As global macroeconomic challenges intensify and the funding slowdown persists, Indian startups are reducing their cloud storage expenses—an essential component of tech businesses—by renegotiating contracts with major providers like AWS and Google Cloud, according to multiple startup founders.
Several companies have successfully cut cloud costs by 20%-30%, while growth-stage startups, such as e-commerce platforms Meesho and Dealshare, have reduced their cloud spending by as much as 50% to curb cash burn.
This competitive environment has ignited pricing battles among the leading cloud providers—Amazon Web Services (AWS), Google Cloud Platform, and Microsoft Azure—as they vie to attract startups amid the economic downturn.
In recent months, AWS competitors have approached various startups, offering lower pricing to encourage migration to their platforms, as confirmed by founders involved in these discussions. Some founders have also leveraged pricing offers from Google Cloud and Microsoft Azure to negotiate better terms with AWS, their primary cloud service provider.
Cybersecurity ecosystem
The Data Security Council of India projects that the cybersecurity ecosystem will expand significantly, requiring nearly one million professionals by 2025. Furthermore, the demand for cloud security expertise is expected to surge by 115% between 2020 and 2025, resulting in approximately 20,000 job openings, according to Narayan.
Staffing experts suggest that extensive reskilling or upskilling of the current workforce is essential for telecom companies to future-proof their operations. With the rollout of 5G, Indian mobile operators are anticipated to double their investments in network security due to the expected rise in vulnerabilities, which are particularly critical for enterprises.
However, establishing robust security teams is already proving challenging for telecom companies.
"Even without considering 5G specifically, the availability of security talent in the country is currently very limited. We need to bring more security professionals into the system to meet the growing demand,"
Bharti Airtel, one of India’s leading telecom operators, has been strategically preparing for the highly anticipated 5G rollout by focusing on upskilling its workforce. Recognizing the critical need for a skilled workforce in the fast-evolving tech landscape, Airtel has implemented comprehensive training programs to equip its professionals with cutting-edge knowledge. These initiatives include offering certification courses such as CCNA (Cisco Certified Network Associate) and CCNP (Cisco Certified Network Professional), globally recognized credentials that enhance expertise in network security, infrastructure, and cloud services.
As part of their commitment to employee development, Bharti Airtel provides these courses based on each employee’s skill level and eligibility, free of cost. This approach ensures that their workforce is prepared to meet the rising demand for network security and cloud computing skills, especially with the deployment of 5G networks. The rollout of 5G is expected to significantly increase network vulnerabilities, making it essential for telecom operators to strengthen their internal capabilities to maintain secure and resilient infrastructures.
With the demand for cloud security skills predicted to grow by 115% between 2020 and 2025, and the cybersecurity ecosystem requiring nearly one million professionals by 2025, Airtel’s focus on upskilling its workforce is a forward-thinking strategy. This initiative not only prepares them for the challenges associated with 5G but also enhances their ability to handle the growing complexities of cloud computing, network security, and enterprise-level IT security.
By investing in the development of cybersecurity and cloud security professionals, Bharti Airtel is positioning itself as a leader in the Indian telecom industry. This proactive approach ensures that they are well-equipped to handle the demands of the 5G era, offering improved services to enterprises and consumers alike. As other telecom operators follow suit, the focus on upskilling and certifications like CCNA and CCNP will become increasingly vital for staying competitive in the Indian telecommunications sector.
