Archive: October 7, 2022

HCLTech and Google Cloud Expand Strategic Partnership to Accelerate Digital Transformation for Enterprises

Noida, India, and Sunnyvale, Calif., Oct. 7, 2022 — HCLTech, a leading global technology company, and Google Cloud today announced a significant expansion of their long-standing partnership, with new capabilities and service offerings to expedite enterprise migration to Google Cloud.

HCLTech, a strategic partner of Google Cloud, formed the dedicated Google Cloud Ecosystem Unit in 2019 to accelerate enterprise cloud adoption by helping enterprise customers plan and execute large-scale migrations. The two companies are now expanding their partnership to significantly scale HCLTech’s capacity to support digital transformation and deliver critical migration, legacy system modernization, and professional services for enterprise customers.

The partnership will enable two new offerings to help enterprise customers migrate to Google Cloud more quickly and gain value from their cloud investments sooner. The new Google Cloud Global Migration and Modernization Factory–within HCLTech Google Cloud Ecosystem Unit–will combine experts, unique IP, migration frameworks, and automation tools to help businesses bring critical workloads into Google Cloud faster while enhancing their cybersecurity posture and ensuring compliance with evolving regulations. In addition, a new, dedicated HCLTech Cloud Acceleration Team will further speed up customers’ time-to-value with Google Cloud products and solutions by providing architectural expertise and unlocking powerful insights from enterprise data.

HCLTech will train up to 18,000 technology and consulting professionals on Google Cloud, significantly increasing its ability to accelerate digital transformations globally with Google Cloud infrastructure, products, and solutions.

“The majority of enterprises today are investing aggressively in cloud technology to build responsive, scalable, and resilient digital-first business models. Our collaboration with Google Cloud has helped us address this market with compelling joint propositions. I am excited to see this partnership further expand to offer accelerated solutions for our enterprise clients to significantly scale their digital transformation enabled by cloud,” said C Vijayakumar, CEO & Managing Director, HCLTech.

“Many of the world’s largest enterprises are turning to Google Cloud to modernize their core infrastructures, power their digital transformations, and launch entirely new digital businesses,” said Thomas Kurian, CEO of Google Cloud. “This announcement represents a significant commitment from both Google Cloud and HCLTech to provide enterprises with the services, industry expertise, and technologies they need to accelerate their cloud agendas and to create business value from Google Cloud’s capabilities in artificial intelligence, machine learning, and analytics.”

Google Cloud will continue to utilize HCLTech expertise as part of its push to deliver critical migration and managed services for enterprise customers. The partnership has already supported digital transformations at a number of the world’s largest and most impactful organizations. With the expanded Google Cloud Ecosystem Unit, HCLTech will deliver new, domain-led service offerings harnessing CloudSMART–a portfolio of industry-focused offerings for Google and Cloud Native Labs.

HCLTech will also take a Google Cloud-first approach for data, analytics, and artificial intelligence (AI) projects in key industry segments including retail and consumer packaged goods (CPGs), financial services, and healthcare and life sciences. These segments reflect the growing customer demand for Google Cloud products and capabilities in these critical areas. The company offers a cloud-focused ecosystem and product innovation strategy that is uniquely positioned to help customers actualize their cloud agendas and evolve into digital enterprises.

Brookfield Properties plants over 3000 trees under the ‘Forest of Hope’ Initiative

Bengaluru, October 7th, 2022: Brookfield Properties, a leading global developer and operator of high-quality real estate assets, planted over 3000 trees under their ‘Forest of Hope’ initiative in Bengaluru and Delhi-NCR. The initiative witnessed an overwhelming response from the employees and tenants. This initiative was carried out in partnership with SankalpTaru Foundation, one of India’s prominent IT-enabled NGOs working pan India on afforestation and reforestation programs, to address climate change, reduce pollution, recharge groundwater, offset carbon footprint and enhance biodiversity.

