Yamaha Unveils Online Sales Through New Website with Virtual Store

 Highlights 

* The new website of Yamaha with Virtual Store will host an end-to-end online buying platform of Yamaha two wheelers

* The online sale will cover more than 300 dealerships pan India in 2020

* A class-leading customer experience at https://www.yamaha-motor-india.com/ and a hassle-free booking & purchase at https://shop.yamaha-motor-india.com/

The excitement of Yamaha is all set to get intensified as the company introduces the “New user friendly website with online sales facility” in India today, as a part of the brand’s continued effort to provide exciting experiences to its customers under its strategic campaign “The Call of the Blue”. 

In the current scenario, customers are preferring to stay indoors and they want to minimize their visit to showroom. Considering the convenience of the customers, India Yamaha Motor has introduced the online sales on its website with VIRTUAL STORE to enhance the buying experiences of its customers.

The new website will have all the latest features like the VIRTUAL STORE with 360 degree view of the products along with the specification comparison between Yamaha Products bundled under the Buyers Guide option on the website. The Yamaha dealerships will also provide their support in promoting the contactless delivery and use digital communication tools like WhatsApp etc. for communication with the customers. Through this website, customers can also opt for doorstep service for their purchase related enquiries based on his/her requirements.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Motofumi Shitara, Chairman, Yamaha Motor India Group of companies said, “Digital is future, and our new website with VIRTUAL STORE is ready to offer an enhanced buying experience and personalized customer services (One to one service) to the two-wheeler customers in India. Yamaha’s philosophy to offer excitement that goes beyond the customer expectations will unfold a new chapter with the new Yamaha website as we accelerate the digital transformation of Yamaha’s retail operations through a safe, reliable and engaging online portal. Bringing more innovation to the concept, in future our customers will also be able to purchase apparels & accessories on the same platform thus providing a ready solution with enhanced buying experience. Our existing after sales activities like extended warranty offers and roadside assistance will be an added advantage to the customers.”

Yamaha will start the online sales module from Chennai and will cover 300 dealerships across the nation by the end of 2020.

Four Key Tips for Producing Successful Virtual Events Globally

By Ranganath Jagannath, Director, Growth, Agora

Are you wondering how to produce a quality virtual event that will attract your target audience and decision makers? 

As the world is adapting to the new rules of social distancing, I thought it was important to put together a list of the top 4 tactics you should use to ensure your virtual event is a smashing success.

Content is King but Engaging Speakers Are Key

Like traditional events, content is even more important in a virtual event because viewers are able to walk into your event as fast as they are able to head for the virtual doors.

From my personal experience I can tell you that successful events are always rich in quality and engaging content. However, the best events seem to have one thing in common: engaging speakers.

Hunting down a speaker who is truly an expert in their field is one thing but finding a speaker who is also engaging is a key tactic that is often overlooked by producers of virtual events. 

Make sure to produce content that has real value for viewers of the event. Don’t forget the main reason people attend virtual events is to learn something new. Only use engaging speakers and hosts who are comfortable talking about the subject matter.

Invest in Paid Promotion

Just like a traditional event, your virtual event should include a plan on strategic paid promotion.

Build a virtual event promotional communications plan that utilizes digital marketing, email marketing, and social media promotion. Don’t just post an event on your social media channels, sponsor the post to reach your target audience.

Virtual event communications are key so make sure to use email and social media channels on a regular basis leading up to the event. Your communications should emphasize the value of the event in every communication piece sent out. Create a strong, vibrant, and engaging landing page for the event. Overbook the event, meaning if your targeting 100 attendees, your promotional plan should strive to drive 225 signups.

Choose a Platform with Innovative Interaction Capabilities

Deciding which platform to use for your virtual event is equally as important as the content you produce. Think about the times you’ve walked into a physical event and actually were wowed by the look and feel of the event. The same can be said for virtual events that deliver quality video, audio, and interactive experiences to viewers.

