Telecom contributes over 1.5% of India’s GDP
August 26, 2009

The contribution of Indian telecom sector to the growth of India’s economy is immense. It is directly contributing more than 1.5% GDP of the country, and has a multiplier effect on growth because of connecting the people and business around it. This was stated by the Minister of State (Communication & Information Technology) Shri Gurudas Kamat in Mumbai at the launch function of Tata’s GSM Mobile Service earlier this month.

The Indian telecom Industry is the 2nd largest wireless market in the world. With a total wireless subscriber base of 435 million at present, it is targeted to reach 771 million by 2013. In addition to this, we have nearly 37.66 million landline subscribers. India has one of the cheapest cell phone rates in the world.

Talking about the India’s telecom equipment manufacturing sector the Minister said that this sector is also set to become one of the largest globally by 2010. These manufacturing facilities, apart from making India self reliant, generate a lot of secondary employment.

Shri Kamat said that the government is working on many more initiatives to further improve the telecom sector. These new initiatives include bringing inclusive connectivity to both rural and urban India; mobile number portability and auctioning spectrum for 3G and WiMAX within this financial year.

RIT offers smart mobile applications in India
September 1, 2009

Research and Innovation Technologies (RIT), leading technology player from Dubai has launched mobile software products, which will help detect theft of the mobile handset, track a person precisely on the ground, record all the conversations and take a back up of the entire data of your phone. HotSpot Retail, will be the exclusive dealer for these applications in India.

The suite of applications will be sold under the umbrella brand ‘Orbit’. Commenting on the launch, Naushad Abdulla, CEO & Managing Director, RIT said: “We are pleased to venture into India by partnering with the country’s leading technology retail chain. The mobile market in India is pegged at US$ 16.5 billion (Rs.800 billion or Rs.80, 000 crore), out of which value-added services (VAS) constitute 10 percent of the total market. RIT is looking at penetrating this segment through various channels.

Dax Networks Launches DX-526 Series
September 1, 2009

Dax Networks has announced the launch of the DX-526 Series, a series of Industrial-grade Ethernet Switches which enable rapid network recovery. Priced up to Rs 81000/-, the DX-526 Series is targeted at Automation, Transportation, Semi-conductor and Heavy Industrial factories.

These switches feature in Dax’s new range of Networking Access and Connectivity products and are designed to meet critical network environment standards with IP 30 enclosure and have been tested under extensive Industrial EMI and Safety standards.

Highlights of DX-526 series

- Rapid network recovery time of less than 10 milli seconds over 250 switches
- Dual Ring technology
- Automatic email notification system
- Safety standard tested

Samsung launches world’s first OMH handset in the Indian mkt.
August 28, 2009

Samsung has announced the introduction of the world’s first OMH™ phone, Mpower 699, in the Indian market in cooperation with Qualcomm. The revolutionary OMH technology, available on the CDMA platform, gives mobile customers the flexibility to buy a CDMA handset and SIM cards from various CDMA operators of their choice. Samsung’s Mpower 699 is the world’s first CDMA phone to offer this flexibility to customers since the network settings for the CDMA connection have shifted from the phone to the OMH SIM card.

In fact, all Indian CDMA operators are providing a free OMH SIM card with distinct OMH mark along with this Samsung OMH handset in the initial phase.

Announcing the launch of Samsung Mpower 699 in the Indian market, Mr. Jung Soo Shin, President & CEO, Samsung South West Asia HQ stated, “This OMH launch represents a paradigm shift in the dynamics of the CDMA ecosystem with consumers now having the flexibility to choose an operator at their will at any point in time.”

In addition to supporting OMH, the Samsung Mpower 699 comes with a 1.3MP Camera with video recording and advanced multimedia features such as audio player, video player and stereo FM radio. It also comes with an advanced Mobile Tracker, dedicated camera key, and a 2GB MicroSD card. The handset is priced at Rs. 7100/-.

ibibo.com to produce and release rock band albums on mobile and web
August 31, 2009

ibibo.com, in association with Counter Culture Records, is launching an online platform that encourages emerging rock bands across India. The platform is called “The Rising Rock Stars of India”

As a part of the platform every month one band will get an opportunity to record a professional album and the same will be marketed by ibibo across the web and mobile. The original compilations will be available for ring tone downloads and dedications on the web and mobile. This is a first of its kind initiative where emerging rock band albums are being released digitally. Over the next 6 months ibibo will produce 6 rising rock bands of India and give them an opportunity to perform live in various cities.

