SAP Appoints Kulmeet Bawa as President and Managing Director of Indian Subcontinent

SAP SE has announced the appointment of Kulmeet Bawa as President and Managing Director for SAP Indian Subcontinent, effective July 20, 2020. Kulmeet will be responsible for driving and delivering an exceptional SAP experience for employees and customers across our ecosystem, as well as guide businesses in India, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka to adopt a digital-first mindset. Based in Gurgaon, Kulmeet will report directly to Scott Russell, President of SAP Asia Pacific Japan (APJ).

“The current pandemic environment requires companies to take swift action and accelerate digital transformation to become intelligent enterprises. At SAP we are committed to support our customers and help them transform, scale and win,” said Scott Russell, President, SAP APJ. “We are confident that Kulmeet’s track record of a customer-centric approach, his focus on people and effective team-work, coupled with deep industry knowledge, will propel SAP India to continued success,” he added.

Most recently, Kulmeet was the Chief Operating Officer for Resulticks where he led the growth strategy and execution of go-to-market for the organization. With cross functional experience of more than 25 years, Kulmeet has served with the Indian Army in the Armored Corps, subsequently moving to the corporate side. He led the India & South Asia market for Adobe orchestrating businesses to digitally transform and drive excellence in customer experience, prior to that he was with Microsoft Corporation and Sun Microsystems, managing enterprise strategies across industries and portfolios. 

“As India acclimatizes to the new reality in the new normal, it is important for businesses to permeate digital technologies in every industry, institution, business process, and individual experience,” said Kulmeet. “I am excited to move from Singapore back to India working closely with local customers, helping them adopt innovative technologies to achieve successful business outcomes,” he added.

Under the guidance and leadership of Deb Deep Sengupta, current SAP India MD and SAP veteran of two decades, the organization achieved significant success with strong growth across several business areas. Deep will work closely with Kulmeet to ensure a smooth leadership transition for our customers and partners. Deep’s next position will be announced in due course.

About SAP

As the Experience Company powered by the Intelligent Enterprise, SAP is the market leader in enterprise application software, helping companies of all sizes and in all industries run at their best: 77% of the world’s transaction revenue touches an SAP® system. Our machine learning, Internet of Things (IoT), and advanced analytics technologies help turn customers’ businesses into intelligent enterprises. SAP helps give people and organizations deep business insight and fosters collaboration that helps them stay ahead of their competition. We simplify technology for companies so they can consume our software the way they want – without disruption. Our end-to-end suite of applications and services enables more than 440,000 business and public customers to operate profitably, adapt continuously, and make a difference. With a global network of customers, partners, employees, and thought leaders, SAP helps the world run better and improve people’s lives. 

The Agile Achiever: The All-New BMW S 1000 XR Now in Indian Market

Features

* The all-new BMW S 1000 XR.

* Enhanced Touring Capabilities - The lightest bike in its class. 

* Powerful and Agile - New 999 cc four cylinder in-line engine 

* Dynamic and sporty design with optimised ergonomics.

* Extensive standard equipment – All-LED Lighting, Dynamic ESA, Riding Modes Pro, TFT display and connectivity. 

* Wide array of retrofit options for enhanced safety, comfort, storage, maintenance, riding gear, navigation and communication.

* Enhanced riding experience and comfort with unmatched safety. 

‘XR’ stands for an uncompromising mix of sportiness and touring capability. The all-new BMW S 1000 XR’s thrilling design reflects pure performance and the promise of long-distance travelling comfort with a riding position that is impressively active yet relaxed. The front fairing and lighting system are defined by sharp edges. Combined with striking beading the overall line is shaped aggressively and consistently to the finish. The visually short tail is also reminiscent of a sport bike. The revised aerodynamics, fairing, comfortable handlebars along with long-distant seating position ensure great riding fun miles after miles. The adjustable windshield provides even better protection against the cold, driving noises and the elements allowing the rider to keep your eyes on the road. All lighting units such as the main headlamp, tail light, indicator lights and instrument cluster uses the latest LED technology. The new LED headlamp not only gives the all-new BMW S 1000 XR a highly dynamic look, it also lights up the road even more effectively than before. The integrated parking lights enhance the bike's unmistakable appearance.

The newly developed 999 cc in-line 4-cylinder engine is based on the BMW S 1000 RR engine and delivers an output of 165 hp at 11,000 rpm and a maximum torque of 114 Nm at 9,250 rpm. The engine speed range is broader and harmonious to enhance ridability. The 4th, 5th and 6th gears now have longer ratios, low noise level, lower fuel consumption and lower engine rpm at cruising speeds. The motorcycle sprints from 0-100 km/hr in just 3.3 seconds and achieve a top speed of over 200 km/hr.

