In Conversation: Jitendra Pathak talks AI and Cloud Tech

New-age technology has emerged as a force to be reckoned with, transforming industries, revolutionizing how we work, and necessitating ethical considerations. As we embrace these advancements, it is crucial to balance progress and responsibility to shape a future that benefits us all.

We spoke with Jitendra Pathak, the Chief Operating Officer at ESDS Software Solution Ltd. to explore more on this pressing topic. He was one of the industry leaders to showcase his company’s tech innovations at Smart Tech Asia, 2025.  With an extensive background in driving operational excellence, innovation, and transformative leadership, Pathak’s journey is a testament to his commitment to pushing the boundaries of technology while championing sustainability and digital empowerment.

In this insightful session, Pathak shares his view on the booming role of new-age technology in business.

With the growing need for AI, how does ESDS approach public cloud offerings?

Pathak: At ESDS, we provide a comprehensive suite of cloud solutions tailored to match the changing business requirements of all industries. We have indigenously developed solutions in cloud services to provide scalability, security, and compliance, ensuring business enterprises and the government sector assured access to trustable and budget-friendly cloud infrastructure.

Our eNlight Cloud offering is MeitY-empaneled cloud offering auto-scalability, high availability, and disaster recovery solutions. Apart from this, our Public Cloud solutions also serve core sectors such as BFSI, Government, Healthcare, and Enterprises and ensure data sovereignty and global standards of compliance like ISO 27001, (Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS), and General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).

As a leader, what is your thought process about AI in the workplace? Is it a blessing or a threat?

Pathak: AI at work is indeed a boon if harnessed properly. It helps enhance efficiency and user/customer experience, replaces repeatable tasks, simplifies work, and enables data-driven decision-making.

AI has to be viewed as an enabler, not a replacement. The answer lies in human-AI collaboration, where AI does data-intensive, repetitive, and analytical tasks, allowing human employees to focus on strategic, creative, and high-value decision-making.

Organizations must reskill staff to become familiar with and work with AI. Artificial intelligence is a tool for empowerment, not a threat. It is important for leaders to leverage AI for augmentation and not replacement. Similarly, responsibility lies with leaders, organizations and community as whole to use AI in an ethical way and remove any known/ unknown bias.

Is sustainable tech important in today’s AI age?

Pathak: Yes, sustainable technology is extremely important for organizations and society as a whole more than ever due to the effect on overall environment due to increasing demands of resources, power, and computing. Some of the options are:

• Green Computing & Energy-Efficient Data Centers to minimize the carbon footprint.
• AI-driven energy efficient solutions
• Responsible E-Waste Management
• Smart building & IOT based resource management

What precautionary measures do you suggest for companies to protect themselves from cyber-attacks?

Pathak: Companies need to implement a multi-layered security system to protect their data and infrastructure as cyber threats continue to grow in complexity. Here are some key steps to take:

• Establishing robust firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and encryption protocols.
• Ensuring software and systems are regularly updated to close loopholes.
• Conducting employee training programs to educate them on phishing and social engineering attacks.
• Having advanced threat detection, SIEM & SOAR capabilities such as AI-based security analytics.
• Compliance with international cybersecurity standards and frameworks.
• Periodic backup of data and having an all-encompassing incident response plan.

At ESDS, we emphasize proactive monitoring and 24/7 security operations to mitigate risks effectively.

What is your global cybersecurity perspective by 2030? 

Pathak: While no one know the future, I think the major trends by 2030 will be the following:

• Zero-Trust Security Models: Enterprises will shift to identity-based access controls.
• Quantum-Safe Encryption: For counteracting threats posed by quantum computing.
• AI-Powered Threat Intelligence: Sophisticated machine learning algorithms will detect and counter threats in real-time.
• Regulatory Expansion: Governments will mandate stricter cybersecurity compliance and data privacy regulations.

At ESDS, we are already looking to this future by leveraging threat detection and response infrastructure, keeping our clients ahead of new threats.

How do you envision the future of business in the age of AI, robotics, IOT, and other new-age technology?

Pathak: I think the business future will be characterized by the integration of AI, robotics, IoT, and other upcoming technologies without interruption. The new technologies will foster hyper-automation, and companies will become more efficient and precise in operations. AI will aid decision-making, IoT will support real-time data capture and analytics, and robotics will be manufacturing and supply chain management. Yet, human touch will be essential for imagination, strategy, and moral control. Companies that adopt these technologies with a culture of continuous learning and flexibility will prosper. At ESDS, we are dedicated to assisting organizations through this transition with solutions and strategic consultation.

Do you have any advice for future IT leaders? 

Pathak: My advice to the new generation of IT leaders is to possess a growth mindset and always be inquisitive. The technology environment is evolving on a daily basis, and the only way to be ahead is by continually learning and adjusting. Focus on developing strong technical fundamentals and also soft skills like communication, leadership, and empathy. Always maintain the topmost priority of providing value to your customers and stakeholders. Moreover, encourage a culture of innovation and collaboration in your teams. Recall that technology is a means to address actual issues in the real world, so keep the end-user focused on all you do. More than anything, IT leaders will need to juggle technological progress with ethical considerations, ensuring that innovation aligns with data privacy, cybersecurity, inclusivity, and environmental responsibility so a secure, equitable, and sustainable digital future results.

Explore more of the AI in the industry series.