Smart Tech Transforming Search for Growth with AI | p9 Make in India The Impact of the Make in India Initiative and PLI | p11 The Evolving Tech Distribution Business Prospects and Future Directions rospects and Future Directions Gargee Patankar VP Sales and Strategic Partnerships Patseer The Role of AI in Lok Sabha Election 2024 Perspective | p8 Vinod Kumar Satcom Suchit Karnik RAH Infotech Sewak Nautiyal Spark Technologies Gunasegharan K E-Caps Computers T Mohan Kumar Netpoleon India Puneet Singhal President CMDA Delhi www.dqchannels.com 20 pages including cover Rs 300 Vol. 26 l No. 6 l June 2024 l Subscriber copy not for resale RNI NO-DELENG/2005/15197. Published on 1st of every month Posting Date: 4 & 5 of every month. Posted at Lodi RMD HPO DPR NO. DL(S)-17/3077/2023-2025 Licensed to Post WPP. U(SE)03/2016
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A CyberMedia Publication 3 June 2024 n DQ CHANNELS Greetings friends! By the time this issue will reach your hands, the elections will be over and you’d be waiting to see the results. Because much depends on the results. Will the old order continue or will a new era begin? Only when the final results are declared, shall we know. But even elections use a lot of AI and data analytics based on emerging techs. In this issue you will read about it. Meanwhile, it appears that the tech distribution business has been generally doing well, but there are challenges to be faced. Some distributors tell us how to improve the business of tech distribution in this issue. Will the new government continue the old Make in India or will it make it more worthwhile for the MSMEs in the IT sector? Only time will tell. There are many more questions pertaining to the IT sector, which we’ll be pondering over in the remaining part of the year, either based on the continuing policy of the continuing old regime, or walking into new horizons with a new government, whose concerns may be different. But it’s my hope that both types of regimes shall be concerned about the MSMEs in the IT sector, which include the partner community. Read this issue, share, download and comment while you watch the election results. www.dqchannels.com For subscription queries contact our reader service executive at [email protected] or call on 0124-4822222 extn 156 For Subscription For editorial queries: [email protected] For sales queries: [email protected] Printed and Published by Pradeep Gupta, on behalf of CyberMedia (India) Ltd at D-74, Panchsheel Enclave New Delhi - 110017 Printed at M/s Archna Printers, D-127, Okhla Industrial Area, Phase 1, New Delhi-110020 Associate Editor: Dr. Archana Verma All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced by any means without prior written permission from the publishers. Cover Design: Nadeem Anees OUR OFFICE ADDRESSES DELHI/NCR/GURGAON: Cyber House, B-35, Sector 32, Gurgaon - 122003 Ph: 0124-4822222, Mobile: +91-9953150474 BENGALURU: 205-207, Sree Complex (Opp. RBANMS Ground) # 73, St John’s Road, Bangaluru - 560 042 Ph: +91 (80) 4341 2000, Fax: +91 (80) 2350 7971 MUMBAI: INS Tower, Office No. 326, Bandra Kurla Complex Road, G Block BKC, Bandra East, Mumbai – 400051 Mobile: +91 9969424024 WHAT’S INSIDE DQ CHANNELS THIS MONTH DQ CHANNELS THIS MONTH Archana Verma EDITORIAL Managing Editor: Thomas George ([email protected]) Editor at Large: Shubhendu Parth ([email protected]) Editor: Dr Archana Verma ([email protected]) Executive Editor, Content Studio: Minu Sirsalewala ([email protected]) Sr. Asst. 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Write to [email protected] DQW NEWS .....................................17-18 COVER STORY ................................4-6 The Evolving Tech Distribution Business SMART TECH.....................................9 Transforming Search for Growth with AI HARDWARE .......................................7 Expanding Horizons PARTNER STRATEGY .............................14 Upskilling and Access to Market as a Partner Strategy SOLUTIONS, SECURITY & SERVICES ......13 New Cybersecurity Strategies CHANNEL PULSE MAKE IN INDIA .....................................11 The Impact of the Make in India Initiative and PLI GUEST ARENA ......................................10 AI Adoption: Overcoming Industry Resistance and Driving Acceptance MARKETS | INDIA.................................12 Tech Industry Growth Slows Down TARUN DUA Founder E2E Networks ANIL NAMA CIO CtrlS Datacentres PUNEET SINGHAL President CMDA Delhi NITISH AGRAWAL VP and Chief Partner Officer SAP India GARGEE PATANKAR VP Sales and Strategic Partnerships Patseer Vinod Kumar Suchit Karnik Sewak Nautiyal Gunasegharan K T Mohan Kumar PERSPECTIVE ....................................8 The Role of AI in Lok Sabha Election 2024
DQ CHANNELS n June 2024 4 A CyberMedia Publication COVER STORY satisfactorily. There are several distributors who also extend credit to the partners who bring large orders and help them to procure the products of high quality and install them at the clients’ premises. It has been noted that mere distribution of hardware is not enough to move the tech business chain successfully. The installation of software need to run the products, updation of products as the technology evolves, providing the partners with the new tech knowhow to install the products, to run operations and to provide after sales services with expertise, all count towards the success of the tech industry. We talked to some distributors to understand how their business is moving and what suggestions they have to make it better. The following passages show their insights. Tech distribution, like any other distribution business, is a complex chain and involves many kinds of diverse activities. The success of the tech industry depends upon how successful the distributors have been in supporting the partners to procure the products, to sell them to the end clients and to offer after sales services to the clients’ satisfaction. An Evolving Business There are distributors who provide the entire range of support from endto-end so that the partners are able to provide tech products to their clients The Evolving Tech Distribution Business [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Where is the distribution business going? Some distributors enlighten us DR ARCHANA VERMA BHARTI TREHAN SWAMINATHAN B VINOD KUMAR CEO, Satcom How has the distribution work been in the last one year, especially in non-metro cities and in the MSME segment? In the last year, our distribution work has been robust and critical in supporting the ongoing digital transformation, Cloud adoption, cybersecurity, IoT, Cloud computing and AI trends. Despite global turmoil, the tech industry has demonstrated consistent growth, significantly contributing to the Indian economy. The demand for both hardware and software-based solutions has increased, necessitating a well-organised distribution system. In non-metro cities and the MSME segment, the implementation of the Digital Personal Data Protection Act introduced regulatory complexities. However, we have addressed these challenges by bringing in appropriate solutions from the global landscape, ensuring that even smaller markets and businesses have access to the best cybersecurity measures available. What was your growth % in the last year? What was the segment/product most in demand? From a company perspective, we achieved a year-on-year growth of at least 25%, aligning with the growth trends seen in the valueadded tech distribution business across India. The most in-demand products were those related to digital transformation, Cloud computing, cybersecurity solutions, IoT and AI. Both hardware and software-based solutions saw substantial demand, driven by the need for robust security and advanced technological capabilities.
