Strategies for Building Sustainable Data-Driven Outcomes

During the Dataquest Conference on “Next Gen Strategies on Cloud and Data Management”, a Panel Discussion titled "Strategies for Data-Driven Outcomes" was convened. This illuminating discussion brought together a powerhouse of industry leaders, each contributing their unique perspectives and experiences to the discourse. In today's rapidly evolving digital landscape, organizations are undergoing transformative journeys powered by data and technology. These journeys, commonly referred to as digital transformations, aim to optimize operations, enhance customer experiences, and revolutionize decision-making processes.

The esteemed panelists who graced this discussion included: R N Mohanty, President-Technology at Pidilite Industries Limited, Rajgopal Nayak, Chief Technology Officer (CTO) of Metro Brands Limited, Mukesh Mehta, India Chief Technology Officer (CTO) and Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) at Investec Capital Services (India) Private Limited, Yogesh Lohra, Head of Digital Transformation at Larsen & Toubro Realty, Tejas Shah, Head IT-Apps at Prince Pipes and Fittings, Sunil Sonare, Head of IT at ITD Cementation, Sanjay Agrawal, Head Presales and Chief Technology Officer (CTO) at Hitachi Vantara, India and SAARC and Minu Sirsalewala, Executive Editor of CyberMedia, who skillfully moderated the discussion.

The Significance of Data-Driven Transformation

Minu eloquently underscored the pivotal role of data-driven strategies in the ongoing digital revolution. She emphasized that data stands as a strategic asset, a fuel that drives innovation, confers competitive advantage, and informs the decision-making process. The panel collectively identified four fundamental pillars underpinning this transformational journey: people, technology, infrastructure management, and data management. The ultimate objective of this endeavor? Data monetization, a pursuit where businesses seek to extract tangible value from their vast repositories of data.

The panel discussion meandered through a series of critical themes, each shedding light on diverse facets of the data-driven paradigm. From change management and sustainability in data modernization to infrastructure stability, environmental sustainability, data cohesion, and safeguarding critical assets – the insights shared by the panelists formed a tapestry of guidance for organizations charting their data-driven course.

Change Management and Sustainability in Data Modernization

Rajgopal Nayak, CTO of Metro Brands, emerged as a fervent advocate for change management in data modernization. He articulated the significance of meticulous planning and clear communication as anchors for a seamless transition. Change, he noted, must be orchestrated in harmony with ongoing operations to mitigate disruptions. Nayak also cast a spotlight on the need for embedding sustainability and cybersecurity considerations into modernization strategies.

Mukesh Mehta, India CTO-CISO at Investec Capital Services, lent his expertise to the dialogue by unraveling the complexities of managing third-party vendors within the context of data centers. Mehta emphasized the criticality of robust connectivity, redundancy, and predictive analysis to sustain the stability of essential infrastructures. Drawing upon his experience in the broking industry, Mehta highlighted the paramount importance of ensuring uninterrupted data center activities, given the industry's reliance on external partners.

Sunil Sonare, Head of IT at ITD Cementation, broached a pertinent subject – the marriage of data infrastructure with environmental sustainability. Sonare advocated for a holistic approach, one that harmonizes operational continuity with sustainable practices. Strategies such as mobility, agility, and comprehensive business continuity plans were championed as vehicles to steer organizations toward a greener and more sustainable future.

Tejas Shah, Head IT-Apps at Prince Pipes and Fittings, contributed insights that illuminated the importance of data cohesion. Shah posited that a unified platform, facilitating seamless data integration, is the cornerstone for sustainability endeavors. Before embarking on more intricate strategies, Shah emphasized the foundational significance of ensuring data unity.

Protecting Critical Assets and Data Lifecycle Management

Mukesh Mehta returned to the fore, this time to deliberate on protecting critical assets and managing the lifecycle of data. Mehta cast a spotlight on the ubiquity of personally identifiable information (PII) data across organizational functions. He underscored the need for robust protective measures, including AES encryption and comprehensive data at rest strategies. Mehta also emphasized the necessity of formulating a well-defined data lifecycle plan to navigate the intricate web of data retention and compliance requirements.

In the realm of contemporary business, data reigns supreme, propelling organizations towards a future characterized by innovation and efficiency. Sanjay Agrawal, Head Presales and CTO at Hitachi Vantara, India and SAARC, introduced profound insights into the dynamic interplay between data, infrastructure, and the exigent need for robust cyber resilience.

Mastering the Symphony of Performance and Scale

Sanjay Agrawal aptly described the convergence of technology, infrastructure, and performance as a symphony where each note resonates with precision. As we peer into the digital present, the pace of operations and the expediency of response stand as linchpins of success. "Application performance," he emphasizes, "is an orchestra conducted by infrastructure." Swift responsiveness and seamless transaction processing form the bedrock upon which customer experiences are etched.

