Ravi Soni, vice-president and head, Shyam Networks Limited, has keen interest in new technology products. During his 15-year career in the telecom sector, he has gained expertise in developing products and solutions for wide area networks, and for telecom and internet service providers. At Shyam Networks, Soni is responsible for spearheading the company?s B2B sales in India and overseas. His job involves focusing on the telecom and enterprise verticals for marketing the company?s radio and surveillance products.
A commerce graduate, Soni started his career in sales in the paint industry. Soon after, he moved to the telecom industry. Prior to joining Shyam Networks, he worked with Go IP Global Services as director, sales.
Talking about the opportunities before Shyam Networks, Soni says, ?Operators have the option of changing licensed band radios to unlicensed band radios, which helps them to save on capital expenditure. We see a big business case in helping operators to lower their capital expenditure.?
However, the concern at the moment for players like Shyam Networks is that the industry is foreseeing lesser investments from operators towards upgradation of their networks. But Soni is hopeful and emphasises that some operators have seen an 8,000 per cent growth in their networks over the last three years. Therefore, it is imperative for them to continue investing in the sector to ensure that their services continue to be robust.
Talking about trends in the industry, Soni says, ?All players in the telecom market will be forced to reduce their long-term costs. The management has to ensure that the organisation acts cost consciously to leverage operational saving measures. Basic cost-controlling techniques have been established in most organisations but it is now becoming increasingly important that these steering tools and procedures are aligned to actual business drivers.?
Soni believes that his solution-based product knowledge and excellent relationship management skills are his key strengths. He also observes that it is very important to deliver and drive business by motivating and enhancing the skill sets of the entire team.
His most memorable professional stint was his association with Go IP Global Services, where he initiated a number of products and project-based solutions for operators.
Besides reading up on technology products, Soni enjoys playing tennis in his free time. He also enjoys spending time with his family ? his son, who works with ICICI Bank, his college-going daughter and his wife, a homemaker, who takes keen interest in social work.
