Wipro Limited is among India’s leading information technology (IT) and consulting services providers. The Bengaluru based company specialises in providing information technology, consulting, and business process services. Wipro had humble origins as a producer of vegetable oils. However, currently, it is one of the biggest companies in India in terms of market capitalisation. The story of Wipro began in 1945 when businessman M.H. Hasham Premji founded Western India Vegetable Products Limited in order to manufacture hydrogenated vegetable oils and fats. Major developments started to take place at the firm after 1966 when Azim H. Premji took over as chairman of Western India Vegetable Products Limited following the death of his father Mohamed Premji. Azim Premji shifted the focus of the company towards becoming a brand-oriented business which meant leaving behind its legacy as a commodity based vegetable oil maker. To this end, the company was rebranded in 1977 and its name changed from Western India Vegetable Products Limited to Wipro Products Limited. In 1979, Wipro ventured into the Infotech segment and opened its Infotech division. In 1982, the name of the company was changed from Wipro Products Limited to Wipro Limited. Wipro came together with US-based firm General Electric to set up a joint venture in 1989. The objective behind establishing the joint venture was collaboration for manufacturing, selling and servicing of diagnostic and imaging products. By the beginning of the 1990s, Wipro Limited had successfully managed to diversify its portfolio. Its businesses expanded to manufacturing computer systems, consumer products and industrial equipment. During the early 1990s, Wipro ventured into the information technology (IT) service sector where it found immense success. In 1996, Wipro shifted its base to Bangalore. 2000 was a significant year for Wipro when it was listed on US based New York Stock Exchange. Wipro acquired US-based consulting firm NerveWire in 2002. 2006 was the year when Wipro got its hands on US-based technology infrastructure consulting firm cMango. 2012 was another significant year for Wipro when it demerged three non-IT business divisions into a privately held company, Wipro Enterprises Ltd. In 2012, Wipro purchased the Australian analytics company, Promax Applications Group. In 2015, Wipro Limited acquired Denmark-based design consultancy firm Designit. As of March 2022, Wipro had a total workforce of over 2, 50,000 employees. The firm serves over 1,400 clients spread across 66 countries.
Products and services
Wipro is primarily known for the various IT services it offers to its clients. Some of the IT services offered by Wipro are software development, testing, maintenance and infrastructure management. Wipro’s digital services include digital strategy, design and development. It also offers various cloud computing services, data analytics and cyber security services. It offers outsourcing solutions for various business processes like finance, accounting and human resources among others. Apart from outsourcing services, Wipro is also into consulting business. Wipro serves clients across sectors such as healthcare and energy, among others.
Listing
Wipro is listed on BSE, NSE, Madras Stock Exchange, Calcutta Stock Exchange, etc. The company is a part of multiple indices like Nifty 50, Nifty 500, S&P BSE Sensex 50 etc.
