ThoughtSol accentuates his perspectives on the B2B enterprise market, tech trends and business opportunities, changing role of CIOs and how ThoughtSol is gearing up for the next phase of growth in 2024 and beyond. (Edited Excerpts)

Q. You have been in the IT industry for nearly three decades and you have seen lot of churns (disruptions) occur in terms of technology advancements. What are the three mega tech trends you foresee in 2024 and why?
Vinet: The three prominent mega-tech trends that I believe will shape the industry are:
1. Heightened Focus on Cybersecurity: As digital ecosystems continue to expand, the first megatrend I anticipate is a heightened focus on cybersecurity. With the increasing frequency and sophistication of cyber threats, the need for robust cybersecurity isn't just a priority—it's an absolute necessity.
2. Evolution of Generative AI and Machine Learning: The second mega-tech trend revolves around the continued evolution of generative AI and machine learning. The seamless integration of these technologies with cloud platforms will enable organizations to extract profound insights from extensive datasets, revolutionizing not only decision-making processes but enhancing the products while fostering innovation.
3. Adoption of Green Technology for Sustainability: The widespread adoption of Green Technology with a strong emphasis on sustainability. Major technology players such as HP, Apple, and Microsoft have already set noteworthy examples by committing to prioritize environmental considerations in their operations. In 2024, this trend goes beyond mere rhetoric, with companies increasingly incorporating sustainability into their core business strategies.

Q. You spoke about the trends in 2024, what are the new priorities (business / technology) you anticipate from CIOs and IT decision makers across India Inc.?
Vinet: CIOs are faced with concurrent priorities in their roles as they steer their companies on digital and business transformation routes. My top three would be as follows:
Boost operational efficiency with automation: Building on (Robotic Process Automation) RPA, CIOs will explore advanced automation solutions powered by artificial intelligence. Automation efforts will extend beyond individual tasks to encompass end-to-end process optimization. These systems will autonomously learn and adapt, further streamlining complex business processes and decision-making.
Cybersecurity and Data Compliance: CIOs will implement comprehensive cybersecurity strategies that go beyond traditional IT security. This includes securing operational technology (OT) environments to protect critical infrastructure and manufacturing processes from cyber threats.
Drive innovation through accelerating the adoption of operations: In tandem with securing operational efficiency, CIOs will focus on optimizing IT budgets and operational expenses to free up resources for innovation. By prioritizing innovation, CIOs can position their companies at the forefront of industry trends and inculcate a culture that values continuous improvement and forward-thinking solutions.

Q. In that context, what do Indian organisations expect from technology SI and managed services partners like yourself?How has ThoughtSol scaled in terms of customer acquisitions, verticals focus and team alignment in past few years?
Vinet: In today’s interconnected digital world all customers including Indian organizations are well aware of the ongoing megatrends and they recognize the need to harness the potential of newer technologies. Simplistically, if I have to put their expectations from technology Solution Integrators (SI) and managed services partners like ThoughtSol, it’s about seeking comprehensive support in evaluating, implementing, and managing these technologies to ensure tangible outcomes.
ThoughtSol plays a crucial role in bridging the gap between the awareness of megatrends and the actual implementation of newer technologies. We facilitate this process by connecting organizations with Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) and providing Proof of Concepts (POCs) to instill confidence in the customers about the tangible benefits of these technologies to their businesses. Our approach is to showcase how these technologies can bring about tangible and impactful outcomes for their specific business needs.
Moreover, as the adoption of these newer technologies requires specialized skills, ThoughtSol extends its support beyond implementation. We understand the scarcity of skilled manpower in these domains and position ourselves to manage and support organizations post-rollout. As our solutions are largely horizontal in nature, we have customers across all industry verticals.

Q. How is your team leading the wave of digital transformation for its customers with new-age solution offerings and services offered to them?
Vinet: The two most important pillars of Digital Transformation are cloud services and cybersecurity, and our strategic partnerships with top technology vendors enable us to offer cutting-edge solutions in both these areas. We provide tailored services for diverse industries, ensuring clients benefit from the latest innovations. Our commitment to continuous innovation and client-centric solutions positions us at the forefront of the digital revolution.

