In conversation with James Berry, Managing Director – Asia Pacific at Diversified, we explore how global enterprises are standardising workplace experiences across geographies.
As global enterprises expand their footprint in India, the conversation around workplace infrastructure is shifting. It is no longer limited to hardware deployments or project execution. Increasingly, it is about delivering consistent global experiences, enabling distributed collaboration, and integrating AI responsibly into enterprise environments.
In a recent discussion, James from Diversified’s APAC leadership reflected on how multinational organizations are redefining collaboration standards across geographies. “We’re not delivering a lesser product in India,” he noted. “A boardroom on Fifth Avenue is the same boardroom we deliver in Bangalore.”
“AI augments. It does not replace. Human design expertise remains irreplaceable. You can only introduce enough change at a pace your people can keep up with.” ~ James Berry
India’s Evolving Role in Global Strategy
Diversified operates across Australia, Japan, Singapore, Hong Kong and India, with a primary focus on workplace and media infrastructure . Over the past few years, India has moved from being a regional support market to a strategic growth hub.
Around four years ago, the company established a Global Capability Centre (GCC) in India that has grown to approximately 400 professionals, servicing multiple regions globally . Alongside this, it has expanded its integration business to support the wider APAC region.
This mirrors a broader trend: GCCs in India are increasingly central to global operations rather than peripheral cost centres. Enterprises expect their Indian offices to operate at the same technical and experiential standards as their counterparts in the US, Europe, or Australia.
Standardized Experience as a Business Imperative
One of the consistent demands from multinational clients is uniformity. Employees in India are expected to have the same collaboration experience as those in New York, London, or Sydney .
This expectation extends beyond aesthetics. In a work environment where most roles involve cross-border collaboration, audiovisual infrastructure directly affects productivity. High-quality cameras, microphones, acoustics, and integrated systems are no longer optional enhancements but core components of the workplace.
For GCCs competing for talent, workplace experience is also becoming a differentiator. Organizations want employees to engage seamlessly with global teams from day one.
Operational Realities: Supply and Adaptation
While regulatory complexity is often cited as a barrier in emerging markets, James observed that India has become progressively easier to do business with over the past decade .
The more immediate challenge lies in supply chains. Not all products available in the US or Europe are readily accessible in India . This requires design flexibility and careful alignment between global standards and local realities.
For enterprises, this reinforces the importance of adaptable architecture rather than rigid replication.
AI in the Collaboration Layer
Artificial intelligence is increasingly embedded in collaboration infrastructure. AI-enabled cameras and microphones can track speakers, enhance audio clarity, and optimize meeting environments . Capabilities that were once expensive and complex are now more accessible and scalable.
Within Diversified’s own operations, AI tools assist in automating design processes, generating documentation, and improving project execution workflows . However, James emphasized that these tools complement human expertise rather than replace it.
This aligns with a broader enterprise pattern: AI is improving efficiency and reducing manual effort, but strategic oversight and domain expertise remain human-led.
Governance and Data Considerations
As AI becomes embedded in enterprise environments, governance is gaining prominence. Organizations are working to align AI deployments with data management policies and regulatory requirements such as GDPR and other confidentiality frameworks .
Collaboration systems increasingly generate and process data, which is stored within enterprise networks. While solution providers deploy systems within client-controlled environments, responsibility for policy, compliance, and oversight rests with the enterprise.
The challenge is less about technology capability and more about building structured governance frameworks that can evolve alongside AI adoption.
The Case for Standardization
A recurring theme in the discussion was the importance of limiting excessive customization. In fast-moving technology landscapes, over-customized systems can complicate upgrades and long-term scalability .
Maintaining disciplined global standards allows enterprises to adapt more easily as new technologies emerge. This principle applies not only to audiovisual infrastructure but also to broader cloud and AI strategies.
Adoption decisions, James noted, should be driven by flexibility and growth objectives rather than short-term cost considerations .
Enterprise Productivity and AI Adoption
While AI tools can enhance individual productivity, scaling those gains across large organizations presents additional complexity.
Within Diversified, AI supports internal workflows but does not replace skilled designers, consultants, or project managers . Organizational productivity gains depend on literacy, structured rollout, and change management