Delivering quality video, audio, and interactive experience really does matter! The platform you select should come fully loaded with interactive capabilities and include the opportunity for the inclusion of branding elements on the screen. Make sure to turn the virtual event into a well-oiled branding experience, which means including branding elements prior to, during and at the end of the virtual event. 

Now if you really want to take your virtual event to the next level, consider incorporating live audio or video questions from the audience. Questions via chat are good but live audio and video questions are considerably more interactive and engaging for audiences.  It isn’t that people will stop craving for human interaction in a post covid world, they would rather attend an online event where they would be able to make meaningful human connections through real time engagement. 

Virtual events have a distinct advantage over physical events, viewers are able to instantly interact with speakers and hosts of the event via chat. Incorporate interaction elements throughout the entire event; things like emojis, poll questions and prompting the audience to ask questions via chat work extremely well. Take advantage of advanced virtual event platforms that allow audio and video questions from viewers and encourage interaction between attendees. Success can be measured against parameters such as how much percentage of event attendees were engaged by the interaction elements.   

The Event Lives on Long After It’s Over

So, you’ve spent all this time and money to produce a quality virtual event, now what? The truth is, your event has only just begun because you now have a recorded event that has the capabilities to live on for years. Think of a recently completed virtual event as ongoing branding and lead generation vehicle. While the content from the event might seem old three months down the line, it will be new for those who are viewing the event for the very first time.

Promotion is key to making sure a recently completed virtual event will continue to have success for months to come. Pin-point highlights from the event and use them as promotional items. Remember a quality virtual event has the shelf life of at least a year.

Project Management Institute to Kick Off New Virtual Experience Series 29 July with Host Tamron Hall and Chef José Andrés

Project Management Institute (PMI), the world's leading association for the project management profession, launched the new Virtual Experience Series to introduce professionals from all industries to innovative global voices and energize them to bring big ideas to life.

This groundbreaking new series, which is open to the public, connects participants with global innovators, inspirational voices and project leaders who will deliver 40 power-packed sessions to help those who want to boost their career or pivot to a new one. During the series, participants can connect with peers, mentors, experts and renowned public figures alike to gain insights on how to move their careers and projects forward and embrace the great potential and opportunity ahead of us.

Hosted by journalist, talk show host and executive producer Tamron Hall, the series’ six virtual experiences begin 29 July 2020 and continue through 9 December 2020. The first live 4.5-hour experience, titled “The Individual: My Work, My Life, My World” will feature renowned chef and humanitarian José Andrés; author and The New York Times podcast host Priya Parker; and more than 40 industry experts who will inspire, inform, engage and entertain.

During the opening session, José Andrés will discuss how he taps into his inner project manager to help feed the world. In 2010, he formed World Central Kitchen, a non-profit specializing in delivering food relief in the wake of natural and humanitarian disasters. World Central Kitchen has responded to dozens of disasters worldwide and distributed tens of millions of meals. In response to COVID-19, Andrés has partnered with restaurants, small farms and community leaders worldwide to combat food insecurity.

During the first-ever PMI Book Club, Bob Safian, podcast host and former Fast Company editor-in-chief, will chat with Priya Parker, author of “The Art of Gathering: How We Meet and Why it Matters.” Parker will share her inspired strategies for gathering global teams to get meaningful results from your virtual face-to-face meetings.

Each monthly experience will feature a new roster of celebrities and industry experts. Upcoming series dates and topics include:

* 29 July 2020 at 9 a.m. -1:30 p.m. EDT - The Individual: My Work, My Life, My World

* 25 August - The Community: Together We Rise

* 9 September - A Deep Dive in Organizational Agility: Adaptability, Resilience and Learning

* 20 October - The World: Our Global Impact

* 12 November - A Deep Dive in Business Analysis:  Drawing a Map to the Future

* 9 December - The Future: Forging Our Path Forward

Registration for PMI members is $99 for a single experience or $359 for the entire series. Registration for non-members is $149 for a single experience or $899 for the event series. Purchasing a series pass includes complimentary on-demand access to PMI’s Talent and Technology Symposium, which took place in June. Each experience is also PDU-eligible.

