Archive: March 1, 2023

HGS completes acquisition of TekLink International

Delhi, India, March 1, 2023: Hinduja Global Solutions Limited (HGS) (Listed on NSE & BSE, India), a leading provider of solutions in digital consumer experience (CX), business process management (BPM) and digital media services, today announced it has completed the acquisition of 100% stake in TekLink International, Inc for US$ 58.8 million, subject to earnouts and other customary and agreed adjustments.

TekLink International Inc. is a full-service financial planning and analytics service provider to over 60 clients across multiple industries, including consumer products, retail, pharmaceuticals, manufacturing & distribution, utilities, and high-tech. TekLink is headquartered in Warrenville, IL, US, with a presence in Europe and delivery centers in Hyderabad and Indore in India. The company has strong credentials in the industry, with established partnerships with Microsoft, SAP, Anaplan, etc. TekLink has recently been named a 2022 Gartner® Peer Insights™ Customers’ Choice for Data & Analytics Service Providers.

The acquisition will strengthen HGS’ digital solutions business by adding enhanced expertise in building data platforms, analytics, and financial planning. It will also add complementary digital workforce bench strength, with 275 seasoned technology and implementation professionals joining HGS as part of the transaction. HGS’ digital solutions business currently employs over 750 core technology and digital marketing experts, primarily across the US and India, who are transforming customer experiences (CX) for leading brands.

Synersoft Technologies conducts webinar on “Solution to problems faced by SMEs while adopting Information Technology”

01 March 2023: Synersoft Technologies, an Indian IT company, conducted a webinar on “Solution to problems faced by SMEs while adopting Information Technology” on Tuesday, 28^th February 2023. The session witnessed valuable insights from Vishal Prakash Shah, CEO and Co-Founder of Synersoft.

The webinar discussed the 13 problems some of the SMEs face while adopting Information Technology and their solutions. The speaker explained the solutions to the problems of data Scattered-ness, intentional deletion of data, ransomware attack, and disaster & hardware failure, loss of laptop asset, data leakage on USB, remote application access and so many more. The speaker explained how data scattered-ness leads to low confidence backup, data loss possibilities, and business discontinuity risk. He also explained the importance of off-premise backup, challenges of traditional solutions, and how the USB port can be misused to leak sensitive data. Finally, he explained how a BYOD environment can lead to possible competitive exploitation, and how necessary it is to provide for work-from-home and protect data from loss and leakage during work-from-home.

Speaking on the occasion, Vishal Prakash Shah, CEO and Co-Founder of Synersoft, said, “The key to success in adopting information technology for SMEs is not just about the technology itself, but rather how the people within the organization are able to effectively utilize and implement the technology. Strong leadership and a deep understanding of the technology are crucial in finding solutions to the problems that may arise during the adoption process.”

Nanavati Max Super Speciality Hospital Launches Samvaad – An Inspirational Journey of Women Achievers

Mumbai, 01 March 2023: Ahead of International Women’s Day on 8^th March, Nanavati Max Super Speciality Hospital launched an initiative called ‘Samvaad – An Inspirational Journey of Women Achievers.’ The initiative aims to inspire and empower women to prioritize their health while pursuing their goals. The event featured a panel discussion with distinguished women achievers who shared their thoughts on the importance of prioritizing women’s health and the impact it has on oneself,  family, and society.

IPS officer Tejaswi Satpute shared her valuable experience of managing her career and family simultaneously from a young age. She emphasized that women need to focus on their personal health and exercise regularly.

Ms. Bhagyashree, a distinguished Indian actress and philanthropist, hosted the enlightening panel discussion. “Samvaad will be an ongoing platform that highlights women’s health and other pertinent issues. Such discussions will not be limited to International Women’s Day alone, but will instead serve as a means to spotlight the experiences of accomplished women, influential women leaders, members of prominent women’s forums, Rotarians, and senior citizen clubs,” she emphasized.

Senior Indian film journalist, critic, author, and historian Bhawana Somaaya shared her journey of overcoming societal demands to find personal success. She urged young women to follow their passions and not let society dictate their choices.

Indian film director, screenwriter, and producer Ruchi Narain spoke about overcoming language barriers and achieving success while telling enlightening stories through her script and direction. She emphasized the importance of introducing concepts of work-life balance to children from school days.

Deputy Executive Editor of ABP Majha, Sarita Kaushik, talked about the importance of celebrating unsung heroes such as young and brave girls from distant villages of Maharashtra through media. She also shared her personal struggles of reporting in rural Maharashtra as a woman and the challenges she faced.

