Global payroll software provider Ramco Systems Limited, India, has announced that its wholly owned subsidiary, Ramco Systems FZ-LLC, has partnered with Baker Tilly SM Envoy Consultancy LLC, one of the leading audit firms in the UAE, to make payroll easier for organisations across the country to adopt and manage. Under the partnership, the firm will offer Ramco Payce to its clients alongside the accounting, tax and advisory services it already provides, with Ramco delivering implementation, hosting and product support.

For the firm’s clients, this means they can procure payroll software through an advisor they already work with for accounting, tax and compliance, simplifying procurement and bringing payroll closer to their existing finance operations.  Customers also gain access to Ramco Payce’s automation and self-service reporting, helping payroll teams reduce manual effort and work with greater accuracy.

Reefat Maniar, COO & Partner – Internal Audit, Baker Tilly SM Envoy Consultancy LLC, said, “Our partnership with Ramco Systems allows us to offer our clients access to a proven payroll technology solution alongside our accounting, tax and advisory expertise, helping them simplify their payroll processes while strengthening operational efficiency and accuracy.”

Sandesh Bilagi, Chief Executive Officer, Ramco Systems, said, “Businesses in the UAE need payroll that is accurate, compliant and straightforward to run. By partnering with Baker Tilly, we are bringing Ramco Payce closer to organisations through an advisor that understands their finance and regulatory needs, reflecting our commitment to serving customers in the ways that work best for them.”

Rohit Mathur, Executive VP & SBU Head – Global Payroll & HR, Ramco Systems, said, “For payroll teams, the real measure of any solution is how much easier it makes each pay cycle. By reducing manual processing, Ramco Payce frees teams to focus on the judgements that only people can make, turning payroll from a back-office task into a source of insight for leadership. Together with Baker Tilly, we look forward to helping organisations in the UAE make that shift.”

Trusted by 500+ customers worldwide, and powered by continuous tech innovations, Ramco Payce has been at the forefront of delivering global payroll transformation. With a global payroll coverage across 150+ countries, the solution offers seamless integration with leading HCM providers offering an end-to-end digital payroll solution that can be leveraged as a platform or managed service. With new features around self-service reporting, actionable payroll workspace, and a quick implementation toolkit, Ramco Payce aims to deliver faster and smoother implementations. By leveraging robotic process automation, artificial intelligence, and machine learning, Ramco continues to offer a touchless payroll experience.

Designed for easy placement and everyday use, the 16-Port Gigabit Ethernet Desktop Switch has a sleek black finish with a rectangular design, complemented by a dark grey front panel and yellow accent detailing. The 16 Ethernet ports are neatly arranged for convenient connection of compatible network devices, while its compact form factor makes it easy to place on desks or alongside existing networking equipment.

The switch features 16 x 10/100/1000 Mbps Gigabit ports, along with 32Gbps switching bandwidth and 23.808Mbps forwarding capacity for efficient data transfer and stable network performance. It also supports Auto MDI/MDIX, eliminating the need for crossover cables, while Plug & Play functionality enables quick installation without complex configuration. It allows users to connect computers, printers, IP cameras, storage devices and other compatible equipment.

For enhanced reliability, the switch comes with lightning protection to help safeguard the device against electrical disturbances. It is powered by an external 12V DC / 1A power adapter and supports an operating temperature range of -20°C to 55°C, making it suitable for different working environments.

Commenting on the launch, Mr. Yogesh Agrawal, CMD and Co-Founder, Consistent Infosystems, said, “As more devices become part of our everyday work and home environments, having a reliable network is increasingly important. With our new 16-Port Gigabit Ethernet Desktop Switch, we wanted to offer a simple and dependable solution that makes expanding a wired network easier.”

With its combination of high-speed Gigabit connectivity, multiple ports, easy installation and compact design, the switch provides a practical solution for expanding wired networks.

Pricing and Availability

The Consistent 16-Port Gigabit Ethernet Desktop Switch carries an MRP of INR 6,999 and is available through Consistent Infosystems’ extensive channel partner network across India and can also be purchased online at shop.consistent.in .

]]> https://channeltimes.com/consistent-launches-16-port-gigabit-ethernet-switch-for-high-speed-networking/feed/ 0 https://channeltimes.com/fujifilm-india-welcomes-rashmika-mandanna-as-brand-ambassador-for-its-imaging-solutions-business/ https://channeltimes.com/fujifilm-india-welcomes-rashmika-mandanna-as-brand-ambassador-for-its-imaging-solutions-business/#respond Tue, 06 Oct 2026 13:33:32 +0000 https://channeltimes.com/?p=16652 FUJIFILM India is pleased to announce actress Rashmika Mandanna has been onboarded as its brand ambassador for the Imaging Solutions range, spanning Electronic Imaging, instax™ and Photo Imaging business sectors across the country. The association marks a strategic step in strengthening the company’s connection with a new generation of consumers, while continuing to bring the joy of capturing, creating and preserving photographs closer to audiences across India.

