Persistent Systems & NASSCOM to Launch Advanced Online Community at NILF 2016

The National Association of Software and Services Companies (NASSCOM), in partnership with Persistent Systems today announced a new online collaborative experience for attendees at its 24^th annual NASSCOM Indian Leadership Forum (NILF). The platform will provide a digital experience with all the videos, blogs and discussions being hosted in one easy to access site. NILF, whose theme this year is “The Smart Enterprise – Transformative to Disruptive,” will launch the site this week at the conference in Mumbai as part of multiphase rollout of its new online community initiative designed to promote NASSCOM’s mission to work with its members to help build a growth-led and sustainable technology and business services sector in the country.

A key element of successful communities is to provide interactive features to drive engagement, for both members and non-members alike. NILF #NASSCOMmunity will provide multiple online forums with sub-forums covering an array of topics. From vertical industries, systems integrators and regionally-based forums (Bangalore, Chennai, Delhi, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Mumbai and Pune) to human resources, legal and management subjects, attendees at the conference and those following from other locations will be able to network and actively engage in ways never seen at previous conferences. Each forum has a moderator, to help guide the discussions. Members and non-members can submit questions, which other users can then answer, creating an active community while also encouraging non-members to join. The community also provides valuable information and support to smaller companies looking for guidance across a range of topics to which they may not otherwise have access.

Sangeeta Gupta, Senior Vice President, NASSCOM, said “We are pleased to partner with Persistent Systems to create a robust online community to leverage the power of a rich digital community. This will make collaboration seamless, encourage new members and leverage the diverse knowledge base of the NASSCOM community”.

Munjay Singh, COO of Persistent Systems, said, “As it embarks on leading the way the world views India innovation and business, NASSCOM community is a great demonstration of the power of digital transformation. They have put in place a sophisticated platform for helping members work smarter and encouraging more organizations to join while offering a valuable resource for companies.  We’re excited about this first phase of the community as it will offers attendees of NILF a level of engagement they’ve never experienced before.”

The Magic Million Mark Sales for LeEco Mobiles in India

Le 1s receives a record 95000 orders received within 20 seconds!A never-before record achieved by multinational internet technology giant LeEco on   Feb 9^th for its second flash sale   on Flipkart. Prior to the flash sale today, the registration number reached a record high of 10.30 lacs -  an astounding figure which is an industry first for any mobile brand in India, leave alone a recent entrant like LeEco.  It would appear that LeEco’s Le1s has endeared itself to Indian consumers and gained unprecedented popularity in a short span of time, owing to its superior performance, amazing features and attractive price.

                                                                                          

Market-disruptor LeEco has once again created three incredible records:  The largest number of orders received in a single flash sale; the shortest ever time for the orders received and the highest presale registration number.  LeEco’s international stature, superior technology and lower-than BOM cost pricing   have contributed immensely to creating these amazing records.

Commenting on the recent records achieved, Atul Jain, COO, Smart Electronics Business, LeEco India said, " A million thanks to our customers for helping us reach these magic numbers. It is a very proud moment for us at LeEco and immensely gratifying to have set new records of crossing I million pre-sale registrations and receiving 95000 orders in a mere 20 seconds   which has never before been achieved by any other smartphone brand.  We are humbled by this overwhelming response and now even more determined to live upto to the trust consumers have vested in us.”

LeEco’s launch was a much awaited event in the country and the company has now lived up to the expectations of millions thanks to the company's constant innovations and market disruptive policies.  As part of the launch LeEco introduced two SuperPhones, Le Max and Le 1s -   the latter popularly referred to as “flagship killer”, was widely expected to capture a significant share of the massive middle-class market with its attractive price and superb specifications.

Consumer response has validated the popularity of Le1S.  Within 24 hours of the launch event, the registration for Le 1s for the first flash sale exceeded 1 lakh, soaring to a final astounding figure of 605,000 with a sale of 70,000 phones in just 2 seconds - setting a string of new records in the industry. 

For those who could not buy a Le 1s at the Feb 9^th flash sale, there is good news -   the next flash sale for Le1s on Flipkart is on Feb 16^th and dedicated to the silver colour model of the phone. Registrations will commence at 18.00 hours on Feb 9^th.   Those who registered earlier but could not buy today would not need to register afresh as there would be a roll over.  The Big & Bold Le Max will also be available on Open Sale starting Feb 16^th.

At a price only Rs 10,999, Le 1s has a metal unibody, a world's first mirror-surface finger scanner, and a 5.5" FHD display, the flagship processor of the year Helio X10 Turbo, 3GB Ram and 32 GB storage, dual-SIM card slots, 4G LTE support, and USB Type-C port. On the camera front, there is a 13-megapixel f/2.0 rear camera, and 5-megapixel wide angle selfie camera. This phone is so popular in other markets that in less than 3 months it sold more than 3 million units in China. The phone has also been endorsed by Tech Influencers and rated highly on specialized tech portals. 

