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30 minute interview
“VoIP inter-operability is something VeriSign does very well”
What kind of opportunities do you see in the Indian VoIP
space?
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Ramesh Krishnan
Director, India Operations VeriSign Inc
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India is a big market for VoIP. It can only grow as we witness
further deregulation. According to a study by market research firm iLocus in
June 2003, the Indian VoIP market is set to account for around 61 percent of
the worldwide international long distance traffic by 2007. We expect more telecom
operators to start going on the VoIP route as the technology helps them reduce
the cost of operations and conserve revenue. In addition, with the growing number
of BPO and MNC offshore centres in India, VoIP adoption will increase.
What’s your strategy to tap this opportunity?
We are bullish about the Indian market. Our strategy is to connect campuses
using VoIP through our IP Connect suite. Customers have non-standardised environments
that require inter-operability (in the IP PBX world). This is something VeriSign
does very well. VoIP peering and clearing permits ease of settlement between
connected end-points. The VoIP directory resolution is another cornerstone in
our strategy. Operators and enterprises will need this capability, and our ability
in the online world will be an advantage.
Can you identify the areas where VeriSign India expects
to grow the most?
VeriSign is looking at tapping areas such as messaging, international roaming,
digital content services, authentication and managed security services. All
these have to be provided in a secure manner. We have seen signs of robust growth
in SMS, MMS and content services, which can be delivered securely using what
we offer. India is important to us as it is one of the world’s fastest-growing
markets. With the exception of China, the global telecommunications industry
is seeing little or no growth. India is leading the world with double-digit
growth, making it one of the most attractive markets. This market will continue
to grow and is expected to double over the next 2-3 years, boosting the demand
for additional infrastructure and services. Vendors are tailoring their solutions
to suit this market, something that never happened before. Examples of localisation
are numerous as India has unique requirements. It is one of the most exciting
telecom markets, and we are confident of replicating our global success here.
What are challenges you face at the policy and infrastructure
level in India?
As far as the first is concerned, considerable progress has already been made
with the Unified Licencing policy in wireless, and increased FDI level to 74
percent. We further hope to see the relaxation of rules to allow call termination
on IP. At the infrastructure level we see a bigger opportunity. Security too
is becoming critical.
What is VeriSign doing to raise awareness about wireless
security among Indian companies?
Security is our DNA, and the core of our solutions set. We will continue to
educate customers and prospects on the importance of secure networks and services.
With the communications network collapsing into a unified or single network,
next generation networks are no longer vapourware. They are a reality with voice,
data and video being provided seamlessly on the same network. We are also participating
in industry trade shows, meeting media analysts to share our vision, and speaking
at events hosted by the likes of CII to evangelise on the importance of security.
—Kusum Makhija
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