Lowe’s New Innovation Labs Will Drive Indian Tech-Savvy Startups in Retail Innovations

Lowe’s Innovation Labs (LIL), the disruptive innovation hub of Lowe’s Companies, Inc., announced has the opening of LIL-Bangalore and unveiled its new facility in the heart of Bangalore.  The new lab will house tech-savvy startups that will participate in an intensive 16-week accelerator program and give them an opportunity to partner with Lowe’s and deploy their technology in the U.S. LIL-Bangalore’s primary focus and priority technology areas include augmented and virtual reality, 3D printing and scanning, and robotics.

“Innovation and diversity of thought is at the core of what Lowe’s represents,” said Richard Maltsbarger, chief development officer and president, International, Lowe’s Companies, Inc. “Lowe’s Innovation Labs is revolutionizing the home improvement retail experience in the U.S., and we hope the tremendous talent and vibrant startup community in Bangalore will help us continue building a network of uncommon partners with whom we can co-develop technology.”

Lowe’s created LIL in 2014 to bring together uncommon partners with a commitment to get technology out of the lab and into the real world. Beginning with science fiction prototyping to craft a narrative for the future, LIL collaborates with startups and has introduced projects including the Lowe’s Holoroom, an augmented and virtual reality home improvement design tool, the OSHbot autonomous retail service robot and in-store and online 3D scanning and printing.

“Lowe’s Innovation Labs-Bangalore will provide an open space where startups can interact and rapidly bring customer experience solutions to life through cutting-edge technologies, once thought to be the realm of science fiction,” said Kyle Nel, executive director of LIL. “Bangalore is a dynamic community with world-class tech resources right in the heart of the city making it the perfect launching pad to expand our work in the U.S. and take disruptive technology to the next level.”

LIL-Bangalore will also complement Lowe’s existing Bangalore Global In-house Center (GIC), which has been operating since 2014 and has grown to include more than 400 employees working on technology and analytics solutions.

“Opening Lowe’s Innovation Labs-Bangalore further strengthens our long-term commitment to India. We are confident that it will complement our efforts and further establish India as one of the innovation hubs for the company,” said Lalit Ahuja, acting managing director, Lowe’s India.

LIL-Bangalore is expected to welcome its first round of accelerator startups later this year. For more information, visit lowesinnovationlabs.com/lil-bangalore

Seagate’s Slimmest & Fastest 2TB Mobile HDD Now Empowers OEMs to 7mm Form Factor

Seagate Technology plc, a leader in storage solutions, has announced it is shipping the world’s first 2TB, 7mm hard disk drive (HDD)— the Seagate Mobile HDD. This ultra-high capacity mobile hard drive is the lightest, fastest and most power efficient 7mm drive in the industry, enabling a richer and more rewarding experience for users without compromising demand for laptops that are slim, light, and powerful.

“In an industry first, our engineers have been able to boost areal density to 1TB per platter in a 2.5-inch form factor, allowing our OEM customers the flexibility to design and build virtually any kind of laptop they can envision, with plenty of storage to boot,” said Matt Rutledge, Seagate’s senior vice president, client storage. “Laptops today must satisfy consumer demand for fast computing and high capacity storage capabilities on one hand, while also offering compelling designs and slim styling on the other. With the introduction of Seagate’s new Mobile HDD, laptop manufacturers no longer need to make tradeoffs between these seemingly competing mandates.”

Seagate Mobile HDD

Weighing just 3.17 oz., the diminutive Mobile HDD is 25 percent lighter than the previous generation of mobile hard drives. A smaller 7mm drive frees up valuable space in a mobile device to accommodate additional designed-in features, such as bigger batteries, more memory and better air circulation.

“The drive’s high capacity, coupled with its ultra-slim, lightweight footprint, empowers our engineers to create truly ground-breaking, innovative system designs,” said JH Pan, director of SYS BG business operation department, ASUS. “The new Seagate Mobile HDD is a true game changer, enabling us to create high-capacity, thin and light laptops consumers crave at mass-market price points they can afford.”

Utilizing 1TB per disk, the Seagate Mobile HDD delivers the highest capacity possible in a small 7mm form factor. Compatible with most of today’s mobile computers, the drive’s standard SATA 6Gb/s interface provides for easy integration into existing laptop designs and portable computer upgrades. With up to 2TB of space, the Mobile HDD enables affordable high capacity storage, while supporting over 200,000 photos, 250,000 songs or 124 hours of high definition video. The drive is available in both 1TB and 2TB capacities.