Q. How can your top technology vendors like HP, HPE, Microsoft to name a few help your company’s business grow faster? What do you like or admire about their channel partner strategy?
Vinet: Our partnerships with these industry leaders are pivotal to our business growth, and I truly admire the commitment of our OEM partners to mature channel strategies is commendable. Their deep-rooted dedication to the channel reflects a strong understanding of its significance in our business model.
One aspect I particularly admire is the substantial investment our partners make in skill enhancement and continuous training. By investing in the development of both customer- facing and sales-related roles, they ensure that channel partners are well-equipped to navigate the evolving market dynamics. This not only enhances the capabilities of our partners but also contributes to the overall growth of our ecosystem.

Q. ThoughtSol has been extremely supportive of D&I (Diversity & Inclusion) initiatives at your company encompassing many women employees. What was the main thought behind it and what’s the vision ahead for company’s work culture?
Vinet: I have always been passionate about contributing to nation-building, and I firmly believe that an organization's success is intertwined with the success of the nation. We are committed to propagating diversity initiatives from the grassroots level, ensuring that every small effort contributes to the larger goal. Just as each drop fills the pitcher, every individual, irrespective of their background, plays a crucial role in shaping our inclusive work culture.
To substantiate my statement, I wish to highlight the notable achievements of ThoughtSol, which stand as a testament to our commitment to diversity and inclusion. ThoughtSol has proudly earned the distinction of being recognized as a Great Place to Work for four consecutive years. Additionally, we have consistently secured a position among India's top 100 Best Workplaces for Women over the same period. These accolades are a testament to our unwavering commitment to creating an environment where everyone feels valued, respected, and has equal opportunities for growth and success.
Looking ahead, our vision for the company's work culture is to continuously challenge ourselves. We are committed to setting higher benchmarks, not just in terms of business success but also in creating an even more inclusive and supportive workplace. We are dedicated to fostering an environment where diversity is celebrated, and every individual is empowered to reach their full potential.

Q. Enlist your major goals - professional and personal – for 2024?
Vinet: We are very clearly aligned with our professional goals and priorities for 2024:
Geographical Expansion: One of our primary professional goals is to drive ThoughtSol's expansion into newer geographies. While we have already expanded to Northern states, our endevours are to explore other markets as well. Simultaneously, we are committed to global expansion, tapping into international markets to broaden our footprint and influence.
Customer-Centricity: ThoughtSol's success is deeply intertwined with our customers' satisfaction. Our key professional goal is to maintain and improve our customer retention rate, which currently stands above 95%. We plan to achieve this by staying attuned to industry trends, delivering relevant and cutting-edge services, and fostering close relationships with our clients. Customer satisfaction is our North Star metric, and we are dedicated to upholding this standard.
Investment in People: At the core of ThoughtSol's success is our belief that "Happy employees = Happy customers." Building on this ethos, a major professional goal for 2024 is to continue investing in our people. We are committed to nurturing a diverse and inclusive work culture, fostering innovation, and building a robust team that is equipped to tackle the challenges of the evolving business landscape.
Personally too, I have a clear aim for:
Work-Life Balance: In 2024, I aim to prioritize my well-being, ensuring that the demands of leading ThoughtSol do not compromise my personal life.
Continuous Learning: As a leader, staying abreast of industry developments is imperative. Personally, I am committed to continuous learning and self-improvement.
Community Engagement: Beyond the boardroom, I recognize the importance of contributing to the community. In 2024, a personal goal is to engage more actively in philanthropy and social initiatives.

Q. How do you want ThoughtSol to be recognised in the India’s enterprise B2B technology space for next three years?Which new areas will be the focus on by your team?
Vinet: We will be investing and building on our strengths by developing a practice around AI and data analytics besides focusing on advanced cybersecurity solutions, and customized multi-cloud services to meet evolving market demands, ensuring our clients stay ahead in the competitive landscape. Over the next three years, I envision ThoughtSol being recognized as a pioneer in multi- cloud and cybersecurity services, known for its agility, customer-centric approach, and transformative impact on businesses.