Gnani AI, the frontier AI company, today announced Gnani Ascent, its flagship partner program built to accelerate the adoption of sovereign, frontier-grade AI across enterprises.

As enterprises move from AI experimentation to production, the challenge is increasingly not mere access to intelligence alone, but integrating it into the systems, workflows and environments where businesses operate. Ascent addresses that shift by bringing together the right combination of technology, domain, infrastructure and implementation partners around each enterprise’s AI transformation.

The launch builds on Gnani AI’s sovereign AI stack unveiled in New Delhi, India on 28 August 2026 by Shri C.P. Radhakrishnan, Vice-President of India. Ascent extends that technology foundation into an ecosystem for building, deploying and scaling enterprise AI in production.

At its core is Gnani AI’s full-stack architecture spanning Evon, Timbre, Prisma and Warp – its family of domain-specialized language and speech models; Plexus, its agentic and conversation AI platform; and enterprise applications. Ascent connects that stack with consulting and knowledge firms, global systems integrators, cloud and infrastructure providers, CCaaS/CPaaS platforms, technology companies, OEM & silicon partners, and go-to-market partners.

Gnani AI’s technology is already deployed across more than 200 enterprises, processing more than 50 million calls every day across 22+ languages, with production deployments across key Enterprise verticals as well as regulated industries including banking, insurance, and government.

“India has the opportunity not only to adopt AI, but to build and deploy intelligence designed for the complexity, scale and requirements of enterprises globally. No single technology layer can deliver that transformation alone. Ascent brings the ecosystem together around enterprise outcomes – from models and infrastructure to integration and implementation,” said Ganesh Gopalan, Co-Founder and CEO, Gnani AI.

The Gnani Ascent program has partners including global players such as Hexaware Intel, Cisco, Fortanix, Vymo, Melento, FCI, and regional players such as Rise (a National Holding Group Company), iSteer, Gibraltar Technologies in the Middle East, IPS Pro in Japan, and InfiniVAN in the Philippines. More than 25 partners are already actively engaged across these categories within weeks of Ascent’s launch, with several more onboarding — an early signal of how fast enterprises and partners are converging around production-grade AI — Conversation AI at enterprise scale, and Sovereign, Resident AI for regulated workloads.

“Enterprises want AI that works in production, not a stitched-together stack. Combining Gnani AI’s models with our delivery expertise, we can make that happen at scale,” said Aditya Jayaraman, India Country Head, Hexaware.

“Fortanix is proud to partner with Gnani AI to redefine the architecture of trust for the enterprise,” said Anuj Jaiswal, Chief Product Officer, Fortanix. “Together, we are removing the tradeoff between innovation and privacy, so enterprises can be confident their data and intellectual property remain protected and under their control.”

]]> https://channeltimes.com/gnani-ai-launches-ascent-its-flagship-partner-program-to-scale-sovereign-frontier-grade-ai-across-enterprises/feed/ 0 https://channeltimes.com/owning-outcomes-not-margins-the-shift-to-solution-led-engagement-in-the-indian-channel/ https://channeltimes.com/owning-outcomes-not-margins-the-shift-to-solution-led-engagement-in-the-indian-channel/#respond Mon, 05 Oct 2026 08:12:59 +0000 https://channeltimes.com/?p=16645 The transformation of the Indian IT channel marks a structural shift away from traditional, transaction-led product resale toward outcome-driven, solution-led engagements. As enterprise demand moves decisively toward subscription platforms, cloud-native architectures, and integrated cybersecurity, channel partners face growing pressure to transition from one-off hardware margins to continuous, recurring revenue streams. In this evolving landscape, survival and growth depend on bridging capability gaps—packaging infrastructure, cloud, security, and AI into unified operational frameworks that deliver predictable business value and long-term client advisory.

To support this channel evolution, the role of value-added distribution is expanding well beyond traditional logistics, inventory management, and pricing support. Distributors are increasingly serving as strategic growth enablers, lowering the barrier to entry for partners by co-investing in pre-sales expertise, technical enablement, and managed services capabilities. “Over the next three to five years, I expect the Indian channel to be more solution-led, more services-driven and more specialised. Recurring revenue will become central to partner business models, and the line between products, services and outcomes will continue to blur,” said Rajveer Shah, Global Chief Strategy Officer at MITSUMI Distribution.

1. How is the Indian IT channel evolving from a largely transaction-led model towards recurring revenue and solution-led engagements? What are the key factors driving this shift?

The Indian channel is moving from selling boxes to owning outcomes. Customers no longer want a product delivered; they want a capability that keeps working, adapts and scales. That changes what partners are paid for, with value shifting from one-time margins to ongoing engagement.

