Building solutions

An engineer by education and
entrepreneur by choice, Chandra Sekhar Bilugu started his career with
PSI Data Systems and moved to HP when they started their Indian
software operations. Bilugu felt the need to do something on his own
and hence started a company in Singapore with his friends. Due to low
markets the company was merged into Softel and Network Solutions.
Network Solutions was acquired by Intel. In August 2007 Bilugu
branched out and started his own concern eGestalt. The three years
old company is today dealing with a lot of consulting projects and
e-governance projects. Recalling his journey Bilugu said, “When I
left Intel, our initial focus was on consulting. Intel has been a
great support to us in terms of equipping us with right kind of
expertise and providing right exposure. Last year we ventured into
product space as the consulting space is crowded.”

href="http://dqchannels.ciol.com/content/reselleralert/110072901.asp">eGestalt
is into e-governance projects
and has handled proje style="background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 0%; -moz-background-clip: border; -moz-background-origin: padding; -moz-background-inline-policy: continuous;">cts
for
Mumbai and Delhi. Recently the company handled a project for
Karnataka government, where an integrated transport solution was
given to Mysore—Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC).
Sharing details on the company plans Bilugu said, “Since we offer a
whole solutions and products, we are looking at expanding our SI base
especially in SMB segment. Any solution provider who has handled
managed services and information security can be our partner.
Commenting on partner's share Bilugu said, “We offer recurring
revenue model to partners. They can look at adding on our solutions
to their existing portfolio. Apart from training and sales we offer
collateral help to partners to get them started.”

Chalking out the challenges, Bilugu
said, “Every entrepreneur faces his first road block in terms of
funding. Getting right ideas and implementing at the right time is
another huge problem. Lot of companies including us depends on sales
and marketing. I am lucky to retain my entire team. They are my
biggest strength. Since we do lot of projects with government, there
are different dynamics to be played.” Bilugu has his focus set on
products which he wants to move it through channels. He said, “Indian
market operates different from other markets. For product
range, we are dependent on channels. This is why we are expanding our
base and have large channel partnerships.” Having BFSI and IT/ITeS
as the main verticals, eGestalt is operating in other segments too.
Bilugu feels there is lot of untapped potential where channel
partners can expand their reach. eGestalt has its go-to-market
strategy wrapped around channels.

In spite of having a hectic schedule,
Bilugu manages to strike a near work life balance. Sharing his
mantra, Bilugu commented, “Since my son Sidharth is only three
years old, most of my stress is relieved just by playing with him. I
live close to the office so that I can cut down travel. In spite of
attending late night calls from US, I manage to keep work away from
home.” Bilugu recounting his memorable family holidays said,
“Before my son, when ever I went abroad, my wife Saraswathy used to
accompany me. Our favorite holiday destination is mountain regions of
Central Oregon.”

Commenting on the goals Bilugu
concluded, “This year is crucial because we are testing the
product's acceptance. We have channelized our efforts towards
channels. Since we are probably one of few companies in e-governance
and information security space. We are hopeful that we will be
accepted.”