The new suspension system has been completely engineered to enhance riding dynamics and riding fun as compared to the predecessor model. The key factor is the optimum interplay between the frame design and the engine as a load-bearing element. The new double-sided swinging arm offers a particularly sensitive response thanks to its direct linkage. The suspension geometry further increase agility, feedback and enhance the mechanical grip of the rear wheel.

The all-new BMW S 1000 XR has four standard riding modes – Rain, Road, Dynamic and Dynamic Pro. The ‘Dynamic Pro’ mode is fully configurable and offers riders a wide range of setting options to suit their riding style.  The throttle response, engine brake, ABS control and traction control, wheelie control (including the new ‘Power Wheelie’ setting) can be configured separately for the first time. While the part integral BMW Motorrad ABS systems already provide a very high degree of performance and safety when braking in a straight line, ABS Pro now takes this a step further to offer increased safety when braking in banking position as well.

The adventure tourer features the latest generation of BMW Motorrad Dynamic ESA (Electronic Suspension Adjustment) as standard. Thanks to the latest valve technology, the versatile adventure sports bike provides a particularly dynamic riding experience with a high level of ride comfort. For the first time in the BMW S 1000 XR, the dynamic brake assistant DBC (Dynamic Brake Control) also supports the rider during braking manoeuvres.

Further, MSR (Motorschleppmomentregelung) or dynamic engine break control electronically prevents the locking, slippage or hopping of the rear wheel that can result when the throttle is snapped shut or the during rider downshifts. MSR maximizes stability and safety of the BMW S 1000 XR by detecting rear wheel hopping in time and instantaneously equalize drag torque by opening the throttle valves. The anti-hopping clutch in combination with MSR offers best protection against engine braking torque influences and against dropping the bike. 

The best-in-class 6.5- inch colour TFT screen instrument cluster along with BMW Motorrad connectivity offers unmatched display and access to information. In addition, the BMW Motorrad Connected App offers handy arrow based navigation suitable for day-to-day use directly on TFT screen. The multi-controller on the left hand handlebar panel enables quick, safe and convenient screen operation. 

A wide range of retrofit equipment and gear options are available to further enhance the riding experience with a range of storage bags, backpacks, rider gear, navigation and communication. Customers can augment their bike with safety accessories suchas radiator grille, hand protector, brake disk lock with antitheft alarm and protective glass for TFT screen. Quick maintenance at home or while touring is made easy with assembly stand, multifunctional tool kit, tyre pressure travel pack, breakdown assistance kit for tubeless tyres and compact foot pump. 

Has Siemens IT arm sacked over 500 as Union claims?

IT firm Siemens Information Systems, a unit of German conglomerate Siemens, today said it has laid off 128 employees as part of its cost cutting measures, debunking union's claim that 500 employees had lost jobs.

The IT-ITeS union UNITES India said the number of employees laid off by the company could be around 500. It added that Siemens is laying off its employees in Bangalore violating the Industrial Dispute Act.

When contacted SISL spokesperson said, "As a part of our cost-cutting initiatives, we have released only 128 employees from one of the business units."

UNITES Professionals India General Secretary Karthik Shekhar said, "The figures provided by the company does not include the number of employees who were on contract. In the last one month, the company has laid off more than 128 employees."

SISL has over 5,500 employees in the country. The union has also written to the headquarters of the firm in Germany.

About compensating the employees, the company said it has already compensated the affected employees higher than the contractual terms.
AGENCIES

Agencies

Now get your Mobile Web report from Opera

Opera’s popular mobile browser Opera Mini claims to enhance the mobile internet experience. The software organization has now broadcasted its State of the Mobile Web report that further ascends the browser. This report presents some fascinating data that offers a detailed description about the evolution of Web browsing on mobile phones.

Opera conducted a study of vital factors that influence the mobile Web globally and publishes it as the State of the Mobile Web, monthly. The report provides information about the most regularly visited sites. Moreover it also includes key data metrics from Opera Mini and a picture of a particular development selected by the analysis team for that month.

The company had introduced the Opera Mini and Opera Mobile which are premium software for mobile Web browsing on both feature phones and smartphones. Opera Mini offers faster Web services on the handset. Moreover even the page is viewed just as it appears on the desktop browser. The Opera Zoom feature articulates the contents so as to enhance the readability and interaction. Additionally, it also incorporates Opera Link that facilitates users to synchronize their bookmarks for free. It also offers a Speed Dial option and personal bar between all the Web browsers.

