Following a cluster-approach the programme, to be launched later this month, would cover the four metros to begin with. Each cluster would comprise ten companies. The Exim Bank will offer grants to exporting software companies for acquiring quality certification.

"The cluster approach will help companies to cut costs and share the expenses on quality consultants," says Mehta. Nasscom feels that the programme will help over 200 small software companies across the nation.

Getting quality certification has become essential for getting a stronger footing in the global market, more so for smallercompanies, feel industry players.

The quality certification programme is part of a recently-signed Nasscom-Exim Bank memorandum of understanding for promoting software and support services. Nasscom hopes to organise such programmes in smaller cities as the demand for quality certification builds up in the Indian software industry. Of the Rs 10,000 crore software industry in India, exports accounted for over Rs 6,500 crore in 1997-98.

The Exim Bank has recently announced a special package for software companies which includes easy finance for project/equipment, working capital, overseas investment, product development and export marketing.

Exim Bank will also help software companies to bid for projects overseas funded by multilateral institutions such as World Bank and Asian Development Bank, says Mehta.