The drive was executed on September 23 and 30 in Bengaluru and Delhi NCR respectively. More than 700 trees were planted in the North University region in Bengaluru which was followed by a coaching session for teachers and students to help them tackle environmental challenges. Under this initiative, the focus was on planting rapidly disappearing tree species like Mahogany, Badam, Teak, Honne etc. Likewise, at Tawdu in Haryana – Delhi NCR, the primary objective was to conserve Aravallis and the area’s natural environment. More than 2300 Peepal, Shisham, Neem, Gulmohar, Amrud and Amla trees were planted among others. This will result in recharging the natural groundwater propelling a significant carbon offset and biodiversity restoration in one of the world’s oldest hills.

These 3000+ trees will provide more than 2700 tonnes of oxygen and sequester approximately 1500 tonnes of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere in their lifetime. Moreover, these native trees will increase the green footprint across six acres benefiting both the flora and fauna in these regions while enhancing the biodiversity index. Each tree was photographed and geotagged with a QR code. The initiative has a unique tracking mechanism, with the aid of which one can locate the tree planted by themselves from anywhere in the world through an app by SankalpTaru

Expressing his views, Mr. Alok Aggarwal, MD & CEO, Brookfield Properties said, “With an aim to create a greener future for the planet, we are extremely pleased with our “Forest of Hope” initiative which planted over 3000 trees in India. A simple act such as planting a tree and inspiring others to do the same can make a huge difference in tackling climate change in the long run. As a socially responsible organization, Brookfield Properties ensures 30% of green cover, integrating biophilia into the design process and plan for native trees, water bodies and seasonal plants across our assets. Excellence in our Environmental, Social and Governance goals is at the core of our business and this initiative reinforces our commitment to build a better world for people, business and the community. Our partnership with an organization like SankalpTaru for this initiative is a step in that direction.”

Adding to it, Mr. Apurva Bhandari, Founder SankalpTaru Foundation said, “The most critical issue for the present and future generations is the increasing environmental concern. Our foundation has successfully planted 3.5M+ trees since its inception. I believe, through ‘Forest of Hope’ our partnership with Brookfield Properties will change the landscape of our communities in expanding the green territories for the better.”

The ‘Forest of Hope’ is a result of Brookfield Properties’ ‘Trees of Hope’ campaign, which was rolled out in 2021. The company held an exhibition of ‘Trees of Hope’ across seven marquee campuses in five cities from December 15, 2021 – January 10, 2022, with installations made from recycled wood and discarded flex. Brookfield Properties promised to plant a tree for every photograph that was uploaded on social media with the “Trees of Hope’, sparking a movement that led to the ‘Forest of Hope’ initiative.

‘Time to Shine!’ Pepe Jeans launches first ever TVC in India

Pune(S.N): The UK-based denim giant ‘Pepe Jeans London’ has been a brand of choice for generations of Indians but now, it has deepened its bond by launching its first-ever TV commercial for the Indian market.

The film, titled ‘Time to Shine’ helms a 360-degree campaign aimed at denim and lifestyle enthusiasts, and it will showcase the freshest Autumn Winter 2022 collection from Pepe Jeans London.

The iconic global brand, born in London’s famedPortobello Road in 1973, has had a presence in the hearts and shelves of India since 1989. This campaign, however, is a leap forward, with an aim to capture a larger market and capture a new generation of customers.

Produced by Canada a creative production company from Barcelona, that manages international music events too, and directed by Noor, the ‘Time to Shine’ film is a reminder of the resilience shown by each one of us in the past 3 years. It’s time to express ourselves in the best way we can and go out and achieve the dreams and goals we have planned. It’s time to show the world that we are here to succeed and that nothing can bring us down. It’s time to shine, it’s time to show them.
That said, Pepe Jeans over the 12 months has already upped its game in social media and influencer culture. It has featured 16 celebrities such as SiddhantChaturvedi, Guru Randhawa, AparshaktiKhurana, UmranMallik, and Raftaaron its India-focused digital media handles, ‘PepeJeans’ on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.

