Bangalore: International Data Corporation (IDC) believes China does not have any real strength in software services presently, which makes it a threat to India in the next five years.

Making a presentation at "Directions 2003", President of IDC (India) Ltd, Ravi Sangal, said, "On the contrary, China suffers from major weaknesses such as language and experience which would delay its entry into the market."

Sangal said Chinese government's involvement in implementing World Trade Organisation (WTO) reforms as well as its primary focus on the manufacturing segment would make it difficult for that country to become a strong player in the next five years horizon.

"India's advantages against China such as its global experience of more than a decade, its project management skills and English-speaking manpower would be too overwhelming for China to counter," IDC said.

However, IDC said, in order to maintain its edge India has to focus on IT education (quality and quantity), driving down costs/improving productivity and policies and infrastructure to attract and accelerate investments.

He was speaking on "China, IT and WTO: How Real the Threat?"

PTI