The Hindu Business Line : IT cos hope to ride security code wave

WITH the July 2004 deadline set by the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) for implementation of the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) code fast approaching, IT companies are working overtime to provide the required software services to shipowners and Indian ports.

Indeed, the IMO initiative to implement the ISPS code has opened up a sea of opportunity for software companies such as Zicom Electronic Security Systems and Tata Honeywell, which are engaged in providing software services in the realm of ship and port security.

"Instances of hijacking coupled with the 9/11 episode led to the IMO decision to have the security of ships engaged in maritime trade as well as ports through the new security code. Now, the time is drawing near for the shipping companies and ports to comply with the ISPS code, and this presents a good opportunity for us. The market is substantial given that at the very least large ports would have to invest Rs 2 crore-Rs 4 crore towards IT security," Mr Vinayak Deshpande, Managing Director, Tata Honeywell Ltd, told Business Line.

IT companies have a significant role to play in the implementation of the ISPS code, as the process requires a clutch of IT security hardware, such as installation of CCTVs, access control and perimeter fencing systems, anti-virus software and intrusion detection to guard the network infrastructure after the ports have been modernised, according to Mr Pramod Rao, MD, Zicom Electronic Security Systems Ltd.

Three Indian ports, including the Mumbai Port Trust, have already floated tenders calling in firms to service these requirements.

Besides hardware requirements, there is also the need for security training of the port employees, according to Mr Bhaskar Ganguly, Head-Security Solutions SBU, Tata Honeywell.

In this regard, Honeywell plans to utilise the JRD Tata Automation and Training Centre for providing training to the manpower at these ports.

While port security is expected to bring big business over the next year, software security firms believe that ship security would provide a steady stream of commercial opportunities once the ISPS code is implemented completely.