“Data growth continues to explode and as such more and more data is being created and stored on mobile devices,” says Wentao Yang, vice president, global procurement, Lenovo. “Seagate is addressing this challenge head on by introducing the Mobile HDD, an innovative new drive that provides our designers with the freedom to create devices with high capacity in a form factor consumers demand— making it a win win for both of us.”

Fraud Report India 2016 Indicates Identity Theft as Largest Contributor

India – Experian India, today launched the ‘Fraud Report 2016’ showcasing the fraud trends in the banking and financial services industry. This first edition of the report analyses trends for the period between Q1 2014 to Q1 2015 and assigns them into four main categories:

·         incidences arising from fraudulent contact information,

·         fraudulent organization,

·         identity theft or fictitious identity

·         and repeated attempts from already identified individuals

In India identity theft accounts for 77 per cent of the fraud cases in Q1 2015. Amongst various financial products, auto loans, mortgage loans and credit cards have seen the largest number of fraud cases from identity theft represented by 85 per cent of the total detected frauds in Q1 2015.

Frauds due to applicants submitting fraudulent contact information has risen by 3% contributing to 18% of all detected frauds. Amongst, all financial products, consumer loans continue to record the highest fraud incidence rates followed by credit cards. The mortgage portfolio has observed a 50% increase in the fraud incidence rate. 

The Experian report highlights that falsification of address proof is the most popular behavior seen amongst fraudsters, and hiding of adverse credit is the most common behavior especially in the automotive loan category followed by mortgage fraud. In case of mortgage loans, it has been seen that fraudsters also have used false employment status to avail the loan.

The report covers insights into various fraud types across financial products offered in the industry today. In some categories, here has been a significant drop in the recorded fraud cases. Commenting on this, Mohan Jayaraman, Managing Director, Experian Credit Information Company of India and Country Manager, Experian India said, “The decrease in fraud arising from repeated attempts in the category can be attributed to institutions putting in more processes to check against historical fraud profiles and also highlights improved detection techniques by the financial sector. The change in composition of fraud indicates that steps taken by the industry are in the right direction.”

Jayaraman further added, “With the rise of social media and information shared in the public, identity fraud continues to be a threat to the industry. Individuals need to be alert on the information they share publicly as well as be alert to phishing emails and calls soliciting personal details. Fraudsters are well-connected, highly skilled and endlessly resourced individuals. There are several components of fraud – accessing data (hacking), creating fake documentation (identify theft), account takeover (purchasing goods illegally) and distribution (sale of goods or data on the black market), hence, it is important for us to think of fraud as an industry.”

In India, Experian is the only provider of application fraud detection services using National Hunter. Experian National Hunter works in a closed user group format and helps the banking, financial services and insurance sector to prevent fraud and provide timely insight and analysis. The industry recorded savings of Rs 1,173 crore in FY15 due to applications screened using National Hunter. Recently, the Life Insurance Council in India selected Experian to set up the fraud repository framework in India. This development will have life insurance companies join the National Hunter closed user group along with leading banks and NBFCs in India.

Retail Chain Poorvika Chooses Avaya to Enable Faster Collaboration & Knowledge Sharing

Poorvika Mobiles Pvt Ltd., Chennai’s leading multi-brand mobile phone retail chain, today announced implementation of Avaya’s end-to-end communication solutions comprising Video Conferencing, IP Telephony and Networking, across six floors of its new state-of-the-art head office in Chennai. The framework includes network infrastructure Avaya IP phones and wireless access points throughout the building along with video conferencing access enabling collaboration and knowledge sharing from anywhere, anytime.

The consumerization of technology represents a significant challenge for mid-sized, growing businesses which aim to reduce overall costs while keeping up with technological advancements. Poorvika chose Avaya for its network solutions based on its reputation for stability, reliable service and connectivity due to robust & stable network and the ease of management. The solutions will be maintained by Avaya’s partner, SEC communications, which specializes in communication technology, audio and video conferencing, networking and security solutions.

The enhanced high-quality, low-bandwidth video solutions will help Poorvika improve efficiency with employees and drive deeper relationships. Not only this, Avaya’s highly scalable IP phones will keep employees productive, even as they move through the building. Enhanced voice quality will help ensure that they communicate clearly and efficiently. It will also bring new cost savings with an opportunity to extend these solutions to the rest of their retail base in future, which currently comprises over 200 one-stop-mobile-shops across 43 cities in Tamil Nadu, Pondicherry and Karnataka alone.

