"We're Pushing Converged Networks In A Big Way"

Adaptive Networks, Next Generation Networks (NGN) and converged Networks are increasingly assuming importance as the most discussed topics in the enterprise environment. Converged networks, which enable a converged voice, video, and data network, are now a reality.

Hence, it comes as no surprise that an increasing number of CXOs wish to shift onto these advanced platforms. ProCurve, the networking division of HP, also believes that converged networks form the future of networking.

ProCurve’s Amol Mitra, worldwide director, Product Marketing and Subhodeep Bhattacharya, country manager talk about Procurve’s key focus areas, and the factors limiting the adoption of converged networks, in an interview with Biztech2.0

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What are some of ProCurve’s key focus areas?

We entered the Indian market two years ago. At the moment, it’s all about creating the product’s awareness in the market. We are pushing converged networks in a big way. The Adaptive Networks initiative is also something that we are very serious about, with regards to India. Since the network is like the backbone of an enterprise, CXOs are always looking for Reliability, Scalability, QoS, and Total Cost of Ownership (TCO). We work along these lines, in order to drive better quality, security, mobility needs on a converged network.
Are Indian CXOs seriously considering the deployment of converged networks?

Converged networks are here now, but it might take some time to realize the benefits of this convergence. Due to legacy issues, not everyone will be able to migrate to the converged network architecture soon, it might take a little longer. We’ve enabled converged networks capabilities. We’ve got offerings today, and many CIOs are already deploying some of our products.

What is hindering the adoption of Converged Networks?

CXOs today want to migrate to a converged network. It’s only a matter of time and ability to migrate quickly. However, all the CIOs wishing to make a shift ponder upon three basic questions - why do I need to move, will it be scalable enough for the future and will the network support new applications. I believe these are the primary deterrents to the adoption of converged networks.

Could you shed some light on ProCurve’s Adaptive Networks initiative?

Adaptive Networks is something new that we are trying to push. It is basically an intelligent adaptable network. For example, consider a local LAN and multiple offices scenario. If the CEO is in Mumbai today and in Delhi tomorrow, the network in Delhi should be intelligent enough to provide him with the same privileges as the Mumbai network. The system is an identity based intelligent network to adapt to your dynamic needs.

All our products are standards-based, interoperable and components of our Adaptive Networks. These products use our ProVision ASIC technology, which enables customers to look inside a packet real time, and really drill down on the network.

What kind of a market does ProCurve cater to?

ProCurve is strictly for Enterprises and SMBs. We do not cater to the Soho or consumer market. There is a lot of technological innovation that can be seen in the SMB segment, considering this is a segment that uses resources most efficiently.

What kind of usage have you seen in the SMB segment?

The SMB segment doesn’t have as much monetary freedom as the larger enterprises, and cannot afford fancy technology. Anything they buy should be value for money and yield maximum benefits. A lot of layer2 and layer3 technology is being used, and SMBs are actually using a lot of technology inside it. There exists a very viable market of upgradation. SMBs are looking at technologically advanced systems. The demand for layer2 and layer3 switches is coming up very strongly in this segment, and we feel the technology uptake will go up with every passing year.

What kind of a value proposition does ProCurve offer to it’s customers?

ProCurve offers life-time warranty. Many others sell without warranty, servicing charges, upgradation costs, etc. In case of ProCurve, all the costs associated with hardware are taken care of. This is our clear cut value proposition. As mentioned earlier, our products are standards-based and interoperable with other similar standards-based hardware from other vendors. This is another value proposition we offer.

Although the company has been around for the past two years, it is already pushing its products in the enterprise and SMB market. The company also plans to offer Telepresence services - a market recently entered by Cisco.