As a part of their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative, Hairline International Hair & Skin Clinic has launched free tele-dermatology clinical consultation services for patients at Magadi General Hospital at Magadi. This has been done in association with the Health & Family Welfare Services, Government of Karnataka.
Several people of Magadi and surrounding region have been suffering from hair and skin related ailments like hair loss, acne, pigmentation to more serious bacterial, fungal and viral skin and hair infections, eczema and allergies including alopecia, contact dermatitis, herpes, melasma, vitiligo and psoriasis. They did not have access to expert medical consultation, until now. Realizing this lacuna, Hairline International took it on themselves to set up a free tele-dermatology consultation service for the people of the region.
This service and consultation room were inaugurated by M V Savithri, IAS, Former Health Commissioner and Secretary Panchayathraj and Dr. Amarnath T, DHO, Ramanagar District. The inauguration was followed up with a live demonstration of a consultation through a tab which has been provided to the hospital for the service.
Addressing the media, M V Savithri, IAS, Former Health Commissioner and Secretary Panchayathraj said, “This initiative by Hairline International allows for patients from rural areas to avail of expert consultations without having to wait for long hours in a hospital or for specialized doctors who make occasional visits. The ease of online evaluation and prescription gives people from the region specialized care and is a great example of the use of technology in dermatology and skincare.”
Speaking on the launch, Bani Anand, Founder and Managing Director, Hairline International Hair and Skin Clinic says, “We at Hairline have always taken our corporate social responsibility initiatives very seriously. It is with this intention that we volunteered to tie up with the Health & Family Welfare Services of Government of Karnataka to provide this free service.”
Elaborating on the service, Anand explains, “For three days of the week, doctors at the Magadi Hospital, at a specially allocated consultation room in the hospital, will be able to have their patients clinically evaluated for hair and skin ailments free of cost via a software that acts as an interface between the hospital doctor and the dermatologist at Hairline. Prescriptions will also be provided online. Hairline International will plug into the software that will serve as an interface from 10:30 am to 1:30 pm on Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays”.
Speaking on what dermatology and trichology issues will be addressed via this online service, Dr. Dinesh Gowda, Senior dermatologist, Hairline International Hair and Skin Clinic says, “This interface technology allows an expert at Hairline International to clinically evaluate a patient for ailments of hair loss and skin, their intensity and offer a line of medication that is given through a prescription. It provides local doctors with the ability to provide their patients with expert care. Tele-dermatology may be used to diagnose acne and acne scars, pigmentary conditions, wrinkles, photo-aging, sagging skin, hirsutism, stretch marks and much more”.
Dr. Premalatha V, Dermatologist, Hairline International Hairline International Hair and Skin Clinic, who performed the demo further elaborates on these consultations and explains, “Our dermatologists and trichologists will be available for consultation as well as providing prescriptions. The hospital’s software will have all the necessary online forms that will enable us to take a patient’s history, provide prescriptions and maintain a record of their consultation. The focus here is on clinical evaluation of the patient more than aesthetics. Should a further input be required by a higher authority, then the patient will be referred to a district hospital”.
Currently the service is offered at one hospital and will soon go on to cover two more in the region.
At the IoT India Congress 2018, Aeris, a preferred Internet of Things (IoT) technology partner for Enterprises, today announced that it was awarded a contract by Sify Technologies Limited (SIFY), an Information and Communications Technology (ICT) solutions and services leader, for delivery of IoT solutions to their customer, Paragon, India’s no.1 footwear brand.
Paragon aimed to address the issues of unexpected delays due to vehicle breakdown or wrong routes taken, leading to unpleasant incidents by errant drivers. This led to the search for an IoT-based solution to remotely track and monitor Paragons’ fleet in real-time in order to prevent vehicle misuse, idle time in the logistics chain and even driver behaviour. Since footwear is a distributor-retailer led business, all of these were critical to ensure that supplies reach the market on time, every time. Paragon decided to use technology to manage their nationwide fleet. After a thorough research of the IT vendor landscape and as a first step towards digitizing their supply chain, Paragon decided to implement the Aeris solution across its nation-wide fleet, thus making them a single connected entity.