Pepe Jeans London’s Managing Director and CEO, Manish Kapoor shares, “It is perhaps the most exciting time for Pepe Jeans in its India story so far. Our brand’s legacy is obviously known and loved by a whole generation of Indians but now with our first-ever TV commercial, we want to showcase it to a whole new market. I believe the film has turned out beautifully – we can’t wait to grab eyeballs across tiers and demographics!”

The TVC is on air across TV channels such as Sony TV, Colors, MTV, VH1, ZeeNews, and more.

ŠKODA AUTO poised to enter Vietnamese market

Mumbai / Pune, 7 October 2022 – ŠKODA AUTO continues to advance the company’s internationalization and is on the cusp of entering the Vietnamese market. In cooperation with its local partner, Thanh Cong Motor Vietnam (TC Motor), the Czech carmaker will be offering the first European models in the country as early as 2023. The assembly of the made-in-India KUSHAQ and SLAVIA models shipped from ŠKODA AUTO Volkswagen India’s Chakan facility will also start in 2024. The production line is currently under construction. With its dynamically growing economy and significant potential in the automotive market, the country presents the ideal conditions to further strengthen ŠKODA AUTO’s position in the region. The company anticipates an initial sales volume of 30,000 vehicles per year.

ŠKODA AUTO CEO, Klaus Zellmer emphasizes: “For ŠKODA AUTO, entering the Vietnamese market is the next logical step in our internationalization strategy. Our attractive model portfolio offers exactly the right products for our customers, and we will be able to play to our strengths in this highly dynamic market. In addition, the geographical proximity to India provides great synergy effects; as early as 2024, we will be exporting vehicle kits from our Indian plant in Pune to Vietnam, marking a major advancement of our INDIA 2.0 project. Ultimately, this will significantly strengthen our presence in Southeast Asia.”

Managing Director of ŠKODA AUTO Volkswagen India Piyush Arora adds: “Exports remain a fundamental pillar of ŠKODA AUTO Volkswagen India’s growth plan. After the successful launch of the Volkswagen Taigun and Virtus in global markets, we recently rolled out the ŠKODA KUSHAQ to the AGCC markets. Now we are gearing up to introduce the ŠKODA KUSHAQ and SLAVIA in the Vietnamese market, which is an important milestone for the team in India. With its significant success in the local and overseas markets, our INDIA 2.0 project remains a key driver in the Group’s endeavor to ‘Engineer cars in India to be Driven by the World.”

Initially, the KODIAQ, KAROQ, SUPERB, and OCTAVIA model series will successively be imported from Europe, starting in 2023. As ŠKODA AUTO’s local partner in the Vietnamese market, TC Motor, will take over the local production and distribution of the vehicles. With over 20 years of experience in vehicle manufacturing and sales on a contract basis, the Hanoi-based group is also investing in the acquisition and development of industrial sites, such as the Viet Hung Industrial Park. In the future, ŠKODA models will be rolling off the production line at the site in Quang Ninh province.

The construction of a TC Motor-owned production line is already underway and should be completed in the first half of 2024. Assembly of the made-in-India KUSHAQ and SLAVIA model series from CKD format will also begin in 2024. The KUSHAQ will be available to order in the first half of 2024, and orders for the SLAVIA can be placed from the fourth quarter of 2024. A 16,000-square-metre plant is being built in Pune to manufacture the respective subassemblies. By exporting vehicles from India, the car manufacturer is pressing ahead with the implementation of the INDIA 2.0 project and emphasizing India’s strategic importance in the automaker’s development. Exports of the first left-hand drive ŠKODA KUSHAQ to the Gulf States began recently. ŠKODA AUTO has led the Volkswagen Group’s activities on the Indian market since 2019. The Group’s investments to date amount to one billion euros, of which 250 million euros have been allocated to research and development. In the long term, ŠKODA aims to achieve a five percent market share alongside the Volkswagen brand, depending on market and segment developments.