Another outstanding feature is the phone's fast charging technology, which means a 5- minute quick charge allows for 3.5h talk time. Business people need never worry about the phone running out of charge during busy days. 

And buyers of this phone can expect a content ecosystem to be uploaded into its android-based EUI system in the 2^nd quarter of this year since the company has already signed contracts with Eros and Yupp TV.

Also noteworthy is the company's after-sales policies. LeEco has put in place 555 service centers in prime locations in the country, besides providing 24*7 toll free services, and other value-added services.

NASSCOM Welcomes TRAI Announcement on Discriminatory Tariffs Not Allowed

NASSCOM welcomes the TRAI announcement on differential pricing mandating that discriminatory tariffs are not allowed, and that TSPs or TSPs and their partners cannot offer discriminatory tariffs for data services being offered or charged by the service provider. In line with NASSCOM’s recommendation, TRAI has retained the provision to allow for reduced tariffs for public emergency.

With an increasingly digitally connected population, it is important to leverage this medium in extreme situations where there is need for rescue, support and critical information. We are grateful to the regulator for adopting a balanced approach, and their reposing faith in stakeholder consultations. R. Chandrashekhar, President, NASSCOM said, “Our submission highlighted the importance of net neutrality principles, non-discriminatory access and transparent business models aligned to the goal of enhancing internet penetration in the country. The TRAI announcement resounds with the submission made by NASSCOM and we would like to congratulate TRAI for enshrining the principles of net neutrality”.

Sanjeev Bhikchandani, Chairman, Internet Council said, “this announcement will help address apprehensions for young start-ups on lack of a level playing field. NASSCOM will continue to work with all stakeholders for a conducive regulatory environment that supports the growth of India’s start-up ecosystem.

Mindtree & Sandvik Sign Service Integration Capabilities Agreement

Mindtree, a leading digital transformation and technology services company, today announced that it has been selected by Sandvik, a global engineering group in tooling, materials technology, mining and construction, to foster its IT’s service integration capabilities.

In this engagement, Mindtree will design, setup and manage a geography hub, that will serve to consolidate and streamline Sandvik’s global operations, providing flexibility and agility to their IT landscape. 

Mindtree and Sandvik will work together on building efficiencies and economies-of-scale across Sandvik’s global organization, providing it the scale necessary to build, operate and reinforce it’s service management capabilities.

Rostow Ravanan, Executive Director, Mindtree said, “We see this initiative as an important step for Sandvik to drive growth in its key markets. Sandvik has a multi-phase approach to their transition, and we are thrilled to be a part of it. Our expertise in delivering value for clients, will enable us to help Sandvik meet its strategic goals in this field.”

Petra Ålund, MD Sandvik IT GSS said, “This is the first time we have embarked on such a model and we sought a partner with the ability to work on large transformation programs, and yet still  be able to provide a customized plan, specific to the unique needs we had. We selected Mindtree for their strong domain expertise in manufacturing, their ability to innovate and most importantly the cultural fit. We found the company culture and values of Mindtree being in line and close to Sandvik’s own, and we believe that in Mindtree we have a partner who can scale along with our needs.”

Industry, Research, Academia and Students of Nanotechnology Industry to Congregate at 8th Nano Horizons 2016

The 8th edition of India's premier Nano-science and Nanotechnology Event Bangalore India Nano 2016 will be held between March 03 & 05, 2016​​ at The Lalit Ashok Bangalore. ​Bharat Ratna Prof. C.N.R. Rao, Chairman of Karnataka’s Vision Group on Nanotechnology,​ ​at the curtain raiser and press interaction today, unveiled the event spectrum with the core Theme “Nano Horizons” that promises to delve deep into advancements in nano-science and technology and its impact on various Industry sectors. The Press Conference was also addressed by V. Manjula, Principal Secretary, Department of IT, BT and SnT, Government of Karnataka alongside Prof. A. K. Sood Dept. of Physics, Indian Institute of Science.

This unique event which has emerged as a leading forum for Industry, Research, Academia and students interaction is organized by Department of IT, BT, Sn;T, Government of Karnataka and Jawaharlal Nehru Centre of Advanced Scientific Research, Vision group on Nanotechnology and MM Activ Sci Tech Communications.

The Bangalore INDIA NANO Conference would address the latest trends in Nanotechnology focusing on Healthcare, Clean Water, Energy and Manufacturing. The Tutorials would cover Nano Fabrication Technologies; Nano Medicine; Electron Microscopy & Nano Photonics. The RICH Forum (Research Industry Collaboration Hub) will witness presentations on emerging nanotechnologies which can be commercialized. Nano Sparks is the new feature in the Event that will showcase emerging business ideas by start-ups and young researchers. All in all  Bangalore India Nano 2016 will be addressed by over 60 Speakers spread across 13+ Sessions and will see participation of over 500 delegates from Industry, Academia and Research and representation from 9 countries namely UK, USA, Germany, Canada, Korea, Bulgaria, France, Poland, Singapore.