Three forces are driving this. Subscription and consumption-based models have become the default across software and cloud, which makes recurring revenue structural rather than optional. Customers are also asking for integrated solutions across infrastructure, security and applications, which rewards partners who can design and support the whole stack. And margin pressure on pure product resale is pushing partners to build services-led businesses with more predictable earnings. The partners who adapt fastest will be those who treat the customer relationship as continuous rather than as a series of transactions.

2. As customers increasingly look for end-to-end technology solutions, how is the role of distributors changing beyond traditional product distribution?

Distribution is no longer defined by moving products efficiently. It is defined by how much a distributor helps partners succeed with customers. As solutions become more complex, partners cannot build every capability themselves, and the distributor becomes the layer that fills the gaps: bringing technologies together, supporting solution design, helping partners take on new models, and enabling them to enter new technology areas with less risk.

The role is shifting from supplier to enabler. Availability, pricing and logistics remain essential, but they are the baseline. The differentiator is the depth of expertise and the quality of partnership a distributor brings.

3. How are AI, cloud and cybersecurity transforming customer engagement, and what new opportunities does this create for channel partners?

These three technologies are changing the conversation from “what should we buy” to “how do we run, secure and get more from what we have.” AI is moving into everyday business operations, cloud is the foundation it runs on, and cybersecurity is what makes both trustworthy. Customers increasingly see them as connected rather than separate decisions.

For partners, that opens opportunities well beyond one-time sales: advisory and assessment work, integration, migration, ongoing optimisation and security operations. The partner who can guide a customer across all three becomes a long-term advisor rather than a vendor. Because this work is continuous, it also builds the recurring relationships that sustain a business over time.

4. Managed services are gaining traction as businesses seek long-term technology support. What opportunities do you see for Indian partners to build sustainable recurring revenue through managed services?

Managed services are one of the clearest routes to durable revenue for Indian partners. Businesses, particularly mid-sized organisations, often lack the in-house resources to manage increasingly complex environments, and they are looking for a trusted partner to take that on. That creates demand for monitoring, security operations, cloud management, infrastructure support and ongoing optimisation.

The opportunity is strongest for partners who start with a focused service that fits their strengths and expand from there, rather than trying to cover everything at once. Success depends on consistent delivery, clear service definitions and building trust over time. Distributors can help by lowering the barrier to entry, so that partners can build service capability without carrying all the investment and risk themselves.

5. What are channel partners looking for from distributors today beyond product availability, pricing and logistics? How can distributors become strategic growth partners for them?

Partners are looking for help growing their business, not just fulfilling orders. In practice that means technical and commercial guidance on new technology areas, support in building services and recurring revenue models, access to the right expertise when a customer opportunity gets complex, and flexibility to move as the market moves.

A distributor becomes a strategic growth partner by investing in the partner’s capability and being present at the point where deals are won. That requires listening closely to what partners need, being transparent, and measuring success by their growth rather than by volume shipped.

6. MITSUMI Distribution entered India in January 2026. What opportunities did you identify in the Indian market, and how does India fit into MITSUMI’s broader global growth strategy?

India stood out for the scale and pace of its digital transformation. Enterprises, government and a fast-growing mid-market are all investing in modernisation, and the demand for AI, cloud and cybersecurity is rising across them. The channel is also at an inflection point, moving towards solution-led and recurring models, which is where a value-added distributor can make a real difference.

For MITSUMI, India is a strategic part of our growth story. Our business spans the Middle East, Africa and India, and each market contributes differently. India brings scale, depth of talent and a dynamic partner community, and it strengthens our ability to serve partners and vendors across these connected regions. We have set up offices in eight locations across India, and we are approaching the market as a long-term commitment, building steadily and learning as we go.

7. What are MITSUMI Distribution’s key priorities for building its India partner ecosystem, particularly across infrastructure, networking, cybersecurity, cloud and emerging technologies?

Our first priority is to listen and build relationships with partners, understanding where they are today and where they want to go before we shape what we offer. We want to build an ecosystem grounded in real partner needs rather than a pre-set template. Our offices across eight locations in India help us stay close to partners in different markets.

From there, our focus is on building a portfolio that reflects how customers buy, with infrastructure, networking, cybersecurity, cloud and emerging technologies working together as integrated solutions rather than separate lines. We want to grow with partners in a measured way, being selective about where we invest and keeping the quality of the partnership ahead of the pace of expansion.

8. MITSUMI has a strong presence across the Middle East and Africa. What learnings from these markets can be applied to the Indian channel, and where do you see India requiring a different approach?

