KNOLSKAPE Expands its Global Consulting Team Globally

KNOLSKAPE, a leading provider of talent transformation solutions for the modern workplace, is proud to announce another milestone for the company. Committed to service the growing learning needs of the world’s largest corporates, KNOLSKAPE announces the expansion of their solutions consulting team across their offices in Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Bangalore, Delhi and Mumbai.

The expanded team includes five key hires, who come with diverse corporate experience, and have worked with some of the largest corporations in various industries, across the globe. Collectively, the team comes with experience in human resource management and consulting, strategic HR and Leadership, capability development, succession planning, organizational culture and climate, workplace assessment, facilitation, psychometric testing and assessment, statistical modelling, and program evaluation.

This team’s growth is well matched with KNOLSKAPE ‘exponential global expansion planned in the year 2018-2019. Investing resources in expanding the global solutions consulting team will allow KNOLSKAPE to better anticipate learning needs of organizations across the globe and deliver learning solutions to support just-in-time, accelerated results for capability development, preparing global workforces for the Digital Age.

“KNOLSKAPE has always believed in personalized and accelerated learning, and customer needs are growing; to ensure that we continue to provide the same experience for all our customers as we focus on exponential business growth at a global level, having the right team is important. I am very excited about ournew regime, because they possess a diverse mix of capabilities, and are already adding tremendous value to our clients,” states Rajiv Jayaraman, Founder and CEO at KNOLSKAPE.

Transformative Productivity Efficiency of Over 30 % via Robotic Process Automation is Intelenet's Focus at UAE's MECC 2018

Intelenet Global Services, a renowned global Business Process Services player - backed by Blackstone, today announced that it will be showcasing its BPM-based client centricity value proposition during the Middle East Contact Centre and Customer Experience Conference (MECC) to be held at Dubai from April 24-25, 2018. The company will highlight in particular how its Phantom Robotic Process Automation (PRPA) promises to enable disruptive productivity efficiencies thereby allowing companies to upscale their financial performance quotient. 

Intelenet's Phantom Robotics Automation solution (PRPA)is designed to efficiently expedite complex manual processes which are otherwise plagued by human errors. This state of the art virtual workforce has already been successfully deployed for over 40 pc of its client processes.

Intelenet's PRPA capability covers various back-office functions entire employee lifecycle, which offers our clients access to virtual workforce by automating manual processes, and supporting live agents with intelligent data/reports for decision making. This solution prides itself over the 'one-click' approach with results in as high as 80% straight through processing thereby reducing staff requirement to process transactions.

Another deployment from a workflow optimisation perspective involved accelerating user workflows by Data Masking Field Validations Compliance Logic that resulted in significant reduction of TAT by eliminating verifications process through custom algorithm deployment.

"The possibilities arising out of the convergence of physical with digital are limited only by imagination. In a business environment where unpredictable challenges emerge at a frequency that is undesired, new age solutions such as PRPA offer a tremendous avenue to gain lead start in the transformation pursuit," said Piety Gonsalves Managing Director- Middle East, Intelenet Global Services. 

Intelenet Global Services is a flag bearer of the Government Emiratization Programme has a 3000 strong workforce presence in Middle East. It has a strategic centre of excellence for Customer Management Services for government and multinational clients. 

For more information about the MECC / CX Conference 2018 was held from April 24-25, 2018 in Dubai, UAE

Accelerating Digital Transformation through Automating IT Managed Services

By Nilesh Gupta, Vice President & Global Head – Digital Infrastructure Management Solutions & Strategy (IMS)

The evolution of digital technologies such as Social, Mobility, Analytics and Cloud (SMAC) is having a significant impact on IT within enterprises. By 2020, a staggering 20+ billion connected devices will be in place, which would be about three times the size of the current world’s population, enabling us to crave for a perfect synchronization with just about everything around us. You will need to decide if you are one of the early adopters of technologies that will drive your business just ahead of your competition, working with the newest and most advanced solutions and leaving your competition to play the catchup game.

Transformation today begins with digital Infrastructure and data is the key theme within the orchestration layers of digital infrastructure. Enterprises have been accumulating data and literally have not even come close to exercising the real worth of it. Empowering business with actionable information can fundamentally change the way business can operate and transform. Here is where automating managed services operations will accelerate digital transformation journey within an enterprise.