Noted veteran doctors of Nanavati Max Hospital, Dr. Gayatri Deshpande, Senior Consultant, Obstetrics and Gynaecology, and Dr. Kalpana Sarangi, Consultant- Cosmetic Dermatology stressed that women should prioritize their personal health and not let their career, family, or aspirations affect their wellbeing.

The event was attended by over 150 healthcare workers who were inspired by the panelists’ insights.

Speaking on the occasion, Ms. Mangla Dembi, Senior Vice President and Head of Nanavati Max Super Speciality Hospital, said, “As we celebrate International Women’s Day, it is our collective responsibility to empower women and create a supportive environment that enables them to lead fulfilling lives and achieve their dreams. From today, let’s pledge to value ‘self,’ to achieve psychosocial and emotional wellbeing.”

Samvaad is an initiative that aims to inspire and empower young women to prioritize their health and well-being while pursuing their dreams. It is a step towards creating a supportive and encouraging environment for women to achieve their full potential.

COAI Statement on GSMA bestowing Government Leadership Award 2023 to India

“We convey our heartiest congratulations to the Government of India on being bestowed with the Government Leadership Award 2023. The GSMA’s Government Leadership Award recognizes world-class leadership in the establishment of sound regulatory policies for mobile connectivity. This aptly reflects the magnitude of the Government’s efforts, approach and focus on evolving into a Digital India as envisioned by our Prime Minister and placing our nation on a leading position in the global map of rapidly advancing digital economies. 

We express our warm compliments on this tremendous achievement, especially to the Union Minister of Communications & IT, the Minister of State for Communications, the Telecom Secretary, as well as the entire Department of Telecommunications and the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India, for the prolific leadership and dynamic support provided to the industry in growing rapidly as a crucial socio-economic enabler for the country and reaching globally competitive levels in several important aspects. The industry is delighted and greatly enthused by this development, and we look forward to playing our role in taking the Indian Telecom sector to further heights and help achieve more milestones going ahead.” 

To be attributed to Lt. Gen. Dr. S.P. Kochhar, Director General, COAI

Tech Mahindra Strengthens Partnership with Microsoft to Deliver Azure Operator Nexus Solutions

New Delhi 01 March 2023: Tech Mahindra, a leading provider of digital transformation, consulting, and business re-engineering services and solutions, today announced an expanded partnership with Microsoft as an Azure Operator Nexus Ready  Systems Integrator.  The partnership will empower telecom operators and enterprises to build, host, and operate Long-term Evolution (LTE)s and 5G networks by using virtualized/containerized network functions leveraging Azure Operator Nexus.

As an Azure Operator Nexus Ready Systems Integrator, Tech Mahindra will provide its talent, expertise, comprehensive solutions, and professional managed services offerings. The partnership will leverage a fully cloud-native and blueprinted 5G core running on Azure Operator Nexus that will enable telecom operators to provide enhanced and customized user experiences. It will further provide operators with streamlined business operations through simplified management, policies, and automation delivered through unified cloud management.

Manish Mangal, Global Head, of 5G & Network Services Business, Tech Mahindra, said, “The world is embracing telco network transformation becoming more open, edge-centric, hybrid, and data-driven. With Microsoft as a strategic partner, Tech Mahindra is helping operators realize the full potential of their networks and providing innovative and agile services. The partnership focuses on reinventing the customer experience with innovation at its core and transforming telco networks by building innovative cloud-native infrastructure solutions in the 5G Core and RAN domains. It will further strengthen our network service portfolio by combining the Microsoft cloud with our deep expertise and footprint in the telecom industry.”

Utilizing Azure Operator Nexus, Tech Mahindra will enable operators to run all their workloads (such as core, RAN mobile and voice core, operating support system, and business support system) on a single carrier-grade hybrid cloud platform. This will help meet the security, resiliency, observability, manageability, and performance needs required by operators to achieve meaningful results from digital transformation.

Shawn Hakl, Vice President – Azure for Operators, Microsoft, said, “Network operators are looking to adopt cloud technology to modernize and monetize the network – lowering network total cost of ownership; driving operational efficiency and resiliency; and improving security. Through our expanded partnership, Tech Mahindra will deliver innovative Azure Operator Nexus solutions and services, that will help customers drive business transformation and realize new growth.”

