India Elections 2014 Uses Big Data,, EVMs On Cloud Computing Platform

We are in the last leg of the 2014 Lok Sabha elections, and on May 16 the counting would begin.  For many this would be a new experience. These first time young voters must have surely heard of the Electronic Voting Machines or EVMs at the voting booths, but having not seen it before, we tell you how they work.

The machine essentially includes a control unit and a balloting unit, both connected via a five meter cable. These machines can be powered by a six volt alkaline battery, which means they can easily be used in rural areas where there is no electricity.

A voter has to simply press a button on the side of a candidate’s party image to cast his or her vote. A machine can only accept five votes in a minute, and after each vote, the machine locks itself and can only be unlocked using a new ballot number. The polling booth is always presided by a government officer in charge of the controlling unit of the EVM. The officer is the one in charge of unlocking the machine to accept another ballot. This system is tamper-proof and a person won’t be able to cast more than one vote.

One machine is able to accept up to 3,840 votes, and cater to 16 candidates each. So with four EVMs at a polling booth, these machines can cater to 64 candidates in one constituency. If there is a constituency, where there are more than 64 candidates, the polling booth has to fall back on the traditional paper ballots.

An EVM has more than one advantage over paper ballots. It is tamper-proof, illiterate people find it easier to press a button than putting a stamp on a paper and finally the vote counting takes only two to three hours as compared to 30-40 hours using the traditional method.

Are EVMs still a Big Concern?

One of the issues of concern to the voter is the performance and credibility of the electronic voting machines (EVM) used for registering the votes.

In India, the EVMs are designed and developed under the close coordination of the EC.  The two major Government of India enterprises i.e., Bharat Electronic Limited (BEL) and Electronics Corporation of India Limited (ECIL) are the two prestigious institutions are responsible for improvement and also the production of the EVM’s.

On one side, our EVM’s are showing excellent performance because of which countries like Namibia are interested to use EVMs manufactured in India.

The other side of the EVM performance is not encouraging.  The operation is having lot of disturbances as detailed below.

• The EVM’s get stuck up.  The voters standing in the queue would be finding it difficult and they pressurize the staff on polling duty for rectification of the EVMs.  Many incidents have been reported where due to malfunctioning of EVM’s the polling did not start as per the schedule.  Though there are sufficient number of spare EVM’s provided by the EC, the same may not come handy and in time in case of EVM’s getting stuck up.

• The other major criticism on EVM’s is that the machines are transferring the votes not as per actual.  For ex. In some cases, the votes are polled to candidate of one particular party though the voters cast their vote to different candidate.  The demo of EVM conducted by the EC in Assam to the political parties proved this point well.  The EC tried to give explanation but it could not satisfy the political parties on the perfect and impartial functioning of the EVMs.  Kerala branch of Aam Aadmi Party reported this kind of malfunctioning in the present elections.

Despite the ease of operation and ease of counting of votes, the problems posed by the EVM’s need to be rectified and the performance of the machines to be ensured so that the voter and political parties get confidence about the perfect and impartial performance of the EVMs.

India's Top 10 Technology Trends in 2014

Gartner, Inc.  highlighted the top 10 technology trends and drivers that will be strategic for Indian organizations in 2014. Gartner defines a strategic technology as one with the potential for significant impact on the enterprise in the next three years. Factors that denote significant impact include a high potential for disruption to IT or the business, the need for a major financial investment, or the risk of being late to adopt.

A strategic technology may be an existing technology that has matured and/or has become suitable for a wider range of uses. It may also be an emerging technology that offers an opportunity for strategic business advantage for early adopters or with potential for significant market disruption in the next five years. These technologies can impact an organization's long-term plans, programs and initiatives.

“We have identified the top 10 technology trends and drivers Indian companies should factor into their strategic planning processes,” said Vishal Tripathi, principal research analyst at Gartner. “This does not necessarily mean adoption and investment in all of the listed technologies is essential, but companies should look to make deliberate decisions about them during the next two years.”