A CyberMedia Publication 5 June 2024 n DQ CHANNELS COVER STORY What are the challenges in this work and how do you resolve them? The primary challenges in our distribution work include the following – Regulatory Complexities – The Digital Personal Data Protection Act posed significant regulatory challenges. We resolved these by leveraging our technical expertise to implement global best practices and solutions tailored to the Indian market. Supply Chain Disruptions – The Ukraine situation and Indo-China relations caused supply chain disruptions, particularly affecting semiconductor availability and hardware inventory levels. We addressed these issues by diversifying our supply chain and improving our inventory management strategies. Talent Retention – Attracting and retaining skilled talent is an ongoing challenge. We are addressing this by offering attractive compensation packages based on profit sharing and providing continuous learning and development opportunities to our employees. What suggestions do you have to improve the distribution work? To improve our distribution work, we need to do the following – Upgrade IT Infrastructure – Invest in the latest and most advanced ERP solutions to streamline operations, manage orders, and maintain inventory accuracy. This will also help in ensuring data privacy and providing a seamless customer experience. Enhance Customer Experience – Implement advanced CRM solutions to better understand and meet customer needs, thereby enhancing customer loyalty and satisfaction. Focus on Talent Development – Offer competitive compensation and continuous learning opportunities to attract and retain top talent, which is crucial for sustaining growth and providing exceptional service. By implementing these strategies, we can better prepare for the anticipated growth in the tech industry over the next 3-5 years, ensuring that we continue to deliver value to our customers and stakeholders. SUCHIT KARNIK COO, RAH Infotech How has the business fared in the last year? RAH Infotech has had a strong performance over the last year. The company has sustained its growth trajectory, achieving a CAGR of approximately 50% YOY. This growth rate highlights the company’s expansion and impactful business strategies. Despite challenging market conditions, RAH Infotech has managed to maintain its upward momentum. The sustained growth is possible because of the management, customer relationships, and a well-executed market approach. This progress positions RAH Infotech driving innovation and delivering value to its stakeholders. What have been the major achievements as an IT distributor and what is your vision for the future? RAH Infotech has achieved notable growth which is a major accomplishment. The company has focused on creating a Great Place to Work and diversifying its product portfolio. Additionally, RAH Infotech has opened a Customer Excellence Centre, enhancing its service capabilities. The company is also stepping into advanced fields such as artificial intelligence and quantum computing. These technologies have the potential to revolutionize problem-solving, optimising supply chains and simulating molecular interactions, positioning RAH Infotech at the forefront of innovation in the industry. What are the emerging challenges in this domain in 2024? What are the strategies you are going to implement to overcome these challenges? In 2024, RAH Infotech faces several emerging challenges, including geopolitical tensions, new and evolving threat vectors in IT; and shrinking profit margins. Addressing these challenges requires a multi-faceted strategy. To tackle the geopolitical challenges, the company must stay informed and adapt quickly to changes in the global landscape. For the IT threat vectors and shrinking margins, collaboration is key. RAH Infotech plans to work closely with SIs and resellers to strengthen its market position and expand its reach. Bringing in AI and machine learning-driven niche technologies will be another critical strategy. These advanced technologies can enhance security measures, streamline operations, and create new business opportunities. Additionally, RAH Infotech will partner with technology consultants to educate both partners and customers. This educational approach aims to drive business growth by improving the understanding and implementation of cutting-edge solutions, ultimately leading to better margins. Creating proprietary intellectual property is another strategic focus. Developing unique solutions and services will not only differentiate RAH Infotech in the market but also provide additional revenue streams. By combining these strategies, RAH Infotech aims to navigate the complex challenges of 2024 effectively and continue its trajectory of growth and innovation. SEWAK NAUTIYAL Founder and MD, Spark Technologies How has the business fared in the last one year? Spark Technologies has experienced significant growth over the past year, we did good jump, with over 40% growth then last FY. Spark Technologies has successfully expanded its offerings and enhanced its services, which has contributed to its performance. Over the past three decades, we have been dealing in ICT products and services. IT, communication, audio, video, digital signage, electronic security and surveillance, internet security, POS systems and UPS and power management audits is our domain. We have consistently served our channel partners across
DQ CHANNELS n June 2024 6 A CyberMedia Publication COVER STORY Concluding Remarks From these interactions, we discovered that although the tech distribution is growing at a good rate, there are also challenges which need to be addressed. The distributors in tier 2 and 3 cities have their own unique challenges, while those in the tier 1 cities have the larger picture of the business to address. In some cases, the clients are not aware of the utility of certain products and solutions. Hence, their demand in these areas is low. The distributors have to sensitise the clients about the advantage of having these products and solutions. This helps in the growth of the tech business. As the technology evolves and as we get newly emerging technologies, the needs of the clients will change, thus posing new prospects and challenges for the distributors. Only if they keep on evolving their business, can the partners also grow as the partners are eventually working in unison with the distributors. GUNASEGHARAN K Director, E-Caps Computers Status of distributor business Technology distribution was a rock and roll for us. This was augmented by addition of new products lines. Challenges The major challenge was by and large because of low awareness among customers in the importance of tools and software that is required to keep their business safe. We are generatingthe awareness by equipping the end customers with the required information through their partners. Growth % We grew approximately 30% in tech distribution due to additional product lines.We signed new product lines including remote control software, mobile devices management and identity access management. Suggestions for improvement In my opinion, more product awareness to end customers’ decision makers will help this business grow in the coming days. T MOHAN KUMAR Director, Netpoleon India Status of distributor business Past one year we see drastic reduction in enterprise opportunities or delay in decision making. However, there has been a huge demand and increase in enquiries in BFSI, hospitality, health care and Govt verticals, where we see good potential. Challenges Major challenge being faced is retention of talent in sales and technical departments. Salary expectations are very high due to unreasonable offers coming to the employees.Competitors are offering double the salaries to attract them to their organisations. Cost of Operations has increased a lot in past few years which is impacting the growth ratio of the companies.Due to competition, products are deeply discounted.Thin margins are impacting the GP. To overcome this investing time on interns and training them and inducting them as full-time employees, investing time and efforts on services business for professional services, training etc. Growth % We had overall growth of nearly 45% in revenue but marginal increase in GP.We also saw huge increase in our services revenue in 2023, on which we gave special attention.This makes us confident that future is more in services in addition to product selling and not just in product selling. Suggestions about improvement We are focussing on collaborating and bundling solutions jointly and selling to increase our winning probability. To invest more time in preparing new set of partner organisations, who are young in the market and able to invest resources and time on our new product lines, encourage more and more partners to invest in MSP or MSSP business which is the future, push partners to invest time on their sales and tech team enablement and certifications, cover tier2 cities, North East and Bangladesh marketsas focus areas. India in these domains, delivering comprehensive solutions which transformed into this growth. What have been the major achievements as an IT distributor and what is your vision for the future? Spark Technologies was established in 1994. Currently, our ICT products and services, serving over 150 cities. Furthermore, we are adding new products and established ourselves as prominent VAD. We rely on strong channel partnerships and robust support system. Maintaining relationship to building trust with OEMs and customers, thereby ensuring continued growth and mutual success that is our goal for the future. What are the emerging challenges in this domain in 2024? What are the strategies you are going to implement to overcome these challenges? IT distribution sector in 2024 faces challenges like supply side constraints and price fluctuations. Additionally, lot of sectorial push.We hope to venture into Make in India but still we are far way. To navigate these challenges, Spark Technologies is focusing on strategies such as diversifying their supplier base to mitigate risks and investing in local manufacturing to align with the Make in India vision. We are also leveraging advanced analytics to predict market trends and optimise pricing strategies. These measures with competitive pricing will help us in resilient growth.