Operating across the Middle East and Africa has taught us that partner-led engagement works best when it is close and consistent. Partners value a distributor who understands their business, adapts to local conditions and stays with them over the long term. We have also learned the importance of helping partners move up the value chain, from product resale towards services and solutions, and of operating across diverse markets with different needs while keeping a consistent standard of partnership.

India calls for a different approach in several ways. The scale of the market, the density and diversity of the partner community, and the importance of regional depth beyond the metros mean a model that works elsewhere cannot simply be transplanted. Regulatory expectations, including around data, also shape how customers and partners make decisions. We will take our principles with us and let the Indian market shape how we apply them.

9. As MITSUMI expands its presence in India, how do you plan to support partners through technical enablement, training, pre-sales capabilities and solution expertise?

Enablement has to be built around what partners actually need, so we are starting by understanding where the gaps are: technical skills, solution design, pre-sales support or help taking services to market. Our approach is to develop this capability in step with partner needs and the growth of our portfolio, rather than announcing a broad programme before it is ready to deliver value.

What partners can expect from us is a commitment to invest in their capability over time, working with them on real opportunities and building the expertise that helps them win and deliver. We would rather build it properly and earn credibility than promise more than we can support.

10. Looking ahead, what will the Indian IT channel look like over the next three to five years, and what role does MITSUMI Distribution aim to play in shaping this evolution?

Over the next three to five years, I expect the Indian channel to be more solution-led, more services-driven and more specialised. Recurring revenue will become central to partner business models, and the line between products, services and outcomes will continue to blur. Partners who build depth in specific areas and combine technologies into coherent solutions will pull ahead, and ecosystems will matter more than individual transactions.

Our role is to be a dependable enabler within that shift. We aim to help partners build the capabilities and confidence to move in this direction, bringing the experience we have gained across our markets and adapting it to India. If we do that well, our success will follow from theirs.

The Infotech Software Dealers Association (ISODA) concluded its United Summit 2026 at Alila Diwa Goa with its Annual General Meeting taking centre stage and marking the beginning of a new chapter for the association. The three-day gathering, held from 18 to 20 September, brought together ISODA members, technology partners and ecosystem stakeholders for business conversations, knowledge sharing, networking and collaboration.

The AGM was the defining moment of the Summit, providing members with an opportunity to come togethear, review the association’s journey and formally welcome the new Management Committee. The new leadership team takes charge with the responsibility of building on ISODA’s strong member-led foundation while creating greater value, stronger participation and wider opportunities for the IT channel community.

A New Management Committee Takes Charge

The new Management Committee represents a broad cross-section of the ISODA community and will carry forward the association’s work across its national and regional network. The committee will be responsible for strengthening member engagement, supporting regional chapters, building industry relationships and continuing the initiatives that bring the community together.

The new committee assumes responsibility at a time when the technology channel is evolving rapidly and member expectations are expanding. Its mandate will include keeping the association closely connected to the needs of members while continuing to create platforms for interaction with technology companies, industry bodies and other ecosystem partners.

United Summit 2026: Three Days of Business, Knowledge and Community

The United Summit 2026 was designed around the core spirit of ISODA, Unite. Engage. Accelerate. The programme combined structured sessions with informal networking, partner interactions, stall visits and community-led conversations, allowing members to engage with both business opportunities and the broader direction of the technology ecosystem.

Some of the key highlights of the United Summit 2026 were: 100+ Industry Participants – ISODA members, technology companies, industry leaders, distributors, ISVs and other stakeholders – came together for networking, knowledge sharing, collaboration and business opportunities. United Summit Expo was grandly successful with 20 Stalls from ISODA’s ISV and Distributor members, event sponsors and representatives from the MSME ecosystem, providing opportunities to showcase solutions, connect with partners and customers, and strengthen business networks.

Day 1: Welcome, Networking and Industry Collaboration

The Summit opened on Friday, 18 September with member check-ins and lunch, followed by the formal welcome and agenda setting. The afternoon created dedicated time for members to visit partner stalls, reconnect with peers and begin conversations in an informal setting. High tea provided another opportunity for networking before the evening’s industry-focused sessions.

One of the important moments of Day 1 was the Goa IT Association presentation and the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between ISODA and the Goa IT Association. The collaboration reflects an effort to connect two technology ecosystems and create a stronger platform for knowledge exchange, joint engagement and opportunities for members.

The day also featured a session by the MSME ecosystem on cybersecurity and MSME benefits, bringing practical industry considerations into the Summit programme. Members then had free time before coming together for the Welcome Dinner at the pre-function area.

Day 2: Keynote, Partner Sessions and Member Conversations

Saturday, 19 September began with the inauguration of the Summit followed by the keynote address. The keynote set the tone for a day focused on business thinking, industry developments and the opportunities emerging for the technology channel.