Tripathi said that while Indian companies may be keen to invest in new technologies, there are still roadblocks to full-scale adoption including business readiness, a lack of capacity for organizational change and low levels of IT funding. Implementing business process improvements, revenue growth through differentiated products and services, and business expansion are the top business priority areas of investment for Indian organizations.

The top 10 strategic technology trends for Indian companies in 2014 include:

Business Intelligence (BI) and Analytics

The BI, analytics and performance management segment is the hottest software market in India, fueled by IT prioritization and expanding business buying centers. A competitive business environment and economic conditions are also forcing enterprises in India to focus on using fact based decision-making tools to rationalize costs and time for businesses. Enterprises in India will continue to use BI to be transformative in their approach.

Mobility Solutions

Mobility in enterprise has created a huge opportunity for IT leaders to reduce costs, increase productivity and enable smooth business transactions. Swift growth in the prevalence of mobile devices, a decline in their price, and falling data plan costs have the potential to completely transform some business models. Organizations in India are beginning to leverage more personal interactions with greater reach and are also looking to evaluate mobile platforms as a delivery mechanism to provide an integrated view of multiple proprietary and publicly available datasets to help drive better real-time decisions.

Cloud Computing

Although still in its infancy in India and other emerging markets, cloud adoption is increasing. Led by infrastructure-as-a-service engagements in the data center, disaster recovery and storage areas, there is a broad range of providers that target large organizations as well as SMBs. This fast growing adoption by a diverse range of organizations has catalyzed providers to invest in high quality data centers and innovative cloud infrastructures, as well as a portfolio of cloud-related offerings such as security, communications and managed services.

Social Media and Computing

Social media in India has seen exponential growth in the recent past with enterprises using it for customer support and customers using it to offer opinions. A growing number of enterprises used social media to connect with their customers and for marketing campaigns in 2013 and social media is playing a pivotal role in Indian politics with the government and political parties increasingly using it to connect with citizens. Much of this growth can be attributed to increasing Internet penetration - which reached 198 million users (including mobile) as of June 2013 - making India one of the three most connected countries in the world.

Machine to Machine (M2M)

The M2M market in India is in a nascent stage but growing rapidly. Indian enterprises driven by demands to improve agility and productivity are evaluating the use of M2M-enabled solutions. Among the early adopters are verticals like utilities, automotive, financial services and transport, with other like healthcare and manufacturing following closely. The success of these projects is expected to result in broad-based deployments of M2M as an integral component of workflow automation.

Hosted Virtual Desktop (HVD)

In India, server-based computing, which is also referred as "hosted shared desktop" or "terminal services," is seeing more adoption. More than 80 percent of desktop virtualization implementations are based on HVD. Organizations are only looking at desktop virtualization from the point of cost requirement, and they overlook other benefits such as full data backup, bring-your-own-device (BYOD) support, extended hardware life cycles, security, compliance and anytime-anywhere access.

Personal Cloud

Adoption of cloud computing in India is currently limited to the private cloud. Organizations are focused on protecting their applications located in enterprise app stores, as well as the content on employees' personal devices used at work. Tablets are becoming the first-choice user device and this form factor's explosion is creating device ubiquity. Users are creating their own personal digital ecosystems with their own sets of apps, games and media. Content is starting to shift to the cloud but, in the future, the cloud will become the primary storage for personal content, and local versions of the content will exist only as staged or cached elements.

The Internet of Things (IoT)

In its early phase of development, enterprises are experimenting with the IoT across a range of sectors, applications, business models and technologies in an attempt to unlock its value. The IoT delivers tangible value to enterprises through the ability to better utilize remote assets and creates business cases in three key areas - operational technology (OT), digital supply chain and customer interaction.

Collaboration Technologies

Collaboration technologies (otherwise known as workflow management or team collaboration) consist broadly of - real-time electronic meetings, content delivery, desktop and application sharing, text chat, group document markup with electronic whiteboarding, security and remote control. More advanced features include integrated voice over IP, file sharing, videoconferencing, content archiving, media streaming, feedback and polling. Real-time collaboration technologies not included in the Web conferencing category include instant messaging and stand-alone audio conferencing.