NIIT’s ICT enabled learning solutions hold centre stage at eINDIA 09
August 28, 2009

Global talent development corporation and IT trainer NIIT has won three awards at the eINDIA 2009 under the Digital Learning India 2009 Award category for its innovative learning solutions.

NIIT’s initiative at the Scindia School, Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh received the ICT Enabled School of the year Award, and the company also won Government/ Policy Initiative of the year Award for implementation of shared computing technology in 5000 Government schools in Andhra Pradesh. NIIT’s prominent project, Hole-in-the-Wall, an initiative to promote Minimally Invasive Education (MIE) amongst the under privileged children, has received the Civil Society and Development agency initiative of the year.

The awards were announced at eINDIA 2009, which was held during 25-27 August 2009 in Hyderabad.

Lavasa-Wipro partner to build India’s first e-City
August 27, 2009

Lavasa Corporation Ltd. and Wipro Limited have announced their partnership for planning, implementing and managing Information & Communication Technology (ICT) services across Lavasa city - India’s first and largest Hill City being developed by Lavasa Corporation Ltd. Wipro will support Lavasa city in the areas of City Management System & Services, E-Governance, ICT infrastructure and value added services, including providing intelligent home solutions and digital lifestyle. The ICT services will include voice-video-data services to various businesses operating out of Lavasa city.

The strategic partnership will identify governance services and operating models, and define processes for delivering best-in-class governance. It will also provide the necessary infrastructure support including technology selection, supply, installation and management of platforms, networks, data centre etc. The estimated revenues out of this partnership from Lavasa city’s first town Dasve is about US$ 100 million over next 10 years.

Lavasa city, being developed in an area spanning 100 sq. Kms., (one fourth the size of Mumbai) will have a self-sustaining economy of its own and will encompass hospitality, tourism and leisure on one hand and education, research and innovating businesses on the other.

Global Management Forum brings Disney Institute programs to India
August 27, 2009

Global Management Forum, an enterprise of Saviance Technologies, will be hosting renowned Disney Institute professional development programs in five cities in India. Program attendees will learn about Disney's best business practices and how they can adapt those principles to their organizations. Each two-day event will give business professionals an opportunity to "Experience the Business Behind the Magic."

The two workshops are organized around the themes “Disney's Approach to Quality Service”, which showcases Disney best practices in the area of service and “Disney's Approach to Inspiring Creativity”, which highlights ways to foster "everyday innovation."

To view the schedule of the workshops, click on Schedule for Workshops

Global digital entertainment veteran Ralph Simon joins Board of Directors at Hungama Digital Media
August 27, 2009

Hungama Digital Media Entertainment Pvt. Ltd announced the appointment of Mr. Ralph Simon as the new member of their Board of Directors. Mr. Simon is the Chairman Emeritus & Founder of the Mobile Entertainment Forum (MEF) Americas, and in considered an icon in the international mobile content and entertainment business. He has also been named as one of the top 50 mobile entertainment executives in the world for two years in a row. He is currently the CEO of Mobilium, the international Strategic Advisory Group with business in Asia, India, USA, Europe and Africa.

Ralph Simon is regarded as one of the founders of the modern mobile entertainment industry. Over the last decade he has been a prominent global trailblazer and innovator, growing the mobile entertainment and content industry, and playing a central role in its impact and presence worldwide.

Aptech announces Yuva scholarship program
August 25, 2009

Aptech Computer Education has announced its ‘YUVA’ scholarship program for students desirous of building a career in the IT industry. This special scholarship will be available to students on the basis of an innovative ‘capability challenge’, which will showcase the inherent communication and problem solving strength of the students. There are special scholarship options available for girl students.

The unique aspect of this scholarship is a novel scheme called ‘Win-A-Job’, which will be awarded nationally. The winning student will be assured of a five-figure monthly salary job with an offer letter.

Speaking on the announcement of the scholarship, Mr. Anuj Kacker, Global Head, Aptech Computer Education said, “We believe our initiative will help and benefit students to go a long way in achieving their goals and success in the IT technology domain. I am sure this program will encourage the youth to successfully learn the essential skills needed to pursue a career in Information Technology and make them employable without compromising on quality and fundamentals.”