The expanded partnership is in line with Tech Mahindra’s DigitALL philosophy for comprehensive Business Transformation. As part of NXT.NOW™ framework, which aims to enhance ‘Human Centric Experience’, Tech Mahindra focuses on investing in emerging technologies and solutions that enable digital transformation and meet the evolving needs of its customers.

Fire-Boltt expands its Outdoor smartwatch series with the launch of ‘Sphere’

New Delhi, March 1st, 2023: Home-grown brand Fire-Boltt announces the launch of its all-new sporty & rugged smartwatch – ‘Sphere’ from its Outdoor series. An ultimate smartwatch for the adventurer in you, Sphere is designed to withstand even the toughest environments, while still keeping you connected and in control. Designed specifically for the outdoors, the smartwatch comes with military standard toughness and is equipped with a 1.6-inch HD display with 400*400 pixels resolution and 600 Nits brightness, providing an outstanding visual experience to the users. It is currently available on Flipkart & Fireboltt.com at an introductory price of INR 2999.

Fire-Boltt Sphere comes with a shockproof metal body and is fuelled by 600 mAh battery which is one of the largest in its segment. On a single charge, the smartwatch can run non-stop for up to 8 days in classic mode and 25 days in standby mode. It is equipped with multiple sports modes and an intelligent sports algorithm feature, the smartwatch helps in tracking down even the minutest of details of one’s workout sessions. The smartwatch also supports Bluetooth calling which comes with HIFI audio quality. With the availability of a quick dial pad on the watch, the users can make, reject or accept calls on the go. Rated IP68 for water resistance, the smartwatch can easily handle accidental water splashes and strenuous workouts in the gym. Additionally, the smartwatch is loaded with exciting features like periodical health reminders, sedentary reminders, remote camera control, weather forecast, alarm clock, timer, and stopwatch that allows user to fully utilize their time outdoors. The smartwatch is available in 2 striking color variants- Black and Green Forest.

Commenting on the launch, Aayushi Kishore and Arnav Kishore, Co-Founders of Fire-Boltt, said, “We are thrilled to expand our outdoor category and introduce yet another sporty and rugged smartwatch for our consumers. The overall response to our outdoor watches has been phenomenal which gives us a sense of pride as we have been successfully able to create a new category in the budget smartwatch segment. We will be even more aggressive with our portfolio expansion in the coming months and will leave no stone unturned to bring the best quality smartwatches to our customers.”

The Sphere smartwatch combines a sporty and rugged design providing an intuitive experience to the user. One can use this smartwatch for any activity or adventure, be it hiking, trekking, or thrilling environmental conditions like dust, water splashes, pressure, etc. Fire-Boltt Sphere can also track heart rate, sleep cycle, and SPO2 levels with its signature health suite. It comes with a dual chamfered crown and highly durable glass which gives a premium look and feel to the smartwatch. While the solid body of the smartwatch tackles outdoor activities with ease, its skin-friendly silicon strap with a sweat-wicking design ensures it stays dry and sits comfortably on the user’s wrist. Not only this, but one can also get an option of 6 menu interfaces to choose from along with 100+ cloud base watch faces.

Bajaj Finserv empowers differently-abled persons in Pune with hi-tech mobility solutions

New Delhi, 01 March 2023: Bajaj Finserv Ltd., one of India’s leading and diversified financial services groups, has committed support to differently-abled persons by providing hi-tech mobility solutions that enable them to integrate into mainstream society.

The initiative ‘Accessibility & Freedom’ is part of Bajaj Finserv’s social responsibility programme, aimed at driving equitable and inclusive opportunities for children and youth. It is being funded and driven through its subsidiary, Bajaj Allianz General Insurance Company, in partnership with Round Table India, a non-profit working to improve the lives of differently-abled persons.

The initiative was launched at an event in Pune where 40 differently-abled persons identified by Round Table India were provided hi-tech mobility devices that convert a wheelchair into a roadworthy vehicle. The device is an indigenous innovation by NeoMotion, a start-up from R2D2 of IIT Madras. It comprises NeoFly, a compact, personalized wheelchair designed to best fit a user’s health and lifestyle, and NeoBolt, a hi-tech motorized add-on that transitions it seamlessly into an outdoor mobility device.