So what are the areas one can possibly apply intelligent automation within the IT operations framework? Let’s look into the top three areas where automation is already underway.
Automating Service Desk Operations: We need to relook at how enterprises engage service desk for end-user support. With digital transformation accelerating at very high speed, information technologies are changing rapidly in the way businesses are getting done today. With rapidly changing technologies there are high turnover of services desk engineers that leads to lack of knowledge and experience. This leads to high risks and low quality of services. Besides providing a 24x7 support takes a toll with the costs going north. Enterprises can look into building AI / RPA into their service desk support operations. In fact, with roughly 30-40% of Level 0/1 services desk support cases being repetitive, you can leverage the power of Natural Language Interpretation (NLI) and cognitive automation in the form of AI bots. AI powered RPA and cognitive automation are quickly becoming the main driving force for digital transformation today. Traditional service desk and being transformed to Digital Service Desk providing end users the flexibility to talk to someone anytime from anywhere with 50-70% reduction of costs to handle each incident.

Automating IT Operations Management: Modern enterprises that are adopting Hybrid-IT will need a solution that will allow them to discover everything they have in real-time. Auto-discovery of IT assets and complete visibility of all your IT resources, no matter where they are will also require automation in management of incidents. Automation in streamlining the process of creating and managing incidents, as well as notifying the right teams with correlation between the resources in real-time basis, it becomes even more important on how you handle the false positives from here on. Escalation and alert on critical events to ensure rapid problem resolution and consistent service performance will lead to meaningful insights to providing the actionable information to the CIO organization to better manage the business of IT today.

Integration of RPA/AI in IT Operations Management: The network operations center or the digital command center (as I would like to put it in today’s scenario) is the focal point for a 24x7 IT Infrastructure /Application and Data Monitoring and Management. With everything-as-a-service, connectivity becomes the principle driver for any digital journey. Ensuring health of these connected devices to ensure 24x7 availability is the key element for a greater customer experience (CX).

Enterprise will need to plan to bring in RPA that will perform health check (including security checks) of systems and applications and take corrective remedial actions to ensure the environment performs giving the experience that is needed. Automation on service requests post work-flow approvals coming out of IT service management needs to be automated.

Robotic process automation (RPA) is the important step in the evolution of new business models since it significantly reduces the need for IT service agents to perform routine, rule based, high volume activities, enabling them to instead focus on more innovative ideas.

 Thinkers, enthusiasts, market researchers and many others place 2020 and 2025 as an important milestone in the coming years. Is this because of ‘conversational’ banking, ‘self-driving’ vehicles, and ‘drones’ to deliver packages?  You are talking to ‘robo-advisors’ on market trends and investments, ‘cognitive’ coach on your phone designing your next day diet based on your previous days workouts and the list keeps adding up. To make all this a reality, enterprises that develop or adopt such innovation must have their IT Services automated to handle the kind of demand in implementing Hybrid IT in their journey of digital transformation.

2nd Generation AMD Ryzen Desktop Processors Deliver Best-in-Class Compute Performance and Even Faster Gaming

AMD has announced the global availability of its 2nd Generation Ryzen Desktop processors, starting with four models optimized for gamers, creators, and hardware enthusiasts: Ryzen 7 2700X, Ryzen 7 2700, Ryzen 5 2600X, and Ryzen 5 2600 processors. Using the world’s first 12nm process technology, these 2nd Gen Ryzen processors can offer up to 15% higher gaming performance2,3 than 1st Gen Ryzen processors, while delivering the highest multiprocessing performance you can get on a mainstream desktop PC[iv], and enhanced capabilities including Precision Boost 2 and Extended Frequency Range 2 (XFR 2), an included Wraith Cooler, unlocked performance accessed with the new Ryzen Master Utility[v], and more.

“Last year we started changing the PC industry with the introduction of our first wave of Ryzen processors – delivering more performance, features, and choice to our customers than before. Our 2nd Gen Ryzen CPUs continue this pursuit by raising the standards for enthusiast gamers and creators,” said Jim Anderson, senior vice president and general manager, Computing and Graphics Business Group, AMD. “With this launch we’re also demonstrating that we are just getting started, that we are committed to delivering a multi-generational roadmap of leadership high-performance processors that will drive innovation and competition into the industry for years to come.”

Building on the original award-winning 2017 “Zen” architecture, the 2nd Gen Ryzen processors combine the improved “Zen+” core with other major performance, feature, and platform advancements.

Performance Advances
The new “Zen+” core increases IPC[vi] and reduces both cache and memory latencies[vii] compared to 1st Gen Ryzen processors. AMD’s SenseMI[viii] technology is updated with Precision Boost 2, which enables 2nd Gen Ryzen processors to intelligently analyze the workload and computing environment and contributes in delivering the highest multiprocessing performance in their classes1.

