An exclusive interface with Dr. Prashant Mishra

A&I : Take us through the journey of “ATOP Technologies Inc-INDIA” In India & Company’s Current Operations.

Absolutely. ATOP Technologies Inc-INDIA embarked on its journey a decade ago with a clear mission in mind: to revolutionize the industrial automation and networking sectors, particularly in the SAARC and EMEA regions.

With ever-changing market demand, we recognized the critical need for robust solutions in the areas of IACS cybersecurity. Along with industrial networking solutions, we are focusing on OT cybersecurity solutions to help critical infrastructure projects. Since our inception, we have been relentlessly working towards understanding market dynamics, tailoring our offerings, and providing solutions that not only meet but exceed the expectations of industries in these regions.

Our commitment to excellence and innovation has made us a trusted name in industrial automation, networking, and cybersecurity. Our Bangalore office, equipped with over 22+ specialized engineers, has been the backbone of our innovative solutions in industrial networking and automation, network management suite development & promotion of OT/IACS cybersecurity solutions along with providing robust business development and agile customer support to the customers.

Experiencing a 30% ARR growth year on year, we are aggressively expanding our footprint. Being a part of the Blackbear tech hive group has given us a unique edge, allowing us to stand out as an industrial networking manufacturer with over three decades of experience.

Our India office plays a crucial role in our global operations, significantly contributing by housing our sales and business development teams, which are primarily focused on the SAARC & EMEA regions. They drive our global customer acquisition efforts vigorously.

Additionally, our India office is also a hub for global Level 1 technical support, ensuring that our customers receive timely and effective assistance. The office also spearheads software development activities, reflecting our commitment to innovation and technological advancement.

Together, these multifaceted contributions from our India office are instrumental in bolstering ATOP Technologies’ global presence and operational efficiency.

 A&I: What are the Market Opportunities for Your Industrial Networking, Computing, and Automation Solutions Products in India? How do you plan to Position these Products?

India, with its vast landscape and rapid development, presents tremendous opportunities for our range of products. The future of intelligent transport systems, advanced highways projects, scalable power and substations, and surveillance projects is bright, and we are keen to be a part of this growth trajectory.

Our specific attention is directed towards sectors like manufacturing, utilities, and smart infrastructure. To cater to the distinctive requirements of these areas, we aim to tailor our product portfolio. Notably, we have:

• A comprehensive suite of products designed for smart cities.
• An IEC 61850 certified portfolio dedicated to power & substations.
• Solutions tailored for factory automation.

In the past two years, we have amplified our market presence through aggressive marketing strategies. Participating in expos and harnessing the power of digital platforms has notably enhanced our brand’s visibility. Proudly, our Industrial Ethernet Switches and Modbus Gateways have received accolades and approvals in the Oil & Gas sector. Moreover, we have successfully clinched significant projects in the ITS sectors and surveillance segments within India.

 A&I: What Is Your Marketing Strategy for the Indian Market?

Our marketing strategy is multifaceted and customer-centric, tailored to build strong and enduring relationships with our clients. Our focus is majorly on:

• Sector Specialization: Concentrating on intelligent transport systems, advanced highways projects, scalable power and substations, and surveillance projects in India, along with OT cybersecurity demanded solutions. Our approach is dedicated to understanding and addressing the unique needs of each sector comprehensively.
• Community Engagement: We believe in active engagement with the community. Conducting seminars and workshops are key aspects of our strategy, keeping us connected, receptive, and attuned to evolving needs and trends.
• Blend of Marketing Strategies: Utilizing a mix of marketing strategies allows us to optimize our reach and impact. From sector-specific strategies to broader approaches, we ensure that our offerings are effectively communicated and positioned in the market.
• Adaptation to Initiatives: Aligning ourselves with significant initiatives like the Make in India program, we ensure that our strategies resonate with broader developmental objectives and trends.
• Aggressive Content Marketing and Promotional Pricing: Leveraging aggressive content marketing and promotional pricing strategies, we aim to enhance our visibility, appeal, and accessibility, positioning ourselves as the vendor of choice for many customers.

 A&I:  Please Brief Us About “ATOP Technologies Inc-INDIA” Global Network & Infrastructure.

ATOP Technologies Inc-INDIA prides itself on having a substantial global footprint. Our network and infrastructure are meticulously established to effectively cater to various sectors across different regions. Here is a brief overview:

• Strong Global Presence: We have a well-established network with 10 offices scattered worldwide, each dedicated to serving and empowering various sectors. Our comprehensive global presence enables us to collaborate closely with local system integrators, partners, and channel solution providers for expansive distribution.
• Bangalore Office: Our office in Bangalore holds strategic significance. It acts as a pivotal hub, especially for the SAARC and EMEA regions, playing a crucial role in our global operations and outreach.
• Taiwan Headquarters (HQ): Taiwan stands as the nucleus of ATOP Technologies. It is the center of our Research & Development (R&D) and manufacturing activities. The headquarters is well-equipped to provide advanced Level 2 technical support, backed by a proficient team of product managers who work assiduously to assist and support our customers closely.

