HPE Aruba Networking head on the importance of digital growth for small businesses

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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India has over 63 million Micro, Small and Medium businesses, which account for about 30% of the country’s GDP and these businesses are now relying on a digital infrastructure more than ever.

According to the GoDaddy 2023 Data Observatory, about 65% of Indian small businesses make up to half of their revenue from online sales, and the rest make over 50% of their revenue from online sales.

India also leads in using an online marketplace as a potential channel more than any other country surveyed (Brazil, Colombia, Germany, Mexico, Philippines, Singapore, Spain, Thailand, and the United States) with 34% of small businesses using it to do business in comparison with countries like Mexico (16%), Spain (20%), Colombia (14%) amongst others.

In a recent interview with CNBC-TV18, Amol Mitra, Global Vice President and General Manager, Small and Medium Businesses (SMB) at HPE Aruba Networking, shed light on the pivotal role of networking technology in empowering SMBs for success in the digital era.

HPE Aruba Networking provides solutions like security priorities, cloud technologies, managing the influx of IoT devices and more to small businesses.

“…the differentiating factor lies in scalability and seamless deployment, especially when SMBs often operate without dedicated IT workers. While specific product features may vary, the underlying core needs remain unchanged,” Mitra said.

The company also offers customised solutions to address the SMBs’ unique needs and enable them to focus on their growth journey — ranging from Wi-Fi solutions to switching products that are accessible through a mobile app on a cloud-based platform.

According to Mitra, SMBs in India are currently facing three primary challenges: striving to match large enterprises in technology adoption, managing diverse devices at scale, and meeting rising cybersecurity demands to avoid financial losses and reputational damage.

“For us to serve the SMB market more effectively, we created a unique brand identity within the HPE Aruba Networking family: HPE Networking Instant On,” he states. “We offer customised solutions to address the SMBs’ unique needs and enable them to focus on their growth journey.”

Mitra added that the growth trajectory of HPE Aruba Networking’s SMB-focused business has doubled down on this business year-on-year. He outlined the company’s strategy to equip SMBs for future growth, emphasising intuitive management, automated intelligence, and advanced security features. “Today, networks stand as vital catalysts, providing the connectivity, scalability, security, data insights, and integration capabilities that businesses need to succeed in the digital era,” he said.

Discussing trends in SMB technology adoption, Mitra highlighted the increasing emphasis on AI integration, vertical integration, cybersecurity, and cloud strategies. “SMBs appreciate the cloud expertise and experience we provide, as we understand their needs and provide customised solutions,” he states.

For aspiring entrepreneurs, Mitra stressed the importance of scalability, resilience, security, automation, and strategic partnerships in building future-proof businesses. By prioritising these elements and staying attuned to technological trends, entrepreneurs can navigate the evolving landscape with agility and foresight.

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KV Prasad Journo follow politics, process in Parliament and US Congress. Former Congressional APSA-Fulbright Fellow