"3G will enable business-critical applications to be accessed on mobile phones"

How mission critical is the IT and telecom infrastructure in your company? What are the challenges that you encounter in managing an organization this large?

IT and telecom have a critical role to perform in the management of DLF. Connectivity of remote sites through a robust and cost-effective network poses a major challenge. Through robust and scalable ICT implementations we are trying our best to overcome this challenge.

Broadband of course can today offer an alternative, if only a few users are there. Security is one area where we have huge focus and we ensure by every means that it is adequately taken care of. We have effectively upgraded to manage our offices all around.

What is your view on emerging technologies, for instance 3G?

3G is a technology that has huge potential and all industry experts acknowledge it. 3G will be used for access to mobile applications in the future. Today's mobile applications, even on smartphones, are handicapped by slow speed and frequent connectivity breaks. I am quite sure that once this hurdle is overcome, collaboration techniques needs will become very smooth.

Will use 3G will enable business-critical applications to be hosted on mobile phones-even those which are not smart.

In the real estate sector, project managers working in remote sites can use the same to update their project status, send bills for payment, etc.

What are the key trends in enterprise communication? Are your technology plans in alignment with the investments of the company?

Well, that is a tough question to answer with tne pleothra of options available now. Mobile connectivity through smartphones and video communication will be the technologies of the future. 'Staying Connected' is a major challenge today. Access through mobile will enable sales personnel of the SME sector to access applications like CRM and databases on the Cloud.

I feel that more and more devices can be connected in the future. Intelligent devices like pumps, etc, could be remotely controlled and monitored. Physical Security is also a major challenge in office complexes and malls. With large number of citizens being regular visitors, security has to be ensured. Intelligent security devices which can raise alarms at the right time will enable the senior security management to monitor unusual movements or intrusions remotely.

As RFID devices get cheaper, these will be increasingly used in the retail sector to manage inventory and enable faster customer service. Cost effectiveness is essential as it wil lead to wide spread deployment.

What are the services that are outsourced from DLF?

Infrastructure support, security, server hosting are the major activities outsourced. These allow senior IT management to focus on business enablement rather than on routine infrastructure manintenance.

Cloud computing, wireless consume less bandwidth and are better options. Are you looking at any of these technology solutions?

In the future, cloud computing could be used for non-critical activities like CRM. Depending on the need, scale of operations, and budget-DLF will aim for adopting cloud computing to reap the best benefits

Please tell us about the Green initiatives that DLF has taken to combat climatic deterioration.

Server hosting is outsourced to IBM. IBM has taken some steps in virtualization. The areas where Green IT can be implemented are of course in virtualizing servers thereby reducing consumption; using latest technologies in reducing power consumption inside the data center and finally in converting the desktop to a dumb device using desktop virtualization tools. This also enables better manageability.

Intelligent micro-processor-enabled devices to switch off power when not in use should be used extensively.

DLF has also pioneered in building infrastructure and SEZs thus joining hands with the local government towards achieving the goal of making India the best IT destination of the country.

What are main challenges that you are facing in handling IT/Telecom in the company? What are your expectations from service providers?

High availability and adequate response times are the main challenges. These have to be continuously monitored. If these are effectively met, a continuous collaboration and a smooth business flow will happen, which helps a great deal. Also, Telecom has come a long way from just being an add-on interactive mode. With increased penetration of telecommunication services, the utility value has overall gone up.

We are also open to outsourcing services where we do not have core competency; that works well for the organization.

What kind of challenges do you face in security and storage? How is crisis of downtime dealt with in the company?

As I said earlier, security and storage are outsourced. On the security front, activities like IRM (information rights management) are proposed to be implemented in the future.

DLF adopted FileNet P8, a document management solution. We were the first timers in experimenting with this innovative solution as we wanted to come out of the crisis of prolonged downtime.

Once we identified that service billing was an area which required more transparency and upright approach without any delay, we readily adopted FileNet P8. If business efficiencies have to be improved then transaction traceability has to be on the top of the mind. This was ensured by the right technology deployment. Also, with less downtime, business processes became more effective and efficient.

Are you planning to increase your ICT turnover soon? DLF had taken some exemplary steps during the downturn, can you share a few with us?

During the downturn the major challenge was to negotiate new deals with outsourcing companies, keeping in mind reduced activities and also reduce costs without affecting performance.

Subsequently, the challenge lies in scaling up judiciously. Attaining the reasonable revenue while not compromising on quality is always on the back of our minds while we go for innovative solutions.

Archana Singh
archanasi@cybermedia.co.in