Riding on a robust business growth and a rebound in technology spending by global companies, Infosys Technologies Ltd continued to ramp up its employees' strength during the third quarter of the current fiscal year.

Though the hiring during the quarter under review has not been as spectacular as it was during the previous or second quarter (July-September) when it recruited a record number of 1,816 employees, the company added 1,133 employees, including 272 laterals during October-December.

But the net addition for the third quarter remained at 948, down by nearly 50 per cent of the massive recruitment drive the company undertook in the second quarter.

"Our hiring and human resources development is normally a long-term plan ranging from 12 to 18 months. The recruitment drive is in keeping with our business plans and global delivery model," said Infosys' deputy managing director and chief operating officer S Gopalakrishnan.

As a result of the latest hiring spree, the company increased its total employee strength to 14,058 as on December 31, 2002, up from 13,110 at the end of September 30, 2002.

The number of software professionals has also increased to 12,801 from 11,892 during the corresponding period. Of these, 538 belong to the banking business unit.

"We have been able to demonstrate the scalability of our operations by adding 948 net employees without compromising on the operational excellence. We will continue to hire during the fourth quarter too in line with our growth projections and our long-term requirements," Gopalakrishnan added.