Navigating the tech landscape for business excellence: Sujoy Brahmachari

Sujoy Brahmachari, a renowned CIO and CISO, recently spoke to Dataquest. Sujoy is a passionate technocrat evangelist and information security expert with extensive experience in providing solution and services in both technology and security domain.

DQ: How do you see technology shaping the future of businesses in India?

Sujoy Brahmachari: In the evolving landscape, the trajectory of business is distinctly marked by a profound integration of technology. Moving ahead, the cornerstones of business strategy, product development, market penetration, and notably, customer retention and acquisition, are all poised to be profoundly influenced by technology-driven approaches. 

Notably, a spectrum of technologies, such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), Robotic Process Automation (RP), and Advanced IoT (AIoT), are set to not only galvanize these aspects but also usher in heightened operational efficiency across various domains and organizations. This transformation is especially palpable in sectors like finance and e-commerce, where organizations have seamlessly transitioned into technology-centric entities. Exemplars like Ola and Uber unequivocally underscore this paradigm shift, standing as veritable testaments to the indispensability of technology in their operations.

DQ: The technology landscape is ever-evolving. How do you strike a balance between adopting new technologies and ensuring the stability and reliability of existing systems?

Sujoy Brahmachari: I appreciate this specific approach for its multifaceted benefits. At times, it encompasses a wide array of tasks, aligning with my preferences. Frequently, many Chief Information Officers (CIOs) tend to observe their peers, emulating their actions without considering their own unique needs. However, CIOs must ensure operational stability. This involves a delicate equilibrium, necessitating the introduction of new technologies to address evolving customer expectations, employee requirements, and the demands of other stakeholders. 

In instances like these, when maintaining the current operational equilibrium is crucial, CIOs should consider a novel strategy. This entails forming a dedicated team, a practice we currently implement. This team's sole responsibility is to consistently explore emerging technologies that hold potential value for the organization. Only after these pilot initiatives demonstrate success should these new technologies be implemented on a larger scale. Drawing from my personal experience, I can attest that this approach is highly effective. It fosters a harmonious equilibrium between existing operations and the integration of innovative technologies.

DQ: As far as the latest technological trends are concerned, how do you continuously evaluate and integrate cutting-edge technologies into your business processes?

Sujoy Brahmachari: As mentioned earlier, and reiterating my point, Chief Information Officers (CIOs) or heads of IT departments should consider establishing a distinct team. This doesn't necessarily mean assembling an entirely new team from scratch; rather, it involves creating a specialized unit within the existing team. This subgroup would be dedicated to consistently exploring emerging technologies—a critical task. I want to stress the importance, once again, of focusing on technologies that align with the organization's needs, rather than succumbing to peer pressure or trends. 

The objective is to identify technologies that can genuinely enhance operational efficiencies, customer acquisition, and market presence. This entails conducting incremental pilot projects, investing resources to gauge the technology's suitability within the organization's framework. Only when these pilots yield positive results and demonstrate a strong alignment should the technology be embraced on a larger scale.

DQ: What should an enterprise’s strategy be when it comes to cloud computing to enhance scalability and flexibility?

Sujoy Brahmachari: In the contemporary landscape, organizations are increasingly embracing a transformative shift – many have already embarked upon the journey – moving away from singular reliance on public clouds and instead adopting a multi-cloud strategy. This strategic evolution seeks to harness the collective strengths of diverse cloud vendors, ensuring access to an array of top-tier solutions while fortifying business continuity. 

This approach proves invaluable should any challenges arise with a specific cloud service provider; quick transitions to alternate providers become feasible, facilitating seamless operations. Importantly, this strategy averts entrapment within the confines of a solitary vendor. The multi-cloud paradigm amplifies scalability and flexibility, addressing the dynamic demands of the modern ecosystem. This trend is pervasive, with a multitude of organizations either having already transitioned or actively evaluating and pursuing the multi-cloud path. It is increasingly apparent that this trajectory will continue to gain traction, with numerous entities opting for this strategic direction in the times ahead.

DQ: Looking ahead, what are the top priorities for you as far a technology is concerned in driving the company's future growth and success?

Sujoy Brahmachari: From my current perspective and personal experience, engaging in pilots and practical implementations has underscored the transformative potential of certain technologies. The likes of Generative AI, Machine Learning (ML), Internet of Things (IoT), and Robotic Process Automation (RPA) are evidently poised to enhance organizational efficiency. I've observed and integrated some of these technologies, reaping evident advantages and benefits. Beyond these, there's an additional dimension I'd like to address, even though it wasn't inquired about.

Given my dual roles as both CIO and CISO, it's imperative not to overlook the realm of information security. Introducing, rolling out, or piloting new technologies demands a concurrent focus on infusing information security measures from the outset, before deployment. This practice mitigates the risks that come with adopting novel technologies. By holistically incorporating both technological innovation and robust security protocols, challenges are poised to diminish considerably.