The morning continued with sponsor presentations, giving participating partners an opportunity to engage directly with the ISODA community. Sessions by Sixscape, Acronis, Halofort and Vembu were followed by a coffee break and stall visits, keeping the programme closely connected to technology discovery and business conversations.

A dedicated session with Nandak Pandya, titled “Current Scenario of ISODA Members – Opportunities, Challenges & the way out”, provided members with a focused platform to examine the current business environment, the challenges facing the community and possible ways forward. The session added a member-centric perspective to the day’s broader industry discussions.

The programme then moved into further stall visits and lunch before the Annual General Meeting. With three hours dedicated to the AGM, the afternoon became the central governance and community moment of the Summit, culminating in the formal transition to the new Management Committee.

The AGM: The Defining Moment of the Summit

The AGM represented more than a formal association requirement. It was the point at which the ISODA community came together to participate in the association’s governance and begin its next leadership chapter. The transition to the new Management Committee places renewed emphasis on member participation, regional engagement and a coordinated approach to strengthening the value of the association.

The new committee will build on the work of previous leadership teams while continuing to develop the platforms through which members connect with one another, technology partners and the wider industry. With ISODA’s network spanning 200+ member organisations, 20,000+ feet-on-street, 150+ cities covered, nine regional chapters and 1,000+ ecosystem alliances, the scale of the community provides a strong foundation for the next phase of the association’s journey.

Celebrating Excellence and Closing the Summit

The formal business programme of Day 2 concluded with free time followed by the Gala Dinner and ISODA Awards for Business Excellence 2026. The awards provided a platform to recognize achievements across the ISODA community and celebrate organizations that are contributing to the growth and evolution of the technology ecosystem. During the Day 2 presentations, all exhibitors were also tasked with giving a 60 second elevator pitch. The same jury that judged the ISODA Awards for Business Excellence 2026.

The Winners of the Awards for Business Excellence 2026 and their categories are as under:

The Winner of the Best Elevator Pitch Amongst Exhibitors was:

The final morning offered members a relaxed close to three days that had combined formal association business with networking, industry engagement and community interaction.

A Platform for the Next Chapter

The United Summit 2026 demonstrated the breadth of ISODA’s role as a member-led technology association. From the AGM and leadership transition to the Goa IT Association collaboration, industry sessions, sponsor engagements, member dialogue and Excellence Awards, the programme created multiple touchpoints for members to connect and participate.

As the new Management Committee begins its term, the focus will remain on strengthening the association from the ground up, with active regional chapters, meaningful member engagement, relevant industry conversations and opportunities that translate into tangible value for the ISODA community.

The celebration featured a Reward and Recognition ceremony, honouring channel partners for their contribution, commitment and continued association with iBall. The event served as a platform to acknowledge the strength of the brand’s partner network and the role it has played in taking iBall closer to consumers across markets.

Over the last 25 years, iBall has established itself as a noticeable brand in India’s technology and IT peripherals landscape, building a broad distribution and channel network. The brand’s growth has been closely aligned with the evolution of India’s technology consumption, with its portfolio and market approach adapting to changing consumer requirements and emerging opportunities.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Sandeep Doshi, Director, iBall, said, “Completing 25 years is an important milestone for iBall, but for us, this is not an endpoint. it is the beginning of another chapter. Our journey has been built on the trust, support and cooperation of our channel partners, and we are deeply grateful for their continued association with us. There are many more milestones to achieve and opportunities to explore. As we move forward, we remain committed to strengthening our partnerships, evolving with the market and creating greater value for our entire tech ecosystem.”

The 25-year milestone also comes at a time when India’s technology and consumer electronics ecosystem is undergoing significant transformation, driven by digital adoption, changing consumption patterns and the rapid evolution of retail and distribution. Against this backdrop, iBall sees its channel network as an important pillar in its strategy for the next phase of growth.

The Malaysia celebration brought together the brand and its channel community in an environment focused on recognition, collaboration and the road ahead. Beyond commemorating the past, the event reinforced iBall’s commitment to its partners and its ambition to build on its established market presence.

As iBall enters its next chapter, the brand remains focused on strengthening its ecosystem, deepening market engagement and identifying new opportunities for growth. The 25-year milestone, therefore, represents not only a celebration of the journey so far, but also a renewed commitment to the many milestones that lie ahead.

]]> https://channeltimes.com/iball-marks-25-years-of-legacy-celebrates-with-channel-partners-in-malaysia/feed/ 0 https://channeltimes.com/opswat-partners-with-redington-to-scale-critical-infrastructure-protection-across-metacis/ https://channeltimes.com/opswat-partners-with-redington-to-scale-critical-infrastructure-protection-across-metacis/#respond Thu, 01 Oct 2026 12:39:39 +0000 https://channeltimes.com/?p=16638

The partnership combines OPSWAT’s critical infrastructure security solutions with regional reach, financing and 24/7 services to strengthen resilience across government, defence, energy and other essential sectors

OPSWAT today announced a distribution partnership covering the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), Levant, Türkiye, Africa and the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS). The partnership combines OPSWAT’s CIP portfolio with Redington’s on-the-ground sales, technical, warehousing, logistics and financing capabilities. Together, OPSWAT and Redington will widen access to specialised protection for segmented, air-gapped and operational technology (OT) environments across government, defence, banking, telecoms, energy, utilities and other regulated sectors.