GROHE Essence Ceramic

GROHE, a world leader in sanitary fittings has launched their all-new Essence Ceramic collection. It provides unpretentious aesthetics to those who are drawn to clear, visually pleasant designs. Essence Ceramic collection uses balanced, modern styling and creates space for inventive furnishing ideas and innovative technologies.

The Essence Ceramic collection’s slender profiles and natural lines are ideal for creating a calming scheme that is timeless in its elegance and offers the entire bathroom space to breathe, making it ideal for individuals who use the bathroom as a place of rest and contemplation. Pared back to the essentials, Essence Ceramic provides an effortless, appealing design with innovative features you’ll enjoy day after day.

It has everything required to create an elegant modern bathroom scheme. The collection includes three sizes of vanity basins plus practical wall-hung options and WCs in either floor-standing or wall-hung options.

To match their clean modern looks, every item in the GROHE Essence Ceramic collection has been designed with useful features to make life easier. Hygiene and easy maintenance are assured, thanks to Rimless technology in the WC bowl which gives germs nowhere to hide. The minimal design of the collection employs modern technology but is still a feast for the eye. No collection has ever featured so many leading GROHE innovations, including GROHE Pureguard.

From the timeless elegance of the basin to the gentle profile of the WCs, GROHE Essence Ceramic collection transforms an everyday space into a special retreat.

It’s a Teenage Special in the upcoming episode of The Inventor Challenge

The Inventor Challenge on Colors Infinity has taken the audiences by storm by reinvigorating the spirit of inventions for the last 6 weeks. With budding inventors coming in from across the country, the audience and the panelists have been nothing but proud. This one-of-a-kind reality show aims to provide talented young minds with a unique platform to create path-breaking inventions under the guidance of experienced panelists. In the upcoming 7th episode, themed Wearables, 4 young inventors Aryan Gupta, Jayveer Kochhar, Kaavya Jayaram, and Sifat Sayal will be seen stunning the panelists with their respective inventions: Cooling Jacket, Anxiety Respiratory Belt, Compression Belt for the Elderly, and Autism Watch respectively. Aged between 14 and 18 years, these Gen-Z inventors and their ideas are out of the world which made all the panelists excited to see what was in store for them.

17-year-old Sifat from New Delhi will present her invention of an Autism Watch, a simple yet functional device that predicts a potential ‘meltdown’ by monitoring the wearer’s vitals. Aryan Gupta is another budding inventor aged 17 from Jharkhand who amazed the panelists with his invention of the summer cooling jacket, a great accessory for those out on long rides. Inspired by her grandparents’ struggle, 17-year-old inventor Kaavya Jayaram will be seen showcasing her invention of a Compression Belt for the Elderly. This belt is made to ensure that the elderly are at ease when getting up from bed. And that’s not all, Jayveer Kochhar, a 14-year-old boy from Mumbai, will be seen stunning the panelists with BreatheFree, a belt that can detect anxiety from the wearer’s breathing.

Who would have thought, in the midst of games and technology, young minds would also be thinking of ideas to help people out?

Tune in to watch ‘The Inventor Challenge’ every Saturday at 8 pm only on Colors Infinity

How Brands Are Leveraging Influencers This Festive Season to Grow Their Consumer Base

The festive season is almost here and the excitement is just getting started! Just like you, major brands are gearing up to kickstart their festive campaigns with impressive marketing strategies that lure their customers to indulge in all festive shopping activities.

Popular couple influencers Pushppal Singh Bhatia and Ravneet Kaur from That Couple Though share, “A major part of this is the rising popularity of influencers and the credible command they have over their audiences. Right from product-based businesses to service platforms, brands across India are capitalizing on adding the human touch to their campaigns with influencer marketing. Social media plays a major part in this and has proven to be the key contributor to sales generation and customer building.”

