D-Link offers a complete lineup of network infrastructure solutions that brings flexibility, ease of use and adds value to businesses, while helping them to optimize on everything from Data Centers to Disaster Recovery. In an interaction with Mr. Rohit P, VP – Enterprise Business, D-Link (India) Ltd. about the the enterprise market and its challenges. Excerpts of the interview:
When it comes to SMB networking D-Link is a leader in India, what prompted it to enter into enterprise market?
D-Link has been serving Home, SMB & Enterprise customers for over decades. We have been in the business for over thirty years and have the necessary expertise in networking domain. Our enterprise solutions are designed to meet the ever-evolving networking needs of businesses. D-Link offers a complete lineup of network infrastructure solutions that brings flexibility, ease of use and adds value to businesses, while helping them to optimize on everything from Data Centers to Disaster Recovery. Thus D-Link enterprise networking solution helps to improve service quality, enhances operational efficiency, and reduce cost
In the last one decade we have developed enterprise solution that are based on innovation, pragmatism, convenience and trust. D-Link’ state-of-the-art enterprise networking solutions encompasses products for Edge network, Distribution network, and Core network. With our robust end-to-end networking solution, we are working closely on Smart city projects pan India.
D-Link has an excellent network of trained & experienced partners, who help us reach out to Enterprises with bespoke networking solution. Further we are heavily invested in offering optimal customer support, as a result we have programs like D-Link Care that is exclusively designed for Enterprise customers. Going forward we at D-Link are determined to enhance our position as a premium networking brand amongst SMB & Enterprises.
What are the enterprise challenges that D-Link is trying to solve?
IT Network is the backbone of any business. Enterprises are constantly looking for robust network infrastructure solution which is also commercially viable. D-Link is one of the most reliable networking players with high emphasis on quality and performance. We provide enterprise LAN, WAN, Wi-Fi and Surveillance solution. D-Link essentially provides integrated networking solution with its extensive product portfolio. Our products adhere to industry standards and we work on open environment, so there is no challenge when it comes to working on a heterogeneous platform.
We have a strong enterprise business team that follows feet on street model. Our sales & solution support team directly interacts with enterprise customer to understand their business need. Our solution consultants work intensely towards designing & developing customised network solution. Further over the years D-Link has developed a network of trusted, trained and experienced partner community who efficiently address the networking needs of enterprises.
As a networking leader we lay high emphasis on quality and customer experience. As a result we have invested in setting-up support infrastructure that is specific to Enterprise customers. D-Link Care is one such program wherein our support team with its action oriented approach ensures all the networking worries of customers are addressed, leading to zero downtime and enhance business productivity. Further our robust service infrastructure encompasses 10 service centres in class A cities, and 50+ partner service centres in class B & C cities. Along with this D-Link provides pan India logistic support in 500+ cities.
What product ranges do you have for the enterprises?
Enterprises are looking robust and comprehensive network solution to meet the mission critical demands of their business. Two areas of network infrastructure that is crucial to any enterprise is Edge level & Core level, and D-Link has solution that efficiently address both these needs. It is our solution centric approach and emphasis on excellence that has made D-Link a sought-after networking brand. Today, D-Link enjoys a considerable market share in Wireless & Switching segment. Our switching portfolio includes Edge to Core level, and SDN switch. Further in a in a bid to address the growing networking demands of large industries like Oil & Gas, and Smart city project, D-Link has introduced an extensive line-up of hard-end industrial grade Ethernet switches with NEMA certification.
We have also been focusing aggressively on Surveillance and have cultivated an extensive line of IP surveillance cameras including thermal solution. Under Structured Cabling we have Cat6 Lszh, Cat6A, and Data centre solution (MPO). Further we have also introduced Smart Wireless Solution that efficiently supports Wireless video surveillance, Wireless video/data transmission and Wireless backhaul network construction. With this D-Link continues to broaden its SMB/ Large Enterprise product portfolio and position itself as a foremost Enterprise networking brand.
