Infosys: The Story of India’s IT Revolution

Today we’ll talk about one of India’s largest IT companies – Infosys Limited. Started in 1981 with a capital of just $250, the company has now become one of the world’s leading IT services providers. Let’s take a look at its journey, achievements, challenges, and future.

Beginnings: A Small Dream

Infosys was founded on July 7, 1981, in Pune. Its founders were N. R. Narayana Murthy and his six colleagues – Nandan Nilekani, S. Gopalakrishnan, S. D. Shibulal, K. Dinesh, Ashok Arora, and N. S. Raghavan. At that time, the IT industry in India was still relatively small, but these seven engineers focused on software development and consulting.

In the early years, the company faced funding constraints, infrastructure issues, and difficulties reaching global clients. But Infosys gained momentum after the economic liberalization of 1991. In 1999, it became the first Indian company to be listed on the NASDAQ.

Key Achievements

• Market Cap: Infosys’ market cap is estimated to be around US$80 billion as of October 2025.
• Revenue: The company’s revenue is projected to exceed US$18 billion in fiscal year 2024-25.
• Employees: Over 250,000 employees worldwide.
• Global Presence: Offices in 50+ countries, headquartered in Bengaluru.
• Innovation: Infosys Knowledge Institute, AI platform Infosys Cobalt, and fintech solutions such as Finacle.
• Awards: Consistently included in Forbes’ ‘World’s Best Employers’ and Fortune’s ‘Most Admired Companies’ lists.

Challenges and Controversies

Like every major company, Infosys has not been immune to controversies:

• Visa Controversy (H-1B): Allegations of misuse of H-1B visas were leveled in the US, for which the company paid a fine.
• Leadership Change: After Vishal Sikka became CEO in 2014, differences arose between Narayana Murthy and the board.
• Market Competition: Stiff competition from companies like TCS, Wipro, and Accenture.
• COVID Impact: Adopted a remote work model during the pandemic, but revenue growth was impacted.

Nevertheless, the company recovered by focusing on digital transformation, cloud, and AI.

Infosys’ Social Contributions

Through the Infosys Foundation, the company contributes to education, health, and rural development:

• Supporting programs like Akshaya Patra.
• Infosys Science Foundation – promoting science and research.
• Sustainability: Aiming to be carbon neutral by 2040.

Future Plans

• AI and Generative AI: Providing AI solutions to clients through the Infosys Topaz platform.
• Talent Development: Training youth through platforms like InfyTQ and Springboard.
• Expansion: Investing in the metaverse, blockchain, and quantum computing.

Conclusion

Infosys is not just a company, but an example of Indian IT success. Narayana Murthy’s vision – “simplicity, transparency, and ethics” – remains the company’s backbone. If you’re looking to pursue a career in IT, take inspiration from Infosys.