Adoption of IoT is on the rise in India. The number of IoT devices in India is expected to increase significantly from roughly 200 million units in 2016 to 2.7 billion units by 2020, according to a NASSCOM report. By focusing on innovation and generating new opportunities, IoT is bringing retailers, consumers and every object in the value chain into the digital realm.
To address the growing need of data management arising from the accelerated growth projection of IoT in India, Aeris collaborated with Sify Technologies, to develop niche IoT offerings with managed services for the Indian Enterprises. At the core of Sify’s Digital Transformation model is the Cloud iteration of IoT services. Specific to this strategic alliance was a distinctive portfolio of managed Wi-Fi and Internet Service (ISP)-related offerings from Sify with propreitory IoT solutions and managed services from Aeris.
Aeris offers end-to-end IoT and machine-to-machine (M2M) solutions and services for the automobile, insurance, healthcare, utilities and manufacturing industries. Its comprehensive Aeris® Mobility IoT Platform (AMP) helps enterprises enhance revenue, create new services and business models. Aeris allows enterprises to evangelize and embark on their digital transformation journey across a portfolio of business solutions.
Aeris has successfully created unique IoT ecosystem for enterprises, original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), technologists, system integrators and solution providers across many vertical sectors. Aeris empowers organizations to optimize human intervention and attain real-time remote monitoring of machines, equipment, and other assets along with predictive and preventive maintenance of various products and assets within enterprises.
Abraham Chacko, Vice President HR, Paragon Polymer Products Pvt Ltd says, “With the successful deployment of an Aeris and Sify integrated IoT solution, we now have an advantage of minimizing the idle time, tracking a vehicle in real time, control and take timely action on the misuse of the vehicle in case a driver takes a wrong route, and quick loading and unloading based on the vehicle arriving information. This has significantly improved our distribution channel and dropped the number of complaints on late shipments.”
Daniel Alex, President- Telecom, Sify Technologies remarks, “This is a highly customised IoT proposition. The Aeris & Sify IoT solution helped Paragon’s sales and distribution achieve an optimal fleet utilisation in terms of cost/kms and turnaround time at the retailers’ end.”
Dr. Rishi Mohan Bhatnagar, President, Aeris India says, “We are delighted to share that Aeris IoT technology and our partnership with Sify, has helped Paragon take the first step towards a connected supply chain with our connected fleet and managed IoT services solution. Paragon has realised full potential of IoT and gained quantifiable benefits though this engagement.”
Metz, a Germany based consumer electronic company, acquired by Chinese behemoth, Skyworth Electronics, has entered the Indian market today. During brand launch of Metz, the company also introduced premium sets of television in OLED – 4K Android, 4K Android, Android and Analog categories. The company launched six models of TV sets - M65S9A-OLED 4K UHD Android TV, M55G2 & M43U2-4K UHD Android TV (Also Available in 50”), M40E6 - FHD Android TV (Also Available in 32). Metz brand televisions will be made available across different formats of distribution network.
Along with Premium Models of Metz, the company also showcased its high end consumer goods such as Refrigerators, Washing Machines, Air-conditioners, Water purifiers etc. The company also announced that Metz brand has been acquired by Skyworth, Shenzhen based Chinese flagship company, the 5th largest maker for LED TVs in the world.
Metz brand brings to Indian consumer high innovation, technologically advanced, with high quality engineered LED televisions, which include M65S9A, the premium model of OLED 4K UHD Android TV, powered with wide colour gamut, enhanced local dimming with subtle gradations and brightness. The TV is equipped with latest AI technology offering 500nits super bright panel and digitally enhanced picture quality. It is powered by Android 8.0 operating system with 16GB ROM expandable upto 128GB. The 65-inch TV allows users to access apps like Netflix, YouTube etc directly onto the TV. It features Home wind Front Mount speaker and also includes Wi-Fi, Google Play, three HDMI ports, and two USB ports for connectivity. Available in 65inch, M65S9A has been priced at Rs 2,98,490.