With over 240 outlets across 43 cities in South India and a workforce of over 3500 knowledgeable and committed professionals, Poorvika serves over 40 lakh satisfied customers. In the years to come, Poorvika aims at setting new benchmarks in innovative world-class mobile retail and has set its sights on emerging as India's largest retail chain for mobile phones and accessories.

Uvaraj, CEO Poorvika Mobiles Pvt. ltd. highlights that, “We were looking for IT and communications architecture which would not only improve efficiency but was also easy to use by our employees. We chose Avaya for its ability to provide a secure, robust platform allowing us to reduce bandwidth costs and at the same time customized to suit our requirements. One of the biggest benefits we’re seeing from the Avaya network is that our very lean IT staff now has more time to spend on other things because we’re spending considerably less time managing the network.”

Vishal Agrawal, Managing Director, India and SAARC, Avaya says, “The most important element in a robust IT architecture is getting everything to work seamlessly without much external management or intervention. And this has also been the single most challenge small and mid-sized companies face in their journey to scale new heights. We’re glad to simplify this for Poorvika and with our full stack of solutions, it becomes immensely easier to manage while minimizing long term IT costs. We hope to be able to extend these solutions to their large retail base in the future

Idea’s High-Speed 4G LTE Services Now Expands into Andhra Pradesh & Telangana

Idea Cellular, India’s fastest growing telecom operator, today announced the expansion of its high speed 4G LTE services across 37 towns of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. Within less than two months the company has expanded its 4G LTE service footprint to 20 districts, including major towns of Hyderabad, Vijayawada, Vizag, Warangal, Kakinada, Nalgonda, Kadapa, Kakinada and Tirupathi; covering 18% of the total population of the circle.

In addition to Hyderabad, Idea has today launched its high-speed 4G LTE services in other towns of Kodur, Anakapalli, Kothakota, Jadcherla, Armoor, Narsampet, Renigunta, Rudraram, Palamaner, Narsipatnam, Tekkali, Yellamanchali, Gajwel, Ghatkesar, Pileru, Metpally and Ananthapur. With rapid expansion Idea will launch its 4G services in Nizambad, Karimnagar, Nellore, Kurnool, Khammam, Srikakulam and 78 more towns by end of this financial year, taking the total tally to 121.

Idea Cellular is one of the leading player in the country with over 15.38 million satisfied consumers in Andhra Pradesh & Telangana. Idea provides extensive 2G coverage on superior 900MHz, extensive 3G coverage and has now introduced its high speed 4G LTE services with a wide network coverage.

In December 2015, Idea Cellular had announced the launch of 4G LTE services in all 4 telecom circles (5 states) of South India, namely Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh & Telangana, and Karnataka. Earlier this month, the company launched services across 4 more circles (5 Indian states) – Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Haryana, Punjab and Odisha, expanding its 4G LTE service footprint to 8 telecom service areas.

According to Ambrish Jain, Deputy Managing Director, Idea Cellular said, “Since the last week of December 2015, Idea has rapidly rolled out its high-speed 4G LTE network to cover 8 major markets in India. By March 2016, our services will extend to 2 more key markets namely, Maharashtra & Goa, and North East, and by June 2016, Idea’s 4G footprint will cover 750 cities across 10 telecom circles.”

Idea Cellular currently holds 1800 MHz 4G spectrum in 10 Telecom circles which cover 50% of telecom market but over 60% of Idea’s gross revenue.

Speaking on the occasion, Sashi Shankar, Chief Marketing Officer, Idea Cellular, “Idea customers with 4G devices in these towns can now start experiencing superfast speeds by simply upgrading their existing SIM cards to new 4G SIM cards. Idea has also partnered with leading handset manufacturers and e-commerce retailers for special data bundling offers on new 4G smartphones.”

Delta India’s Showcases Its Smart R&D Solutions for Energy Management & Automation at Elecrama 2016

Delta India Electronics, a leading provider of power and thermal management solutions, announced, at Elecrama 2016, the expansion of its RandD and manufacturing operations with new facilities in Bangalore and Hosur respectively, in line with its long-term plans to harness the country’s significant long-term growth potential.  Delta India plans to develop smart energy management solutions with industry-leading energy efficiency at its new RandD centre which is expected to create up to 500 engineering jobs within the next 3 years.  Within the next 10 years, Delta’s new factory in Hosur will create up to 20,000 jobs for the manufacturing of power electronics, renewable energy and automation solutions.

