Going Wireless
The emergence of wireless technologies into the mainstream is having a positive impact on the cabling industry. Structured cabling and connectivity vendors see wireless as a logical adjunct to the wired network, and many have expanded their product offerings with end-to-end wireless systems.

A significant market trend in India is that providers of wiring infrastructure have expanded their offerings as widespread wireless LAN deployment appears inevitable. Many are starting out with distributed wireless systems that are likely to evolve as technology continues to evolve.

For instance, the Systimax AirSPEED solution includes the AP541 and AP542 APs, antennas, and rack-mounted midspan PoE devices. ADC Krone introduced their Digivance WFX Wi-Fi WLAN Array Solutions last year. Each Digivance WLAN array includes an embedded controller (WLAN switch) and 4, 8, or 16 integrated access points, providing simultaneous non-overlapping channels. D-Link also offers a range of enterprise wireless products under the brands Air Spot and Air Premiere that conform to the IEEE 802.11a/g standards.

Some cable and connectivity vendors have taken a different approach with their wireless systems. Panduit teamed up with wireless networking provider Cisco Systems to deliver the PACT Wireless Connection Solution that includes Cisco distributed and centralized wireless APs, WLAN controllers, and antennas, and Panduit wireless AP enclosures, PoE patch panels, and connectivity.

So, as long as companies continue to add more cabling to support wireless access points (APs) in their offices, its good news for cable and connectivity vendors.

Vertical Growth
Data center cabling has emerged as another niche area for structured cabling solutions vendors. There are promising business opportunities for both fiber and cable solution providers.

The industry expects retail and manufacturing to be the booming segments for cabling business. With new technologies paving way for converged systems that include secure access to homes, cable television and broadband Internet, RFID, etc there is huge scope for expansion of the structured cabling market. Residential cabling is also likely to pick up.

Among the emerging potential segments, residential cabling is a significant one. The market drivers for this is broadband subscribers, VoIP, IPTV, multimedia networks (Windows XP Media Center-digital streaming audio/video and live recorded TV, photos, etc), online gaming (X-BOX 360), and fiber-to-premise (FTTP).

Residential cabling is intended to support existing and emerging services including voice, data, video, multimedia, home automation systems, environmental control, security, audio, television, sensors, alarms, and intercom.

Getting Bigger, Better
Reorganization is the order of the day as we see many vendors looking to strengthen their processes and customer support extensions. Customer satisfactions, indelible sales support along with a good channel partnership program, are key drivers in achieving an edge over the closest competitor.

In order to retain, sustain, as well as capture new opportunities, Tyco is increasing its presence in tier-3 and tier-4 cities through its national and regional distributor network with sales offices across all major metros, and also adding offices in Pune and Cochin. New offices are expected to open in Ahmedabad and Chandigarh.

In the enterprise market ADC Krone continues to aggressively focus on IT/ITeS, BFSI, BPO, and government verticals. It is eyeing immense potential in India as an important market for its telecom and enterprise solutions.

D-Link expects the coming year to be action-packed as it eyes emerging markets in tier-2 and tier-3 cities where new IT infrastructure is on the upswing. The company is confident of growing beyond 40% in the current fiscal.

Deepening its footholds in tier-2 and tier-3 cities with channel partners, Molex has also increased its direct presence in Ahmedabad, Kolkata, Hyderabad, Mumbai, and Pune. It also anticipates the market will further hot up with SEZ infrastructure boom, and it is already gearing up for it ahead of the pack. With such fierce segment growth in verticals Molex has set its growth target of 100% in the current fiscal.

As it looks to consolidate its position, Panduit is strengthening its focus on the 3Ps: processes, partners, and properties. Acknowledging the high potential of India as a hot destination, Panduit is opening two customer-briefing centers (CBCs) in Bangalore and Mumbai. This is aimed at improving eye-ball contact with customers and strengthening its channel partner program nationwide. The CBCs will also be a training ground for channel partners.

Belden expects to improve its revenue for FY 08 to touch Rs 38 crore. It has started a data center practice, focused on providing consultancy to customers. This revolutionary practice was launched in October 2006 and already has a few customers. Head quartered in India this practice will offer consulting, project management, audit support of the entire physical infrastructure (including power, cooling, cabling, enclosures, fire suppression, security etc) that goes into a data center.

Siemon is looking to strengthen its channel distribution network. At the same time, it has been working on cabling solutions beyond 10G, such as 40G or 100G. Dax is aggressively focusing on the SMB segment. Currently, Dax has on board over 150 Authorized Dax Service Providers (ADSPs) across India. The company is aiming to appoint another 100 by April 2008. It is optimistic of revenues of Rs 20 crore for 2007-08.

Staying Ahead
There is a new way of thinking emerging for smaller players. Its no longer about boxes but about ports and software. Players are looking more and more at providing customized end-to-end cabling solutions. With 10G over UTP, PoE and Intelligent cabling technologies gaining acceptance, cabling installations are becoming more skill-based than before. Following the right installation practices and adherence to standards is very important when it comes to new applications that require higher data rate transfers.

In order to stay ahead in the race the industry has given priority to staff retention and training. With numerous orders on hand, the installers are gearing up for training personnel and technicians. Understandably, they would love to see better supply and adequate staff to strike a balance.

The year ahead is optimistic and full of greater business opportunity. So, as India is tipped to be the 14^th highest IT spender by 2008, its business as usual for the structured cabling market.

Malovika Rao
malovikar@cybermedia.co.in

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