Cloud Computing in
India - Opportunities and Way Forward
Innovation in IT
industry has always been faster compared to other industries. It has resulted
in the industry witnessing a series of transformations over the last 50 years.
Technology transformations started with mainframe computers than moved on to
minicomputers, PCs and the web. The next wave of transformation in IT industry
is cloud computing. We have already seen the success of cloud computing in the
consumer world. Companies such as Facebook have grown over the last 5 years to
reach over 400 million active users. The company is today valued at more than
USD 15 billion dollars. The growth, revenue and the market valuation was only
possible by using all three corner stones of cloud computing i.e., technology
innovation, delivery model innovation and business model innovation.
However, there are few concerns with the adoption of cloud
computing as well. Data security and lack of control on IT environment are the
key concerns of CIOs. Like any transformational initiative, adoption of cloud
also faces internal resistance to change as it alters the makeup of IT
organization. Cloud changes how IT departments buy or develop, deploy, maintain
and support applications. In the near future, these challenges will be resolved
through better technology, transparency, cost, regulations and changes in mind
set of the customer. Despite challenges and concerns, CIOs are aware about
opportunities and benefits of cloud computing and related business models. In a
recent survey conducted across 240 CIOs, more than 70 percent agreed to adopt
cloud in the near future.
India has a legacy of jumping technology curves. The
precedent exists in the telecom sector and now DTH is also witnessing
transformation. It is expected that cloud would also show the similar behavior.
The companies that are currently not adopting IT and don\'t have major
investments in datacenters and server farms are expected to shift directly to
the cloud model. There are ample opportunities in every industry. Verticals
such as retail, manufacturing, banking, education, and healthcare will rely
upon cloud services for better reach. The key themes for most opportunities are
cloud, mobile, market place, price discovery, collaboration and analytics.
Cloud computing and related business models will act as a
leveller for Indian ISVs. Cloud has just not opened up opportunities for Indian
ISVs. It has also opened up interesting opportunities for large service
companies both in traditional services and services that will drive non-linear
growth. In terms of traditional opportunities, cloud has helped Indian services
companies to enter into areas such as SaaS enablement.
Cloud is opening up new windows of opportunities for Indian
companies both from global as well as domestic opportunity stand point. Having
realized the immense potential of cloud, it is essential for companies to come
together and enable collaborative innovation to address both India and global
market needs. The key focus should now be on developing the ecosystem. It
should include developing talent for cloud development, connecting start up
ISVs with large system integrators, enabling start ups on the cloud market
places and finally, influencing government policies to become cloud friendly.
the near future, this ecosystem together with Indian capabilities of exporting
business models will provide the right mix to leverage opportunities created by
cloud.
