Number of opportunities for Big Data in government, telco, finance and manufacturing sectors: MD, Teradata Pakistan

BR Research: What are major accomplishments, developments for Teradata in Pakistan since spin-off from NCR?
Khurram Rahat: Since spinning off from NCR, Teradata's focus was to establish its independent identity and consolidate its position in the market and ensure that customers do so as well. This was managed quite successfully and Teradata's operations have grown in strength. We have also expanded our Global Consulting Centre in the country, whereby, in addition to the existing set-up in Islamabad, a new facility was set-up in Lahore to accommodate additional resources and serve as Disaster Recovery set-up.
BRR: What is the quantum of data warehousing by the company in the country, share in existing market and market positioning compared to competition (Oracle, IBM, Microsoft)?
KR: It is difficult to quantify the quantum of data warehousing market due to confidentiality reasons. However Teradata is the market leader with almost 75 percent of the enterprise data warehousing market in Pakistan. Here, I am referring to organisations with proper data warehousing set ups and not instances where an organisation may have a business intelligence tool running or may be claiming to have a single database holding data.
BRR: What are key opportunity areas in the country where Big Data can be an enabler? Explain how Teradata plays a role.
KR: Teradata was established specifically for the purpose of enabling companies to organise large amounts of data from various sources to gain insights for making strategic and operational decisions. Over the years, as the business needs and technology have evolved, Teradata has maintained its leadership position and has worked with partners to evolve a Unified Data Architecture best suited for Big Data requirements for different customers.
There are a number of opportunities for Big Data in the country across different sectors and industries. Government, Telecom, Finance and Manufacturing sector are key areas. Use cases would include; retention analysis, fraud and risk analysis, social network analysis, sentiment analysis etc.
BRR: Teradata is recognised among most ethical companies globally. How does the company operate in an environment where IP laws and protection are nascent?
KR: Teradata prides itself of being among the most ethical companies globally. Yes, In Pakistan there is bit of a challenge around IP laws implementation but things have improved over the year. In the sphere we operate the issue of IP laws is not that much. The main issue still is that, mostly organisations still underplay the value of software as compared to hardware and are reluctant to pay for the value.
BRR: What efforts are needed from government and regulators to better harness technology and specifically IT in Pakistan?
KR: I believe the biggest role that government can play is by investing itself in technology. Traditionally governments are the biggest spenders in any field. Investing in technology, on one hand, will boost the IT industry and at the same time will also help to improve efficiency of Government departments. The other aspect is making policies to promote and facilitate usage IT and development of IT infrastructure. In this regard government's Vision 2025 program has an important section related to promotion of IT in Pakistan.
BRR: What role Teradata is playing for the promotion of IT in Pakistan?
KR: Teradata in Pakistan is bringing a technological culture change to revolutionise the IT industry through special focus on customer service. Services are essential components of Teradata solutions and Teradata is a global leader in IT services delivery. We help clients transform transactions into relationships. We're a proven, trusted partner for businesses all across the globe. Teradata has invested significantly in taking leadership role in creating awareness about the importance of Enterprise Data Warehousing and Business Intelligence and thus highlighting importance of IT.
Teradata has been undertaking a number of activities to promote IT in Pakistan. These include; hosting Teradata National IT Excellence Awards, which have come to be recognised as the premier recognition event for IT community in Pakistan. Teradata has been supporting various professional bodies like; Project Management Institute, Toastmasters Club etc and leadership forums like; CIO Summit, South Asia Leadership Summit etc.