"We are aiming for a five- percent share of the pie"

PCS Industries, the hardware division of the Patni group, is trying its hand
at consulting. In an interview with Nanda Kasabe of CyberMedia News, VP Joy
Anthony, Executive, Consultancy Division, PCS Industries spoke about the company
plans for the three-month-old division.

PCS Industries is primarily into hardware. What is the reason for getting
into consulting?

Information security requirements have become important for any organization
relying heavily on IT for their businesses. The days are gone when organizations
lived in the comfort of security by implementing a firewall and antivirus. Fear
from hackers (both internal and external) and viruses are not the reasons why
businesses fail today. Lack of knowledge in implementing technology, lack of
processes, lack of policies and lack of management systems are the reasons why
an organization goes out of businesses.

IT has been a catalyst for the geometric growth of some of the blue chip
companies and the same IT could well be the reasons for death of some, if the
issues of information security are taken lightly.

PCS consulting division has ventured into the field of consulting largely due
to the demand from the existing customers who are already utilizing the services
of hardware, networking and IT services.

How would you describe the network security market in
India and what kind of clientele would you target?

The Indian security market is worth Rs 150 crore. We are aiming for a five-
percent share of the pie. Over 90 percent of our business will come from
companies whose networks are in place but need to improve on performance,
scalability and security.

PCS has set up testing facilities to provide customers with
eternal penetration testing and vulnerability assessment services. Other testing
services include host based vulnerability assessment and OS hardening, packet
filtering and analysis, congestion check and network monitoring. Our strength
lies in technology, personnel and spread across India.

PCS has its presence in the Middle East market with its
operations from Dubai, which caters to markets in Middle East, West Asia and
Africa. We are all geared up to set up operations in the Middle East and UK in
the current financial year with an investment of Rs two crore.

What does PCS aim to do in the network security business?

Risk analysis services are being offered to customers who are interested in
understanding the business impact that each vulnerability would pose on the
business process and IT assets of the organization. PCS is using a Risk Analysis
Tool (RAT) to carry out the assessment. Policy development services are on offer
to customers who have completed the risk analysis phase and are in the process
of evolving policies to mitigate risk. Organization after completing the Risk
Analysis phase may opt to secure both IT related and Non-IT related information.
In such cases the organization moves into implementing BS 7799 or the
Information Security Management Standards (ISMS). These have become a norm for
BPOs, banking and financial sector, NBFC and companies relying heavily on ERP in
their businesses. PCS uses qualified personnel with CISA and BS 77999
certification to carry out the implementation and audit. Network security audit
services are being offered to customers who have completed the risk analysis
phase.

Any plans for ramping up operations on the consulting
side?

PCS Industries is looking at expanding its team strength to 75 employees by
this year-end. The consulting division currently has 25 people across India. Our
major clients are Konkan Railways, State Bank of India, Bank of India, Indian
Airlines, Mico and Hero Honda.