For more information on this event and to register, visit experience.pmi.org.

About Project Management Institute (PMI)

Project Management Institute (PMI) is the world's leading association for those who consider project, program or portfolio management their profession. Through global advocacy, collaboration, education and research, we work to prepare more than three million professionals around the world for The Project Economy: the coming economy in which work, and individuals, are organized around projects, products, programs and value streams. Now 50 years in the making, we work in nearly every country around the world to advance careers, improve organizational success and further mature the project management profession through globally-recognized standards, certifications, communities, resources, tools, academic research, publications, professional development courses and networking opportunities. As part of the PMI family, ProjectManagement.com creates online global communities that deliver more resources, better tools, larger networks and broader perspectives. 

Hyundai Unveils New TUCSON and Brings Alive ‘ALL New CRETA’, ‘Spirited New VERNA’ in the Digital Sphere

Hyundai Motor India Limited (HMIL), country’s first smart mobility solutions provider and the largest exporter since inception, today showcased 3 Legendary and bestselling brands All New CRETA- The Ultimate SUV, Spirited New VERNA and the new TUCSON in the ‘The Next Dimension’ through the ‘VIRTUAL WORLD OF HYUNDAI’. In the Industry First ever full-scale human centric design showcase, Hyundai’s exclusive session bridged distances between the Dynamic Physical and Digital Worlds, while keeping the experience alive.

Speaking at the Industry First, most advanced virtual-reality experience, Mr. SS Kim, MD & CEO, Hyundai Motor India Limited said, “We are glad to introduce you to the Virtual World of Hyundai in an exceptional digital experience - ‘The Next Dimension’. With its technological prowess, Hyundai has created a New Paradigm bringing new experience alive. ‘The Next Dimension’ is an immersive expression of different cultures through Human Centric Design. Being an Innovation Centric organization, Hyundai has brought together the Virtual World of 3 Iconic brands - ALL New CRETA, Spirited New VERNA and the launch of the new TUCSON, in a Larger Than Life POD Lab Space creating a new benchmark in the Indian Automotive industry.”

“With over 6.5 million customers worldwide, TUCSON is one of the best-selling SUV’s across the world. The new TUCSON unveiled recently at the Auto Expo 2020 is a testimony of our commitment to bring the best of global products and technology for our customers in India and we are confident that this SUV will set a new benchmark in Industry.” He added.

Segment 1: Success of All New CRETA - The Ultimate SUV

‘The Next Dimension’ was divided into three segments. It began with a showcase of the Record Breaking Success of the All New CRETA - ‘The Ultimate SUV’ with over 45,000 bookings.

CRETA has been a bestseller in its segment since inception and has consistently been the most preferred SUV in India with over 4.85 Lakh happy CRETA customers.  Despite challenging times and intense competition, the newly launched All New CRETA - The “Ultimate SUV” has showcased Brand Supremacy becoming Number 1 selling SUV in its segment for last 2 consecutive months. This Power packed Ultimate SUV is an Ultimate all-rounder, from styling to comfort, Connectivity to performance, and in safety providing Ultimate customer care.

Segment 2:  The Spirited New VERNA - Live The Thrill

The Second phase of ‘The Next Dimension’ laid the spotlight on Hyundai’s leading product in the Sedan segment The Spirited New VERNA. Hyundai VERNA continues to be a bestselling product with 26 industry accolades and over 5.28 Lac happy customers in domestic and export markets.

VERNA is Hyundai’s Super Performer Brand and with its strong fan following, is amongst the most loved Sedans in India. The recently launched India’s First Fully Connected sedan – The Spirited New VERNA, is an All-rounder sedan with Human Technology Connect. It is comprised of Futuristic Design, Smart Connect, Ingenious Detailing and Superior Dynamics for new age aspirational customers. Styling, Brand Reputation, Dynamic Performance & advanced technology, Segment Best Features and Driving comfort offers a superior product experience to the customers.

