How integrated enterprise systems help firms boost operations
Against this backdrop, Amitabh Sarkar, vice-president and head of Asia Pacific and Japan – Enterprise at Tata Communications, sees one overriding imperative: to uncomplicate technology.
'In boardrooms around the world, business and technology heads are dealing with fragmented systems, overlapping platforms and a patchwork of vendors that make integration a constant challenge,' he explains.
Amitabh Sarkar, vice-president and head of Asia Pacific and Japan at Tata Communications, helps regional enterprises harness connectivity for business growth. PHOTO: TATA COMMUNICATIONS
The tools – artificial intelligence (AI), 5G, the Internet of Things (IoT), and data-rich environments – are available and maturing. But as organisations look to digitise, automate and personalise, the very systems meant to deliver efficiency are creating friction.
AI opens up new opportunities, but also new vulnerabilities, such as adversarial attacks.
Data is moving faster than ever, yet poor data management leaves many organisations stuck with siloed information. Adding to this complexity are macro pressures: geopolitical tensions, economic instability and the ever-present threat of cyberattacks.
In this environment, simplification is no longer a luxury – it is a strategic imperative. Businesses need to weave their tools and systems into a resilient, secure and agile digital fabric that can withstand shocks, support rapid service delivery and enhance customer experience.
Customer experience should be the guiding star in navigating this complexity, stresses Sarkar. The big challenge is integrating fragmented infrastructure into one unified view – one control tower, he adds. 'Everybody is struggling with that.'
Building a strong digital fabric
At the core of this digital fabric is an end-to-end enterprise solution – a unified system that threads together infrastructure, applications and data. It provides the much-needed capability of discovery, visibility, management and security.
During the 2023 Formula 1 Singapore Grand Prix, Tata Communications enabled real-time data transfer across continents – powering seamless race-day experiences. PHOTO PROVIDED BY TATA COMMUNICATIONS
Tata Communications helps businesses build this digital fabric by drawing on deep experience with Fortune 500 clients. Whether providing foundational technology or fully integrated platforms, the company enables transformation at scale.
Think of this fabric as being made up of four interwoven threads, each essential to the overall strength, flexibility and function of the enterprise.
Thread 1: Network providing strength and structure
Networks are the backbone of the digital economy – akin to highways that fuel commerce by reducing friction and enabling speed.
Tata Communications delivers high-performance connectivity – including 5G, cloud networking and the core infrastructure of the Internet – that empowers businesses to operate at scale.
For example, at the 2023 Formula One Singapore Grand Prix, Tata Communications transported over 500TB of data over its backbone across continents in real time – equivalent to streaming 70 hours of 4K video.
Similarly, for World Athletics this year, the firm is enabling global broadcasts with localised experiences using cutting-edge connectivity and content technologies.
Thread 2: Cloud and security for flexibility and intelligence
Much like a fabric's inner lining, cloud and security give the digital layer structure, breathability and protection.
Today, AI training, team collaboration and data storage all rely on the cloud. But with convenience comes risk, which is why security must be built in – not bolted on.
Tata Communications is working with Singapore Airlines to enhance productivity and employee collaboration through advanced communication tools. PHOTO PROVIDED BY TATA COMMUNICATIONS
To this end, Tata Communications offers GPU-as-a-Service. These graphics processing units (GPUs) can supercharge AI development, and along with security operations centre transformation services, help reinforce digital defences from the inside out.
Thread 3: Interaction 'blocks' to unify customer touchpoints across channels
From chatbots to live agents, businesses engage customers across a growing number of channels. But these multiple touchpoints often lead to disjointed experiences.
Tata Communications' Interaction Fabric and its Customer Interaction Suite unify these channels – enabling brands to offer seamless, truly omnichannel experiences.
In 2023, Tata Communications also announced a multi-year agreement with Singapore Airlines to transform the airlines' communications and collaboration tools to enhance its employee productivity and boost user experience.
Another recent innovation, Kaleyra AI, is set to redefine customer interactions by accelerating response times and resolving customer queries even during high-volume periods.
Thread 4: IoT to level up responsiveness
IoT is the special material in the digital fabric – enhancing responsiveness and contextual intelligence.
Tata Communications' eSIM solutions, for example, are making it easier for businesses to connect devices globally without hardware swaps or complex configurations.
Jaguar Land Rover's next-gen cars will stay connected in over 120 countries, even in remote areas, thanks to its partnership with Tata Communications. PHOTO: JAGUAR LAND ROVER
Tata Communications is also partnering with Jaguar Land Rover to power next-generation software-defined vehicles with always-on connectivity in over 120 countries – including remote areas – supporting real-time services and updates.
Enabling seamless customer experiences
With all these threads woven together, businesses can look forward to better harnessing the technology capabilities available. Just as importantly, the structured approach enables them to cut through complexity and truly empower their operations.
As Amitabh Sarkar puts it: 'Every company is now a tech company. While businesses need to be digitally fluent, the real goal is to leverage this fluency to deliver differentiated experiences.'
Simplifying the underlying complexity in today's systems, which includes providing the hyperconnected infrastructure and other parts of the all-important digital fabric, should be left to experts who can help integrate various systems to improve business results, he adds.
Read more about Tata Communications' end-to-end enterprise solutions here.
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