iON is more than a cloud softwareTata Consultancy Services (TCS), has recently launched iON, a solution that uses the very latest in scalable cloud computing technology for Small and Medium Business (SMB) in NCR region. In an exclusive interview with IT PRO, V. Ramaswamy, Global Head, iON, TCS explains what iON is and its motivation behind launching iON for SMBs from NCR region.
iON is considered as a latest in scalable cloud computing technology in the 3rd generation service model to SMBs. Can you please elaborate ?
One may call it 3rd general not merely for it is on cloud. iON is more than just cloud software. It started with what we call IT as a Service, where entire computing need from hardware to specialized software it provided as a single service.
Our services are offered in six layers. Bottom most is hardware, even including specialized devices like point of sale required in retail. We then integrate those into a network service, which may stretch across many sites. On top of these stand a set of utility and collaboration software like website hosting, messaging & document management.
As we move upward from here, we have a set of business applications. First comes the horizontal business applications needed in all sectors – like finance and accounting, payroll and CRM. Then we provide the ERP applications made to each sector we cater to – Manufacturing, Education, Retail and Wellness. Above these applications are a host of platforms and a business reporting engine. Now, all these come integrated. To the customer, it is one piece of multi-function software sharing common data.
What is iON's configuration ? What is the uniqueness about it ?
Configuration is the very building block in cloud solutions. Let me explain how.
Let us look back into how iON evolved. Firstly, we consciously adopted the perpetual beta way to enhance applications – which means we don’t roll out versions or upgrades. Rather, the software is enhanced over the live instance. It is done by developing snippets of code and transferring it to the live software. To the user, it is a new feature added without any noticeable upgrade and data migration. Now, one could imagine that this methodology requires a different sort of architecture.
The other aspect of iON is that the applications were initially built for few chosen customers, who represent our target sectors well. This helped us in defining software requirements best suitable for the vertical and the SME. We also gained good amount of best practices knowledge from the initial customers. Now, the key factor in this approach was translating custom customer requirements into configurable parameters. This then makes iON change functionally for every new customer without changing the code. A customer gets his share of uniqueness on standard software. For instance, in manufacturing, a firm may have the policy to ship only against a prerecorded order, while another firm may ship in batches. Options like these are what we call configurations. iON is built on these.
What are the various security measures undertaken for SMBs so far as iON is concerned?
We have taken number of measures to ensure that iON is highly secure and clients are comfortable trusting us with their sensitive data. The multi-tenant platform of iON ensures that data of each SMB is stored in isolation and is secure from other customers. Access is being provided by ‘Single Sigh On’ and role based allocation, which provides high level of user security. We also have a mirror data centre at remote location to instantly take over in case of natural disasters.
How secure is cloud from attacks?
Arguable there are technical vulnerabilities is all forms of computing. For instance, insider pilferage data are often the most common form of security breaches in traditional form of computing. SMEs are most susceptible to this since they may not have sophisticated access management processes in their firm. People may find cloud more secure from that point of view, especially when data us guarded by a competent system and off-premise. At iON we have taken several measures. Our datacenter security is guided by the TCS policies that have managed sensitive datacenters for global businesses, from banking to healthcare. Our datacenters are planted with intrusion detection systems that avert threats. I am sure this is more secured than any on premise software.
People say that a cloud is the future - but will it also not take large storage space, and just shift the onus of storage from the client to the software companies?
It is true that the storage cost if shifted to the cloud provider. But then, it does not cost as much to the provider. Cloud storage works on virtualized and multi-tenant systems, which means idle capacity is shared dynamically across users. It cuts down average storage per user dramatically. Such technologies are highly secured by putting logical partitions to isolated one user’s data from another, while they reside in common physical capacities. Cloud changes the economics of storage in way that cost is reduced and clients pay less for IT.
According to a recent report, Indian SMBs and SMEs are quite apprehensive about cloud computing. What is your opinion about it ? How can we make more people aware of the cloud?
Cloud is a natural phase in computing, and people will choose it by convenience. The awareness is growing is rapid pace. It is no more a matter curiosity. The perception too is changing rapidly. For example, two years back we faced growing questions about data security. Today, we see many customers finding data safer on cloud if by a reliable provider.
What is the specific reason for launching iON for SMBs from NCR region?
There are three reasons. The most obvious one is that it is amongst the top commercial markets in the country. Secondly, some of the niche industries in the region are the segments where iON has significant competency. For instance, the automotive industries or retail companies here would find iON quite friendly and powerful. I may talk about education institutions is NCR where we already have sizeable presence. Finally, the launch was overdue when we found that many of the initial customers who helped us build iON were from this region. We just needed to tell that we are committed for this region.
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