In a detailed conversation with TimesTech, Mr. Mukundan Raghavan, Head Tech Consultant at Varanium Cloud Limited, sheds light on the transformative journey of containerized data centers, spearheading digital solutions for non-urban areas. From innovative initiatives like Edmission to overcoming challenges in global expansion, Raghavan delves into Varanium Cloud’s mission to bridge the digital gap and empower communities worldwide.
Read the full interview here:
TimesTech: Can you outline Varanium Cloud’s journey into digital solutions provision, particularly with its innovative containerized data centers like the Edge Data Centre?
Mr. Mukundan: Varanium Cloud’s journey into digital solutions provision is driven by our vision to leverage technology to break digital barriers, particularly in non-urban areas. We are dedicated to identifying and addressing technological limitations in small communities, thereby fostering equal opportunities through innovative digital tools. Our focus on creating possibilities and finding solutions has led us to develop cutting-edge containerized data.
These containerized data centers play a crucial role in realizing our business goal of providing seamless connectivity and equitable development to underserved regions. By packaging advanced technology within a container, we enable efficient delivery of digital services, thus contributing to the establishment of a phygital ecosystem. Our approach allows us to cater to the unique needs of non-urban areas while empowering individuals and communities to harness the benefits of the digital world.
Furthermore, with the widespread implementation of 5G in Class B towns and cities, the demand for cloud services closer to the edge has become paramount. Additionally, there is a growing need for secure, remote data management solutions, especially among major organizations such as banks, FMCG companies, schools, universities, and hospitals. Containerized data centers provide an ideal infrastructure for such requirements.
Varanium Cloud offers innovative and cost-effective solutions to meet these needs, ensuring that organizations can manage their databases efficiently even in remote areas. Our containerized data centers provide the flexibility, scalability, and security necessary to support critical operations, making us the ideal partner for organizations seeking advanced digital solutions tailored to their specific requirements.
TimesTech: How do initiatives like Edmission and Hydra Web Solutions contribute to bridging the digital gap in non-urban areas?
Mr. Mukundan: Initiatives like Edmission and Hydra Web Solutions are integral to Varanium Cloud’s mission of bridging the digital gap in non-urban areas.
Edmission is education as a mission. The main aim of Edmission is to bridge the gap between urban and rural education levels by leveraging the digital revolution. It ensures that rural youth have access to quality education comparable to that in urban areas.
On the other hand, Hydra Web Solutions creates employment opportunities in semi-urban and rural areas by providing high-speed Internet and a conducive digital work environment. This initiative enables youth to stay near their homes while securing proper jobs, contributing to economic growth and prosperity in non-urban regions.
Together, Edmission and Hydra Web Solutions exemplify Varanium Cloud’s commitment to using technology to empower and uplift communities in non-urban areas, thereby narrowing the digital gap and fostering inclusive socio-economic development.
TimesTech: What challenges and opportunities does Varanium Cloud see in the containerized data center market, and how does it address them?
Mr. Mukundan: In the current landscape, video consumption is a significant driver of internet traffic nationwide. However, most major players rely on traditional brick-and-mortar data centers located kilometers away in urban centers, leaving rural and semi-urban areas underserved. Varanium Cloud identifies edge data centers as a pivotal solution to address this challenge and views it as a significant opportunity to expand its presence in the market.
One of the primary challenges in the containerized data center market is the availability of suitable space, approximately 1000 sq ft, within existing infrastructures in urban environments. Varanium Cloud is actively working to overcome this obstacle by engaging with authorities and emphasizing the importance of accommodating containers to meet future data infrastructure needs.
Despite challenges, the containerized data center market presents abundant opportunities for growth, driven by increasing demand for efficient data management solutions globally. Established players like Dell Technologies and Schneider Electric dominate the market, which is projected to reach $89 billion by 2030, with the containerized segment expected to grow from USD 11.21 billion to USD 47.14 billion.
Containerized data centers offer agility, scalability, and portability, making them well-suited to evolving demands and enabling rapid deployment. In India, where the data center market is valued at USD 1.07 billion and expected to grow at a CAGR of 18.7%, these solutions are particularly relevant due to the escalating need for scalable infrastructure and their suitability for edge computing applications.
