Year 2020 will see next wave of data generation as we are moving in right direction to become a digital transformed country. Data management technologies have also evolved in last few years with huge opportunities for brands who are playing in this market. Seagate, the undisputed global leader, is all set to grab more market with it's innovative storage solutions for all customer segment. Sameer Bhatia, Director of Asia Pacific Consumer Business and Country Manager for SAARC & India, Seagate Technology, shares his opinion and channel plans in an exclusive chat with DT.
Q: How do you see the changing landscape of data management solutions?
A: Data volumes are growing exponentially, as businesses and governments advance on their digital transformation journey through technologies such as the Internet of Things (IoT), artificial intelligence (AI) and 5G. IDC's The Digitization of the World – From Edge to Core report estimates that the amount of new data created worldwide will increase to 175 ZB, by 2025 with Asia Pacific, including Japan, but excluding China (APJxC) being one of the fastest growing Datasphere regions. Seagate is continuously innovating to help customers meet the changing infrastructure and data management needs that this explosive data growth demands. Our focus is to deliver the industry's best performing drives that not offer higher capacity and unparalleled reliability, while maintaining a high degree of data integrity.
Q: What all opportunities do you see in physical surveillance security market?
A: India has embarked on a mission to build 100 Smart Cities across the country, implementing advanced technologies like IoT and AI to improve areas like traffic and flood management, and energy-efficiency of buildings, among others. As a result, data volumes will increase exponentially. Organisations will require data management solutions that enable decision-making as data is collected at the Edge, as well as retain vast amounts of video-based data effectively for analysis. For example, Seagate's SkyHawk™ AI drive is ideal for intensive workloads that accompany AI work streams, as its high throughput and enhanced caching deliver low latency and excellent performance to quickly locate video images and footage analysis. This enables on-the-edge decision-making, eliminating the latency of exchanging cloud-based data and processing.
Q: How do you assure your customers about data security?
A: At Seagate, security is embedded throughout the product lifecycle, from the conceptual phase of design to deployment and final retirement or reuse. At the design and manufacturing stages, each component is assembled in a secured facility and limited to our own vetted workforce. Seagate's Self-Encrypting Drives (SEDs) make sure that only authorized users can access the data when the drives are in use. At retirement of the drive, the drive owner sends a command to the SED to perform an Instant Secure Erase (ISE). The ISE uses the SED's cryptographic erase capability to change the data encryption key. The data becomes unreadable and cannot be recovered. Seagate has also achieved Common Criteria accreditation for security features in select products across its Nytro®, Exos™, and BarraCuda® portfolios.
Q: How do you see the role of channel partners in reaching out to large number of customer base?
A: Navigating to find and build the right data management infrastructure requires experience, expertise and wisdom. It's about knowing what is needed, understanding why it is needed and implementing the optimal solution. That is why the channels and Seagate's partners play a vital role. We see ourselves as not just a storage provider, but a business partner who can build best-in-class solutions together with our channel partners – from the first stage of projects to developing a solutions pipeline to provide consultation, establish systems and provide technical support.
Q: What are key channel engagement programs from Seagate to empower partners?
A: We connect with our customers and partners in the local markets through the Seagate Partner Program. Seagate has been continuously building a robust partner base through this programme, providing comprehensive training sessions and seminars as well as working on co-marketing initiatives. Seagate also continuously provides training for partners to better understand evolving opportunities in addition to regular products and technology trainings. Our aim is to support our partners in maximising their results by offering the best and most optimal storage solutions to their customers.
