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Can you tell us about Cisco's SP businesses in India and across the world?
In 1996, Cisco made the conscious decision to focus on the service provider industry, following the Telecommunications Reform Act. Our goal is to be a complete carrier-class partner for service providers, presenting an end-to-end portfolio. Our SP partners include major carriers and cable operators among others. Today, our SP customer base comprises a diverse group.

Do you think any mobile service provider in India is planning to migrate from traditional networks to all-IP-NGN-based networks?
The IP-NGN network architecture is all about conversion and consolidating networks in the most efficient and cost-effective way possible to save opex and cost of ownership. IP-NGN is also the platform for SPs to launch a new portfolio of services in the area of broadband, mobility, and content such as VoIP and IPTV. Converting to an IP-NGN networks guarantees reliability and flexibility, making it a system that our service provider customers will be able to base their businesses on. Cisco is the only player that has the capability to provide an end-to-end products and services portfolio.

Sameer Padhye VP, Worldwide Service Provider Line of Business, Customer Advocacy, Cisco Systems

What kind of engagement do you have with cable service providers?
Cisco's engagement with cable service providers can be described as progressively 'digital' and 'interactive'. VoIP and IPTV is the future of cable services. Cable and satellite operators are looking to leverage IP as a networking platform to increase the ARPU with data services, IP voice services, and now interactive IPTV services.

Cisco provides a comprehensive, fully integrated IPTV solution that extends across all domains. The Cisco IP-NGN provides ideal entertainment-grade infrastructure platform for protecting and distributing IPTV services. With our technological expertise, we are poised to offer carriers with unparalleled expertise to deliver every aspect of the complete multimedia experience.

Cisco had tied up with Reliance Communications for the SMB business. What's the status of this engagement at present?
Reliance Communications and Cisco have tied up to launch Business Internet Services across India. The services have been launched in Pune and Bangalore, and are in the process of rolling out the services across other key markets in the coming months.

Kannan K
kannan@cybermedia.co.in