A CyberMedia Publication 7 June 2024 n DQ CHANNELS HARDWARE Expanding Horizons An insight into the vision of Digital Ventures, a distributor of Tamil Nadu Digital Ventures, the distributor for Power-X In Tamil Nadu, is aiming to increase the reach of the OEM in every nook-andcorner of the state. We interacted with the senior leaders of Digital Ventures. Power-X, an accessories and peripherals brand has a wide range of products which includes motherboards, SSDs, monitors, ATX-cabinets, RAMs, graphic cards, keyboards, mouse, accessories, CPU cooler fans, toners cartridges, speakers, SMD SMPS, computer peripherals and laptop accessories. The brand claims it is meticulously crafted to meet the evolving needs of the customers. Key Factors for Good Reception Speaking about the products, Srinivasan, Head, TN Region, Digital Ventures and Arul Sundaramoorthy, Product Manager, Digital Ventures for Power-X brand say that the reception for the products in the market is extremely good. “Some of the key factors that are helping the product gathering momentum from the channel fraternity are specifications, the post-sale support (always a replacement warranty and not repair warranty for 3 years extended warranty), quality and long lasting of the product; and the price points of the similar products.It is competitive with a large portfolio of products”, said Srinivasan. Arul further added that the product portfolio is also different with multiple new avenues compared to the other manufacturers. “We are distributing an entire range of products starting from SSD to cabinets and monitors of Power-X.” Srinivasan added. Till date, Power-X is the only brand under the kitty of Digital Ventures and the distribution geographical range across Tamil Nadu and Puducherry. “We have the human resource to support and create awareness about the product even in the smallest counters. Not just only for the tier-1 partners in terms of size, volume and city, we also ensure a last mile reach of the product even in the remotest locations.” Srinivasan said. He said that Digital Ventures ensured that there is always a touch-point through our sales and support team. Challenges Arul talked about the challenges in the business. “It is a fact that we had some teething issues to position the product among the channel partners. While channel partners were initially hesitant to accept this, on a later stage, after the reach of the market among the end-consumers brought changes in the entire eco-system and we are able to sell it better”, heshared. He also added that, using various new media marketing initiatives including mailers, social media promotions, they keep updating the channel partners on the latest happenings in the market. On the rebate schemes, partners who bill considerably will get a better rebate with us and they also are eligible for continuous offers. Future Plans The duo said, “According to the potential of the Tamil Nadu market, we are so bullish on attaining minimum 25% of a market share, given the demand from the market and lack of supply from the competing products. The focus is to ensure the channel segments including traditional channel partners, new-age retailers are served. We are confident enough we will be taking our products to enough touch points across Tamil Nadu.” The OEM is also planning for a training and recognition session for the focused and loyal channel partners giving importance to Power-X brand. The event is slated to happen in a tourist destination in the state and will be a mass gathering of the channels. Overall, it seems that the reach of hardware and accessories can be achieved by thisdistributor across Tamil Nadu. Using various new media marketing initiatives including mailers, social media promotions, we keep updating the channel partners on the latest happenings in the market. —Arul Sundaramoorthy, Product Manager, Digital Ventures Some of the key factors that are helping the product gathering momentum from the channel fraternity are specifications, the postsale support, quality and long lasting of the product; and the price points of the similar products. —Srinivasan, Head, TN Region, Digital Ventures SWAMINATHAN B [email protected] NEWS CHANNEL HHV Group Certified for its HMC Lab from SAC, ISRO Hind High Vacuum Advanced Technologies (HHVAT), a subsidiary of the Bangalore-based HHV group, has received the Qualification Validity Certification from the Space Applications Centre (SAC) of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) for its metallisation and lithography processes on alumina substrates used in space flight applications. The HMC Lab is located in an ISO 7 clean room with ISO 5 laminar flow stations for substrate handling. It can produce 25,000 one-inch square metalized substrates annually for space and defense applications. “HHV works closely with scientists of ISRO on these Hybrid Micro Circuits in realising various Flight Mode projects. The Chandrayaan-3’s landing on the moon has made India proud and put a feather on the cap of HHVAT for its contribution towards Make in India. We are proud to be a part of this successful journey of ISRO and India,” said Prasanth Sakhamuri, Managing Director, HHVAT.
DQ CHANNELS n June 2024 8 A CyberMedia Publication PERSPECTIVE The Role of AI in Lok Sabha Election 2024 As technology continues to advance at a rapid pace, its impact on various aspects of our lives becomes increasingly evident. In the realm of politics, the use of AI is revolutionising the way political campaigns are run, particularly in the context of the Lok Sabha Election 2024. AI has the power to analyse vast amounts of data, predict voter behaviour, personalise campaign messaging, and optimise outreach strategies like never before. Understanding the Role of AI in Political Campaigns AI is revolutionising the way political campaigns are conducted, especially in the context of Lok Sabha elections in 2024. AI has the potential to transform various aspects of political campaigning, from voter targeting to campaign messaging and beyond. One critical role of AI in political campaigns is its ability to analyse vast amounts of data to identify voter preferences, behaviours, and sentiments. By leveraging AI-powered data analytics, political parties can better understand their target audience, tailor their messages accordingly, and optimise their campaign strategies for maximum impact. AI is not just a buzzword in political campaigns; it is a powerful tool that can enhance efficiency, effectiveness, and overall success. Embracing AI technologies in the context of Lok Sabha elections 2024 can empower political parties to connect with voters on a deeper level, drive meaningful engagement, and ultimately shape the political discourse in a more data-driven and impactful manner. AI Applications in Political Campaigning AI is transforming the landscape of political campaigns, especially in the context of the Lok Sabha Election 2024. AI applications are being leveraged to streamline and optimise various aspects of political campaigning. One of the key areas where AI is making a significant impact is in data analysis and voter targeting. By harnessing the power of AI algorithms, political parties can analyse vast amounts of data to gain insights into voter preferences, behaviour and sentiment. This enables them to tailor their campaign messages and strategies to resonate with specific target audiences. AI is revolutionising the field of predictive analytics in political campaigning. By analysing historical data and trends, AI models can forecast election outcomes with a high degree of accuracy, thereby enabling political parties to make informed decisions on resource allocation and strategy planning. AI is playing a pivotal role in revolutionising political campaigns by enabling data-driven decision-making, enhancing voter engagement, and optimising campaign efficiency. As we approach the Lok Sabha Election 2024, the integration of AI technologies is set to redefine the dynamics of political campaigning and shape the future of electoral processes. Implications of AI in Lok Sabha Election 2024 The implications of AI in the Lok Sabha Election 2024 are vast and transformative. Artificial Intelligence is revolutionising the way political campaigns are conducted, bringing about unprecedented levels of efficiency, personalisation, and effectiveness. AI-powered tools can analyse massive amounts of data to understand voter behaviour, preferences, and sentiments, allowing political parties to tailor their messaging and strategies to specific demographics with pinpoint accuracy. AI can also optimise campaign spending by identifying the most costeffective channels and messages to reach potential voters. By leveraging machine learning algorithms, parties can predict voter turnout, forecast election results, and gauge public opinion in real-time, enabling them to make data-driven decisions swiftly and strategically. AI can enhance the engagement and interaction between politicians and constituents through chatbots, sentiment analysis, and personalised communication. This fosters transparency, accessibility, and responsiveness in the political process, ultimately strengthening democracy and citizen participation. The implications of AI in political campaigns also raise concerns about data privacy, algorithmic bias, and the potential manipulation of public opinion. It is crucial for policymakers, election authorities, and technology developers to establish robust regulations, ethical guidelines, and transparency measures to safeguard the integrity and fairness of electoral processes in the AI era. The Future of AI in Political Campaigns The future of AI in political campaigns holds immense potential for revolutionising the way elections are conducted. As we look ahead to the Lok Sabha Election 2024, the role of artificial intelligence in shaping political campaigns is more prominent than ever. AI technology can analyse vast amounts of data from various sources, including social media, surveys, and demographic information, to provide insights into voter behaviour and preferences. By utilising AI-powered tools, political campaigns can create targeted and personalised messages to reach specific voter segments effectively. AI can help optimise campaign strategies by predicting trends, identifying key issues, and even forecasting election outcomes. Machine learning algorithms can analyse historical data to understand what resonates with voters and tailor messaging accordingly. This data-driven approach allows political parties to make informed decisions and allocate resources more efficiently. The author is Political Strategist and Co-Founder, Oreo One Digital The data-driven approach allows political parties to make informed decisions and allocate resources more efficiently. —Vivek Surve, Political Strategist and Co-Founder, Oreo One Digital VIVEK SURVE [email protected]
