How is telecom making business more competitive?

The telecom sector represents one of the fastest growing sectors in the Indian economy. Launch of 3G services by leading operators will boost collaborative computing, IPTV, video and voice multi-casting, which will enhance co-ordination between distributors, dealers, service centers and consumers to a greater extent.

Currently, we are using multi-point videoconferencing across all our regional locations and branches using MPLS connectivity with a central hub at corporate office, using 3G technologies will help and optimize bandwidth costs and quality of video/voice transmission.

Another example on the application side, we at LGEIL developed CSNET (web based application) which provides platform to integrate communication and co-ordination between dealers, authorized service centers (ASC), call centers and consumers. 3G infrastructure will strengthen mobility of applications ensuring greater collaboration and exchange of information on real-time basis.

What are the key trends in enterprises communications?

Key trends in enterprises communications include cloud computing and cloud-based services, which will be an important part of any large enterprise's IT infrastructure strategy moving forward. The top five technologies that are going to make a mark in the future are-cloud computing, virtualization, communication enabled business processes, mobility, and software as a service (SaaS).

Wireless has grown rapidly in the past few years. What issues and challenges have cropped up, especially in terms of network security and management?

Proliferation of wireless has been phenomenal in the last few years, creating new business opportunities, but it has posed increasing security risks as well. Wireless networks are insecure; they are prone to attacks from outsiders. Bluetooth enabled devices are a threat to wireless networks.

Are you satisfied with the QoS provided by communications services provider?

Yes, we are very much satisfied with the QoS provided by communications services provider. We have regular monthly meetings with service providers to ensure that downtime is minimal and we take pro-active approach to have recommended solutions in place. In the last one year, we have maintained less than 0.5% of total downtime with prompt support from communications service providers.

The only challenge relates to installation and commissioning of circuits. Whenever there is business urgency for expansion to have new circuits in place which is linked with dynamic nature of business needs.

akhileshs@cybermedia.co.in