Interview with Rushikhesh Jadhav

The Indian data centre market is experiencing remarkable growth, largely fuelled by increasing digitalisation, the deployment of AI, ML, IoT, and significant investment inflows, supported by a conducive regulatory environment. Amidst this dynamic landscape, ESDS has been consistently delivering innovative and cost-effective solutions to its stakeholders. In an interview with tele.net, Rushikesh Jadhav, chief technology officer, ESDS Software Solution Limited, talks industry trends and the company’s focus areas…

What are the current trends shaping the digital and communications industry? What role is ESDS playing in this space?

The digital communications sector has been exposed to several developments of late, such as rapid 5G diffusing technology, the spread of IoT devices, a shift in emphasis to cybersecurity, and the integration of AI and ML for better data analytics. The AI market will likely reach $826.70 billion by 2030, expanding at a compound annual growth rate of 28.46 per cent from 2024-2030. Spending on cybersecurity globally has increased since 2021. In 2023, spending in the cybersecurity sector hit approximately $80 billion, while projections estimate the market will reach over 87 billion dollars by 2024. Growth in remote work and digital transformation initiatives accelerated the pace of cloud and edge computing adoption. ESDS has created a significant place in this realm through innovative solutions like eNlight Cloud, which provides a secure and scalable infrastructure.

ESDS is concerned about cybersecurity and has made tools for protecting sensitive data, such as WebVPN and Dark Web Monitoring. WebVPN is one of its kind and completely clientless. Users can use it as PAM (privileged access management) for SSH, RDP, etc. In addition, ESDS promotes digital transformation with the support of end-to-end data centre services, empowering businesses to unleash the true potential of new technologies while ensuring very high levels of data availability and integrity. Enabling digital innovation and connectivity, ESDS leads from the front through a strong focus on sustainability and customer-centric solutions.

How is the integration of AI and ML impacting the company’s strategies?

The integration of AI and ML significantly impacts ESDS’s plans by improving its service offerings with advanced analytics, predictive maintenance, and automated threat detection. With these technologies, ESDS can enhance client satisfaction, optimise resource utilisation, and deliver more creative, effective cloud solutions. Cybersecurity innovation is also fueled by AI and ML, guaranteeing strong client data protection. ESDS’s leadership in intelligent cloud services and digital transformation results from its strategic focus on AI and ML. ESDS is working closely with its customers and partners to implement OpenSource and Commercial AI models to improve business KPIs.

What are some of the innovations being undertaken in edge computing?

Real-time data processing, lower latency, and improved security through localised data handling are some of the innovations in edge computing. Additional developments include the development of more energy-efficient edge devices, the creation of seamless edge-to-cloud connectivity, and the integration of AI for intelligent edge analytics. With ESDS’s eNlight 360˚  and other products, edge is now the new local data centre. Right from AI-enabled computing to network and storage, many platform services are being made available on the edge. This has sped up the decision-making process for the organisations.

ESDS has embraced these advancements by providing edge computing solutions that allow quicker and more secure data processing closer to the source. Real-time analytics and decision-making are critical for sectors including manufacturing, healthcare, and smart cities, and ESDS’s solutions support these processes. ESDS’s solid, scalable infrastructure ensures smooth integration with cloud services, improving overall operational performance and efficiency and inspiring hope for these industries’ future.

What are the key implementation and security challenges associated with cloud technology? How is ESDS addressing these?

The most critical security and implementation challenges associated with cloud technology are data breaches, compliance problems, and ensuring data availability and integrity. To solve these challenges, ESDS provides safe, legal cloud solutions with a 99.95 per cent uptime guarantee and extensive cybersecurity services like WebVPN and Dark Web Monitoring. To ensure data safety and regulatory compliance for their clients, they additionally employ strong encryption and conduct regular security audits. ESDS’s proactive strategy reduces hazards and improves cloud security as a whole.

What sustainable practices are being followed for data centre development, operations, and management?

Sustainable data centre development practices include using advanced techniques like liquid and free air cooling, energy-efficient hardware, and renewable energy sources like solar and wind. With the advent of more reliable hardware, the average temperatures of data centres are increased, thereby reducing carbon emissions and GHG. Using chillers with recycled water is another example of keeping our plants green. Operations prioritize cutting down on e-waste through recycling initiatives, applying AI for energy management, and optimising server utilisation. Management strategies include implementing green building standards, increasing power usage effectiveness (PUE), and participating in carbon offset programs to reduce environmental impact.

ESDS has implemented green data centre efforts through solar energy, energy-efficient cooling systems, and water conservation measures. They also emphasise lowering carbon footprints and increasing energy efficiency to ensure ecologically responsible operations and administration.

What are ESDS’s growth plans and strategies over the next 2-3 years?

ESDS aims to become an established Indian hyperscaler with a wide range of services and solutions in the next 2 to 3 years. With its transparent, customer-focused cloud solutions designed specifically for the Indian market, ESDS intends to surpass foreign CSPs. To address concerns about data security and ensure strong data sovereignty, ESDS plans to introduce innovative cloud services and grow its data centre network. With a focus on cloud services, data centres, and cybersecurity, ESDS has diversified into cybersecurity and is establishing itself as a multibillion-dollar corporation while driving growth and setting new industry standards.