A CyberMedia Publication 9 June 2024 n DQ CHANNELS SMART TECH NEWS CHANNEL Vantage Network Solutions Partners with SISA As the country prepares to introduce its first comprehensive privacy law the Digital Personal Data Protection Bill (DPDP) to harmonise the data privacy regime, a Bangalore-based SITC enterprise Vantage Network Solutions has delivered tools to major PSU Bank to secure its data. “We have partnered with SISA for the implementation of their proprietary RADAR solution for Data Discovery and Classification and also to establish necessary security controls. This collaboration ensures adherence to the stringent guidelines set forth by the proposed Act for entities that collect, process and store personal or sensitive data of millions of individuals,” says Vikas Khosla, MD of Vantage Network Solutions. This collaboration taps into Vantage’s infrastructure and SISA’s proprietary Data Discovery and Classification technology experience, jointly working on the security of customer confidentiality and associated data across the board. SISA is an Indian forensics security solution company for the Digital Payments Industry. Transforming Search for Growth with AI DR ARCHANA VERMA [email protected] An interaction with Gargee Patankar, VP Sales and Strategic Partnerships, Patseer on AI which can increase sales user base is increasing by >50% on a month-on-month basis and within the short timeframe, AI searches now account for 10% of all searches conducted on our platform. This significant rise in user engagement with AI modules is positively impacting the company’s growth. This strong user adoption indicates that AI will likely be a major factor driving our future success. What are the challenges in this IT segment; and how do you strategise to resolve these challenges? In the IT sector, particularly in India, the predominant workforce comprises women, especially in IT. The biggest challenge in IT, as in any other sector, is achieving gender equality. While strides have been made towards equal pay and opportunities, societal factors often hinder women’s careers, particularly after marriage and childbirth. Balancing work and family responsibilities becomes incredibly challenging, impacting women’s ability to perform at their fullest potential compared to men. Additionally, certain roles within IT, like sales, remain heavily male-dominated, which can pose additional challenges. However, IT presents unique opportunities for women to compete on an equal footing with men. Yet, challenges persist in terms of social support, recognition, and sustaining a work-life balance, especially given the demanding nature of the industry. To overcome these challenges, it’s crucial to establish clear boundaries between work and personal life. Setting defined work hours and sticking to them, while also communicating expectations to family members, can help maintain a healthier balance. Prioritising tasks and being firm about personal time are essential to maintaining mental and physical well-being. While this may be challenging, especially in the context of remote work, it’s necessary for long-term sustainability. In summary, achieving a work-life balance in IT requires prioritization, clear communication, and a firm commitment to boundaries between work and personal life. While challenging, it’s essential for both personal well-being and professional success. How is AI technology evolving in the search segment? AI is transforming search by going beyond just simple keyword matching. Machine learning algorithms can nowadays grasp the meaning and user intent behind a search query, understanding the concepts and intent. This allows for more relevant results even if different terminology is used. Additionally, AI can uncover hidden connections between seemingly disparate searches, providing a more comprehensive understanding of the information landscape. As AI continues to evolve, expect even greater accuracy, improved exploration of concepts, and the ability to handle increasingly complex search use cases. What are the pitfalls in using AI and how are you resolving them? AI in search offers incredible power, but it’s not without its challenges. One major pitfall is its data dependence: AI models heavily rely on the quality and quantity of their training data. If this training data is incomplete or inaccurate, the AI’s outputs can be unreliable. At PatSeer, we address this by carefully selecting and cleaning the training data used for fine-tuning our underlying models to ensure its accuracy and relevance for the specific task. Another significant concern is security and privacy in auto-learning systems. Free online AI systems can be vulnerable to hacking or manipulation, potentially compromising user provided data. Such AI algorithms might inadvertently learn from and later reveal sensitive information from training data. To mitigate these risks, AI search in PatSeer does not leverage any third-party hosted model provided by companies like OpenAI or Anthropic and our AI search engine runs completely in-house. Further, all user provided data is encrypted and cannot be accessed by our own teams and therefore is not used by anyone other than the user themselves. We leverage robust encryption measures and access controls to safeguard data, as evidenced by our ISO/IEC 27001:2022 and SOC 2 Type 2 compliance. What is the growth % of your company in last 1 year because of AI? Our innovative AI search, introduced in July 2023, is still relatively new. However, we’ve been impressed by the swift increase in its usage. Our AI
DQ CHANNELS n June 2024 10 A CyberMedia Publication GUEST ARENA AI Adoption: Overcoming Industry Resistance and Driving Acceptance [email protected] The pathways enterprises can use to adopt AI AI, specifically Generative AI, is poised to transform various industries in the coming decade. Leveraging AI helps businesses improve productivity, streamline customer service, scale their product R&D etc. Having said this, enterprises state several barriers to AI adoption, many of which arise from misunderstandings of the technology. This article will discuss the pathways enterprises can use to adopt AI and explain why the risk of not adopting AI is far greater than the challenges it poses during adoption. Understanding the Latest AI Models The first step to adopting AI for enterprise use cases involves understanding the latest AI models that are emerging and the route to training, deploying and inferring with them. The cutting-edge AI models in the current landscape are all built on deep learning architectures. Recent large language models (LLMs), such as variants of Llama-3 or Mistral and various fine-tuned versions of these models, have set new benchmarks in natural language processing and language generation tasks. Similarly, image generation models like those from Stable Diffusion; and models like Music Gen or Audio Gen, offer excellent capabilities for media generation. These models have demonstrated remarkable capabilities in understanding and generating human-like text, recognising and classifying images; and creating realistic synthetic media. Variants of Yolo models, on the other hand, help build powerful object detection and computer vision applications. Enterprises can leverage these models to automate and enhance processes. For instance, customer service departments can deploy LLMs with vector stores to build sophisticated chatbots that efficiently handle inquiries and reduce human agents’ workload. Similarly, R&D teams can use computer vision models for quality control in manufacturing, ensuring higher accuracy. The first step to AI adoption, therefore, is to track and understand the latest generation of AI models that are emerging. One of the best platforms to discover and explore these models is Hugging Face or via open-source applications released by developers on GitHub. Training AI Models To fully leverage the capabilities of AI models, enterprises need to train and customize them for their specific needs. While training AI models requires advanced GPUs and high-quality data, there are advanced platforms now easily accessible to enterprise developers that allow them to do so without any code. An example of such a platform is Tir on E2E Networks, where developers can easily pick a base model, provide the training data, select the GPU to be used, and perform the training task, all without any programming effort. The key fact to keep in mind before training AI models is the availability of high-quality data. Data is the cornerstone of effective AI training. Enterprises must invest in robust data collection and preprocessing pipelines to ensure their models are trained on accurate and relevant data. High-quality data leads to better model performance, while poor data quality can result in inaccurate outcomes. Deploying AI Models Once trained, AI models can be deployed in a production environment. This step involves integrating the models into existing systems and ensuring they operate efficiently under real-world conditions. AI-focused platforms now offer easy ways to deploy a trained AI model. Alternatively, developers can explore container technologies, such as Docker. Kubernetes, an orchestration tool, can then be used to manage these containers. Cloud platforms, especially AI-focused ones, play a crucial role in deploying AI models at scale. Developers should use advanced GPU AI can drive innovations that unlock new business models, improve product features and personalise customer experiences, providing a competitive edge in the market. —Tarun Dua, Founder, E2E Networks TARUN DUA nodes, such as those using H100 or even HGX H100 or 8xH100, specifically designed for AI workloads. These services enable enterprises to scale their AI infrastructure on demand, ensuring they can handle varying loads without significant upfront investment in hardware. Integration and Building Enterprise Applications Integrating AI models involves embedding the AI model into the enterprise’s existing workflows and systems. This can include integrating AI-driven insights into business intelligence platforms, CRM systems, building coding assistants, AI analysts, or other operational tools. Seamless integration ensures that AI models provide actionable insights and support decision-making processes without disrupting existing operations. Continuous monitoring and management of AI models in production are also crucial to ensure they maintain accuracy and reliability over time. Gaining Competitive Edge The risks of ignoring AI adoption are substantial. Enterprises that fail to embrace AI risk falling behind competitors who leverage AI for innovation and operational improvements. As more companies integrate AI to innovate and enhance their operations, those that lag in adoption may find it increasingly difficult to compete effectively. AI enables businesses to optimise processes, improve product offerings, and provide superior customer experiences. Without AI, enterprises risk falling behind in innovation and efficiency. In the long term, these inefficiencies and missed opportunities can erode an enterprise’s market position and profitability, making the challenge of adopting AI far outweighed by the risk of not doing so. AI on the other hand, can drive innovations that unlock new business models, improve product features and personalise customer experiences, providing a competitive edge in the market. AI-powered tools such as chatbots and virtual assistants provide instant customer support, improving satisfaction and loyalty. AI can automate routine tasks, freeing up human workers for more complex and creative activities. Most interestingly, as we are witnessing in domains like drug discovery or material science, Generative AI is helping identify promising compounds and materials, which otherwise would have taken much longer. As we step into the AI decade, the pace of innovation driven by AI will accelerate. Enterprises need to approach this as an opportunity to gain an edge over competitors by leveraging the powerful capabilities the current generation of AI models unlocks. Ultimately, the risk of ignoring AI is too high and hurdles in adoption are simplified once they start building. The author is Founder, E2E Networks
A CyberMedia Publication 11 June 2024 n DQ CHANNELS MAKE IN INDIA Make in India in a true sense means import substitution, which in turn, means saving our precious foreign exchange. —Puneet Singhal, President, CMDA Delhi NEWS CHANNEL UiPath Partners with Microsoft Copilot for Microsoft 365 AUiPath, a company specialising in enterprise automation and AI software, has announced an integration between its UiPath Business Automation Platform and Microsoft Copilot for Microsoft 365. This integration allows joint customers to automate knowledge work and improve user experiences using UiPath. Microsoft Azure is a cloud platform used for UiPath, including UiPath Automation Cloud. The UiPath Business Automation Platform helps customers increase productivity, transform user experiences, and innovate with AI-powered automation. UiPath is among the first ecosystem partners for Copilot for Microsoft 365 and Microsoft Teams. “Our collaboration with Microsoft integrates UiPath automation to enable potentially millions of Microsoft users to extend the power of automation within Microsoft Copilot by accessing GenAI and specialized AI models from UiPath,” said Graham Sheldon, Chief Product Officer at UiPath. “We strive to accelerate human achievement through our end-to-end automation platform that enables any knowledge worker to automate processes, any developer to produce richer user experiences, and any business to foster transformed digital workspaces with AI and automation.” or low import duty tariffs while imposing extremely high import duty tariffs on finished goods, and in many cases, implementing dumping duties. Singhal added, “To adopt a holistic approach to creating hubs for different products and verticals, more engagement is required with genuine trade bodies. Manufacturing up to the component level is the ultimate goal, notwithstanding the fact that we should not be shy about starting with assembling. We will soon become a 5 trillion economy and