The agreement will have an initial emphasis on solutions such as MetaDefender Kiosk™ and MetaDefender Optical Diode™ for government, defence and OT environments. Redington’s local stockholding, logistics infrastructure and in-country technical resources will support the movement and deployment of these solutions across a region in which procurement requirements vary significantly and supply-chain continuity remains under pressure. Its financing capabilities will also help partners pursue complex, multi-stage projects, particularly in frontier markets.

Critical infrastructure has become an increasingly visible front in geopolitical conflict, with both cyber and physical incidents demonstrating how rapidly disruption can spread beyond the initial target and  particularly affecting growth markets. The World Economic Forum’s Global Cybersecurity Outlook 2025 found that 36% of organisations in Africa lacked confidence in their country’s preparedness to respond to a major cyber incident affecting critical infrastructure, compared with 15% in Europe and North America.

The partnership will enable channel partners to build integrated solutions addressing the security and compliance requirements of critical environments. OPSWAT’s specialised capabilities for protecting files, removable media, segmented networks and OT environments can be combined with infrastructure and cybersecurity technologies available through Redington’s wider portfolio. Partners can then add assessments, implementation and professional services to deliver complete, outcome-based CIP propositions rather than standalone products.

Managed services will form a central part of this partnership. Through Redington’s DigiGlass offering, partners will be able to extend customer engagements into 24/7 security operations without having to make the upfront investment required to build their own security operations capabilities. 

Hussam Sidani, Regional Vice President – META, OPSWAT, said, “Critical infrastructure customers cannot wait for technology to clear borders, financing gaps or skills shortages. Redington brings resilience on all three fronts. Its financial stability gives partners the confidence to pursue complex, multi-stage projects; its regional stock and logistics help keep hardware-led deployments moving when supply chains are under pressure; and programs like DigiGlass give partners a path from product resale into recurring, higher-value managed services.”

Sayantan Dev, Chief Executive Officer, Software Solutions Group, Redington, said, “Critical infrastructure is becoming increasingly connected, making its protection more complex and more critical. As AI accelerates both innovation and the sophistication of emerging threats, partners need the right technologies, expertise and support to stay ahead. This is where technology ecosystem orchestration becomes important – bringing together the right security capabilities, partner expertise and market context. Through our partnership with OPSWAT, we aim to enable partners to strengthen cyber resilience, address emerging AI-driven risks and build relevant solutions that help customers protect the critical infrastructure their businesses and economies depend on.”

During the first 12 months, OPSWAT and Redington will prioritise Africa, Türkiye and CIS through recruiting and certifying partners, building qualified pipeline and pursuing early customer reference wins. OPSWAT will lead technical certification and enablement, while Redington drives partner recruitment and channel logistics across the region. The same partner, enablement and go-to-market framework will be available across the wider METAPCIS footprint from day one, with execution tailored to local regulations, procurement requirements and channel readiness.

]]> https://channeltimes.com/opswat-partners-with-redington-to-scale-critical-infrastructure-protection-across-metacis/feed/ 0 https://channeltimes.com/engineering-immersive-architecture-strategic-deployment-of-direct-view-led-and-projection-mapping/ https://channeltimes.com/engineering-immersive-architecture-strategic-deployment-of-direct-view-led-and-projection-mapping/#respond Thu, 01 Oct 2026 10:51:04 +0000 https://channeltimes.com/?p=16631 India’s Professional Audio-Visual (ProAV) market is undergoing a structural shift, moving from simple hardware procurement toward outcome-driven visual infrastructure. Driven by the rapid expansion of Global Capability Centers (GCCs), AI research labs, and cultural tourism projects across Tier-II and Tier-III cities, enterprise buyers are prioritizing lifecycle value, total cost of ownership (TCO), and operational uptime over upfront pricing. Today’s deployments increasingly rely on application-specific technology choices—ranging from direct-view LED video walls in mission-critical command centers to projection mapping installations in immersive heritage venues—backed by strong local technical support and reliable serviceability.

This evolution is further highlighted by strong buyer commitment at key industry forums, where live project budgets demonstrate a clear demand for seamless collaboration and immersive storytelling tools. As visual environments become central to both corporate innovation and public engagement, success depends on integrating high-resolution display hardware with advanced image processing, calibration, and content management systems. “The conversation is moving beyond ‘What does it cost?’ to ‘What value will it deliver throughout its lifecycle?’ and that is a positive development for the industry,” said Rishubh Nayar, ProAV Sales Director for India at Christie Digital.