The report reveals that 25.4 million Opera Mini users have browsed over 9.6 billion pages, as per the records in the month of May, 2009. Further it claims that since April, 2009, page-views have risen by 11.0% and increased by a remarkable 227% from May, 2008. It also illustrates that users generated almost 160 million MB of data for global operators in May, 2009.

The content analysis is based on an assessment of the top 100 sites ranked based on page views in every country. The designation of sites to particular kind was devised by local content professionals by following Opera’s guidelines to exemplify each site.

Additionally, demographic data was also gathered from voluntary user surveys. The data was then provided to a random subset of Opera Mini users through their handsets, in English, Russian, Chinese, German and Polish. Survey responses were accumulated between February to June, 2008.

Agencies

Does SAP sees signs of recovery from recession?

SAP Co-Chief Executive Leo Apotheker said the next few months may bring "glimmers of hope" for the global economy.

Apotheker also said he believes the business software maker should stay independent, following fresh speculation in European markets that Microsoft Corp could bid for the German company. The talk was sparked by Microsoft's plans to sell a multibillion-dollar debt issue.

"We're probably starting to see a stabilization of the situation," Apotheker said at a news conference in New York. "We'll probably start to see some glimmers of hope in the second half of the year for the global economy." Global markets will likely see a fuller recovery in 2010, he added.

The S&P 500 and Dow industrials pared losses after his comments. Apotheker, who will become the sole CEO of SAP when Henning Kagermann's retires later in May, declined to comment on the Microsoft speculation, but said he believed it is in SAP's interest to remain independent.

"Our customers believe an independent SAP is the best value they can get," he said. Rumors periodically surface that either IBM or Microsoft might acquire SAP, which sells business management applications to large businesses that neither of those technology giants have in their portfolios.

Apotheker criticized rival Oracle Corp's decision to purchase hardware maker Sun Microsystems Inc, saying that businesses do not want to buy from vertically integrated technology companies that sell software alongside the computers that run it.

"I'm sorry to disappoint you," he said in response to a question on how Oracle's $7.4 billion purchase of Sun might reshape the industry. "It won't affect the industry much."

But Apotheker said SAP will do a few acquisitions "as we go along." SAP announced on Monday that it bought privately held Clear Standards, a small maker of software that helps businesses manage greenhouse gas emissions. Apotheker did not discuss financial terms of the acquisition.

Sterling, Virginia-based Clear Standards sells software that helps companies measure and mitigate greenhouse gas emissions, which contribute to global climate change and are increasingly coming under regulatory scrutiny.

Apotheker also said that previously announced job cuts are progressing as planned at SAP. The company is not planning any more job cuts, he added.

Agencies

Have small IT firms outwit the big IT giants?

It is not a secret that are at the lower rung of the competition hierarchy in the European technology market. Indian firms still have a long way to go before they get lucrative contracts from that market. But, they seem to be gradually creeping into European market, with smaller firms taking a clear competitive edge than IT biggies like Infosys and TCS, reports CXO today.

"I find that the big Indian companies are too pragmatic. Not able to take my requests simply...CMM Level 5 etc is of no use to me... all I want is my requirement to be fulfilled," Paul Schewefer, Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer, Continental AG.

It seems that a market like Europe demands a highly aggressive planning and quick implementation of strategies if one wants to make the cut. For small companies with lesser number of people, it is comparatively easier to implement changes without having to go through various processes, making it fast. And many small companies in this market have built capabilities in niche areas unlike some giants.

Moreover, Hannover, Germany, based Continental Group's technology expenditure for this year could be up to $500 million. And a lot of that could go to the smaller companies. "Partnering with smaller Indian firms helps them to invest in manpower and technologies, and that helps us as well," said Schewefer.

For the smaller firms, they are looking at the European market via the partnership model. For instance, Aakit Technologies has just sold 26 percent to Germany-based Aequitas Group. "The deal deepens our access to Europe, and also gives our German partner India capabilities," said Tayeb Barodawla, MD, Aakit Technologies.

Earlier, there were reports that Indian IT firms needed long-term deals if they are to make any gain in Europe. It is true that many Indian IT majors are still finding a major share of their revenue from European market through project services, while most of the MNCs drawing revenue from long-term outsourcing contracts.

IT analysts are still of the opinion that top Indian IT companies like TCS, Infosys and Wipro will have to shift focus on long-term outsourcing in order to make significant gains in the European market. These three companies derive around 25 percent of their revenue from European market.

Agencies