A&I: Can You Please Brief Us about Your Manufacturing Facilities & R&D Activities in India? Please Brief Us on Your Latest Top-Line Product Range?

With pleasure. Our operations, infused with a commitment to the ‘Make in India’ initiative, boast comprehensive manufacturing and R&D facets.

• Manufacturing Facilities:
  • Our facilities are equipped with T1, T2, and burn-in capabilities.
  • A focus on in-house firmware development and random sampling is maintained, spearheaded by a robust team of 22+ skilled engineers.
• R&D Activities:
  • Our approach to software R&D in India is vigorous, ensuring that our technological edge is constantly honed and innovative.
• Latest Product Portfolio:
  • FPGA-based Intelligent Gateways: Tailored specifically for IACS/OT cybersecurity.
  • Advanced Industrial Wireless Solutions and Switches: Featuring layer 2 and layer 3 switches, ranging up to 28 ports with a mix of SFPs and POE/POE+ ports.
  • Advanced Protocol Gateways: Equipped with various customizable solutions to meet diverse needs.
  • Specialized Switches for Substations: These are IEC61850 certified and cybersecurity compliant.
  • Blackbear Network Management Suite: An advanced system designed for monitoring and managing large infrastructures, offering an intuitive UI, excellent UX, scalability, and easy upgradeability for expansive industrial environments.

A&I: Being One of the Leaders in Industrial Networking, Computing, and Automation Solutions, How, According to You, Has the Market Evolved Over the Years?

The evolution of the market has been profound and multifaceted. In assessing the transformative journey, key areas of notable development include:

• Automation: The advancement of automation technologies has been a pivotal element in the market’s evolution, reflecting a significant shift in industry needs and operational methodologies.
• Digital Transformation: A cardinal shift has been witnessed towards embracing digital transformation, underpinning a new era of operational efficiency and technological integration in the industrial domain.
• Cybersecurity: An elevated emphasis on cybersecurity has emerged as a central theme. Its role in supporting critical infrastructure and safeguarding expansive topological environments in the industrial realm has been underscored as a paramount necessity.

These combined elements illustrate a landscape that has been substantially reshaped, marked by a clear direction towards enhanced agility, fortified cybersecurity solutions, and a modernized approach to supporting the complex infrastructural needs of the contemporary industrial world.

A&I: Which Key Industries Do You Cater To? Please Share Some Application Areas.

Certainly! ATOP Technologies Inc-INDIA takes pride in catering to a diverse array of industries, crafting specialized solutions tailored to meet the unique demands of each sector. Below is a breakdown of the key industries we serve and their application areas:

• Building & Factory Automation: Our technologies enhance operational flows, optimizing various processes to bolster efficiency and automation within buildings and factories.
• Power & Substations: We offer meticulously designed solutions that bolster the efficiency, security, and sustainability of power generation and distribution infrastructures.
• Intelligent Transport System (ITS): Our contributions to ITS revolve around integrating advanced solutions that streamline and improve transportation systems, ensuring a more dynamic and responsive transport network.
• Security & Surveillance: Our technologies play a pivotal role in enhancing the robustness and reliability of security and surveillance systems, ensuring enhanced safety and monitoring capabilities.
• Oil & Gas Industry: In the oil & gas sector, our solutions are instrumental in optimizing operational processes, enhancing security, and fostering a more streamlined and efficient operational environment.

Our overarching goal across all these industries is to deliver integrated and nuanced solutions, precisely tailored to meet and exceed the specific needs and expectations of each sector, promoting enhanced performance, security, and sustainability.

 A&I:  What is Your Future Vision & Growth Plans for “ATOP Technologies Inc-INDIA” In India?

Our vision and growth plans for ATOP Technologies Inc-INDIA are both ambitious and strategic, aimed at cementing a leadership position in technological advancement within the Indian market. Here are the key facets of our future direction:

• Technological Leadership:
  • Focus intensely on innovation and efficiency as pillars for driving technological advancement.
  • Aim to be at the forefront of delivering scalable and reliable solutions that empower Indian infrastructure.
• Strategic Objectives for the Next Three Years:
  • Aspire to become the definitive leader in industrial connectivity.
  • Drive excellence across various sectors such as power substations, smart infrastructure security and surveillance, and factory automation.
• Market Expansion and Product Innovation:
  • Plan to scale our market share strategically.
  • Launch innovative products that resonate with market needs and technological trends.
• Customer Centricity:
  • Commitment to ensuring high customer satisfaction through agile and responsive support mechanisms.
  • Helping major industrial sectors, Public sector units PSUs, Large automation conglomerates/ System integrators in India by offering solutions characterized by unmatched reliability and adaptability in industrial networking and computing.

Through these guided strategies and visions, we aim to foster a trajectory of sustained growth and impactful contributions to the technological landscape in India.