Banaglore, July 19: Internet and its applications are becoming easier with new computing paradigms, software and hardware and protocols but with inherent problems like fast diminishing IT compatibility and massive replacement needs. Still, an optimum use of Internet can have a telling effect on a company's bottomline. This message was oft repeated at the concluding day of the Connectivity India '97 meet at Bangalore on Saturday.

R N Raja, regional sales manager of the UK-based SCO, said changes to a company's infotech infrastructure can be need-based, as and when it is required. "Utilise your existing hardware optimally and manage it centrally," he explained. Simultaneously, he said, exploit the full benefits of Internet.

Deepak Phataka, dean, IIT Mumbai, had a few words of advice for the banking and finance sector. Charting out the central issues in online banking, he said minimisation of intermediation time and transformation and rapid delivery to destinations are issues worthy of immediate attention.

In the Indian scenario, he said a totally new approach is required as most of the banks are branch-oriented and without any customer service orientation. He urged banks to set up countrywide networks, standardise message formats, provide encryption and authentication and develop interbank solutions. The seminar on the telecom sector saw discussions on existing infrastructure and VSNL's ability to provide qualitative Internet service to subscribers.

Sameer Padhye of CISCO presented the example of Japan as a role model and said privatisation of all services was the only hope to improve the telecom industry in this country. Comparing foreign networks with Indian service providers, he said India needs to do a lot to be at par with them.

In the product presentation section, Motorola ISG demonstrated `Bitsurfr' that provides dynamic bandwidth allocation. The company is also providing features like high speed Internet access, desktop videoconferencing and dial back up for lease lines. According to Motorola, it has two analog ports for phone/fax, one RS 232 port for data and flash memory for upgrades.

The company has also demonstrated Remote VU, a full end-to-end solution, comprising a vanguard and daughtercard.

The company is looking at markets including banking ATM, retail stores, retail gas stations, parking lots and branch offices. Having a low bandwidth availability and remote visual accessibility, it can help in road traffic, unmanned facilities and critical guages.

Copyright © 1997 Indian Express Newspapers (Bombay) Ltd.