1) Why is ProAV buying shifting from upfront price to lifecycle value, including TCO, reliability and serviceability?

India’s ProAV market remains highly competitive, but customers are becoming increasingly sophisticated in how they evaluate technology investments. Rather than focusing solely on upfront acquisition costs, many organizations are now considering the total cost of ownership, including reliability, energy efficiency, maintenance requirements, operational uptime, and long-term support.

This shift is particularly evident in mission-critical environments such as command-and-control centers, transportation infrastructure, corporate facilities, and public venues, where system downtime can have significant operational consequences. In these applications, reliability and serviceability often have a much greater impact on long-term costs than the initial purchase price.

Economic factors have also played a role. Currency fluctuations and pricing volatility have encouraged organizations to make more deliberate purchasing decisions and seek solutions that can deliver predictable performance over many years.

As a result, customers are increasingly looking for proven technologies backed by strong local support, comprehensive warranties, and readily available technical expertise. The conversation is moving beyond “What does it cost?” to “What value will it deliver throughout its lifecycle?” and that is a positive development for the industry.

2) How are application-specific requirements shaping technology choices, including where projection or direct-view LED make the most sense?

Customers are increasingly selecting technologies based on application requirements rather than following a one-size-fits-all approach. The discussion today is less about projection versus direct-view LED and more about choosing the right solution for the intended outcome.

Direct-view LED continues to gain traction in command-and-control centers, corporate environments, transportation hubs, and public spaces where brightness, visibility, scalability, and continuous operation are critical. Its flexibility also makes it well suited for experience centers and large-format visual displays.

Projection remains the preferred choice for many immersive environments, including museums, visitor attractions, cultural destinations, projection mapping installations, and themed experiences. It offers unique creative possibilities, particularly when content needs to be integrated with architecture, physical objects, or unconventional surfaces.

Increasingly, we are also seeing hybrid deployments where projection and LED are used together to achieve specific design and storytelling objectives. Ultimately, customers are making technology decisions based on audience engagement, environmental conditions, operational requirements, and desired outcomes rather than selecting a technology category first and designing around it.

3) How are GCCs, AI labs and experience centres creating new visual infrastructure requirements?

The rapid expansion of Global Capability Centers (GCCs) is creating entirely new use cases for ProAV technologies in India. These facilities are no longer back-office operations; many have evolved into innovation hubs focused on artificial intelligence (AI), product development, engineering, analytics, and customer engagement.

As organizations invest in AI labs, briefing centers, and experience spaces, there is growing demand for advanced visualization environments that can communicate complex ideas and showcase capabilities in engaging ways. These spaces require high-resolution displays, collaborative visualization systems, interactive touch technologies, and flexible content-sharing platforms.

What makes these environments different is that they often serve multiple functions, acting as demonstration facilities, executive briefing centers, collaboration spaces, and customer engagement venues simultaneously. This places greater emphasis on visual quality, seamless user experiences, and system flexibility.

The result is a growing demand for display technologies that can support both collaboration and storytelling, helping organizations communicate innovation, accelerate decision-making, and create memorable experiences for customers, partners, and stakeholders.

4) Why are museums, tourism destinations, heritage sites and public venues emerging as important areas of ProAV investment, including in Tier-II and Tier-III cities?

India possesses an extraordinary wealth of cultural, historical, and linguistic heritage, creating unique opportunities for technology-enabled storytelling. Increasingly, organizations and government agencies are using ProAV technologies to bring these stories to life in ways that are more immersive, engaging, and accessible to modern audiences.

A key driver is the growing investment in tourism and destination development. Museums, heritage sites, and public attractions are no longer viewed simply as places that display information. They are becoming experience-driven environments designed to encourage deeper engagement and increase visitor appeal.

Projects such as the permanent projection mapping installations at Rani-ki-Vav in Gujarat and Leh Palace in Ladakh demonstrate how visual technologies can enhance cultural storytelling while preserving the integrity of historic sites.

Importantly, this trend is extending beyond major metropolitan areas. Tier-II and Tier-III cities are increasingly investing in museums, cultural attractions, and public venues to strengthen tourism, celebrate local heritage, and create new economic opportunities. This is expanding the geographic reach of ProAV adoption across India and creating a growing pipeline of immersive experience projects.

5) What does InfoComm India 2026 reveal about the direction of India’s ProAV market?

InfoComm India 2026 reinforced the strength and maturity of India’s ProAV market. More importantly, it demonstrated that growth is being driven not just by attendance, but by serious buyers with active projects and approved budgets. According to AVIXA, the event attracted 13,275 business attendees from 49 countries, while 54% of attendees arrived with approved AV budgets and invited buyers represented approximately US$328.5 million in live project opportunities.