the 3rd largest economy if the Make in India initiative is implemented in its true spirit,” Singhal concluded. Concluding Remarks In conclusion, the Make in India initiative works as a testament to India’s commitment to revitalising its manufacturing sector, particularly in IT hardware. The programme’s success depends on sincere implementation and the collective efforts of the government, industry leaders and consumers. By prioritising import substitution, incentivising domestic production and setting strict quality standards, India is going to conserve foreign exchange and stimulate economic growth. The initiative’s focus on inclusivity, encouraging the consumption of domestically produced goods, and facilitating manufacturing down to the component level, highlights its comprehensive strategy. As India continues to steer the path towards becoming a global manufacturing hub, the Make in India campaign could be the catalyst that drives the nation towards achieving its economic landmarks and securing its place as the world’s third-largest economy. The Impact of the Make in India Initiative and PLI [email protected] As the world increasingly turns digital, the Make in India campaign is set to play a crucial role in meeting the increasing demand for IT hardware Make in India initiative has been a transformative force in the nation’s approach to manufacturing, particularly within the IT hardware sector. This programme aims to position India as a key player in the global manufacturing landscape, attracting significant investments and promoting innovation. Catering to both Indian and International Demands With a focus on large-scale production of laptops, tablets, servers and other IT hardware, the initiative is not just about enhancing India’s manufacturing capacities but also about creating a strong and self-reliant ecosystem that can cater to both domestic and international markets. As the world increasingly turns digital, the Make in India campaign is set to play a crucial role in meeting the increasing demand for IT hardware, driving economic growth and establishing India as a hub of technological progress. Puneet Singhal, President of CMDA, Delhi shared his insights on the Make in India initiative. He emphasised upon how this initiative can help boost the economic development of India and attain new milestones. He said, “Make in India is an excellent initiative, as it is progressive in nature. If implemented with sincerity, it will significantly boost the economy. Make in India in a true sense means import substitution, which in turn, means saving our precious foreign exchange.” Need for PLI to Include More MSMEs To encourage this initiative, the government has introduced Product Linked Incentives (PLI). However, more thought must be given to make it more inclusive to cover more MSMEs and products. The government and corporations are the biggest buyers, but they are still not fully committed to buying and encouraging MII. A holistic and focused approach is needed to increase the consumption of products manufactured in India, even if it means circumventing the “Free Trade Policy” (WTO). National icons need to promote Make in India products with a focus on ensuring deep penetration in society to reject imported goods. More products need to be brought under the BIS with our own country’s standards so that substandard products, mainly imported from China, can be barred and our quality domestic products promoted. Additionally, the government must ensure that the policy encourages components with zero BHARTI TREHAN
DQ CHANNELS n June 2024 12 A CyberMedia Publication MARKETS | INDIA The technology industry in India is estimated to grow 3.8% year-on-year in financial year 2023- 24 to over USD 253.9 billion, industry body Nasscom said in its annual strategic review. This is significantly lower than the 8.4% growth it had projected last year. According to the experts, it comes on the back of a global economic slowdown, which compelled global clients to trim discretionary spending and optimise cost efficiency. A bulk of the revenue in the Indian tech industry flows from export of services to international markets. The Scenario Revenue from exports (excluding hardware) during the year is estimated to grow 3.3% annually to touch USD199 billion in reported currency, Nasscom said. In this, the engineering research and development sector alone have a 48% contribution. Meanwhile, domestic revenue is pegged to register a 5.9% growth over the previous year to clock USD 54.4 billion in FY24. “In 2023, decision making stretched much longer than the usual, especially for large deals. And this had an impact. So you saw a lot of deals actually moving into next year,” Nasscom president Debjani Ghosh said. Overall, the industry will see a net job addition of 60,000, with AI, cloud, data and cybersecurity emerging as top in-demand skills in 2023. In the year ago period, the tech industry created 2.7 lakh jobs. Implications for the Partners This data means that either the previous year’s projection was overoptimistic, or the Indian services industry has been affected by the global events. The service providers in the Indian tech sector need to closely watch the global scenario and assess the sources from where their revenue growth can come. Accordingly, they need to devise their business growth strategy. There are partners who completely depend upon the offshore assignments coming from abroad. They are more impacted than the service providers who also have Indian clients in their portfolio. They need especially growth strategy to stay stable. The Indian market itself is unstable and can’t be relied upon for a long stable growth. Hence, the service providers have to find new markets where they can find anchor for growth while the service demands from the usual large clients return in near future. Diversification of portfolio is the best strategy in such a situation. Tech Industry Growth Slows Down [email protected] The growth is significantly lower than the projected figure NEWS CHANNEL RAH Infotech collaborates with AlgoSec for Cybersecurity RAH Infotech, a distributor and solutions provider of technology products and digital transformation services in India, has announced a strategic partnership with AlgoSec, a company specialising in securing application connectivity. This collaboration is intended to support organisations across India and the SAARC regions in strengthening their cybersecurity measures and advancing digital transformation efforts. “With AlgoSec’s advanced technology, organisations can deploy business applications faster while maintaining security measures. RAH Infotech partners with AlgoSec to bring innovative solutions to customers in India,” said Ashok Kumar, CEO, RAH Infotech. “This collaboration reflects our commitment to offering cutting-edge technologies that address the evolving cybersecurity challenges businesses face today.” AlgoSec enables organisations to secure application connectivity and cloud-native applications across multicloud and hybrid networks. DQC BUREAU
A CyberMedia Publication 13 June 2024 n DQ CHANNELS SOLUTIONS, SECURITY & SERVICES New Cybersecurity Strategies DR ARCHANA VERMA [email protected] Interaction with Anil Nama, CIO, CtrlS Datacentres, a Fortinet partner on the new cybersecurity strategies being evolved and their level of accuracy communities facilitates collaboration with peers, enabling the exchange of threat intelligence and best practices. Employee training and awareness initiatives ensure that staff are equipped with the knowledge to recognise and respond to potential threats effectively. This proactive approach allows us to identify and address potential vulnerabilities promptly, thereby enhancing overall security posture. What’s the accuracy level of your cyberthreat countering strategy? CtrlS Datacentres upholds the highest security and compliance standards to protect clients’ sensitive data, utilising its Rated-4 datacentres. Ensuring datacentre resilience involves comprehensive evaluation of various factors that impact security. CtrlS cybersecurity Services offer real-time identification of the origins of such attacks, enhancing your ability to swiftly respond and mitigate potential damage. Regular vulnerability scanning and penetration testing help them proactively identify and address weaknesses in their systems. Internally, CtrlS conducts ongoing security research and development, fostering innovation in threat detection and mitigation. What’s the size of your non metro MSME clients from the IT sector and how are they growing? We have a very positive response from non-metro clients specially with our sties in Lucknow, Patna, Ahmedabad and Kolkata. There is a vibrant and robust MSME ecosystem that intends to harness state-of-art digital and security technologies to server their needs. We are bullish about this segment and have lined-up services in 40 non-metro locations over the next three years. There is a lot of momentum in the tier-2 and tier-3 cities that is driving digital services to the next level, and security services are one of the most sought-after services among the MSME clients in these evolving markets. In the years to come, we anticipate that our non-metro MSME clients will grow as much as our clients in the mature metro markets. What are new cyberthreat strategies emerging in 2024 vis-àvis the new techs in the market? As organisations navigate this evolving landscape, it becomes increasingly critical to understand the emerging cyberthreats and the innovative technologies driving them. With the widespread adoption of cloud computing, cybercriminals are utilising their tactics to exploit vulnerabilities such as misconfigured cloud settings and incomplete data deletion. Strengthening cloud governance models becomes paramount to defend against these evolving threats. Simultaneously, the interconnected nature of IoT ecosystems creates vulnerabilities that can be exploited, posing risks to data integrity and privacy. AI and ML also empower organizations to analyse vast datasets, detect anomalous patterns, and proactively mitigate threats. This integration enhances defence mechanisms, enabling organisations to bolster their resilience against evolving cyberattacks. In the face of continuously evolving ransomware threats, organisations must adopt proactive measures such as robust backup solutions, employee training; and effective security protocols to mitigate the impact of ransomware attacks effectively. How do you keep yourself updated on these threats and the proficiency to counter them? CtrlS Datacentres maintains its commitment to staying updated on potential threats and enhancing proficiency in countering them through a multi-faceted approach. Firstly, we subscribe to diverse threat intelligence feeds from reputable sources, ensuring that we stay abreast of emerging threats and attack techniques. CtrlS intrusion detection software aids in readiness for, management of and defence against network assaults. It encompasses a spectrum of threats ranging from DDoS assaults and port scans to backdoor infiltrations. Participation in information sharing NEWS CHANNEL Cisco Enhances AI Protection in Security Cloud Cisco, a company in the networking and security sector, has announced updates to the Cisco Security Cloud. These updates introduce new capabilities to its security platform that is unified and AI-driven. The platform aims to improve the protection of applications, devices, users, and data. It also seeks to enhance the ability of companies to detect, respond to; and recover from security incidents more efficiently. The company highlights the challenges of securing the modern digital environment, which is widely distributed and complex. The difficulty is compounded by the increasing sophistication of attacks and a global shortage of cybersecurity professionals, as the 2024 Cisco Cybersecurity Readiness Index reported. Nearly 90 percent of companies acknowledge this shortage as a pressing concern. Cisco suggests that organizations integrate AI into their security strategies to address these challenges effectively. “At the RSA Conference last year, we delivered enhanced customer efficacy and economics through a platform approach to security with the Cisco Security Cloud. By minimising point-solutions, customers have end-toend visibility, intelligence and automation with AI and simplified management with Cisco’s unified security infrastructure,” said Jeetu Patel, Executive Vice President and General Manager for Security and Collaboration at Cisco.