Furthermore, containerized edge data centers represent a significant advancement, especially in underdeveloped or rural areas, by decentralizing data processing and reducing latency. Industries such as telecommunications and disaster response benefit greatly from their quick and reliable connectivity.
Varanium Cloud recognizes the strategic importance of containerized data centers and aims to capitalize on their potential to reshape data infrastructure and drive digital transformation. Through innovative solutions and strategic partnerships, Varanium Cloud seeks to leverage containerized data centers to bridge the digital divide and facilitate equitable access to digital services across all regions.
TimesTech: How does Varanium Cloud adapt its technology for diverse markets, and what insights can you share on expanding containerized data centers globally?
Mr. Mukundan: Varanium Cloud’s approach to adapting its technology for diverse markets is characterized by innovation, flexibility, and customization. Our technology infrastructure is designed to be highly innovative and easily transportable, enabling rapid deployment in diverse locations globally. With a plug-and-play environment, our containerized data centers can be set up within a few days wherever there is relevant space and electric power available. This adaptability ensures that our technology can cater to the needs of global markets, including even the most remote areas.
For example, our containerized data centers are so powerful that they can used in locations like the Kenyatta National Park Forest range. Our infrastructure could be deployed to monitor animals across vast areas. Real-time data analysis could be conducted by a team located nearby or even globally, enabling swift and informed decision-making. This illustrates the versatility and wide-ranging applications of our technology.
To expand containerized data centers globally, Varanium Cloud prioritizes understanding local regulations, infrastructure, and business landscapes. By collaborating closely with local partners and stakeholders, we gain valuable insights into market nuances, allowing us to tailor our offerings to
meet specific needs effectively. This localized approach ensures that our solutions deliver maximum value and address unique challenges in each market we enter. Ultimately, Varanium Cloud is committed to leveraging technology to empower communities worldwide, driving innovation and progress in diverse environments.
TimesTech: Could you discuss Varanium Cloud’s efforts in creating employment opportunities in non-urban areas and their impact?
Mr. Mukundan: We want to create employment opportunities in non-urban areas as part of our broader mission to foster inclusive growth and development. Through initiatives like the state-of-the-art IT-enabled services unit in Sawantwadi, Maharashtra, we aim to empower local talent and contribute to economic prosperity in tier-2 locations. We have employed over 150 plus people in our first ITES centre. Our second centre will employ more than 200 people.
To provide equal opportunities for education and growth we hosted a job fair in Sawantwadi. Over 20 plus companies across Maharashtra participated in this fair and more than 700+ jobs were offered to the local talent. By next year, we aim to create employment opportunities for over 2,000 individuals.
TimesTech: How does Varanium Cloud contribute to initiatives like ‘Digital India’ through Phygital infrastructure, and what challenges does it face in implementation?
Mr. Mukundan: Varanium Cloud actively contributes to initiatives like ‘Digital India’ through its innovative phygital infrastructure, combining physical and digital elements to promote inclusive growth. Recognizing the limitations of fully online education in rural areas, where connectivity and access to personal devices are often challenging, we have established state-of-the-art computer labs equipped with more than 100 computers and high-speed internet connectivity in rural campuses. This infrastructure allows students to access online learning resources and benefit from a conducive study environment, even if they don’t have personal devices or reliable internet access at home.
In addition to online resources, we also provide physical coaching and training sessions for high-level competitive examinations, free of charge, to ensure that students are adequately prepared for future job opportunities. By blending physical and digital learning experiences, we aim to empower students and bridge the digital divide, thereby contributing to the objectives of ‘Digital India’.
However, implementing such initiatives comes with challenges, including infrastructure development, regulatory frameworks, and digital literacy. To overcome these hurdles, Varanium Cloud advocates for collaborative efforts involving government, industry, and civil society. By working together to address infrastructure gaps, streamline regulatory processes, and enhance digital literacy programs, we can create an enabling environment for digital transformation and unlock the full potential of digital infrastructure to drive socio-economic development across India.