3D Printing

In India interest levels in 3D printing are slowly picking up and this is reflected in the increased presence of providers in the 3D printing space. Because of the country's large population base, high volumes and low cost requirements, 3D printing is expected to take off rapidly and revolutionize industries as diverse as aerospace, consumer goods, healthcare, retail, manufacturing and the military. 3D printing has the potential to radically transform design, manufacturing and the supply chain model in India.

Ganesh Murthy Resigns From Mphasis; V. Suryanarayanan Appointed Interim CFO

Mphasis has appointed V. Suryanarayanan as its Interim CFO. V. Suryanarayanan is currently serving as Senior Vice-President & Head- Business Finance & Tax at Mphasis. Current CFO, Ganesh Murthy, will continue in his role till June 3, 2014.

V Suryanarayanan (Surya) is a Chartered Accountant with close to 30 years’ of experience. Surya joined Mphasis in 2009 post Mphasis’ acquisition of AIG System Solutions Pvt. Ltd., a captive of AIG Inc. where he was the CFO. Prior to that Surya was the Chief Financial Officer at Deutsche Software Ltd. a captive of Deutsche Bank. He was also the CFO of Ramco Systems Ltd before his stint with Deutsche Software.

Ganesh Murthy has served as Mphasis’ CFO since July 2009. He is leaving Mphasis to pursue other career opportunities.

“Ganesh Murthy has been a key leader and has been instrumental in enabling our successful transformation. While he is going to pursue other career opportunities, he will remain as our ambassador. I wish him the very best.” said Ganesh Ayyar, Chief Executive Officer of Mphasis, “I am grateful for the learning, experience and relationships I have enjoyed at Mphasis,” said Ganesh Murthy. “I leave with confidence that with the strong foundation that Mphasis has built, the Company will be successful in achieving its strategic objectives.”

                                                                        

Mphasis (an HP Company) enables chosen customers to meet the demands of an evolving market place. Mphasis fuels this by combining superior human capital with cutting edge solutions in hyper-specialized areas. Contact with us on www.mphasis.com.

Gaana's Mobile App Integrates Streaming, Music Videos

Gaana.com, an online music broadcasting service, has launched its upgraded Gaana 4.0 mobile app, integrating music videos and lyrics into its popular music streaming service. With a host of new features, music videos and lyrics integrated seamlessly within the application, the all new Gaana.com app will enable the listeners richer music experience. 

Music videos are integrated throughout the entire 3 million+ songs catalog, indicated with a grey camera icon when available. In addition to in-line integrations of music videos, Gaana has added a music videos section, featuring hand-picked, popular music videos, easily accessible from the home screen of the app.

In addition to music videos, lyrics are now available from the full-screen player on select songs as well. When a song is playing, a user can open the full screen player to see a prominent "lyrics" button. One click more, and lyrics for the song being played are shown, allowing consumers to follow their favorite tunes word by word.

And finally, the entire Gaana UI has gone through a refresh, to improve readability and access to content. Favorites and downloads have also been brought up front, based on user feedback for easier access. And of course, Gaana users' favorite features, like Gaana Radio, Discover, Radio Mirchi, What My Friends are Listening To, etc, are all still available for all users.

Speaking on the occasion, Pawan Agarwal, Business Head, Gaana.com said, “We are delighted to launch the latest upgrade of the Gaana app. We are committed to providing our users with an immersive music experience that they love. The new version 4.0 will not only provide a complete musical experience through songs, music videos and lyrics but also has features an easy to use hassle free interface. This upgrade would certainly redefine the way people experience music on mobile devices.” 

The upgrade is available on both iOS & Android platforms starting today.

