Endcomm (Asia) has been set up as a 100 per cent subsidiary of Entcomm Inc having a capital base of $5 million 18 months ago. Though the Indian company made a cautious start with $250,000 from the parent, it is now on an expansion mode. It currently has an e-business product called ebMatrix which can be linked to OEMs, palm top users, mobile user (WAP), traders who would enable quick business decisions.

EbMatrix streamlines demand and supply chains and allows for seamless online transaction. It also has ERP and CRM modules which can be omitted if the client already has them. The other modules tightening the supply chain can be incorporated for the user.

Addressing a media conference here, EntComm (Asia) CMD D Gopalakrishnan said that product modules were sold to Universal Studios, Conagra, Connexant, Logistics. In the US, each module is priced at $25,000 - $30,000. However ebMatrix has caught the attention of the Indian industry as well and the pricing here would be more preferential, he said.

Currently the RPG group, and Bajaj Auto have expressed interest. The product facilitates just-in-time production and supply, thereby improving organisation efficiencies.

EntComm (Asia) would also be looking at markets outside the American continent, particularly Asia and the far east. It would also offer customised e-business solutions which are industry-specific, which includes serving commodity markets. The company is working on a solution for the Indonesian government's fisheries department. Likewise it could provide specific solutions for banks like keeping track of inward remittances, Gopalakrishnan said citing an example.

Currently EntComm (Asia) has got space of 7000 sq feet and its manpower is likely to go up from 45 to 110 by August this year. An investment of Rs 5 crore is envisaged for the current year. For the next year the company is building a software development park for Rs 30 crore. EntComm will be getting $3 million from the parent company for the park and the remaining will be sourced from institutions here.

Kotak Mahindra has expressed interest in investing Rs 5 crore in the near future. The proposal is to treat these funds as preference shares, with an option of conversion to equity three years down the line when the company comes out with an issue.