The Spirited New VERNA - Key highlights:

Best in Segment  - BOLD AND PREMIUM STYLING

Dark Chrome Grille, Chrome Garnish on Front and Rear Bumper

Best in Segment – SPORTY TURBO VARIANT

Turbo Engine/7DCT, Twin Tip Mufler

First in Segment – CONNECTED CAR TECHNOLOGY

Hyundai Blue Link

Best in Segment – ADVANCED POWERTRAIN

Petrol and Diesel Option with MT & AT

First in Segment – HIGH-TECH ADVANCED FEATURES

Ventilated Seats, Wireless Charger, Digital Cluster

Best in Segment – WONDER WARRANTY

Standard Warranty up to 5 Years

Segment 3: The Launch of : The new TUCSON - ANNOUNCE YOUR ARRIVAL

In the last segment Hyundai launched its Flagship Premium SUV, the new TUCSON.  The new TUCSON redefines the Premium SUV experience with its Dynamic & Robust appeal, Luxurious interiors, Advanced Technology & Connectivity. With a legacy of 3 highly Trusted & successful Generations and over 6.5 million customers worldwide, TUCSON is one of the best-selling SUV’s across the world. Tucson’s strong success is apparent from the overwhelming response it has received from experts and from customers, winning many prestigious awards in India since its launch in 2016.

The new TUCSON is engineered to deliver a modern premium SUV experience. It is based on 5 key pillars: Premium & Bold Styling, Dominant Performance, Smart Technology & Comfort, Enhanced Connectivity, and Advanced Safety.

PREMIUM & BOLD STYLING

The Dynamic Styling of the All new Tucson sets it apart from other SUVs. The new TUCSON is an outstanding example of Hyundai’s Design excellence. The Signature Cascade Design chrome front Grille makes a Bold & confident statement. While the Penta Projector LED Headlamps along with LED DRL’s & LED Tail Lamps, enhances the Premiumness of the New Tucson. Furthermore, the R18 Diamond cut Alloy wheels & Twin chrome exhaust accentuates the Bold & Sporty appeal. The luxurious All Black Interiors and Leather stitched dashboard gives a rich premium feel to the cabin.

DOMINANT PERFORMANCE

The new TUCSON comes with powerful 2.0 Litre Diesel and Petrol engines. The fun to drive Diesel powertrain with New advanced 8 Speed AT offers the Best-in-segment Power (185ps) and Torque (40.8 kgm)., Also the Petrol Engine delivers an impressive 152 ps Power and 19.6 kgm Torque and is mated to a 6 Speed AT. To further maximise the driving pleasure, new TUCSON is also offered with the HTRAC 4WD system, Advanced Traction Cornering Control and Drive Modes.

SMART TECHNOLOGY & COMFORT

The New Tucson offers ultimate comfort & Convenience with many First-in-segment features such as Power Adjustable Front Seats (Passenger – 8 Way, Driver -10 way), Infinity Premium Sound System (8 Speakers), Hands Free Power Tailgate & Wireless Charger to name a few. Additionally, the wide open Panaromic Sunroof, The Dual-Zone FATC with Rear AC vents and Electronic Parking Brake add to the absolute comfort of driving the new Tucson.

ENHANCED CONNECTIVITY

The new TUCSON is the 1st vehicle in its segment to be offered with Advanced Connected Car Technology “Hyundai BlueLink”. It allows to remotely Lock /unlock & even start the Engine/AC using smartphone/ smart watch. Also the vehicle can be Tracked down & immobilized with just a touch of button. A new Floating Type 20.32 cm HD Touch Screen Infotainment with Android Auto, Apple CarPlay and Voice Recognition is also offered to further enhance the connectivity on the move.

ADVANCED SAFETY

All Hyundai cars are developed and tested as per Hyundai ‘Safe Drive Philosophy’. Beyond active safety technologies, the new TUCSON has Strong Body Structure with generous usage of Advanced High Strength Steel for a lighter yet highly rigid body shell. Furthermore, in addition to 6 airbags, the New Tucson is equipped with some of the Smart electronic safety features for enhanced braking performance & Directional stability, like the Intelligent  Traction Control with ESC &VSM , Hill-assist for Ascent & decent, newly introduced TPMS & Electronic parking brakes to name a few.

