In an era where technology is rewriting the rules of communication and security, Sandeep Kerulkar, Chief Operating Officer of Syntel by Arvind, stands at the helm of a company that has evolved from an enterprise telephony pioneer into a next-generation provider of converged technology solutions. Under his leadership, Syntel has expanded its footprint across enterprise communication, network infrastructure, audio-visual integration, and security & surveillance—while building strong product brands like NEOS and SNEOS. In this conversation with Machine Edge Global, Kerulkar shares insights on Syntel’s growth journey, the future of IT and telecom in India, and how innovation, customer-centricity, and strategic partnerships are shaping the company’s path forward.
How important will security and surveillance systems be for businesses in the future, and how is Syntel strengthening its SNEOS portfolio to meet this demand?
We are making some very important moves with our SNEOS portfolio. We are introducing new product series across different segments—high-end, mid-segment, SI-centric, and government-certified solutions that meet all necessary compliance standards. With these strategic steps, our expectations from the surveillance business are very high. We are confident that these additions position us strongly to meet evolving market demands and deliver exactly what customers are looking for.
What role do you see India playing in the global IT and telecom ecosystem over the next decade?
India is poised to play a transformative role in the global IT and telecom ecosystem over the next decade. With its vast talent pool, rapidly advancing digital infrastructure, and a strong culture of innovation, India is no longer just a service hub—it is evolving into a global center for technology leadership. Additionally, government initiatives such as ‘Digital India’ and ‘Make in India’ are accelerating self-reliance and creating opportunities for global collaborations. Over the next decade, India will not only cater to global demand but will also shape the future of IT and telecom by setting benchmarks in scale, affordability, and innovation.
As COO of Syntel by Arvind, how would you describe the company’s journey and its current positioning in the IT and telecom space?
Syntel by Arvind is a next-generation technology solutions provider that started its journey in the Enterprise Telephony industry and has continually evolved to meet the changing needs of businesses. Over the years, we have expanded into offering a comprehensive range of Converged Technology Solutions including Enterprise Communication, Network Infrastructure, Audio-Visual System Integration, and Security & Surveillance solutions. Alongside our in-house product line — comprising EPABX systems, phones, switches, cameras, NVRs, and more — we also deliver complete end-to-end solutions tailored to client requirements. Through strategic tie-ups with multiple OEMs, we provide a wide bouquet of options, enabling our clients to choose the most effective and future-ready solutions for their businesses.
Syntel operates both as a product manufacturer and a solutions provider. How do you balance these two divisions to create synergy?
At Syntel by Arvind, we hold a strong position in Converged Telephony products, as that is where our journey began. What has enabled us to stay in this position is not just our products, but the strength of our team, our advanced technology, and our deep understanding of the market. We consistently strive to improve in these areas. When we expanded into the solution provider segment, we were very clear about one thing: innovation must create long-term value for our customers and stakeholders. To achieve this, we have focused on building strong partnerships with leading OEMs while continuously creating and adopting new ideas. These ideas translate into improved solutions, products, services, processes, and business models that address evolving market needs and directly solve customer pain points. At the core of this journey is our team, which creates the right synergy to deliver sustainable value and position us as a trusted solution provider and product manufacturer.
How do you see the rise of digital transformation influencing customer needs, and how is Syntel adapting to stay ahead?
Syntel by Arvind is all ready to embrace innovation, upskill our customer-facing workforce and always keeping customer centricity at the core of its GTM. Syntel by Arvind has agility to quickly adapt to new revenue streams leveraging technologies like Cloud, AI & IOT. Fast changes on the technology horizon drive high rate of product obsolescence and this will drive enterprise customers to migrate from upfront CAPEX investments to OPEX financial models. Syntel by Arvind is ready with its attractive OPEX models ensuring return on technology investment and facilitating timely upgrade to the latest technologies.
How do your product brands, SNEOS and NEOS, differentiate themselves in a market that is becoming increasingly competitive?
We actually deal and provide solution in four segments that is Enterprise Communication, Network Infrastructure, Audio-Visual System Integration, and Security & Surveillance, but we make our Enterprise Communication products comes under brand NEOS and we have earned strong industry recognition for it not just that we have been one of the market leaders in this space for over 30 years. In the Security & Surveillance segment, we entered the market in 2018-19 with brand name SNEOS, and despite being relatively new, our solutions have quickly gained traction. This success is driven by advanced technology, competitive pricing, and the strength of our distributor network which has played a pivotal role in establishing our presence and growth in the market.
How has technology helped Syntel improve operational efficiency and deliver better customer experiences?
Rapid development in technologies will create opportunities for innovation and new services. Shift to cloud offerings across end-to-end converged solutions portfolio will enable service agility, innovation and global reach for solution providers like Syntel by Arvind. On the other hand, increasing incidences of cyberattacks and data breaches will position a significant threat to the industry. Navigating through different regulatory compliances is a tough challenge. Integrating new technologies with legacy systems will be much larger issue for the Enterprises while adapting to customer demands.
The IT and telecom industry is evolving at breakneck speed. What do you see as the biggest opportunities and challenges in the next five years?
In today’s rapidly evolving technological landscape, breakthroughs are happening every day, making it difficult to pinpoint the ‘next big thing’—because in many ways, we are already living it and as far as its about our company, we are committed to stay ahead by partnering with leading OEMs to deliver comprehensive, one-stop solutions for our enterprise clients. We are continuously expanding our product portfolio to meet the evolving needs of the market and address the demands of the hour.