500 Million Indian Mobile Broadband Users By 2020

Ericsson estimates that India's mobile subscriber base will grow from 795 million in 2013 to 1145 million subscribers by 2020. Simultaneously, smartphone penetration will grow from 10 per cent or 90 million devices in 2013 to 45 per cent or 520 million devices.

A strong user base and high-speed broadband connectivity will fundamentally change the way people live, interact and do business; with consumers expecting data connectivity at all times, everywhere. 

Mobile broadband usage is on the rise with social media, web browsing and chat driving more than a third of the mobile broadband traffic currently. Video consumption also continues to grow. 

However, ubiquitous mobile broadband experience for users is a challenge at present, with only a third being able to access internet over a mobile broadband network every time they attempt. 

"Consumers' value broadband and their expectations around experience are evolving fast. A few years ago access needs were limited to 'some-time', today it is 'real-time', and it is moving towards being connected all the time with access to high quality content. 

"Smartphones and MBB services are becoming more affordable. As a result, we are seeing the advent of a new Networked Society in India as in other parts of the world that will benefit consumers and businesses alike," said Ajay Gupta, Head of Strategy & Marketing, Ericsson India. 

Users also value superior network performance as they rate network reliability, coverage and speed as the top three parameters for a good mobile broadband experience. 

Operators looking to effectively monetize broadband services and tap future growth opportunities need to significantly invest in scaling network performance in three areas - ensuring network ubiquity, consistent app coverage and new charging models based 'personalization' that address consumer's specific preferences. 

"Consumers today expect ubiquitous and high performing networks everywhere they go. At the same time, different applications being used by consumers require more and more from the networks. 

For example, if social media today is all about sharing images and text, tomorrow it will be all about sharing HD Video in real time. Therefore, to ensure a superior experience for consumers, operators need to ensure quality 'app coverage'. 

"The device experience, the network experience as well as the App experience, together constitute a superior consumer experience," stated Nishant Batra, Head - Engagement Practices, Ericsson India. 

Source: Economic Times

New Roadmap For Intel’s Mobile Processors In India

At a media briefing today, Intel outlined its strategy to accelerate its growth in India, driven by an increased focus on new mobile form factors like 2 in 1s and Tablets. It also showcased a portfolio of these devices available in the Indian market today, offered by various OEMs and developer momentum to drive applications for Intel Architecture based devices.

At the high end of tablets, some consumers are choosing 2 in 1s to get the best of both worlds. 2 in 1 devices represent a new category of computing. OEMs are developing a range of devices that provide consumers with a choice, combining the creation capability of a notebook or laptop and the consumption capability of a tablet into the one device.  At the press briefing, Intel displayed a range of Tablets and 2 in1s from Acer, ASUS, Dell, ECS, HP, Lenovo and Panasonic.

Intel estimates the overall tablet demand in Asia Pacific and Japan will be up 32 per cent Year-on-Year in 2014. In particular, India, Indonesia, Japan and Australia will equate to 59 per cent of tablet demand. Tablet demand in India is forecast at 16% of the Asia Pacific and Japan (ex-China) demand for 2014.

According to Narendra Bhandari, Director-Software and Services group, Intel Asia Pacific and Japan, “there are over 200 million middle-class potential customers in India alone for different screen sizes across different price points. We are seeing a lot of traction in the 7 to 9 inch space here. We are working with our OEM partners to bring Intel-based tablets starting Rs. 10,000. We are also being aggressive in customizing our solutions for the enterprises as well as manifesto driven state governments and working with developers to drive localized applications.”

Intel’s Bay Trail: Multicore SoC Family for Mobile Devices

Based on a new low-power, high-performance microarchitecture “Silvermont,” (announced in May 2013), “Bay Trail” is Intel’s first tri-gate  3-D 22nm quad core SoC and its most powerful processor to-date for tablets and other sleek devices that provide a balance of performance, features and battery life. The flexibility of the Silvermont microarchitecture allowed Intel to deliver multiple variants of the platform to market for the tablet, 2 in 1, entry laptop and desktop and all-in-one (AIO) segments. “Bay Trail-T” is the next-generation 22nm quad-core Intel Atom SoC for tablets and 2 in 1 devices. The “Bay Trail-M” and “Bay Trail-D” parts are for innovative entry-level laptops, 2 in 1s, desktops and AIOs that will be branded Intel Pentium and Intel Celeron. On display at the event was the Baytrail-M based Lenovo Ideapad Flex 10 Laptop and a few Baytrail-T based devices like the Asus* Transformer Book T-100, Dell* Venue Pro 8 tablet and the HP* Omni10.