COMPLETE PEACE OF MIND

The new TUCSON comes with Hyundai Premium Assurance Program (HPAP) With Wonder Warranty (Up to 5 Year) for Complete Peace Of Mind of its customers. The Hyundai Premium Assurance Program (HPAP) offers 3 years / 30,000 km free maintenance, Blue Link/Map Subscription, Road Side Assistance and Premium Care Visit. Whereas Wonder Warranty further enhances hassle-free ownership experience with option of 3 Years/Unlimited kms or 4 Years /60,000 kms or 5 Years /50,000 kms warranty.( as per driving need of customer)

First-in-Segment Features:

Hyundai Blue Link (with Remote Vehicle Operations & Voice Recognition)

Infinity Premium Sound System (8 Speakers)

Height Adjustable Hands-Free Power Tailgate

8-way Power Adjustable Passenger Seat

Wireless Phone Charger

Twin Chrome Exhaust

 Welcome Function

Door Pocket Lighting

Chrome Outside Door handles

Best-in-Segment Features:

Diesel Engine (Power -185ps/ Torque-40.8kgm)

Wonder Warranty (Up to 5 Years Standard)

Annexure 1

All New CRETA- The Ultimate SUV

All New CRETA is the embodiment of Hyundai’s Global Design language – ‘Sensuous Sportiness’ that has captivated the minds and hearts of customers in India. All New CRETA is the result of Hyundai’s Ultimate Science of Human Engineering to create the Ultimate SUV for Indian customers. It is built on Strong Body Structure with 74% of AHSS and HSS.

All New CRETA offers a thrilling drive, powered by Hyundai’s new 1.4 l Kappa Turbo GDi (BS6) Petrol engine with 7DCT (Dual Clutch Transmission) gaining immense popularity among buyers.

Hyundai has committed to bring in latest in world class technology and now has range of BS 6 compliant diesel engines. CRETA Diesel powered variants constitute 59% of bookings, indicating strong demand for Hyundai’s proven and advanced Diesel BS6 technology.

CRETA customers are opting for most admired features such as Advanced Blue Link with over 50 connected features & ‘Hello Blue Link’ – wake-up word for voice activated in-car control, Drive Mode Select, Traction Control Modes, Voice Enabled Smart Panoramic Sunroof, Bose Premium Sound System (8 Speakers), Auto Healthy Air Purifier with Digital Display and Paddle Shifters.

All New CRETA also offers customers complete peace of mind with WONDER Warranty Options - 3 Years/unlimited kms or 4 years/60 000 kms or 5 years/50 000 kms.

Annexure 2

The Spirited New VERNA – Live The Thrill

The Spirited New VERNA is based on following key pillars:

SPECTACULAR DESIGN

The Spirited New VERNA with Sensuously Sporty and Spectacular design has stunning Premium and Bold Exteriors.

Artistically crafted front projects an aggressive, bold yet premium look. The newly designed Full LED Headlamps adds to the design innovation, while the Dark Chrome in the Front Grille enhances the premium appeal. The Aerodynamic side profile together with New 16”Diamond Cut Alloys boost the sporty appeal while the Chrome window beltline, Striking LED Tail Lamps & newly designed bumper with Chrome garnish lend  an  exceptional appeal to the Spirited New VERNA.

Complementing the dynamic Exteriors, are the Premium & Stylish Interiors. The comfortable & spacious cabin of VERNA offers generous Legroom & Headroom for the occupants. The Glossy Black & Silver accents on the dashboard, Floating design infotainment system and dual tone Leatherette seats, enhances the upmarket feel of the cabin.

OUTSTANDING FEATURES

In line with segment buyers need & aspiration, The Spirited New VERNA now comes with 14 NEW FEATURES and 20 Segment unique offerings, strengthening VERNA’s image of a hi-tech feature-rich performance sedan.

