CXO of the week: Anant Adya, EVP, Infosys Cobalt, Infosys

Infosys is a global leader in next-generation digital services and consulting. Over 300,000 of our people work to amplify human potential and create the next opportunity for people, businesses, and communities. We enable clients in more than 56 countries to navigate their digital transformation. With over four decades of experience in managing the systems and workings of global enterprises, we expertly steer clients, as they navigate their digital transformation powered by the cloud. We enable them with an AI-powered core, empower the business with agile digital at scale and drive continuous improvement with always-on learning through the transfer of digital skills, expertise, and ideas from our innovation ecosystem. We are deeply committed to being a well-governed, environmentally sustainable organization where diverse talent thrives in an inclusive workplace.

Anant Adya is EVP and GTM Head for Cobalt at Infosys. He and his team are responsible for designing solutions to help customers in their digital and cloud journey. Cobalt for Infosys is a set of solutions, platforms, and services that help enterprise journey to digital. They also leverage the Infosys Innovation team to partner with the start-up ecosystem to co-create solutions for customers. He is very passionate about Industry Clouds, uses cases around the six technologies (Cloud, AI, Data, Edge, IoT & 5G), and most importantly works with enterprises to focus on business outcomes.

Recently we have engaged in an interview with Anant Adya EVP and GTM Head for Cobalt at Infosys. He talked about his business operations and what are the plans for future expansion and much more.

How do you see cloud technology evolving in the next few years?

Over the next few years, businesses can expect to see even greater advancements in cloud computing. AI technology will continue to improve and play a larger role in cloud computing, allowing for more sophisticated chatbots and analytics. Multi and hybrid clouds will become even more prevalent, as more organizations realize the benefits of using multiple cloud platforms. Industry cloud offerings will continue to grow, providing more customized cloud solutions catering to specific business needs. Managing financial operations will become even more critical to maximize efficiency and identify ways to save money. Cloud security features will also become even more robust, protecting data and applications from increasingly sophisticated cyber threats. Despite potential economic challenges, organizations will continue to invest in cloud-based solutions to fuel growth and stay competitive in the market. By prioritizing financial operations and leveraging industry cloud, IoT, data, 5G, analytics, and hybrid cloud, businesses have the opportunity to enhance their operations and achieve their desired outcomes.

Tell us about the concept of a hybrid cloud approach, incorporating multiple cloud platforms and edge computing.

Enterprises can benefit greatly from utilizing a hybrid cloud strategy, which combines public, private, and edge clouds to meet diverse IT needs. This approach allows businesses to optimize expenses, enhance performance, reduce delays, and strengthen security while gaining valuable insights into their operations by utilizing the unique capabilities of different cloud platforms. For example, a retail business can use a public cloud platform for its-commerce website and a private one for inventory management. Adding edge computing enhances performance by enabling real-time data processing. Hybrid cloud strategies are cost-effective compared to single-cloud deployments and offer a competitive edge in the digital landscape. Enterprises can gain significant advantages by utilizing a combination of cloud platforms, edge computing, 5G, AI, data, and IoT.

What are the benefits of enabling a seamless and agile enterprise infrastructure on the Cloud?

Cloud computing is an absolute game-changer for businesses of all sizes. The scalability it provides makes it easy for businesses to adjust resources based on demand, saving them money on infrastructure costs as they only pay for the resources they use. The agility of cloud computing is another advantage, enabling businesses to quickly deploy new applications and services to respond to changing needs, stay ahead of the competition, and innovate faster. Cloud computing is not only cost-effective but also secure, offering a variety of security features such as data encryption and intrusion detection, helping businesses comply with regulations such as HIPAA (Healthcare Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) and PCI DSS (Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard), and saving them time and money. Cloud providers have a proven track record of reliability, with data centers designed to withstand natural disasters and other disruptions, ensuring that applications and data are always available. With high uptime guarantees, businesses can access their applications and data from anywhere, making cloud computing an ideal solution for companies with a global workforce or those serving customers in multiple countries. Overall, adopting cloud computing can help businesses improve their IT infrastructure and operations, leading to increased productivity and profitability.

What are some of the biggest challenges that companies face when migrating to the cloud?