James Ng, chairman of Delta Electronics (Thailand), parent company of Delta India, said, “Delta recognizes the potential of India to become a powerhouse in manufacturing and its need for high energy efficiency which is one of Delta’s core competences. We believe our new RandD centre in Bangalore will be instrumental in the creation of innovative and energy-efficient technologies that will support the realization of national initiatives such as “Make in India” and “Digital India”. Delta was one of the multinational companies invited by the Prime Minister of India, the Honourable Narendra Modi, to the opening event of “Digital India” in July 2015.  We expect the Hosur factory to eventually become Delta’s biggest manufacturing base in India.” 

Delta selected Bangalore for its new RandD centre due to the high quality and abundancy of its engineering talent pool for software and hardware development.  This new RandD centre is expected to create up to 500 high-tech jobs within the next three years and focus on technologies such as mega-watt scale power conversion and power quality.  The new plant in Hosur is expected to start operations in early 2017 and will supply the local marketplace with smart, high-efficiency telecom power systems, industrial automation solutions, UPS, renewable energy inverters and converters as well as solutions for display and monitoring.

Dalip Sharma, managing director of Delta India Electronics, remarked, “Delta is recognized as a sustainable enterprise by world-class institutions such as the Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP) and the Dow Jones Sustainability Indices (DJSI) given its commitment to the development of solutions that truly help customers save energy.  Providing telecom networks with green power, enabling energy-efficient and smart manufacturing processes and data centres and even realizing green buildings are part of Delta’s contributions for a better tomorrow”.

“At Elecrama 2016, we exhibit for the first time in India, our entire portfolio of smart solutions with industry-leading energy efficiency for a wide range of sectors such as green energy generation, industrial automation, telecom and even agriculture. Our track record includes the implementation of a smart monitoring solution for ATMs that provides a safe environment for banking customers across India while protecting the banks’ infrastructure.  Also, our PV inverters, featuring the world’s highest energy efficiency of up to 98.7%, support residential, commercial and megawatt-scale projects; our innovative solar trackers increase output by up to 30% versus fixed-mount structures; and our VFD controllers combine with solar power to provide Indian farmers with a clean and energy-saving water pumping solution for irrigation”, Sharma added.

Raisecom Accelerates Its NFV Transformation with Wind River

Wind River, a global leader in delivering software for the Internet of Things (IoT), has announced that networking equipment manufacturer Raisecom is making the move to Network Functions Virtualization (NFV) by using Wind River Titanium Server to develop virtualized small cell gateways.

“The telecommunications industry is making the move towards virtualized network functions to open new revenue opportunities and improve flexibilities and efficiencies,” said Sandy Guo, carrier account director at Raisecom. “Service providers require ‘five nines’ reliability. Our hardware products meet that standard and our virtualized products must meet that requirement as well. Thanks to Wind River, we were able to quickly transition into NFV and get to market faster with a better product, and at a lower cost to our customers.”

As their entry into NFV, Raisecom is virtualizing small cell gateway functions. Carriers employ small cells to offload mobile network data and use radio frequency more efficiently, helping them to extend service coverage and increase network capacity. Realizing that the development of a high-performance NFV platform for their gateways would be too costly and time-consuming, Raisecom turned to Wind River. Using Titanium Server as an NFV infrastructure platform, Raisecom reduced product testing and qualification costs by 20% compared to testing costs for traditional small cell gateway hardware, while decreasing time to market by 30%.

"In order to meet the demands for greater network flexibility, adaptability, and scalability possible with NFV, virtualized services must be delivered at carrier grade levels of performance and reliability," said Paul Senyshyn, vice president of commercial operations for networking solutions at Wind River. "Wind River Titanium Server delivers an NFV infrastructure that provides the carrier grade virtualization to allow the industry to easily and quickly achieve goals such as reducing costs while introducing high-value services via NFV.”

Titanium Server is a carrier grade NFV infrastructure software solution designed to meet the stringent "always on" requirements of the telecom industry. By using Titanium Server, the industry may enjoy the best of both worlds: the rapid service deployment typically found in enterprise networks along with the carrier grade uptime and reliability mandated by telecom networks. Based on technologies using open standards, including carrier grade Wind River Linux, real-time Kernel-based Virtual Machine (KVM), carrier grade plugins for OpenStack, Data Plane Development Kit (DPDK), and accelerated vSwitch technologies, and optimized for Intel architecture, Titanium Server brings together high performance and carrier grade reliability.

Titanium Server is part of the Wind River Helix portfolio of products enabling IoT advancements, from the secure and managed intelligent devices at the edge, through gateways, across the network, and up into the cloud. Additionally, through the Wind River Titanium Cloud program, Wind River provides an ecosystem that helps ensure the availability of optimized, interoperable solutions that accelerate time-to-market for service providers and telecom equipment manufacturers deploying NFV infrastructure.