Higher effective clock speeds on all 2nd Gen Ryzen processor cores can improve the performance of Ryzen processors in popular real-world applications like games, creativity and productivity applications2,3,4,5. Gaming experiences are beautifully smooth across popular resolutions from 1080p Ultra to 1440p High to 4K. And, select 2nd Gen Ryzen processors offer up to 20 percent faster content creation than the competition[ix], [x].

With XFR 2 technology on all AM4 platforms with 2nd Gen Ryzen processors, enthusiast PC builders will enjoy even higher performance[xi] in the presence of premium cooling[xii],[xiii]

Feature Advances
Designed with enthusiasts and high performance in mind, 2nd Gen Ryzen processors feature soldered integrated heatspreaders for superlative thermal transfer[xiv], and unlocked multipliers for simple, powerful overclocking5 control. Performance tuning, enabled by the new Ryzen Master 1.3 software, is easier than ever before, and now offers per-core overclocking5 with automatic identification of the potentially fastest cores.

For the first time, the entire line of 2nd Gen Ryzen processors include a world class AMD Wraith Cooler inside the retail box. The flagship AMD Ryzen 7 2700X CPU includes the new Wraith Prism cooler featuring premium thermal performance, an upgraded fan profile, and enhanced lighting capabilities with per-RGB controls.

Platform Advances
Optimized for the 2nd Gen Ryzen processors, new AMD X470 chipset is available on Socket AM4 motherboards now. In addition to enhanced memory compatibility and overclocking5 capability, these new motherboards come with a free download of the new AMD StoreMI technology software, which combines the speed of an SSD and the capacity of a traditional spinning hard disk into a single easy-to-manage drive for faster, smarter, and easier storage[xv].

Compatible with all current AM4 processors, the new X470 motherboards augment the existing 300-series motherboards, which are also compatible with the new 2nd Gen Ryzen processors with a firmware (BIOS) update. Many in-market motherboards already come with the updated BIOS, indicated by a “Ryzen Desktop 2000 Ready” label on the package.

NPCI Wins Golden Peacock Award for BHIM UPI in UAE

 

National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) has been awarded the prestigious Golden Peacock Innovative Product/Service Award for the year 2018 for its revolutionary product Bharat Interface for Money – Unified Payments Interface (BHIM UPI).

The award was conferred at the presentation ceremony in Dubai last week by His Highness Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Cabinet Member & Minister of Tolerance, Govt. of UAE.

Vishal Anand Kanvaty, Senior Vice President – Innovation & Product, NPCI said, “We are pleased to note that BHIM UPI is gaining wide acceptance from consumers and merchants since its launch in August 2016. We dedicate this award to the commitment and zeal of our member banks and non-bank entities who leveraged this innovative technology for benefit of our economy. This award also assures us that NPCI is heading in the right direction to achieve our vision of being the best payments network globally.”

Manoj K. Raut, CEO & Director, Institute Of Directors (IOD) said, “BHIM UPI has brought out the next level of inter-operability in the retail payment system wherein a consumer can download any of the BHIM UPI mobile app – not necessary his/her own bank application – and still link their existing bank account. Launched with mobile app as the access mechanism, BHIM UPI has also successfully expanded to cater to the needs of users who either do not have smart phones or have smart phones without internet.”

Golden Peacock Awards, instituted by the Institute Of Directors (IOD), India in 1991, are regarded as a benchmark of Corporate Excellence worldwide. The Awards Jury that selected the winners was chaired by Justice (Dr.) Arijit Pasayat, former Judge, Supreme Court of India.

Kalyan Jewellers Signs Katrina Kaif as Brand Ambassador

Kalyan Jewellers has announced the appointment of film actor Katrina Kaif as its global brand ambassador, and she will be the face of Kalyan’s existing and soon to launch product portfolios. 

Ramesh Kalyanaraman, Executive Director, Marketing and Operations of Kalyan Jewellers said, “On behalf of Kalyan Jewellers we welcome Katrina Kaif. Katrina personifies brand Kalyan’s attributes of style and elegance. She epitomizes the quintessential woman of today –confident, progressive and with the courage of her conviction. Katrina has set her own path with sheer hard work, akin to Kalyan’s own growth trajectory. She has built a significant fan base not only in India but globally. This new association will enable us to explore new avenues to engage with our customers as we script our future growth strategy in India and globally.’’

‘’We would like to sincerely thank Ms. Sonam Kapoor for augmenting the product propositions of brand Kalyan over the past two years and helping strengthening its status as one of India’s most trusted jewellery brand,’’ Kalyanaraman added.

