"BWA technology will be the turning point for enterprise CIOs"

3G is finally here. Which are the 3G solutions that will help your enterprise perform better?

We feel that 3G can help our organization in terms of improved connectivity through smarter devices. Some examples of these would be pushing video updates of Essar News Network on smartphones, tablets and mobiles; faster access of data for mobile users over 3G broadband data cards; broadband connectivity to remote sites with lesser manpower instead of high cost MPLS and P2P networks; mobility solutions like Vehicle Management Solutions which will be enhanced by 3G; and video conferencing solutions to smartphones, tablets and mobiles.

What are some of the main IT challenges you have faced in the past year, and how are you looking to overcome this?

We have been consistently facing the problems of bandwidth crunch, security of end user devices and collaboration of end users. To overcome these issues we have come up with the Bandwidth Optimization Solutions to overcome bandwidth crunch, desktop virtualization and application virtualization to ensure secure integration of multiple end user devices into the environment. For better collaboration of end users for synergy and efficiency, we have brought in the Intranet Portal.

What is the one emerging technology that you think will be the turning point for enterprise CIOs?

According to me, BWA technology and its resulting applications will be the turning point for enterprise CIOs. Further, videoconferencing solutions using smartphones and tablets, and pushing video updates of relevant company information on these devices, will become possible.

What is your current IT spend and how much of it is utilized for new technologies?

Our current IT spend is `150 crore. At Essar Group, we have implemented a lot of cutting edge technologies to improve user productivity, secure the information assets and reduce cost.

What are some of your latest IT infrastructure upgradations?

Some of the latest IT upgrades have been that of the Avaya VoIP Platform to Avaya Aura, and then the integration of Avaya Aura with Microsoft OCS 2007. We have also recently rolled out Wi-Fi at all our major offices.

Key green initiatives that you have pledged to invest on in this fiscal?

As part of CSR, we have invested in a green data center; CISCO Energywise; managed printing services; benchmarking of all-IT equipment to be procured for energy efficiency; and Avaya Eco Buddy for IP phone energy optimization towards green initiatives.

What are some key telecom initiatives that were useful for you, from an enterprise point of view?

The Avaya Aura platform, VoIP rollout to all new locations, integration of Avaya Aura with Microsoft OCS 2007, one number portability for employees across enterprise...

Do you have any suggestions for upcoming enterprises to aid their IT/telecom needs?

Integrating new and existing technologies, enterprises can ensure that VoIP is rolled out to all exchanges to maximize the impact; deploy SIP based platforms for eliminate end-device dependency; and integrate existing telecom infrastructure into the entire unified communications stack to enhance benefits.

What government initiatives in IT and telecom are you hoping to see in the coming year?

From an enterprise point of view, a policy for ensuring parity in costs of network and telecom infrastructure as per world standards is needed. The reach and range of connectivity to remote locations for businesses which operate out of these areas, ie, mining, steel, shipping, power, etc is also a requirement. Finally, flexibility in the DoT guidelines for PSTN/IP partitioning on PABX would go a long way in aiding enterprise connectivity.

Security is a major area of concern today. What security solutions have you implemented?

Security surely is a matter of grave concern, especially data security. Looking at this, we have incorporated solutions around data loss prevention, anti-spam solution, redundant firewalls, content filtering solutions for mail and http traffic, end-point protection for desktop, laptops, and other devices, end user device lockdown of data transfer, rights management solution, and identity management solution.

Do you believe that wireless will take over wireline for enterprises?

We feel that wireless and wireline solutions will complement each other by providing solutions that would meet the requirements of the kind of access end users require. The cost of solutions for both mobile and stationery users will also drive the switchover of the solution from wireline to wireless. Later, as the bandwidth over wireless is enhanced, we will see an en masse movement from wireline to wireless.

Do you believe that BWA will help in catering to the connectivity needs of enterprises?

Yes. BWA will help enterprises in 3 main ways. Firstly, wireless broadband internet allows for increased mobility. Wired connections require a physical connection to the modem. Wireless broadband eliminates the need to run Ethernet cables through walls, ceilings, and outlets.

Secondly, while in the past wireless broadband signals were susceptible to radio interference, degrading the signal and lowering data transfer speeds, new technology will amplify wireless signals, wireless broadband technology and match the speed of a wired connection.

Finally, wireless broadband users can enjoy easier access to shared devices as they can connect to the shared device without a physical connection. This eliminates the need to locate extra connection wires when using a shared resource.

Beryl M
berylm@cybermedia.co.in