The 4K UHD Android TV - M43U2, M50G2 and M55G2 are priced at Rs 48,990, Rs 54,790 and Rs 65,690 respectively. All of them are designed to provide smart user experience, allowing users to access all their entertainment content in one place. The model M50G2 and M55G2 are elegantly crafted with metallic design. The add on feature of these models are its Powerful 3D game Engine, bringing a game lover a smart viewing experience. Along with gaming, these models are equipped with entertainment apps such as Netflix and YouTube. The AI equipped TV sets, brings theater like experience with its richer sound for a stronger, rumble effect to the movies and games. It features Wi-Fi, Google Play, three HDMI ports, and two USB ports for connectivity.
In addition, the company also unveiled HD Android TV which is available in both 32 inch and 40 inch panel. The M40E6 model offers Full HD viewing experience whereas M32E6 is and HD TV. Equipped with thundering sound, clear picture quality and giving vibrant colors, these models are a smart entertainment package. The new TV range is designed simple and elegant providing a seamless transition from one scene to another. In terms of connectivity, the TV offers three HDMI, one USB and produces 8*2W RMS audio output. Add on feature, Dolby technologies bring the television a new era of quality sound. The 32 and 40 inch TV is available for Rs 29,790 and Rs 35,990 respectively.
Metz Brand also Launched Smart Home Appliances, with Unique Features, Integrated with its Advanced Technology Television.
Johnny Wang, President, Skyworth & Metz Overseas said, “We being one of the flagship company in LED TVs market in China are happy to acquiring Metz, a famous German brand, backed with German innovative and advanced technology. Along with the acquisition, it is also a great announcement to enter in India which is third largest market in the world for LED TVs. With burgeoning middle class, increase in high disposal income, steady and confident macro and micro Indian economic condition, and with increase in TV viewership India market for LED Televisions is poised for substantial growth. Entering in the market at this time, Skyworth and Metz aims to provide the highest customer satisfaction with technologically advanced products, high quality and value for money.”
Elaborating on the launch, Amitabh Tiwari, CEO, said “Metz brand is technologically advanced and innovative brand, with German engineering perfection. Under the global expansion plan for Skyworth, the launch of Metz brand in India, is very strategic decision. Indian Market is now ready for technologically advanced premium models of LED TVs, and high end appliances. We are very confident that contemporary design, technology, product innovation, the value delivery by Metz brand, will be a great success in Indian Market. Metz brand will be made available across all formats of distribution network for ease and convenience of buying.”
Commenting on the launch, Gopal Adhikarla, Director said, “Indian consumers are opting for advanced technology, high quality and premium products in LED TV and appliance category. Metz and Skyworth will delight the aspiring Indian consumer by delivering it at a great value. We have expertise in understanding customer needs, designing and integrating technology in the product for highest customer expectation. We will be making our quality products in highly reputed and well spread out - multiple formats of distribution network, with attractive financing schemes, will ensure ease of buying. We will match high speed delivery of product with efficient after sales service for fastest installation in the industry, to delight our customers. Metz and Skyworth will relentlessly focus on delivery of highly innovative, technologically advanced products across LED Televisions and Smart appliances. ”
Bundled with precise picture, colour quality, simple look and easy-to-use smart features, the new range allows consumer to access all content in one place. Please find below the specifications of the models.
Toyota Kirloskar Motor (TKM) recently handed over contributions to Hon’ble Chief Minister of Karnataka H. D. Kumaraswamy and Chief Minister of Kerala Pinarayi Vijayan for rebuilding Kodagu District (Karnataka) and parts of Kerala post the recent flood and landslides.
This voluntary initiative along with the Toyota Group companies, Toyota Kirloskar Motor’s dealer partners and employees amassed strong support for swift relief activities currently being undertaken by the authorities.
As a responsible corporate citizen, Toyota has always been at the forefront of supporting the society in addressing critical social concerns. Further to the assessment of the on-ground realities and magnitude of the devastation, Toyota Kirloskar Motor jointly with its employees, opened the collection drive, who wholeheartedly coming forward to donate a day’s salary along with the company contributing an equal share to the affected regions.
