In this paper, we explore the interfirm variation in the opening of international global development centers (GDCs) by Indian software firms. We examine how the past performance of firms, their degree of internationalization, possession of a valuable resource in the form of CMMI level 5 certification and rivals' establishment of GDCs, influence the number of GDCs opened by them. We draw on the organizational learning theory, the resource based view and the institutional theory and base our analyses on a unique dataset about the opening of GDCs by 32 leading Indian software firms during 2000-2009. Our analyses support most hypotheses.