Can you talk about the mission critical nature of your networks, given the magnitude of Hindustan Petroleum's operations?
Networking over a period of time has become mission critical for us, as subsidiaries/subdivisions at various locations depend on connectivity for their day-to-day transactions, communications and MIS information.The locations transact with the data center using centralized applications such as ERP, messaging, the Internet, performance management, etc by means of which they discharge their day-to-day operations. So the network is indeed the vital link for us.

What is the kind of network backbone you have in place at HPCL?
HPCL's network has a star-and-mesh architecture. It connects over 300 locations. All these locations operate on different bandwidths, and these bandwidths depend on the volume of transactions handled. The primary network is VPN from a single service provider. In addition, the corporation has also implemented a satellite network (VSAT). To ensure that all locations are 100 percent available, we are also in the process of installing VPN connectivity through wireless, as the last mile.

How big a challenge is it to manage the connectivity and networks at HP, given the nation-wide character of its operations?
Users' expect 100 percent network uptime. Managing such a huge network with multiple redundancies is a major challenge to the IT department. Subsidiaries/subdivisions are totally dependent on the central data center for their day-to-day operations. Networks are required for operation 24/7 and 365 days a year, and therefore they need to be managed and monitored with proactive corrective action.

Can you talk in detail about the range of IT solutions deployed at HPCL?
The Corporation has deployed IT solutions both from a technology and a business management perspective. To take care of the IT risk, major solutions have been implemented for IT service continuity. Some of the leading deployments we have undertaken are ERP, the messaging systems, an intranet portal, document management systems, performance management, SCM, mobile computing, the active directory and systems management and information security. These applications are hosted at the central data center.

How do you see emerging technologies, for instance wireless technology? Do you plan to adopt these in your enterprise?
HPCL has already adopted wireless technologies at its major locations. Major technologies that HPCL has deployed in recent times are:

• Point-to-point wireless wide area network

• Last-mile VPN connectivity through wireless;

• Wireless Local Area Network

• BlackBerry solutions

What are your IT plans for the year 2007, and which are the technologies that you will take a closer look at?
During 2007, the major challenge will be on expanding wireless connectivity across locations, and consolidating the technology used in the Corporation. Some of the solutions which will be closely looked at are Enterprise Application Integration and Service Support. The major thrust will be on IT service continuity, and the mitigation of IT risk.

Shrikanth G
shrikanthg@cybermedia.co.in