Tapping all age groups.

One of the key aspects that brands and marketers are keen to follow is to diversify their content formats in a way that targets all age groups. Influencers across India are spread in different age groups right from Gen Z to the couple influencers and even seniors who have established a niche for themselves. When it comes to festive marketing, especially in a country like India, the coming together of people and families is something that helps create a positive family-like influence on the customers.

Whether it is a product or service business, establishing collaborations with different age groups helps the brand get noticed by a more wide audience thus helping its sales. Not just this, even including a group of people with different interests is a great way for brands to build a sense of festive FOMO amongst people. Take the recent, glamorous Festive Ad by H&M where budding pop artists are invited to experience the season’s festive party by wearing their clothing. Things like this help create a sense of inclusion and familiarity along with imbibing a warm festive mood among the brand’s customers.

Creating an experience

Another great way brands are roping in audiences to follow their favorite influencer is by inviting the influencer to come and experience a unique offering while also creating something interesting for their followers. A good example of this is restaurants asking influencers to do a bar takeover where their followers can join in, enjoy the day with their favourite influencer, and get a chance to sip on a unique drink prepared by them. This helps the brand build a massive social media presence thus luring more people to visit the space.

Cross Collaboration

For influencers having a niche audience, this kind of festive marketing works exceptionally well. Influencers work very hard to establish a credible audience who trusts them with their recommendations. When two brands come together to create something exclusive, they need a strong representation of their product or service. To give you an example, for an influencer who shares recipes and easy-to-cook options, a cross-collaboration between a crockery brand tableware can work amazingly with the niche audience the influencer has built. This is because table wear is a huge part of festive get-togethers and parties. The same applies to many more industries with a specific niched audience.

Affiliate Marketing

This kind of influencer marketing technique is carried out by big brands and e-commerce platforms that also end up making massive sales. We are talking Flipkart, Amazon or even brands like Domino’s and Cadbury, fashion brands like Biba and more. Associating an influencer that recommends a certain product by giving an exclusive discount valid exclusively for their followers makes for a great way for brands and influencers to earn profit while also giving their audiences the best for the festive season. It is a win-win for all and something that is easily accessible thanks to rising influencers.

The couple adds “Last year, despite the slowdown of the economy due to the pandemic, the same methods had proven brands to earn massive profits and this year too, everyone is looking forward to kickstarting the festive season with a bang. The emergence of social media and influencers has proved to be a huge asset for everyone and has made it possible for brands to multiply their customer base as well as generate more profits.”

Audi India registers robust growth of 29% year-to-date 2022

Mumbai, October 07, 2022: Audi, the German luxury car manufacturer, today announced it has retailed 2947 units in the January – September 2022 period. The launch of the new Audi A8 and Audi Q7 coupled with continued demand for the Audi e-tron range, Audi A4, Audi A6, Audi Q5 and the RS performance range have led to positive growth. In addition, Audi Approved: plus (pre-owned car business) has grown by 73% in the first nine months of 2022.

Mr. Balbir Singh Dhillon, Head of Audi India, said, “Our performance in the first nine months has laid the foundation for a positive performance in the remainder of the year. Robust growth, despite the semiconductor shortage and global supply-chain issues reiterates the customers’ enthusiasm around the brand and our wide product portfolio. With the upcoming festive season, we are expecting good growth on the back of sustained demand.” 

Audi India continues the expansion of its pre-owned car business, Audi Approved: plus in India. Currently operating with eighteen Audi Approved: plus showrooms across all major hubs in the country, Audi India is expanding rapidly and will have twenty-two pre-owned car facilities by the end of 2022. Audi Approved: plus (the pre-owned car business) has grown by 73% in the first nine months of 2022.

Taking forward the electrification strategy, Audi India has successfully installed 100+ chargers across 60+ cities in India – this includes all Audi India dealerships, workshop facilities and select SAVWIPL Group brand dealerships located across strategic highways in the country.