Migrating to the cloud can seem like a daunting task for businesses, with numerous obstacles to overcome. Security breaches, compliance issues, data transfer complexities, vendor lock-in risks, cost concerns, and the need for specialized skills are just a few of the challenges that businesses may face. However, the benefits of cloud computing are well worth the effort, with scalability, flexibility, and cost-effectiveness being just a few of the advantages. Before making the leap, businesses must prepare for additional challenges that may arise. Legacy systems can be a significant obstacle as they may not be compatible with cloud computing platforms. Organizational culture can also play a role in the transition as employees may resist change. It is crucial to take change management into account to ensure that all stakeholders are on board with the decision to move to the cloud. Despite these obstacles, the benefits of cloud computing are significant, and with careful planning and execution, businesses can make a smooth transition.

How does Infosys ensure the security of its client’s data in the cloud?

In today's world, cyberattacks are becoming increasingly sophisticated and indiscriminate, leaving no room for error. It's imperative for enterprises to embed cybersecurity into their technology framework, and that's where Infosys Cobalt comes in. Infosys Cobalt is a set of services, solutions and platforms for enterprises to accelerate their cloud journey. It offers 35,000 cloud assets and over 300 industry cloud solution blueprints. We don't just understand the importance of building resilience and a security mindset across the organization - we make it happen. Our approach is laser-focused on becoming "Secure by Design" by embedding security principles at every stage of the business lifecycle, "Secure by Scale" by building a resilient cybersecurity program that operates at scale and reduces costs, and "Securing the Future" by continuously adopting new technologies and keeping pace with changing times. Our suite of service offerings follows a 4D approach of Diagnose-Design-Deliver-Defend to provide a comprehensive security strategy that leaves no stone unturned. With our investments in global security operation centers, AI & ML-based integrated cybersecurity platforms, and partnership with universities pioneering in cybersecurity research & skill development, we are committed to optimizing costs and amplifying reach. With Infosys Cobalt, we don't just help enterprises fully unleash the power of cloud computing, we ensure their objectives are achieved, their competitiveness is retained, and their operations are future-proofed while safeguarding their data.

Tell us about your strategies and best practices to optimize cloud costs, reduce wastage, and improve overall cost efficiency.

Worldwide end-user spending on public cloud services is expected to exceed $800 billion by 2025. However, many businesses fail to reap the benefits of cloud services due to poor practices in managing cloud costs, with up to 30% of enterprise cloud spending being wasted. To overcome these challenges, businesses need to adopt a balanced cloud FinOps strategy. This involves prioritizing cloud FinOps, using the right tools to measure and report metrics, and driving business value through a cloud FinOps maturity model. A mature cloud FinOps operating model focuses on creating a culture of cost accountability and contestability, which can enhance the business value of cloud transformation. To achieve this, a cloud FinOps team should work as an independent group under the CIO to drive cloud cost management and optimization initiatives. They will be responsible for establishing and enforcing cloud FinOps policy and standards, publishing recommendations for cost optimization, helping application teams identify cost efficiency targets, developing a cost allocation strategy, and providing training and enablement. While having the right operating model is critical for success, it's also essential to support teams with the right technology and tools. Organizations can achieve this by selecting the right tools, products, and frameworks. Implementing a mature cloud FinOps cost management and optimization strategy is crucial to making the most of cloud adoption and enhancing the business value of cloud transformation.

What advice would you give to companies that are considering migrating to the cloud?

In today's rapidly evolving business landscape, there is a plethora of macro and microeconomic factors that contribute to uncertainty. These factors include geopolitical challenges, sustainability concerns, social-economic issues, talent shortages, tighter budgets, and hybrid work arrangements, all of which impact technology decisions and, in turn, affect innovation, growth, and time-to-market. Digital transformation is the biggest deflationary force, and cloud adoption is a critical component of any digital transformation strategy and drives focused business outcomes. To remain competitive, enterprises should leverage cloud technology in three key areas: business agility, IT efficiency, and innovation. This can be achieved through the use of industry cloud solutions, cloud-native technologies, and investment in multi-cloud infrastructure and efficient cybersecurity mechanisms. Moreover, enterprises should focus on innovation by creating business platforms and innovation networks. To achieve optimal outcomes and stay competitive, businesses must focus onFinOps(financial operations) to optimize costs and leverage the best of cloud technology. With the right strategy, companies can overcome uncertainty and succeed in this rapidly evolving business landscape. By embracing the nexus of forces, which includes hybrid cloud, IoT, edge computing, AI, 5G, and data analytics, businesses can deliver focused outcomes and stay ahead of the curve. An investment in business-led transformation is also crucial to ensure success in the current business landscape.