DQ CHANNELS n June 2024 14 A CyberMedia Publication PARTNER STRATEGY Upskilling and Access to Market as a Partner Strategy BHARTI TREHAN [email protected] Nitish Agrawal, VP and Chief Partner Officer, SAP India, on the strategies they use for their partners’ growth what is relevant and what is needed by the customers today, we are constantly working with our partner ecosystem so that they are also as sharp as we expect them to be when they talk to our customers. What is the SAP’s approach to integrating smallscale or channel partners into its ecosystem and how does this strategy benefit both the SAP and the partners? India is a mid-market-driven economy. Today, 80% of our customers out of 15,000 are mid-market customers. Hence, our partner ecosystem also is somewhere mirroring a similar construct. While we work with all the largest of the partners in India, a majority of our partners are coming from the niche midmarket origin. There’s great participation from the smallest of the partners to the largest of the partners in our ecosystem. And our approach is very simple. We just look at partners who have the right attitude, aptitude and hunger to operate in the Indian market, irrespective of their size. We have very compliant, robust mechanisms and processes in place to ensure that every partner gets his or her due based on the merit of the case. Today, when we are digitising the journey of the customer from 132 cities - that number has more than doubled in the last two years from 57 cities to 132 now – ourpartners, especially the niche and the small partners played a humongous role in that journey. So, all in all, it is not about the size, it is about the intent and it is about their alignment with SAP that drives us to do business with them. What are the key benefits that partners can expect from joining SAP’s partner programme, particularly in India? The number one benefit is the access to the market itself. Today we are expanding rapidly. A large part of our growth is coming from what we call the net new segment, which never got exposed to SAP earlier. There are organizations with a lower turnover of about even 100 crores, all the way to multi-billion enterprises, who now understand the value of SAP in their growth journey because India is growing, and every organisation is growing. So, what is in it for a partner? The access to the market. Access to market, not only in India but the global team that supports us and number three, being a part of the broader India growth story are the motivating factors for our ecosystem. How has SAP’s partner strategy evolved in recent years to align with India’s rapidly changing technology landscape? SAP has been in India for close to three decades now. And the journey of SAP in India has been powered by the partner ecosystem. The last three years, particularly, have been really exciting. As SAP deliberately moved customers to the Cloud for their digital transformation, our partners in India have played a very important role. To give you some statistics, when we moved our customers to the Cloud at scale in the last three years, with our rise and off-grid growth motion and the line of business solutions, 85% of the customers were serviced by partners. So what we truly call a partner-led motion. Our indirect share of business also has increased tremendously. And so today the partners are talking to and collaborating with customers across the spectrum. Talk about medium and small enterprises, and talk about digital native customers. Today we have more than 40% of the SAP India unicorns who are using SAP’s technology and most of them are serviced by their partners. The large enterprise story is very well known to the media already, and of course in the government space. So a truly exciting time with the ecosystem. Okay. Could you elaborate on the initiative SAP has taken to train and enable new partners, especially in the context of India’s diverse market ecosystem? More than 50% of the 4,600 partners in APJ region are in India. Our partners in India are servicing the customers in India, and they are providing a talent pool to the global customers as well. And we understand this responsibility from the SAP side. There’s a constant need to enable the partners so that they understand the new Cloud story, innovation story, new business AI and sustainability story. There is a very structured program that we have been running and we have only scaled it in the last few years, where we are enabling the partners through learning curriculums. We provide the partners a great opportunity to take the various certifications that SAP provides at a reduced cost or sometimes free of cost as well. And now, the latest initiative is that we are incentivising the partners to bring in young talent from the colleges and getting them in SAP certification. Not only from an academic standpoint, but also in terms of
A CyberMedia Publication 15 June 2024 n DQ CHANNELS For more about Partners Strategies, log on to www.dqchannels.com NEWS CHANNEL MAIT suggests two new PLI schemes to the GoI Indian IT Distributor Iris Global has recently executed one large order for the state of Maharashra for their Digital Education programme called the Maharashtra Prathmik Siksha Parishad MPSP, under the Govt of Maharashtra for imparting education to over 2 lac students across 767 schools in the state. Iris delivered the infrastructure across the state. It also helped their Teachers with professional training. The project is covered under a 5 years’ warranty and its maintenance is being handled by the company. The schools shall be conducting their own courses for the classes 6th to 10th for over 2 lakh students. Vijay Jaiswal, Co-Founder, INP, Head of Business said, “We are proud of our contribution in the prestigious ICT Educational project. Iris Global have obtained the supplies of INP thin clients from us for the Project. Our products are streamlined for best performance and longevity. “The industry and the channel community must realise the opportunities coming in immediately and in the near future. Post elections, markets will speed up,” said Sanjiv Krishen, Founder and CMD, Iris Global. Partner Supplies ICT Products of Rs 50 Cr to Maharashtra Govt The Manufacturers’ Association for Information Technology (MAIT) has submitted its recommendations to the Government of India (GoI) regarding the Indian Electronics Industry. These recommendations emphasize integrating India into the Global Value Chains (GVCs). Rajkumar Rishi, President, MAIT said, “The advent of Worldwide Value Chains and the Government of India’s PLI and Make in India scheme has led to a notable increase in the country’s worldwide trade, especially in the electronics and ICT sectors. At MAIT, we believe that for India to seamlessly integrate into global supply chains, regulatory customisation that encourages global leaders to invest and allows local companies to participate is essential. As more companies think about investing in Indian manufacturing, we predict faster growth in output, exports, and the overall economy. One of the main industry priorities listed in MAIT’s Industry Recommendations for MeitY and related ministries is developing a robust cybersecurity strategy for the new India. India has a great opportunity to dominate global manufacturing thanks to the Indian Government’s robust and stable policies and a friendly business environment.” Lexar Appoints Adarsh Technologies as Channel Partner in Karnataka BPE Installs 19 500kVA UPS Systems at Foxconn Chennai Plant Lexar, a provider of memory and storage solutions, has announced a partnership with Bengaluru-based Adarsh Technologies. This collaboration designates Adarsh Technologies as Lexar’s strategic channel partner for Karnataka, South India. The partnership is part of Lexar’s strategy to expand its distribution and sales network within Karnataka, enhancing product accessibility for consumers in the region. Lexar will utilize Adarsh Technologies’ extensive retail network to distribute its products, beginning with its full range of SSDs, USB drives and DRAM modules. Jagdish Purohit, Managing Partner at Adarsh Technologies stated, “Our collaboration with Lexar enhances the availability of their product portfolio in South India. The growing creator community in the country has driven increasing demand and multiple use cases for advanced memory and storage solutions. Adarsh Technologies will work closely with Lexar to ensure the products are accessible and available to everyone.” BPE, an Indian power solutions provider, has installed 19 500kVA UPS systems at Foxconn’s iPhone manufacturing plant in Chennai. This installation improves the plant’s operational efficiency and aligns with BPE’s participation in the ‘Make in India’ initiative, achieving a UPS efficiency of 97%. Sushil Virmani, MD, BPE, expressed his vision for BPE’s future growth. He stated, “The approval of BPE by Foxconn for the Apple factory gives us confidence. With India emerging as a preferred manufacturing hub, BPE UPS systems will see wider deployment, increasing our visibility and growth potential.” Amitansu Satpathy, Group MD, BPE, expressed his views about the entire BPE team. He stated, “This is an accomplishment of BPE. Our UPS systems, made entirely in India, are crucial for Foxconn’s operations. We are poised to reach the 1000 crore revenue mark as we penetrate more corporate enterprises. BPE is looking forward to new opportunities.”