The Keynote Speakers in the event would be world renowned Scientists viz; Prof. Dr. Clement Sanchez, Chair – Chemistry of Hybrid Materials, College de France-UPMC; Prof. Young Hee Lee, Professor of Physics, Sungkyunkwan University, South Korea;  Marc Andelman, President, Mespilus Inc., Greater Boston, USA; Prof. Supratik Guha, Professor, University of Chicago, Director, Nanoscience and Technology Division, Argonne National Laboratory, Chicago, United States; Prof. C.N.R. Rao Prof. V. Ramgopal Rao, Department of Electrical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, Mumbai.

The Nano Exhibition would have participation of over 45 Exhibitors. The exhibition will include The DST NANO MISSION Pavilion that will showcase emerging technologies and companies as well as Institutes of National Importance like IITs, NIT, IISc and INST. The event will also feature poster presentations by 120 researchers and graduate students from leading institutes across India.

The other significant feature of the event would be the Nano Excellence Awards including prestigious Prof. C.N.R. Rao Bangalore INDIA NANO Science Award; Bangalore INDIA NANO Innovation Award; Malhotra Weikfield Foundation Nano Science Fellowship Awards; Best Poster Awards and Best Exhibitor Awards.

Nano for the Young will be another highlight programme which will be attended by over 400 under graduate students. The programme is aimed at popularizing nano-science amongst students and attracting them to the field of Nanotechnology.

Karnataka pacers to be Coached by Jeff Thomson at KSCA-IDBI Bowling Foundation

IDBI Federal Life Insurance and Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA)  has announced the launch of KSCA-IDBI Federal Life Insurance Bowling Foundation. "The foundation has been established to hone meritorious talent and develop them into first-rate bowlers to boost the domestic and international cricketing landscape in India.

The KSCA - IDBI Federal Life Insurance Bowling Foundation has also roped in former Australian paceman Jeff Thomson to coach the budding fast bowlers. Thomson is arguably the fastest bowler to have played international cricket. With an unusual slinging action, and an aggressive approach, he was a fearsome sight to batsmen in the 70s and early 80s.

On this occasion, Vighnesh Shahane, CEO of IDBI Federal Life Insurance said, "As an organisation we use sports as a platform to inspire positive actions. After the successful launch of MCA - IDBI Federal Life Insurance Bowling Foundation, this association with KSCA is truly exciting for us." "It is a wonderful moment for us at KSCA to be inking this deal with IDBI-Federal Life Insurance bowling foundation with Jeff Thomson. With our constant endeavour to provide better training, we have many youngsters in various age groups who are being nurtured. To be groomed by one of famed fast bowlers from yesteryears will be a dream come true for many youngsters", said Brijesh Patel, secretary of KSCA.

"We believe this will be a long-term relationship in which youngsters from the State will benefit and become better bowlers for the state and country", he added.

IDBI Federal Life Insurance has also announced the launch of the ‘IDBI Federal Life Insurance Frank Tyson Memorial Scholarship'. This scholarship will be awarded to 2 performing bowlers per year in the age group of 17 to 19 years.

Quick Heal IPO Price Band at Rs 311-321; Issue Opens February 8-10, 2016

IT security solutions provider Quick Heal Technologies Ltd on Thursday said it will open its initial public offering (IPO) on February 8, 2016 to raise about Rs.450 crore. The issue will close on February 10, 2016.

The company has priced the offer in the band of Rs.311-321 per equity share. Based on the price band, the total issue size will range from Rs.445 crore to Rs.451.3 crore.

Quick Heal is looking to raise around Rs.250 crore by selling new shares, while its promoters Kailash Sahebrao Katkar and Sanjay Sahebrao Katkar along with private equity investors Sequoia Capital India Investment Holdings III and Sequoia Capital India Investments III will sell some of their shares in the company.

In 2010, Sequoia Capital through its funds Sequoia Capital India Investment Holdings III and Sequoia Capital India Investments III had invested Rs.60 crore in the company. Sequoia is looking to sell 4.6% out of its total 10.25% stake in the Pune-based security software company. The promoters too will dilute around 6.5% of their holding.

ICICI Securities Ltd, Jefferies India Pct. Ltd and J.P. Morgan India Pvt. Ltd are managing the offer.

The firm sells its security products under the brands Quick Heal and Seqrite for desktop, laptop, smartphone and network security and data loss prevention. Since its incorporation, more than 24.5 million licences of its products have been installed, and as of 30 June, the firm had over 6.9 million active licenses spread across more than 80 countries, according to its draft red herring prospectus.

According to the prospectus, Quick Heal plans to spend Rs.111 crore on advertising and sales promotion over a period of three years. It also plans to spend around Rs.42 crore as capital expenditure on research and development and another Rs.30 crore for buying and upgrading office premises.

The IPO comes at a time when India’s benchmark indices have lost a little over 6% since the start of the year. This has raised concerns over the long pipeline of pending IPOs.

Over 30 firms filed their draft papers with the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) last year. Most of them have already received the regulator’s nod.

Quick Heal is the third company to tap primary markets this year.