The feature packed Spirited New VERNA offers unique intuitive in cabin experience. The ergonomically positioned 8” Floating Screen AVNT system with HD display and Smartphone connectivity offers ultimate in car experience while the Digital Cluster with unique Rev and Speed counters gives a Hi Tech cockpit feel.

The segment unique Ventilated front Seats and Wireless Phone Charging, add to the comfort and convenience, while the Electric Sunroof enhances the cabin experience. Moreover, features like Paddle Shifters, Front Parking Sensors and Tyre Pressure Monitoring System, further accentuates the Hi-tech imagery of the Spirited New VERNA

ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY

As a step towards Future Mobility, Hyundai introduced its Advanced Telematics Solution, Hyundai BLUE LINK in the Venue last year. Now with the adoption of BLUE LINK Technology, The Spirited New VERNA has become the FIRST FULLY CONNECTED SEDAN IN THE SEGMENT.

Hyundai BLUE LINK technology enables customers to gain access to a number of advanced connected car features like Remote Engine Start, Remote Lock /Unlock and AC on,  Stolen Vehicle Tracking & Immobilisation, and Geo-fencing to name a Few . The Technological excellence is further accentuated with Interactive Voice controlled Wake up command of “Hello BLUE LINK” that activates features like Dial by No., Live Cricket Scores, weather information and Indian Holidays Info for enhanced customer experience. Moreover, the Smartwatch Integration for controlling Blue Link features take the connected car experience to Next level.

YOUTHFUL PERFORMANCE

Powerful Performance has always been a benchmark for VERNA, making it popular as a “Performance Sedan”. The new VERNA features all new Petrol and Diesel engine options with compliance to the BS6 norms. The 1.5 L Gamma 2 PL engine offers a balance performance and efficiency, and comes with the option of 6-Speed Manual Transmission and newly developed Intelligent Variable Transmission. The new 1.5L U2 CRDI Diesel Engine comes with the option of 6-Speed Manual Transmission and a 6-Speed Automatic Transmission, the only DSL AT option available in the segment.

VERNA has always been the leader in the diesel segment. The Diesel advantage is carry forward in the new VERNA as well with the Segment best 1.5 U2 Engine, which delivers 115 PS power and 25.5 kgm torque along with a mileage of 25 kmpl, making it a striking combination of Performance, Refinement & Economy.

Customers’ safety is always first priority at Hyundai and The Spirited New VERNA is no exception. The highly secure body structure of VERNA comes with extended application of as high as 73% “Advanced & high strength steel” making it high on rigidity. 

Experience ‘The Next Dimension’ Virtual World of Hyundai on July 14

Virtual Tour

* The Industry First Showcase of Innovative Human-Centric Design

* 3 Unique and Industry First Experiences on One Virtual Platform through ‘‘The Next Dimension’’ for Hyundai customers, Prospects & Media

* Virtual World of 3 Iconic brands ALL New CRETA, Spirited New Verna and the launch of New TUCSON in a Larger Than Life POD Lab Space

* Hyundai customers, Prospects and Media can witness and experience The Next Dimension on 5 different platforms such as HMIL Official Website including official social handles of Youtube, Twitter, Instagram, Facebook

July 9, 2020: Hyundai Motor India Limited (HMIL), country’s first smart mobility solutions provider and largest exporter since inception, is introducing the Industry First, most advanced virtual-reality experience - ‘The Next Dimension’ on 14.07.2020 at 12:00 noon. ‘The Next Dimension’ is an immersive expression of different culture with Human Centric Design. Using the most advanced Futuristic Human-Centric Design, HMIL is set to bring alive the larger than life experience in the perfect harmony of dynamic physical and digital worlds for our customers, prospects and media on 5 official digital platforms such as HMIL Official Website including official social handles of Youtube, Twitter, Instagram, Facebook.

The unique and Industry First - ‘The Next Dimension’ would be presenting Hyundai’s three ICONIC brands - The Ultimate SUV of 2020 - All New CRETA, Spirited New VERNA and Virtual Launch of New TUCSON, in a unique digital format.

