Interview with Tadiran Telecom’s Moshe Mitz

“We are exploring opportunities in cloud-based solutions”

Tadiran Telecom, a leading Israeli company in unified communications, recently collaborated with DCM Shriram Industries Limited to launch its products under the Make in India initiative. Moshe Mitz, Global Chief Executive Officer, Tadiran Telecom, reflects on the company’s journey in the Indian telecom market so far, its recent and upcoming product innovations, and geographical expansion plans…

What noteworthy changes have you witnessed in the Indian telecom market since Tadiran Telecom’s entry into the country?

Tadiran has been operating in India for more than 26 years. We established our business by introducing solutions based on time division multiplexing (TDM) technology, which was the standard at the time. Over the years, we have grown alongside the market. About 10 years ago, we launched our internet protocol (IP)-based solutions, focusing on unified communications as-a-service, to meet the evolving market needs. This technology has supported many large customers in India, and allowed us to grow alongside them.

Tadiran Telecom is collaborating with DCM Shriram Industries Limited to launch its products under the Make in India initiative. Why is India a strategic market for Tadiran Telecom?

First, India is a vast country with a growing economy, which provides a conducive environment to develop our business. We have been successful in many other continents as well. Collaborating with DCM Shriram Industries presents a significant opportunity for us. We bring advanced technology and expertise, while they contribute their market knowledge and understanding of the industry. This partnership presents a win-win situation, allowing us to encourage the adoption of our solutions in the Indian market under the Make in India initiative.

What are the key highlights of Tadiran’s recent Make in India plans? How will they provide the company with a competitive edge?

First, we are focusing on hardware. In the initial phase, we aim to introduce state-of-the-art IP telephony to the market, with a portion of production carried out in India. In the second phase, we plan to integrate software currently under development to ensure a smooth entry into the market. Both hardware and software will provide us with a significant competitive edge.

Additionally, we are exploring opportunities in cloud-based solutions. Our cloud-based products are ready for immediate deployment, and we are seeking partnerships to develop cloud solutions in India, similar to our achievements in the US, Europe and Israel.

Finally, there is substantial growth in AI solutions, and we are incorporating AI into our platform, AEONIX, which is our unified communications and collaboration solution. The AI layer will enhance its capabilities, benefitting the government and other sectors by addressing current market needs. Furthermore, we have several other innovative technologies in our pipeline that we plan to introduce at the right time.

What challenges do you expect in your partnership with DCM Shriram Industries? How can they be addressed?

One concern is ensuring that the market continues to grow and does not face a recession as seen in some other parts of the world. Another significant challenge is keeping pace with rapidly evolving technology. We must position ourselves to adapt effectively and implement solutions the right way. Fortunately, we have found a highly capable team here in India to work with. In the initial phase, we are introducing state-of-the-art technology, and the next step is to collaborate closely with the Indian team. Together, we aim to grow and deliver solutions not only for the Indian market but also for global markets.

Currently, we have several partners distributing our technology in the Indian market. We are also looking to collaborate with new partners who can adopt and promote our solutions. One significant challenge we face is addressing cybersecurity concerns. As discussed earlier, our older TDM solutions operated as closed systems, which required minimal focus on cybersecurity. However, in today’s era of high-speed internet, 5G and connected technologies, robust cybersecurity measures are essential to protect platforms. We are developing solutions that meet these needs and collaborating with experts to bring secure platforms to market. Our approach involves three stages – introducing hardware, integrating software, and delivering next-generation state-of-the-art technology currently under development.

Over the years, how has Tadiran Telecom navigated India’s regulatory landscape to achieve growth in the country’s telecom market?

As I mentioned, our activities in India date back more than two decades and over time, we have adapted to the government’s requirements. Now, as we launch our Make in India solutions, particularly in terms of hardware, we know how to navigate the regulatory landscape effectively. We have also engaged consultants to provide valuable insights, helping us plan for the future and implement our expertise in the right way.

What product innovations and geographical market expansion strategies is Tadiran Telecom planning for India and global markets? 

I see significant potential for our new products and innovations in the Indian market. Currently, we are engaged in several sectors, with a primary focus on government projects. Recently, we launched our new company, Tadiran India to explore opportunities in the business sector in addition to our ongoing government collaborations. I see tremendous potential to expand our presence in this sector, leverage our technology and contribute to the overall growth of the Indian market.

In addition to India, we launched a new company in Hong Kong last year. We are also targeting countries like Taiwan, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia and other parts of the world to expand our presence. We have maintained a strong footprint in the US for many years, where we continue to perform well. In addition, we have a joint venture in China, which helps us introduce our products and methodologies to the Chinese market. We are also exploring opportunities in Africa, where we already have a solid presence. Our headquarters are in Israel, and we have significant business there. Most of our product development happens in Israel, and we transfer those innovations to other regions. Moving forward, we aim to strengthen our presence in the Indian market as well.

Which global headwinds and tailwinds are expected to shape the Indian telecom market in the short to medium term?

One key trend is the development of 5G networks, which will play a crucial role in enhancing infrastructure. As infrastructure improves, it will enable us to deliver our solutions more effectively, since our services require reliable internet and robust infrastructure to function smoothly. Another important aspect is the growth of call centres. We are currently developing omnichannel and multichannel capabilities for call centres, which allow customers to interact with companies across various devices in a more efficient way. Coupled with AI, voice AI and other innovations, these advancements will help improve customer service and drive growth. As we continue to expand our offerings and develop these technologies, we see India becoming one of the key markets where we will achieve significant growth.