SMBs is the engine that drives the Indian Economy. It shares 34% of the GDP in FY-19 and employed 110 million people, ranking second after agriculture. It was evident that the CoVID-19 pandemic has hurt this sector the most, crippling the economy itself. However, according to a NASSCOM report, SMBs with an online presence are more resilient and have greater revenue growth potential.
The pandemic has induced a digital transformation among businesses. There has been a rise in demand of tools for collaboration, communication, customer relationship management (CRM), business intelligence, marketing, security, etc to counter disruptions and increase global competitiveness. Cloud computing, Cyber Security, and Big Data Analytics are the three fundamental technologies in this shift.
Cloud computing, Cyber Security and Big Data Analytics are the
three fundamental technologies in this shift.
The adoption of cloud computing technology particularly can have a significant impact in the cost efficiency and thereby play a major role in growth and prosperity of the SMBs. Cloud technology allows solutions such as CRM, ERP, web servers, enterprise applications, IoT solutions, etc. hosted as SaaS-based applications by an online service provider charged on a pay as you go basis.
The public cloud market of India expected to grow at a CAGR of 30% to Rs 630 billion by FY25 from Rs 170 billion as of FY20. SMBs have the potential to constitute 28-30% of this market as per NASSCOM. It has been reported that 63% of the 1000 responding SMBs were using cloud already with a varying maturity levels. Although, half (47%) are at a nascent stage.
Apart from the IT and ITES, BFSI, media & entertainment, retail, automotive, healthcare and manufacturing are emerging verticals for adoption in India.
Cloud technologies, which seemed too enterprisy earlier, is the new norm. According to Salesforce yearly report, here are the major business reasons for strong online presence.
Figure: Cloud adoption among SMBs
Source: Nasscom
Top 5 Reasons SMBs Have Moved Operations Online over the Past Year Globally
| Serve customers safely | 43% |
| Cater to customer convenience | 37% |
| Enable safer work arrangements for employees | 32% |
| Increase productivity | 30% |
| Stay competitive | 29% |
Generating awareness among non-IT businesses about the benefits of going digital and cloud adoption is the need of the hour.
The lack of necessary knowledge and education in adopting cloud technologies has been a major challenge in adoption of cloud technology. Traditionally, SMBs consider technology adoption as an expense over investment. More than 50 per cent of respondents cited lack of management support, talent and capital as key constraints for cloud adoption, the survey.
Possibilities
SMBs that adopted cloud have been able to drive 25-30 per cent productivity improvement and 15-20 per cent reduction in operational costs. There is a need to understand that, in order to improve cost-efficiency, drive productivity, and respond to market changes quickly cloud is the most economical way forward thus making it an investment rather than an additional expense.
Cloud adoption beyond IT
Cloud is the way forward, while the pandemic has accelerated the cloud adoption, we need to be careful with the process. Midsize enterprises accelerated their digital initiatives in response to a sudden demand for remote work. However, they are hindered by the existing division of responsibilities, decision-making processes, and ways of working. For midsize enterprises to develop their digital needs with limited resources, they must apply practices from the new IT charter such as:
More than 50 percent of respondents cited lack of management support, talent, and capital as key constraints for cloud adoption
Wrapping it up, embracing technology is the way forward, to stay competitive. As an SMB you may have the migration advantage (lesser tech debt, faster migration). It’s advisable to have a holistic approach. Operational and customer excellence along with improved employee productivity are gaining traction in the SMB segment. You might consider them in your next budget.
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