From Christie’s perspective, the show highlighted three important trends. First, demand for immersive experiences continues to grow across museums, experience centers, cultural destinations, and public venues, aligning closely with our projection and visualization portfolio. Second, direct-view LED remains a rapidly expanding category as customers seek larger, brighter, and more flexible display solutions. Christie reflected this trend by showcasing an expanded LED portfolio at the event. Finally, artificial intelligence is becoming part of the broader ProAV conversation, not as a standalone technology but as an enabler of smarter collaboration, content creation, and system management.

Overall, InfoComm India 2026 demonstrated that the market is becoming more sophisticated, more experience-focused, and increasingly driven by tangible business outcomes rather than technology adoption alone.

As printing needs grow across homes, education, entrepreneurship and businesses, Canon is strengthening its presence across Tier II, III and IV cities, where rising entrepreneurship, digital adoption and education-led demand are creating new opportunities for printing solutions. By expanding its network across 700 cities, Canon aims to bring its products closer to customers while strengthening product availability, brand visibility and access to expert consultation and service support. This expansion is complemented by investments in product innovation, digital commerce and partner capabilities, enabling Canon and its partners to gain deeper insights into local requirements and respond with relevant solutions for diverse customer segments.

Building on the Canon Passport Program, which supports more than 5,000 active reseller partners through a digital rewards and engagement platform, Canon India is introducing BizBee to extend its partner-enablement efforts to the B2B ecosystem. The platform will provide System Integrators, Value-Added Resellers and other partners with access to incentives, product and solution training, technical certifications, business resources and digital tools, enabling stronger capabilities and solution-led engagement. Alongside its expanding retail and omnichannel presence, BizBee will help build a more connected and future-ready partner ecosystem.

Speaking on the expansion, Mr. Toshiaki Nomura, President & CEO, Canon India, said, “India is central to Canon’s long-term growth ambitions, underpinned by the resilience of its economy and the emergence of new centres of enterprise and consumption. As education, digitisation and infrastructure reshape demand across Tier 3 and Tier 4 markets, we see a significant opportunity to unlock the next phase of growth for our printing business. Our ambition to build a network of over 10,000 active retailers across 700 cities by 2027 reflects our commitment to invest ahead of the curve and bring Canon closer to customers through trusted touchpoints that combine first-hand product experience with expert guidance. By combining scale with customer-led innovation and strong channel partnerships, we are positioning Canon to lead and shape the future of printing in India.”

To support this growth ambition, Canon is strengthening an integrated omnichannel ecosystem spanning traditional resellers, large-format retail chains, e-commerce, quick commerce and enterprise-focused partners. This enables customers to discover, experience and purchase Canon products through their preferred channels. Canon’s retail ecosystem includes more than 400 active PIXMA Zones across India, with plans to roll out over 500 PIXMA Zone Lite stores this year, while Canon eSHOP extends digital access by enabling authorised resellers to showcase and sell Canon products through a trusted platform.

Alongside its expanding retail presence, Canon is investing in retailer engagement and frontline capabilities across its network. The Retail Display Incentive Program engages over 1,000 partners to strengthen in-store visibility, while the RetailChamp Initiative is being scaled from 400 to more than 1,000 retail sales personnel, enhancing product knowledge and customer consultation. Together, these initiatives support a more consistent customer experience across Canon’s expanding retail network.

Together, these initiatives enable a more consistent customer experience and help Canon and its partners respond effectively to opportunities across India. Beyond its retail network, Canon also aims to expand its System Integrator ecosystem to more than 500 partners nationwide, strengthening its reach across enterprise, education and government segments.

Elaborating on the channel strategy, Mr. C Sukumaran, Vice President, Canon India, said, “Our channel ecosystem will be central to translating Canon’s growth ambition into business impact. As we expand our reach, our focus is on building the capabilities of our partners and frontline teams to understand local needs, create demand and deliver trusted customer experience. Through initiatives such as Canon Passport, RetailChamp and BizBee, we are strengthening partner engagement, knowledge and enablement across the ecosystem. BizBee, in particular, will equip our B2B partners and System Integrators with the training, certifications and business tools needed to unlock opportunities across enterprise, education and government segments. Together, these efforts will help us build a more capable partner network and drive solution-led growth across consumer, SME and institutional markets.”

By bringing together an evolving product portfolio, deeper regional access, digital commerce and stronger partner capabilities, Canon is building a connected and future-ready printing ecosystem. These investments will strengthen the company’s leadership, deliver a consistent customer experience from discovery to after-sales support, and make printing increasingly relevant across learning, creativity, productivity and entrepreneurship.