New Intel Atom Processors-Merrifield and Moorefield

Intel also talked about the upcoming 2.13GHz Intel Atom processor Z3480 (“Merrifield”) that offers the ideal combination of fast, smart performance and long battery life for Android smartphones and tablets. The 64-bit ready SoC delivers best-in-class compute performance for the mainstream and performance segments, and solidly outperforms the competition in compute-intensive application, web application and light media editing performance. Merrifield also delivers best-in-class battery life.

Also coming soon is the next-generation 64-bit Intel Atom processor, code-named “Moorefield” in devices expected to be available second half of this year. Building on the Merrifield feature set, Moorefield adds two additional Intel architecture (IA) cores for up to 2.3GHz of compute performance, an enhanced GPU and support for faster memory. Moorefield is optimized for Intel’s 2014 LTE platform, the Intel XMM 7260, which the company introduced at the Mobile World Congress earlier this year.

Sridhar Joins SapientNitro as Chief Creative Officer

SapientNitro, part of Sapient has announced that KV Sridhar has joined the company as Chief Creative Officer for India. Widely respected as a creative leader in both Indian and global advertising, Sridhar, popularly known as 'Pops', joins SapientNitro to address growing client demand for the agency's unique combination of creative and technology service offerings in the Indian market. Based out of Mumbai, Sridhar will be a member of the global executive creative team and will work alongside Sapient India Managing Director, Rajdeep Endow, as a critical part of the management team leading an expanding business in APAC.

  "Marketers now think differently about brand-consumer engagement and recognize the critical need for strategy, creative and technology to blend together, to move from just creating ads to creating worlds, or as SapientNitro refers to it, Storyscaping," said KV Sridhar. "The canvas has changed in a way that can no longer be constrained in the traditional advertising model. I am thrilled to join SapientNitro as they are leading this change, and redefining what it means to be an agency in today's hyper-connected world."

With a creative career spanning three decades, Sridhar is one of the most respected creative leaders in the Indian advertising industry, and moves to SapientNitro after 17-years as Chief Creative Officer of Leo Burnett - India & Subcontinent. From humble beginnings as a Bollywood film billboard painter to his ascent as a creative visionary, Sridhar is today a regular on Indian and International award juries, and a powerful voice for the future of creativity.  

"Pops, a creative powerhouse renowned for his ability to lead and develop talent and his desire to challenge the status quo, shares our vision for redefining storytelling for an always-on world," said Gaston Legorburu, Worldwide Chief Creative Officer, SapientNitro. "Brands today recognize the need for sustaining consumer engagement across devices and channels to keep pace with the shifting expectations of the increasingly-connected consumer. At SapientNitro, Pops will be a strong contributor to that evolution and will undoubtedly further our ability to create strategic advantage for clients in this incredibly important, rapidly-expanding market."

"I am delighted and honored to welcome a gifted creative leader of Pops' caliber to our leadership team," said Rajdeep Endow, Managing Director, Sapient India. "Pops' creative excellence and his deep expertise in the Indian market will be instrumental to our ability to serve clients in the region for our unique blend of connected capabilities across brand, digital, experience design and technology."  

Sridhar joins the growing number of forward-looking creative leaders who have joined SapientNitro globally in recent years, reflecting the company's commitment to evolve creativity and strengthen our portfolio of services and talent to serve clients in every strategic market across the world. SapientNitro won over 200 creative awards in 2013, including being named Creative Agency of the Year by MediaPost's OMMA Magazine in 2013.