and with a belief that even the most obscure person like him can serve the society if determined. Simple living and high thinking has been his outlook .Krish had a humble upbringing in a small town and seeks solace in his duty.

1. What was your first job in technology?
My first job was as a Customer Services executive with Zenith computers. My first job gave me an excellent exposure to customer needs,customer requirements and customer expectations from technology solutions/services companies.

2. Who has been your most significant role model/mentor? Why?
The founder of Infosys( www.infy.com) , Mr N R Narayan Murthy has been my role model all these years.His simplicity and high thinking always attracted me.I have had the chance to understand and see Mr N R Narayanamurthy growing his business since 1988 from a small house in Jayanagar,Bangalore.I worked with one of his earliest employees in marketing & business development. He offered Banking software Solutions from Infosys and I was moving with him to bundle ALPMs(Advanced Ledger Posting Machines) (Those days IBM compatible computers for Banks were called as ALPMs)from ESPL to Co-op Banks.

3. What has been your greatest challenge and what strategies did you use to overcome obstacles?
Every assignment, I accept becomes my challenge.My greatest challenge is my current assignment.

4. Who has been the most influential person in your life? Why?
I get driven by watching works of people who are good in their work. Whether its a carpenter, a secretary, a smithy, a farmer or a developer. I get driven by great work by so called "Unsung Heros."

I feel every individual posess that capability. Its only one's attitude and determination to excel that makes him a class.

5. What do you think about money. What will you you do if you posess a lot of that?
Money is certainly not everything to me.Its only the means. Its a power to give. Money has never made me feel rich or poor. My own requirements of money is very much limited and I dont aspire to secure more of them for myself.

I require money to create value, to fuel business growth and to serve society.

6. What new technology do you believe will have the most positive impact on the world in the next 20 years? The most negative impact?
Well, I think technology that enables people working collaboratively across geographically dispersed locations will make impact.Whether its CRM, SCM, ERP, EMS, KM, Project Management, collaboration capability helps utilise resources properly, cut costs and improve services.

7. What is your definition of success?
My definition of success, is to be able to make positive difference in the lives of many. "Serve the society" is my most desired goal.

8. If you couldn't do what you are doing now, what profession would you choose?
I'd be a farmer. I always love that. Its great thing to grow in plenty to serve the mankind.The Indian Government is coining an idea of Joining rivers of India. I love to be a part of that. Thats one project which could bring happiness in the lives of many.It can bring second green revelution in India and probably help generate enough agricultural produce to feed the poor nations around the world.