Katrina will endorse Kalyan’s jewellery collections and will also be part of Kalyan Jewellers’ customer engagement programmes across its showrooms in India and West Asia. In India she will predominantly feature in the company’s communication campaigns, especially in the Northern and Western markets. Katrina joins an eclectic group of Kalyan brand ambassadors including Amitabh Bachchan, Jaya Bachchan, Nagarjuna, Prabhu, Shivaraj Kumar and Manju Warrier.

Kalyan Jewellers has emerged one of India’s largest jewellery brands by revenues. It has also established a strong presence in West Asia in UAE, Kuwait, Qatar and Oman. As on today, the company has a distribution network of 121 large format showrooms as also a network of 650 My Kalyan customer service outlets and mini diamond stores.

Gionee India Begins FY’18-19 with a Bang; Launches F205 and S11 Lite in Sub 15k Category

Starting the financial year on a strong note, Gionee comes to the fore with the launch of two new products F205 and S11 Lite this April. With superlative cameras and full-view display at the centre of its innovation, Gionee brings back its selfie magic with these new launches. 

Commenting on the launch, Alok Shrivastava, Director – National Sales, Gionee India said, “Setting off the new fiscal year with a bang, the primary driver behind our new launches F205 and S11 Lite is to amalgamate affordability with functionality. Catering to the swelling demand for pre-eminent smartphone features at competitive price points, both the launches are designed to lead the sub – 15K category in India. With new age features like Face Unlock, Fingerprint shutter, bokeh and group selfies with backlight; coupled with a Full View Display, we intend to establish connect with the youth and continue fulfilling their demands and requirements in the times to come.”  

  

F205 Highlights

Condensing best in breed technology in a sleek and stylish body, F205 is all about its camera, design and experience. Tapping the increasing demand for better cameras in smartphones, with focus on selfie cameras, F205 boasts of three in-vogue camera features, Bokeh selfie, Group selfie and Backlight. Endowed with 5PM selfie camera, the Bokeh selfie mode is coupled with Face beauty mode, with 100 Level Face Beauty and 7 Level Bokeh effect. These features allow for an artistic selfie, even in a cluttered background, blurring the clutter. Elaborating on its group selfie feature, F205 is backed by real-time processing technology to enlarge the image; it can accommodate more people in a selfie with the panoramic effect comparable to that of the wide-angle lens. Last but not the least, the backlight feature of the smartphone entails multi frame HDR synthesis, it can enhance dark details and reduce exposure.  

Talking of another leading-edge feature, Gionee flaunts a Full View Display body. The screen is larger in F205, as compared to any other smartphone of the same body size. Furthermore, designed for simplicity, its uni-body is 7.95mm thick and weighs 135.6g. Its 2.5D Arc edge screen with Corning® Gorilla® Glass is scratch resistant and its 3D arc feels comfortable in hand. Its triple card slot can accommodate two Nano SIM card and 1 Micro SD card, which is expandable up to 256GB. Most importantly, it ensures security of personal data and information. With Private space 2.0, one can make contacts, messages, call records, photos, files, app and notes go invisible. It also supports the encryption of the individual App. Apart from these features, it comes endowed with features like App Clone, Split screen, Game Mode, Smart Eye Protection and Face Unlock. Powered by Mediatek Quad Core processor, 1.3 Ghz. Gionee F205 operates on Amigo 5.0(Android™ 7.1), backed by a 2670 mAH battery. 

 S11 Lite Highlights

Riding high on its Full View Display and Dual Camera features, Gionee S11 Lite is big on Design, Camera and Experience. Its wide Full View Display makes dealing with the phone more interactive. With a screen to body ratio of 18:9, its display area is 82.2%; this not only give a good sense of grip, but also makes gaming, reading and viewing an excellent experience. Acing the selfie game, S11 Lite comes with 16MP selfie camera, coupled with the popular Bokeh Selfie mode that focuses on the main object and blurs out the background clutter. Its Dual Rear Camera, which is 13MP + 2MP, not only clicks an amazing picture, but also blurs the background. The camera is also equipped with enhanced face beauty and camera backlight. 

Designed for powerful performance, S11 Lite is backed by 3030mAh li-polymer battery to help you get through your day with ease. Its 4GB RAM can run multiple programs at the same time smoothly. It is powered by 1.4GHz Qualcomm® Snapdragon™ MSM8937 octa-core processor. In addition to these S11 Lite boasts of cutting-edge features like Auto-scene, Group-Selfie, Smart Eye Protection, App Clone, Split Screen, and Finger Print App. Lastly, fashioned for beauty, its 3D Four – Sided Curved Body is beautiful, and its micro-nanotechnology makes the back cover reflect light from different angles. 

F205 and S11 Lite, priced at Rs 8,999 and Rs 13,999 respectively, are aimed at making smartphones with premium features more affordable.