Cisco for better technology utilisation

As part of its training-cum-sensitisation programme, Cisco Systems (India) Limited is planning to reach out to the SMEs in commercially developing tier-III locations of eastern India like Bhubaneswar, Siliguri and Guwahati through its Network on Wheels (NOW) Van programme.

The NOW Van is a mobile showcase of customised Cisco networking solutions including advanced technologies such as security, wireless and unified internet protocol communications. All theses aim to help Indian SMEs leverage the power of networking technology for business growth.

Amit Malik, vice-president (east), Cisco Systems Ltd (India and SAARC), said: “The Now Van programme has already covered 30 Indian cities so far and we have plans to take our NOW Van programme to Bhubaneswar, Guwahati and Siliguri. We are currently in the process of updating the solutions available in the NOW Van and will continue with the program once this process is complete.”

“Eastern India is a high-growth region for Cisco as the region has become a key market in driving the modern Indian economy by serving as a significant hub for manufacturing, education and other key economic activities. Another key focus area for Cisco in this region is the burgeoning small and medium businesses and their rapidly growing IT-adoption rates,” he added.

Apart from the NOW Van, Cisco has been working with its network partners to host awareness building programs and conferences in the eastern region.

Cisco is planning bring out out a host of products and solutions for the small units and this includes products that provide plug-and-play capabilities and services like remote management. These products and services also ensure that customers stay away from investing in costly manpower to manage these systems at their end.

Cisco’s strategy for the SME market is to eliminate complexity at the customers’ end. “Our aim is to free customers of the technical complexities so that they can focus on their core business rather than technology which is just an enabler,” said Malik.

The company is also looking to provide financing and leasing options to the SMEs for its upcoming products and solutions through its subsidiary Cisco Capital. The entity has been set up considering the fact that a start-up enterprise cannot offer the same services that a larger and more established rival can offer. Cisco Capital’s Easy Lease program specifically addresses the needs of the small and medium business units. It has been designed to respond to the fast-paced environment that these organisations operate in, delivering a simplified way to finance their technology requirements, said Malik.

All technologies provided by Cisco can be leased with the Easy Lease program. The Easy Lease program is currently available at a special rate of 7 per cent for a term between 12 months and 36 months. The program is also aimed at assisting local commercial enterprises in making strategic IT investments through long-term partnership with Cisco and its channel partners.

Cisco also offers 0 per cent financing solutions for its SME customers desirous of using advanced services from the company and this enables the SMEs to plan their implementation, growth and expansion in a better way.