How GCC Businesses Can Leverage the Cloud

The Indian subcontinent is undergoing a seismic shift, transforming into a global hub for Global Capability Centres (GCCs). A 2023 report by Nasscom and Zinnov highlights this transformation: India houses over 56% of global R&D for GCCs, solidifying its position as a strategic powerhouse for innovation and talent acquisition. Central to this evolution is cloud computing. India's cloud market is on an exponential growth trajectory, projected to reach $10.8 billion by 2025. This growth aligns perfectly with the government's proactive push towards cloud adoption through initiatives like "Digital India," creating a robust infrastructure that empowers GCCs to thrive.

By embracing cloud solutions, GCCs can ensure seamless collaboration between geographically dispersed teams in India and the GCC region, unlocking a multitude of benefits including enhanced scalability, optimized costs, and access to cutting-edge technologies that fuel innovation.

IaaS

At the foundation of unlocking these benefits lies Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS). IaaS eliminates the need for upfront hardware costs, allowing GCCs to rent essential IT infrastructure components like servers and storage on-demand. This flexibility is particularly valuable in India's dynamic market, where fluctuating workloads necessitate adaptability. Furthermore, Software as a Service (SaaS) empowers GCCs with readily available business applications like CRM and HR management software, eliminating installation hassles and offering cost-effectiveness through a subscription model. Security remains paramount, and cloud service providers invest heavily in state-of-the-art security infrastructure, ensuring data remains secure. Additionally, data residency options allow GCCs to comply with regional data privacy regulations.

Beyond core solutions, a hybrid cloud approach can be considered. This combines on-premise infrastructure with cloud resources, offering flexibility and control over sensitive data. The Indian government actively fosters a cloud-friendly environment with initiatives like "Digital India", as mentioned earlier, and the "MeghRaj" (cloud governance) policy, aimed at creating robust infrastructure and secure data storage practices. However, a successful cloud strategy implementation by GCCs demands innovation and a meticulous approach to fully leverage the benefits of cloud computing.

Choosing a reliable and experienced Cloud Service Provider (CSP) is crucial. Security is critical, especially with evolving data privacy regulations like the "Personal Data Protection Bill, 2022." The cloud platform should offer scalability and flexibility to accommodate fluctuating workloads, a common phenomenon in dynamic markets like India. Finally, evaluate the provider's service offerings to ensure they align with the GCC's specific needs.

Many GCCs adopt a hybrid cloud approach, combining on-premise infrastructure with cloud resources for optimal benefits and control. Additionally, a multi-cloud strategy using multiple providers can offer greater flexibility, redundancy, and better pricing options. Transitioning to the cloud requires a well-defined change management strategy. Employees need training to utilize cloud tools effectively, and clear communication is key to addressing concerns and fostering a culture of cloud adoption.

As India becomes a global hub for innovation and talent, GCCs that embrace cloud computing are poised to achieve remarkable success. By overcoming geographical barriers, unlocking cost efficiencies, and leveraging advanced analytics, cloud adoption empowers GCCs to become strategic innovation centres, propelling their parent companies towards a flourishing future in the Indian market and beyond.

--By MS Ramanujam, IT Director, EQ India

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