Commenting on the forthcoming Industry First ‘The Next Dimension’ experience, Mr. S S Kim, MD & CEO, HMIL said, “The core of Hyundai is innovation and we are committed to offer unique experiences through Most Advanced Technological and Futuristic Endeavors. With ‘The Next Dimension’, we intend to curate Multi-Cultural, Human Centric and Invigorated experiences in digital space for all the stakeholders. I am confident that ‘The Next Dimension’ will spearhead digitalization and virtual experience world in Indian Automobile Industry and create a new benchmark.”

The space design of ‘The Next Dimension’ is based on the ‘Brutalist Architectural Philosophy’, creating simple and functional spaces and accommodating their purpose uniquely and innovatively. The Digital Architecture of ‘The Next Dimension’ is inspired by the Brutalist Architectural Philosophy with vibrant colors & different pod screens attached to the core architecture design. Each pod screens will have relevant product content in a 3D and animation format showcasing the depth on the design.

Microsoft and Accenture Collaborate on Startup Challenge to Accelerate Innovation in Ecosystem

Microsoft’s 100X100X100 program is collaborating with Accenture (NYSE: ACN) to host the third edition of the Accenture Ventures Challenge for startups in India. To be held on August 11 in a virtual format, this year’s edition of the annual challenge will recognize startups in India across four categories: supply chain resilience, channel shift to digital commerce, systems resilience and responsible technology.

Launched in 2018, the Accenture Ventures Challenge is an annual event run by the Accenture Ventures Open Innovation program in India to identify the best B2B tech startups to develop solutions for real world challenges faced by businesses. This collaboration is the first corporate access partnership for Microsoft‘s 100X100X100 program in India.

Accenture Ventures Challenge 2020 will identify 12 innovative startups that are helping to address the business and human impact of COVID-19, driving innovation in the ’never normal’ era. The winner in each category will be given an opportunity to join the Accenture Ventures Open Innovation partner program and co-create solutions for Accenture clients around the world. Winners will also get access to benefits from the Microsoft ScaleUp program, which supports Seed or Series A B2B startups to scale and co-sell with Microsoft sales teams.

Lathika Pai, country head, Microsoft for Startups, MENA & SAARC, said, “The collaboration between Microsoft’s 100X100X100 and the Accenture Ventures Challenge event reflects our commitment to boost the entrepreneurial energy of startups and build scale with the enterprise opportunities. This initiative will truly help startups evolve from being market-ready to enterprise-ready with the best resources and support from both Microsoft and Accenture.”

Avnish Sabharwal, managing director for Accenture Ventures and Open Innovation in India, added, “Collaboration across the ecosystem is crucial for driving innovation, and we are thrilled to bring Microsoft on board for this year’s Accenture Ventures Challenge. The ongoing business disruption requires an urgent response, and we are confident that we’ll discover innovative new solutions from deep tech startups to help solve some of the most pressing business and human challenges being faced by organizations in India and across the globe.”

Microsoft’s 100X100X100 program was launched earlier this year in India, with an objective of bringing together 100 committed companies and 100 early and growth startups with enterprise-ready SaaS solutions. The participating companies also commit $100K over a period of 18-24 months on solutions provided by the startups.

VMSIIHE, Turismo de Portugal Offers Students from Hospitality Institutes an Opportunity of a 2 Week Online Programme

Five leading hospitality institutes based in Lisboa, Setubal, Coimbra, Algarve and Douro-Lamego have curated the online course. The course will be conducted in English and is free for students of hospitality. Prior registration is required. The course will cover a wide range of subjects ranging from gastronomy and wine pairing to demonstration of recipes unique to the region. Virtual tours of wineries, oyster farms and the neighborhoods of Lisbon and Coimbra are included in the course

 

As part of the existing knowledge exchange programme between India and Portugal, students from across hospitality institutes now have the opportunity to engage and participate in a 2 - week online programme initiated by V. M. Salgaocar Institute of International Hospitality Education (VMSIIHE) in collaboration with Turismo de Portugal (TBC). Five leading hospitality institutes based in Lisboa, Setubal, Coimbra, Algarve and Douro-Lamego have curated the online course.