D-Link has been actively supporting the governments Digital India vision and is working closely on a couple of Smart city projects across India. Some of the key component of Smart city like Surveillance System, Wi-Fi System, Optical Network, Edge and distribution architecture, and Data center switching are offered by D-Link.
Where do these products stand while coming to the competition? And what is the USP of these products?
As shared earlier D-Link works on Open Protocol which help us to design network without any apprehension. Also our team of engineer are continuously working towards introducing products/ solution with finest capabilities & finest technology. High PoE budget solution for the Surveillance and Wireless Market and, Cloud solution to manage wireless access points, D-Link Switches takes digital platform to the next level.
D-Link with its extensive product portfolio & business infrastructure efficiently caters to the networking needs of businesses across industry. Be it SMB/ SME or Large Enterprise – D-Link offers customized network solution while being commercially viable.
What is your product roadmap?
D-Link is pushing the boundaries of network and moving beyond connectivity to making things smarter. D-Link continues to build innovative network solutions that meet all business networking needs, from switching to mobility to surveillance, with complete solutions. We provide one of the most comprehensive ranges of smart switches available for Enterprises that are easy to set-up, has high performance and is secure. To enhance business innovation, D-Link continues to develop new technologies, and in recent time has introduced Nuclias Cloud Networking Solution.
Smart city projects have led to increase in demand for PoE, Wireless and Surveillance products. Also, Smart City solutions require comprehensive tech from software development and D-Link is ensuring that its solutions can cover what is needed. Further demand for campus Wi-Fi solution, Rural Wi-Fi, and Urban Wi-Fi is on a rise D-Link is geared to address these market opportunities.
Overall D-Link is aiming to take advantage of the latest technology developments. In networking, all that has really changed in recent years is speed, but we are the cusp of a big shift as Industry 4.0, IIoT, M2M mobility, smart cities and autonomous vehicles become mainstream. This is driving D-Link’s investment and technology for these applications. D-Link is also in the process of introducing MPO Solution to support the integration of high-performance networks for Data Centre.
What verticals of market D-Link is focusing on from enterprise perspective?
At D-Link we develop products which can be integrated to satisfy the full range of enterprise needs. We build solutions which can be scaled to suit all sizes of enterprise. Our product and solution are deployed across various industry segments like Hospitality, Healthcare, Retail, Education, Service sector, Government projects etc.
COVID-19 pandemic has led to introspection with Enterprises re-evaluating long term business strategies. Enterprises are working towards setting up network infrastructure to be more aligned with changing business dynamics. This has broadened opportunities for brand like ours with current situation having necessitated adoption of flexible, efficient & future-ready network infrastructure which is crucial to any business. D-Link is geared to address the new market demand with its holistic enterprise offering.
What about training and hand holding of the partners for the technical and sales point of view?
Learning & development is an integral part of D-Link’s partner engagement strategy. ‘D-Link Certified Cabling Expert (DCCE) is one such technical certification program that provides participants with in-depth information on the technical aspect of the subject. Post attending DCCE participants can evaluate trends in both copper & fiber products, efficiently design/install/conduct post-implementation testing of D-Link passive networking components for Infrastructure projects.
We have had DCNE for Switching Experts and now in the process of modifying the curriculum considering there are new developments in this segment. D-Link will soon be rolling out certification program on Surveillance.
What is the kind of contribution are you expecting from enterprise market to your overall revenue for 2020?
India is witnessing a boom in ICT sector with significant rise in government investment in public infrastructure upgrades, and enterprise spending on digital initiatives. We at D-Link look forward to tapping on these opportunities by enabling enterprises with our solution centric approach. Our vision is to move up the ladder as a foremost enterprise networking solution provider in the country. So rather than talking about our contribution in terms of percentage, I can tell you that Enterprise business will act as a crucial contributor to D-Link India’s growth during 2021 as we create a defined path for upcoming years.
