Transformation Tour - Panaji Chapter

Goa, once celebrated for its sun-kissed beaches and vibrant festivals, has now emerged as a thriving hub for innovation and IT initiatives. The state's lush landscapes and technological advancements make it a unique destination that seamlessly bridges the gap between leisure and progress. It has gracefully transitioned from its industrial roots to embrace a new era of innovation and digital transformation. There have been efforts to promote the growth of the IT industry in the state. The city has been gradually transforming into a hub for information technology and related industries.

The rapid growth of MSME companies is at the core of this shift. These businesses have demonstrated to us that size is not a barrier to accomplishing lofty goals since they were motivated by an inventive and ambitious mentality. The MSMEs in Goa have grown from regional competitors to global contenders, carving out a position in a variety of industries. They have demonstrated that innovation knows no boundaries and that even the small businesses can have a big influence when supported by the appropriate technical tools.

According to the Ministry of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) Annual Report 2020–21, MSMEs account for approximately 48% of India's exports and 30% of the country's GDP. Additionally, they are a crucial source of employment and offer many people work opportunities.

Recent years have seen the emergence of tech startups that are willing to disrupt the status quo and create ground-breaking solutions to problems encountered by MSMEs. Online platforms, digital marketing, and e-commerce are growing, giving MSMEs access to markets throughout the world that were previously unthinkable. Financial transactions are increasingly seamless and secure for MSMEs thanks to digital payment systems, which offer useful options for both businesses and consumers. These advancements have become even more crucial in these trying times when it is more difficult to make personal contact.

Overall, technology has benefited MSMEs and helped them get through challenging times. To take advantage of the opportunities and meet the city's growing demand for cutting-edge technologies as well as the growth trajectory for MSMEs and channel partners, CRN India, in collaboration with Dell Technologies and Tech Data, organised a significant conference, Transformation Tour, in Goa- Panaji at Vivanta by Taj on August 25, 2023.

'Modernise your IT infrastructure with Dell and Tech Data' was the topic of the opening presentation by Shuvam Kumar, Specialist Solution Sales, Dell ISG-Tech Data. During his presentation, Kumar emphasised the importance of the right combination of data and software as the driving force behind digital transformation.

Kumar also pointed out that Dell offers cost-effective storage solutions for general-purpose workloads and discussed the advantages of Dell's PowerStore, designed for maximum system speed, scalability, and storage efficiency to support various applications. He stressed the significance of Dell's VxRail HCI in streamlining data centre modernisation, accelerating digital transformation, and supporting hybrid cloud deployments.

Additionally, Kumar mentioned how Dell's PowerStore and PowerEdge racks contribute to system performance and efficiency. He also highlighted the use of AMD EPYC-powered Dell PowerEdge 16th Gen servers for handling demanding workloads across different environments. Throughout the presentation, the focus remained on delivering quality outcomes with affordability while modernising IT infrastructure.

Following Shuvam Kumar's perceptive presentation, an engaging panel discussion took place.

The second session centred on "Navigating the Digital Landscape: Strategies for SMBs in India to Embrace Digital Transformation" and featured technology leaders from Goa's SMB sector.

To kick off the discussion, Nitant Kholkar, Director at Lift Controls Pvt. Ltd., stressed the importance of every company, regardless of its size, embarking on the journey of digital transformation. He articulated, "In today's landscape, digital transformation is a must for all firms, whether they are SMEs or large enterprises. We are aware of the steps to take, and the government is aiding us in commencing this transformation."

Milind Anvekar, Senior President at Open Destinations Infotech Pvt. Ltd, underscored the relevance of digital transformation in the current tech-driven environment. He remarked, "The widespread use of technology and the growing adoption of digital practices by consumers make it essential for SMBs to embrace digital transformation strategies. Successful digital transformation not only improves business performance but also positions SMBs at the forefront of a dynamic and competitive market."

Steven Bosco D'Souza, CEO of Indo-Swiss Financial Software Development Company Limited, shared the challenges they encountered during their digital transformation journey. He noted, "The primary hurdles for us were the expenses associated with establishing the required infrastructure and transitioning to an online environment. However, we successfully overcame these challenges and can now conduct classes using a hybrid infrastructure and live streaming."

The panel discussion resonated positively with the audience, sparking numerous rounds of questions and answers. Following visits to more than 20 Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, the Transformation Tour returned to Goa, leaving attendees with a sense of optimism. SMBs in the city conveyed their gratitude and enthusiastic support for the event.