Scheduled to be held from 29th June to 10th July, the courses will be held over two hours each day and will cover a wide range of subjects ranging from gastronomy and wine pairing to demonstration of recipes unique to the regions to sessions on understanding the nature of food ingredients from the Mediterranean regions more closely. Virtual tours of wineries, oyster farms and the neighborhoods of Lisbon and Coimbra are included in the course.

V. M. Salgaocar Institute of International Hospitality Education (VMSIIHE) had recently renewed and extended the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Turismo de Portugal during the visit of the Hon’ble President of Portugal Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa while on a state visit to India. The MOU was signed by Prof. Irfan Mirza, Director/Principal of VMSIIHE and Louis Araujo Head of Turismo de Portugal (TBC), in the presence of the Hon’ble President of Portugal Mr. Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, Honourable Chief Minister of Goa, Dr. Pramod Sawant, Smt. Dipti D. Salgaocar, Vice President Corporate Communication VMSalgaocar Corporation and Shri Ajit M. Gude, Director, VM Salgaocar Corporation at a ceremony held in February this year.

Held from Monday to Friday for two consecutive weeks, participants will have the opportunity to interact with professors from Portugal during demonstrations and classes.

The course will be conducted in English and is free for students of hospitality. Prior registration is required for which interested participants can reach out to V. M. Salgaocar Institute of International Hospitality Education (VMSIIHE). In one of the sessions a professor from Coimbra will take students through the journey of grapes from the vineyard to the wine cellar and demonstrate some of the more popular cocktails in the region. The session on oyster breeding, opening techniques, conservation and a lesson on pairing oysters with wine being conducted by the Escola Setubal is another interesting one.

Said Professor Irfan Mirza, Director/Principal, V.M Salgaocar Institute of International Hospitality Education, “The lockdown has been hard on students. This opportunity which arises from our existing alliance between our institute and Turismo de Portugal will offer students of hospitality, a peek into the culinary intricacies and culture existing in regions in Portugal without having to travel to the country in these circumstances. We are opening the doors to students from other hospitality institutes who can avail of this opportunity without having to pay a fee.”

The existing MOU focuses on a shared vision, to encourage and develop the training and qualification of personnel working in the field of tourism, as well as to offer internship and placement opportunities to successful students. The two countries will continue to work together in the fields of research, trainings, teaching-learning methods and other aspects in the near future.

Dell-Acer is attractive merger, feel analyst

The personal computer industry may be ripe for a wave of consolidation, with a marriage of Dell Inc and Acer Inc seen as a particularly smart deal, according to an influential Wall Street analyst.

"Among the 10 top PC vendors, we believe that a Dell/Acer combination makes the most sense," Sanford C. Bernstein & Co analyst Toni Sacconaghi said in a client note on Friday.

If Dell were to buy Acer for a 20 percent premium, or about $5.7 billion, it would boost Dell's annual revenue growth sharply and add 12 cents a share to annual profit, he said.

The PC industry is commoditized and remains fragmented. Consolidating could help companies score better pricing from component vendors and contract manufacturers, as well as cost savings in areas such as human resources, he said.

"We view PC vendors as analogous to retailers, where our research suggests that the largest and operationally most efficient have garnered outsized profits relative to their peers," Sacconaghi wrote in his report.

Acer has a strong share of the portable computer market outside the United States, which would provide Dell with exposure to faster growth markets, he added.

Sacconaghi said buying Acer might also be beneficial to top PC maker Hewlett-Packard Co, but not as much as it would to Dell.

"While an HP-Acer combination might provide similar scale and synergy benefits, end market complementarity would not be as high," he said.

According to research firm Gartner, Dell and Acer were in a virtual tie for second place in the first quarter in market share in the United States.

Agencies