Unveiling the staggering dimensions of the digital landscape, Agrawal elucidates the enormity of unstructured data, quantified in terabytes and petabytes. To navigate this realm effectively, the instrumental toolkit must be adept at handling this colossal magnitude. As he aptly puts it, "you need very different technology architecture that can access all these two pillars and ensure that you get microseconds kind of brutality." This precision ensures streamlined operations and unswerving throughputs, with millions of files as a common denominator in this data-driven symphony.

Forging Resilience: Mirrored Twins and Unyielding Continuity

Agrawal's exposition extends to the realm of fortification against disruptions, echoing the philosophy of mirrored twins. In this digital ballet, the concept of "mirrored digital twins" resonates – a duality that enhances resilience through replication. Moreover, the panacea for business continuity arrives through DR (Disaster Recovery) solutions that promise zero Recovery Point Objective (RPO). This translates to an unwavering assurance that even in the face of adversity, data remains unscathed and operations continue seamlessly.

As the narrative transitions towards data management and security, the question arises – how do organizations shield their invaluable data from the relentless onslaught of cyber threats? Agrawal's discourse underscores the profound importance of this endeavor. In an era where cyber threats loom large, a multi-faceted approach is imperative. Encryption, robust access controls, and vigilant monitoring stand as stalwarts against potential breaches.

Yogesh Lohra, Head of Digital Transformation at Larsen & Toubro Realty, injected a dose of practical wisdom into the discussion. Lohra highlighted the inseparable synergy between business transformation and data management. He advocated for a meticulous understanding of business objectives and customer journeys as the bedrock for successful transformation. Lohra's insights underscored the paramount importance of mapping the customer journey with data, fostering a customer-centric approach that is instrumental in steering business and digital transformations toward success.

Orchestrating Data Purity and Availability

Tejas Shah unveiled a multi-faceted strategy where data quality and availability reign supreme. He emphasized the pivotal role of maintaining a master data repository that remains current and relevant across all departments. Dormant data has no place in this paradigm; each byte must serve a purpose. With a nod to the omni-channel era, Shah underscored the necessity for data accessibility across platforms and channels, be it WhatsApp, websites, or legacy systems. The seamless convergence of analytics, dashboards, and integration frameworks emerges as a lighthouse guiding organizations towards robust data utilization.

Drawing parallels between data and the very fabric of space exploration, Sunil Sonare emphasized the preservation of valuable data. He expounded on the necessity of storing not just a snippet of data but a comprehensive archive that can empower decisive actions even in times of crisis. The analogy of photographing the moon before landing a rover highlighted the importance of meticulous data preservation. In an era of expanding data dimensions, Sonare illuminated the potential of compression technologies and compact storage solutions. The transition to cloud ecosystems and the ascent of compliance-driven technologies reiterated the profound significance of comprehensive data retention.x

Agrawal accentuated the importance of optimal utilization. The role of compliance, coupled with technologies like PDR and sustainability solutions, surfaced as instrumental in balancing data utilization and environmental impact. The convergence of advisors and leaders in this journey underscores the collective responsibility to orchestrate a harmonious symphony between data growth and ecological preservation.

The Symphony of Integration and Optimization

R M Mohanty entered the discourse with a symphony of integration and optimization. Delving into diverse datasets – from commercial to sustainability – he underscored the necessity of integration for comprehensive insights. He championed the art of encoding data smartly, allowing it to be summoned precisely when needed, akin to a well-orchestrated performance. Mohanty’s insight resonated across industries, painting a picture of data orchestration akin to a manufacturing process – where the data is akin to a critical raw material.

As the discourse echoed through the digital chambers, a collective tapestry emerged, woven with threads of sustainability, integration, and optimization. The panelists collectively showcased the power of data as both a strategic asset and a responsibility. In a world where digital transformation shapes destinies, these insights serve as guiding constellations for enterprises steering their ships through uncharted data-driven waters.

In the wake of this enriching panel discussion, a comprehensive tapestry of strategies for building sustainable data-driven outcomes emerges. The panelists collectively championed the importance of effective change management, infrastructure stability, sustainability considerations, and data protection. These strategies, intertwined with the evolving landscape of technology and environmental consciousness, hold the key to unlocking the boundless potential of data-driven success.

As organizations navigate the intricate labyrinth of digital transformation, the insights shared by these industry leaders serve as guiding lights. From orchestrating seamless modernization efforts to safeguarding critical assets, organizations are poised to carve a future that is both technologically advanced and environmentally conscious. The fusion of these two ideals paves the way for a sustainable and impactful data-driven future, where innovation and responsibility coexist in harmonious synergy.