The Revolutionary Change Manager
DataQuest|May 2023
The simple but elegant office belies the power Ratan Tata wields.  Arguably, one of the most powerful men in the realm, Ratan Tata is also some kind of an electronics 'aficionado'. His private lobby, at Bombay House, has only electronics magazines. At 53, Tata, chairman of Tata Sons, is responsible for retaining the group's #1 status in India. Ratan Tata started his career with Nelco-an electronics company of the Tata stable and has always been considered 'technology friendly. Today, as many as nine Tata companies are involved with computers and software. Ratan Tata has forged alliances with companies like AT&T and OKI to spearhead the group's foray into the telecom sector. In an exclusive interview with DATAQUEST Managing Editor. Shyam Malhotra and Editor, L Subramanyan, Ratan Tata discussed his vision of holding on to the Tata hegemony in the technology race. And the future of Tatas in information technology Excerpts:
The Revolutionary Change Manager

Given the fact that India is opening up, what are the bottlenecks that still need to be looked at, specially in the IT Industry? 

"I believe, we should really try at this stage to make the Indian industry price competitive as the Indian IT industry has to become globally competitive. I think all tariffs on all components and peripherals should be reduced further so that we are really able to source components at international prices.

But wouldn't this hurt the existing manufacturing units in India?

This would appear somewhat unfair to those who have set up manufacturing facilities in India. But I would counter that by saying that I would not be opposed to removing tariffs from finished products, except to the extent of compensating excise duty or sales tax so that the end product is also cheaper. Ultimately, the end-user should also have the opportunity to source (even end products) from elsewhere.

Don't you feel that this liberalization process, which came a little after TISL was conceived, has had some adverse Impact on the company?

Well, adverse impact... now, again you need to define what your business is going to be. I think it would be a very narrow description of your business if you set out to manufacture hardware. A more accurate definition would be that you want to build the company that will provide solutions, that is, IT solutions for your (Indian) industry. I think that solution should be the best price and the best quality solution. (Once you have that) you can then divide it into software and hardware...and creativity.

Denne historien er fra May 2023-utgaven av DataQuest.

Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.

Denne historien er fra May 2023-utgaven av DataQuest.

Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.

FLERE HISTORIER FRA DATAQUESTSe alt
How big is India's Computer Accessories Market? Innovations expected by FY25
DataQuest

How big is India's Computer Accessories Market? Innovations expected by FY25

India’s computer accessories sector grows with Make in India, Digital India, and rising demand for high-tech accessories like AIl-powered devices, boosting exports globally.

time-read
3 mins  |
November 2024
When Network Threats Are Not Allowed to Check-in
DataQuest

When Network Threats Are Not Allowed to Check-in

Like elevators, networks in this hotel are segregated for guests, for service, and locked for outsiders unless they prove bona fide. Does this approach work?

time-read
4 mins  |
November 2024
Robotic Surgeries can turn into double-edged Swords
DataQuest

Robotic Surgeries can turn into double-edged Swords

Technology should never come at the cost of affordability, privacy, training ease, the ability to practice anywhere, CRM’s real use and sensitivity to patient experience. Surjeet Thakur, CIO Rajagiri Hospital, Kochi gives us an X-ray from different angles.

time-read
5 mins  |
November 2024
Does Santa Claus watch when you pay rent on time?
DataQuest

Does Santa Claus watch when you pay rent on time?

If yes, what kind of diary does he use to distinguish good kids from delinquent ones? And what stockings can you hang to translate this good behaviour into rewards home loan discounts, prop-tech speed, landlord KYC or more?

time-read
6 mins  |
November 2024
Roadmap for Bank-based Apps to Gain UPI Market Share A missed opportunity!
DataQuest

Roadmap for Bank-based Apps to Gain UPI Market Share A missed opportunity!

As UPI dominates, will banks step up to reclaim their market? UPI continues its meteoric rise, handling 69.6% of India's digital transactions and reaching ₹20.6 lakh crore across 14.8 billion transactions in August 2024 alone.

time-read
3 mins  |
November 2024
The Future of Machine Identity
DataQuest

The Future of Machine Identity

The biggest challenge today in the digital security sphere is securing machine identities -the digital entities such as APIs, software applications, and IoT devicesthat are constantly being targeted due to the changing nature of cyber threats.

time-read
3 mins  |
November 2024
Redefining AI Application Delivery
DataQuest

Redefining AI Application Delivery

In this discussion with F5’s Ahmed Guetari and Adam Judd, we explore the collaboration between F5 and NVIDIA, which leverages the innovative capabilities of NVIDIA's BlueField-3 DPUs and F5’s BIG-IP Next platform. This partnership is set to redefine AI application delivery and security, particularly in the high-growth Indian market, by enabling better resource allocation, faster data processing, and robust security enhancements. With AI adoption surging across industries, F5 and NVIDIA's synergy brings transformative solutions for service providers and enterprises, poised to drive India’s AI-led innovation.

time-read
3 mins  |
November 2024
EPAM's Bold Leap: Transforming Business with Al-Driven Salesforce Solutions.
DataQuest

EPAM's Bold Leap: Transforming Business with Al-Driven Salesforce Solutions.

Siba Padhy, Head of Salesforce Business, EPAM Systems highlights how Salesforce has evolved from a core sales solution to a comprehensive platform that encompasses service, marketing, and commerce, with a significant emphasis on leveraging AI technologies, particularly the newly launched Agentforce and Einstein GPT. Padhy discusses the burgeoning agent tech economy in India and EPAM's strategic focus on delivering tailored solutions that address specific market needs. With ambitious growth targets, EPAM aims to double its Salesforce expertise in the coming years, positioning itself as a key player in driving digital transformation across various industries.

time-read
3 mins  |
November 2024
The Smart Manufacturing Revolution in India
DataQuest

The Smart Manufacturing Revolution in India

Explore how cutting-edge technologies are redefining manufacturing in India, shaping a future where efficiency and sustainability go hand in hand.

time-read
5 mins  |
November 2024
Digital Governance: Changing that Red Carpet into a Green One
DataQuest

Digital Governance: Changing that Red Carpet into a Green One

India's approach and success stories in digital governance show how technology should be used to cover the entire carpet area - From expanding inclusion to the digitally not-so-savvy folks to strengthening interoperability - we have made sure the grass is green, every side

time-read
10+ mins  |
November 2024