DQ CHANNELS n June 2024 16 A CyberMedia Publication NEWS CHANNEL For more about Partners Strategies, log on to www.dqchannels.com Netskope has appointed Vishal Bhadani as the Channel Sales Director for India. In this role, Bhadani will oversee Netskope’s existing network of channel partners and distributors in the country and work on expanding and deepening these partnerships as Netskope aims to grow its presence in India through channel and alliance strategies. “After more than 20 years working with the channel community, I understand the challenges and opportunities that this market presents, and wanted to put this experience to use and continue to contribute to the cybersecurity industry at the same time,” said Bhadani about his choice to join Netskope. “I was looking for a visionary company shaping the industry, which I believe Netskope is doing in Security Service Edge and Secure Access Service Edge. This role is the opportunity for me to build and maintain long-term partnerships with players who, like us, believe SSE and SASE are relevant answers to the challenges posed by the transformation of workplaces and the evolution of the cyber threat landscape.” NetApp has introduced the AFF A-Series systems, designed to support IT workloads such as GenAI, VMware, and enterprise databases. The company has also updated its portfolio to enhance customer operations and encourage the use of data for innovation. “In today’s AI-driven landscape, data is the fuel that powers innovation. To meet the growing demands of our customers and enable them to unlock the full potential of their data in this AI era, unified storage solutions are the need of the hour”, says Puneet Gupta, Vice President and Managing Director, NetApp India/SAARC. “The new NetApp AFF A-Series brings innovation to data storage and is designed to work across environmentsbe it on-prem or in the cloud. With the new NetApp AFF A-Series, we are committed to pioneering advancements in storage technologies and continue to build on our legacy within this space.” Quest Global Partners with People Tech Group ServiceNow and Genesys form Strategic Partnership Quest Global, a product engineering services company, announced the acquisition of a majority stake in People Tech Group, a company known for digital transformation services for Fortune 500 clients. The acquisition includes offices in the US and a development centre in Hyderabad, enhancing Quest Global’s presence in India and North America, particularly in the Automotive and Hi-Tech sectors. The partnership aims to improve service to customers, including OEMs in the Automotive industry, by offering expertise in digital transformation for Software Defined Vehicles (SDV). People Tech brings capabilities in the architecture, design, user experience, development, and testing of HumanMachine Interface (HMI) and applications for infotainment systems and instrument clusters. “This is new for People Tech, and we are looking forward to becoming part of the Quest Global family,” said Vishwa Prasad, Founder and CEO of People Tech. “Our shared values and commitment make this integration a natural fit. We both help our customers solve their most challenging problems. With this transaction, we will be able to bring our Data/AI and Enterprise Software services to a broader client base and leverage the substantial industry expertise of Quest Global resources.” ServiceNow and Genesys have announced a strategic partnership at the Knowledge 2024 event. This collaboration involves integrating the Genesys Cloud platform with ServiceNow Customer Service Management to create a solution named Unified Experience from Genesys and ServiceNow. The solution combines AI, automation, and digital features from both companies. It aims to streamline customer service operations by providing a unified desktop interface, centralizing communication routing, and enhancing workforce management. The goal is to improve customer interactions and simplify the work processes for employees. “With an AI-powered solution that connects data, systems, employees, and communication channels to create a 360-degree view of the customer experience,” said Olivier Jouve, Chief Product Officer, Genesys. “By partnering with ServiceNow, Genesys is advancing its Experience as a Service vision, making it easier for organisations to connect and orchestrate data across systems. Through a native integration between Genesys Cloud and ServiceNow Customer Service Management, organizations can break down silos, improve employee collaboration and productivity and their customer relationships.” NetApp Launches Data Storage Built for the GenAI Netskope appoints Vishal Bhadani as Channel lead for India
A CyberMedia Publication 17 June 2024 n DQ CHANNELS HP unveiled a new class of next-generation AI PCs at Microsoft’s AI Vision Event designed for the AI era to empower people to work and create more meaningfully. Both devices are designed and engineered with the Snapdragon X Elite processor and its dedicated Ne ural Processing Unit (NPU), capable of 45 trillion operations per second (TOPS) to run language models and generative AI locally on the device. They’re coupled with Copilot+ PC and its transformative features like Recall. Alex Cho, President, Personal Systems, HP said, “We’re at the beginning of a new decade of personal computing that will redefine what a personal computer is. AI enables a fundamentally more personalized and creative experience we believe will empower people in both their personal and professional lives.” Epson unveils its latest costeffective Monochrome Single and Multi-function EcoTank printers, the EcoTank M1050 and M2050. Building on the success of the popular EcoTank M100, M105, M200, and M205 models, these successors offer improved print speed, integrated ink tank and a compact design featuring PrecisionCore print head. Siva Kumar, Senior General Manager, Epson India says, “Epson’s M1050 and M2050 printers are precisely crafted to align seamlessly with the dynamic demands of modern offices. The compact design, integrated ink tank and PrecisionCore print head address the diverse printing needs of businesses, ensuring efficient and reliable performance. Furthermore, the incorporation of PrecisionCore Heat-Free Technology not only enhances energy efficiency but also signifies Epson’s commitment to environmental sustainability.” AI-Powered OmniBook X and EliteBook Ultra AI from HP R a s h i Peripherals, a distributor of technology b r a n d s , has made Q u a n t u m’s SuperLoader 3 available in India. This product is an automated tape storage solution designed for businesses of various sizes and remote office setups. “Leveraging Quantum’s history in delivering storage and data management solutions for large data stores, SuperLoader 3 offers the same reliability at an affordable price point, ensuring every business can securely store their data indefinitely,” said Henk Yan Spanjaard, Chief Revenue Officer, Quantum. “In today’s digital era, data protection is paramount for businesses across all scales. Yet, traditional solutions often prove cost-prohibitive for SMBs. With SuperLoader 3, Quantum fills this void with an affordable, automated tape storage system tailored for business and remote offices. SuperLoader 3 ensures robust data security, aligning seamlessly with the evolving needs of modern businesses”, said Rajesh Goenka, CEO of Rashi Peripherals. Vero Laser Projectors from Acer EcoTank M1050 and M2050 Monochrome InkTank Printers from Epson BenQ SW242Q Monitor BenQ, a leader in display technology solutions, has unveiled the SW242Q monitor. Key Features • 24.1-inch 2K IPS Panel – Provides a resolution of 2560 x 1600 with a 16:10 aspect ratio and wide viewing angles, delivering sharp and vibrant images ideal for detailed work. • Proprietary AQCOLOR Technology – Ensures exceptional colour accuracy with 99% Adobe RGB, 98% DCI-P3 and 100% sRGB coverage, catering to the colour-critical needs of creative professionals. • Anti-glare, Fine-coated Panel – Minimizes reflections and allows accurate on-screen softproofing, enabling photographers to preview printed colors faithfully. “The SW242Q monitor is an expression of BenQ’s dedication to empowering creative professionals with cutting-edge solutions,” stated Rajeev Singh, Managing Director, BenQ India and South Asia. The BenQ SW242Q monitor is priced at Rs. 38,500/- Lenovo launched the Lenovo Yoga Slim 7x and Lenovo ThinkPad T14s Gen 6, its next generation Copilot+ PCs powered by Snapdragon X Elite. The laptops are powered by Qualcomm Technologies’ new Snapdragon X Elite processor featuring the 12-core Qualcomm Oryon CPU, Qualcomm Adreno GPU and a dedicated Qualcomm Hexagon NPU (neural processing unit). With the latest enhancements from Microsoft and Copilot+, users can now access Large Language Model (LLM) capabilities even when offline, offering seamless productivity and creativity. Luca Rossi, President of Lenovo’s Intelligent Devices Group said, “The Lenovo Yoga Slim 7x and ThinkPad T14s Gen 6 are the newest members of Lenovo’s portfolio of devices that harness the new power of AI including multiday battery life and faster, more secure client-based processing that delivers to users the ultimate in personalisation and control.” Yoga Slim 7x and ThinkPad T14s Gen 6 Copilot+ PCs