The first recipients of the solution were largely individuals with quadriplegia, including ex-servicemen, para-athletes, and homemakers. Under the initiative, 200 hi-tech mobility solutions will be provided by Bajaj Finserv to recipients across India. Present at the event were Shefali Bajaj, Chairperson, CSR Steering Committee, Bajaj Finserv; Ajay Sathe, Group CSR Head, Bajaj Finserv; Tapan Singhel, MD & CEO, Bajaj Allianz General Insurance, and senior officials of Round Table India and Neo Motion.

Shefali Bajaj, Chairperson of the CSR Steering Committee, Bajaj Finserv, said, “The initiative is life-transformative for the differently-abled. It ties in with our efforts to advance inclusion among children and youth by giving them equal access to resources, health, education, and opportunities. The hi-tech device gives recipients improved access, a feeling of freedom and goes a long way towards integrating them into mainstream society. It is heart-warming to see the smiles on recipients’ faces when they receive the devices. For us, it’s deeply satisfying to be able to make a tangible impact on people’s lives.” 

Tapan Singhel, MD & CEO, of Bajaj Allianz General Insurance Company, said, “As a group, Bajaj Finserv has always believed in giving back to society and making a positive impact on communities. Bajaj Allianz General Insurance resonates with the Group’s philosophy and strives to take measures that add value to the lives of our citizens. Many fellow Indians who use wheelchairs face numerous challenges in their routine lives, restricting their career opportunities and thus hampering them economically. As part of this initiative, we have donated 200 hi-tech mobility solutions to suit users’ health and lifestyle needs, empowering them to move around with much ease. We endeavour to make a difference in society and contribute to the well-being of the citizens of this country so that they can live a life of dignity.”

Ajay Sathe, Group CSR Head, Bajaj Finserv, said, “The initiative illustrates how technology can be leveraged for social impact. The hi-tech mobility solutions improve access for differently abled persons, enabling them to pursue an active liberated lifestyle. With the increased availability of these devices, the macro socio-economic impact can be significant. We are happy to associate with Round Table India. They have done commendable work in identifying the recipients and getting this initiative off to a great start. “

India has approximately 3 crore differently-abled persons facing mobility challenges and heavily dependent on a support ecosystem for their fundamental necessities. Restricted mobility impacts their ability to move outdoors, earn livelihoods and grow economically.

The hi-tech mobility solutions provided by Bajaj Finserv are compact wheelchairs customized to an individual’s posture and energy and are fitted with a motor-powered clip-on device that converts the wheelchair into a safe, roadworthy vehicle. It eliminates the need to transfer the person into other vehicles and can be independently attached by the user within seconds.

The powered wheelchair has a maximum speed of 25 kmph and can travel up to 25 km per charge. The solution has been compatible with rugged conditions to enhance its utility. Recipients can access the outdoors with the solution, pursue an active liberated lifestyle, be independent, and explore a world of opportunities, including education and employment.

Pankaj Gupta joins Quickplay as Head of Solutions Engineering, APAC and MVPD

Toronto, ON, Canada,01 March 2023: Pankaj Gupta, a transformation champion who has been on the leading edge of video evolution across wired, wireless, and cloud infrastructures, has joined Quickplay as Head of Solutions Engineering, APAC, and MVPD.

Gupta, who joins Quickplay after three years with Synamedia, will leverage his expertise in helping content distributors shape and build video delivery systems as he spearheads go-to-market strategies in the APAC and India markets for Quickplay’s industry-first, cloud-native OTT platform.

“The success and rapid growth of deployments with aha, PLDT, and others have spurred increased interest in how MVPDs, telcos, and other providers can transform every aspect of their businesses by moving to cloud-based architectures,” said Chris Drake, Senior Vice President, Global Head of Sales and Revenue for Quickplay. “Pankaj Gupta is highly regarded for his extensive knowledge, especially of the APAC market, and his ability to help each video provider create the system that meets their specific needs.”

During Gupta’s tenure as director, of solution consulting for Synamedia Asia, his consultative approach to identifying customer pain points and possible resolutions was key to the company’s APAC sales strategy. Previously he was head of sales and business development/video cloud product SME during a five-year career with Cisco that included execution of the world’s first hybrid video cloud platform deal. Gupta also was CTO for Airtel International’s direct-to-home project and general manager and head of DTH NOC for Airtel India.

“Quickplay’s cloud-native architecture, its spirit of innovation, and its results-oriented team are powering the company to new heights,” said Gupta. “I’m here to help Quickplay do what it does better than anyone in the industry: help streaming providers to seamlessly transition from the confines of legacy architectures to the limitless possibilities of platforms based entirely in the cloud.”