In recent years, cloud technologies have become an important aspect of IT strategies for small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs). As SMBs digitise their businesses, they must decide whether to opt for a public cloud, or a hybrid cloud (public and private). Despite growing cloud adoption, SMBs want to continue investing in on-premises infrastructure. Hence, they are increasingly viewing the hybrid cloud as a lucrative option because it combines the best of both worlds: it offers the private cloud’s security and the public cloud’s versatility. In this interview, Bhawna Agarwal, country head – strategy & growth, Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE), India, talks to Sudhir Chowdhary on some of the SMB trends and predictions with respect to digital transformation and how HPE is expanding in this space. Excerpts:
What hurdles do SMBs face during digital transformation and cloud adoption?
As we observe India’s SMB landscape, it’s evident that they are pivotal in propelling economic growth and innovation. However, they grapple with several obstacles that hinder their digital transformation journey and sustainability. Challenges like limited access to funding due to insufficient collateral and high-interest rates inhibit their ability to innovate and expand effectively. SMBs also encounter difficulties in retaining skilled talent to address the growing business requirements.
Despite facing these challenges, SMBs are increasingly acknowledging the transformative power of cloud technology, using it to enhance their scalability.
How does HPE help them overcome these challenges?
At HPE, we simplify setup, configuration, and deployment of new technology assets. SMBs highly value our cloud expertise and experience. We focus on understanding their needs and deliver customised solutions aligned with both their technological and business objectives.
We empower SMBs to maintain control over cloud-based apps and data with our on-site solutions optimised for running business applications, thereby mitigating unforeseen cloud subscription costs and enhancing overall operational efficiency.
What sets you apart from others?
HPE provides tailored services for SMBs, such as HPE InfoSight, for real-time insights into infrastructure health, HPE Pointnext Services for application workload management in a hybrid cloud approach and Aruba Instant-On network solution for a reliable and efficient app-managed ecosystem.
We also offer HPE Small Business Solutions for File and Backup, offering tailored configurations for file data management, backup, and disaster recovery. Powered by HPE ProLiant Gen10 and Gen10 Plus servers, they are optimised for on-premises and hybrid cloud setups thereby establishing a centralised data hub for secure collaboration and ensuring data availability through automated backup processes.
What are the benefits of AI for SMBs?
AI is omnipresent, and at HPE, we understand the criticality for businesses to embrace AI-powered operations for enhanced decision-making, efficiency, and innovation. We work with numerous small and large businesses across sectors and countries to help them leverage AI and gain tangible benefits. Our customers can unlock their data to deliver a strong AI strategy with an efficient and reliable model.
HPE’s data-first strategy enables businesses to leverage extensive data for enhanced analytics and AI development. Our hybrid design ensures AI deployment across edge-to-cloud environments for maximum effectiveness. Recognising AI’s importance in deriving insights, HPE facilitates efficient model development and deployment from edge to hybrid cloud, empowering businesses to scale AI solutions seamlessly.
Any key trends for SMBs to consider?
As SMBs move towards a digitally driven future, they focus on AI-integrated technology solutions to optimise operations and expand customer reach. Key trends that will create an impact include the projected surge in adoption of anything-as-a-service (XaaS) marking a shift for SMBs, moving from product-centric to service-centric technology acquisition. Moreover, it will attract SMBs more as it offers a transition from traditional fee-for-product structures to outcome-based models and shared-risk agreements tied to business goals.
Deployment of Gen AI will drive growth, innovation, and productivity. In fact, the leading sectors among SMBs, including information/media, financial services, retail and manufacturing, are at the forefront of adopting Gen AI technology.
Hybrid cloud is and will remain a top technology priority for SMBs. Therefore, a continued focus on refining and rebalancing cloud strategies will advance cloud integration efforts for efficiency and agility. SMBs have prioritised security as their third key concern. The emphasis on cyber resiliency will proactively fortify overall security.