DQ CHANNELS n June 2024 18 A CyberMedia Publication Offering dual connectivity modes viz., Bluetooth and RF, the Portronics Bubble Square pairs effortlessly with your smartphones, tablets, laptops and desktops. Bluetooth v5.3 handles mobile devices, while the included USB 2.4GHz RF receiver connects to desktops and laptops. You can simultaneously pair the keyboard with up to three devices and switch between them instantly using a dedicated switch. Despite its compact size, the Bubble Square features a full-size layout including a numeric keypad, ensuring comfortable typing and ergonomic design. Each key is well-spaced to prevent fatigue during extended typing sessions. Plus, navigate with ease using multimedia hotkeys for volume control, media playback and other functions without disrupting your workflow. The Portronics Bubble Square is available in the market at a price of Rs 849/- in Pink, Green and Purple. Backed by a 1-year warranty, it is available on major online and offline retailers. Media Tek has announced the Dimensity 7300 and the Dimensity 7300X, a pair of ultra-efficient 4nm chips for high-tech mobile offerings. Providing best-in-class power efficiency and excellent performance, the Dimensity 7300 chipsets enable effortless multitasking, superior photography, accelerated gaming, and AI-enhanced computing; additionally, the Dimensity 7300X is designed with flip-style foldable devices in mind, providing support for dual displays. “The MediaTek Dimensity 7300 chips will be important for integrating the latest AI enhancements and connectivity features so consumers can seamlessly stream and game,” said Dr.Yenchi Lee, Deputy General Manager of MediaTek’s Wireless Communications Business. “Furthermore, the Dimensity 7300X enables OEMs to develop innovative new form factors thanks to its dual display support.” DeepCool announces three new PSUs in India viz., the DeepCool PL-D, DeepCool PN-M, and DeepCool PX-P. These new PSUs offer ATX 3.0 and ATX 3.1 ratings, along with the advanced PCIe 5.1 12V-2x6 connectors. “We are thrilled to introduce the PL-D, PN-M, and PX-P series to the Indian market,” said Vishvesh Mishra, Product Marketing Manager, DeepCool. “These PSUs not only meet but exceed the demands of modern PC builds by providing exceptional efficiency, advanced connectivity, and futureproof features. With the growing popularity of the RTX 40 series GPUs, our new PSUs are designed to offer unmatched performance and reliability to gamers and professionals alike.” The DeepCool PL-D, PN-M and PX-P series come with five years, ten years and twelve years’ warranty respectively and are backed by the DeepCool nationwide customer service and technical support network. N E W S MediaTek’s Dimensity 7300 Chips ATX 3.0 and ATX 3.1 PSUs from DeepCool Portable Dual-Mode Wireless Keyboard from Portronics U&I Counter Series TWS Earbuds Powered by Bluetooth v5.3 +EDR technology, the Counter TWS offers pairing and lag-free communication with all devices. With large drivers in each bud, these TWS deliver good audio quality, from deep bass to crisp highs. With an 300-hour standby time and 18 hours of continuous playback, the Counter TWS ensures extended usage without frequent recharging. The included charging case features a 180mAh battery that recharges in 80 minutes, while each bud’s 28mAh rechargeable cell fully charges in under an hour. Both the U&i Counter Series TWS and the U&i Quest USB-C Data Cable are available at competitive prices, with the TWS earbuds priced at Rs 2,499/- and the USB-C cable at Rs 699/-. Eagle Series IP Cameras from Consistent Infosystems Consistent Infosystems, an IT hardware provider in India, has introduced the “Eagle Series” 4MP IP Bullet and Dome Surveillance Cameras. These new cameras aim to improve security for businesses and individuals. “At Consistent, we are committed to empowering our customers with innovative security solutions that offer uncompromising performance, reliability and peace of mind,” said Yogesh Agrawal, CEO and Co-Founder, Consistent Infosystems. “With the launch of our 4MP IP Bullet and Dome Surveillance Cameras, we are proud to continue this tradition of excellence, providing users with the tools they need to protect what matters most.” The introduction of the 4MP IP Bullet and Dome Surveillance Cameras represents a key development in Consistent’s efforts to provide advanced security solutions for today’s needs.
A CyberMedia Publication 19 June 2024 n DQ CHANNELS Coming Soon | New Delhi Defending the Digital Realm @pcquest Participate in the PCQuest CyberHoax, a comprehensive day-long conference uniting cybersecurity professionals and critical infrastructure stakeholders from various sectors. CyberHoax serves as a platform for valuable collaborations aimed at safeguarding both physical and cyber infrastructure. Indulge in Insights from Next-Gen Experts The Evolution of Cybersecurity Securing the Cloud Threat Landscape Navigation Cyber Awareness Artificial Intelligence in Cybersecurity Safeguarding IOT Workshops & Masterclasses Product Demo Key Highlights Write to us Rajiv Pathak Sr. Manager, Marketing [email protected] +91 8010757100 Follow us: #PCQCyberHoax • Full day conferences • 10+ sessions • 30+ speakers 150+ delegates Workshops • Masterclasses • CISO Awards • Live experience zone • Start-up zone • Networking lounge • Live social feeds • Live polls & feedback • •
DQ CHANNELS n February 2018 28 A CyberMedia Publication RNI NO-DELENG/2005/15197 (published on 1st of every month) Posting Date: 4th & 5th of every month. Posted at Lodi Road HPO DPR NO. DL(S)-17/3077/2023-2025 Licensed to Post WPP. U(SE)03/2016 Follow us: @dataquestindia #DQTSchool24 With the rapid advancement of technology and the need for a transformation of engineering education has become crucial for the engineers. The emergence of new technologies such as AI, big data, and IoT are changing the way engineers and engineering students approach their studies. Dataquest is organising a full day conference on changing landscape in the higher education followed by awards recognition to the colleges who have created a milestone & innovated the process of engineering education in India. For further information, write to Rajiv Pathak I Sr. Manager, Marketing [email protected] I +91 8010757100 28 June 2024 New Delhi Learn, Innovate, Collaborate & Transform [Key ConferenCe HigHligHts] • 1 Day forum & awards • 6+ Sessions • 20+ Speakers & panellist • 150+ Targeted attendees • Meet the key decision makers • 360+ minutes of networking sessions • Demo Zone & Networking lounge • Feedback, quiz, polls • Live social feeds [AwArd CAtegories] • Top engineering colleges (National Ranking) • Top engineering colleges (Zone wise) • Industry engagement • Centre of excellence • Employability index • Campus placement • Infrastructure • Digital Index • Innovation & CSR CoNFERENCE & AWARDS SINCE 1982 40+ YEARS 2024 Join us and be a part of annual conclave designed for top engineering colleges, ed tech organizations and higher education ecosystem in India. Network with the largest pool of policy makers, business and technology decision makers, educators, HR and Talent leaders, Ed Tech experts and more.