In order to aid the Karnataka and Kerala flood victims, Toyota Kirloskar Motor extends needful support in terms of car repair. Some of the key highlights of such initiatives were:
- Priority vehicle repair
- Free roadside assistance [doorstep pick-up and drop of repair vehicles]
- Discounts on spare parts and labor charges
- Free car spa [includes interior and exterior car treatments]
- Additional benefits for new car sale [total loss vehicles owing to the disastrous flood scenario]
Toyota stands with the states of Karnataka and Kerala and pray for the prosperity and restoration of normalcy during these difficult times, wishing speed recovery of the affected regions.
Trend Micro Incorporated, a global leader in cybersecurity solutions, provides endpoint security solutions to Syndicate Bank, securing nearly 25,000 endpoints across its 4,000 branches, through Trend Micro OfficeScan protection. The solution suite with integrated data loss prevention (DLP) module, was deployed in partnership with CMS IT Services, who successfully implemented the solution across all endpoints in 60 days.
Syndicate Bank, having a Pan-India presence, required an endpoint security solution to be deployed ‘in-motion’, ensuring no impact to regular operations. The solution also had to be deployed effectively, taking into account bandwidth prioritization to other systems during business hours, and by leveraging an efficient centralized deployment system. Being named a ‘Leader’ in the Gartner Magic Quadrant for Endpoint Protection Platforms, Trend Micro, with proven capabilities in high-fidelity machine learning and behavioural analysis in endpoint security, helped meet their requirements. Trend Micro OfficeScan was deployed swiftly and effectively.
Speaking on the deployment, Nilesh Jain, Vice President – Southeast Asia and India, Trend Micro, said “Syndicate Bank decided to seek multi-dimensional protection by securing a robust endpoint protection and data loss prevention solution, with advanced security against ransomware attacks and unknown threats. They approached us and we offered an apt solution to suit their needs and protect their endpoints. Trend Micro OfficeScan, powered by XGen security, constantly learns, adapts, and automatically shares threat intelligence across the endpoint environment. This provides a blend of threat protection, which is delivered via an architecture that uses endpoint resources more effectively.”
“The lightweight plug-in DLP module, which protects sensitive data and prevents data loss via endpoints, SaaS applications, messaging, cloud storage, and web gateways, has helped protect 6,000 endpoints of Syndicate Bank, out of the 25,000 endpoint devices. This integrated DLP module has minimized complexity and reduced the cost of data security, enabling easy tracking, and securing all confidential data from multiple points within the organization and in the cloud,” he further added.
Syndicate Bank selected Trend Micro’s endpoint solution suite based on the system of tenders, along with rigorous evaluation of the various technical capabilities of the solution that was conducted via a proof of concept and pilot penetration testing.
“With the increasing ransomware outbreaks and cybercrime attacks in the financial sector, we wanted to avoid vulnerabilities and ensure virus definitions were updated on all endpoints at all times across all geographies. We chose Trend Micro as it had an advantage of a high penetration in the financial sector, due to the bespoke architecture suited for the banking and financial services environment. We are extremely satisfied with Trend Micro and their powerful endpoint protection suite, which now protects our endpoints against advanced ransomware, malware, Trojans, worms, spyware, etc., including adaptation to protect against new unknown variants as they emerge, and safeguards against data loss and theft,” said the GM IT from Syndicate Bank.
After implementing Trend Micro OfficeScan, Syndicate Bank’s endpoint devices gained threat protection with file reputation, variant protection, web protection, and exploit prevention. The DLP module is a complimentary endpoint solution that secures private data on-or-off network, including encryption of files before it leaves the network. It further offers protection against data leaks via cloud storage, USB drives or connected mobile devices, Bluetooth connections, and other media.
As part of the country’s single largest comprehensive data-sharing exercise on traffic patterns to improve urban mobility in the cities of Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru and Hyderabad, Uber today launched Movement in Bengaluru, following successful launches in Delhi and Mumbai.
Inaugurating the Bengaluru leg of this multi-city initiative, insights from Bengaluru-traffic patterns were showcased in the presence of Prof. Rajeev Gowda, Member of Parliament, Rajya Sabha
Speaking at the launch, Prof Gowda said, “The Government of Karnataka has always been innovation-friendly and will definitely embrace tools that can help enhance mobility planning in Bengaluru. By providing insights into how people get around the city, Uber Movement has the potential to further support informed policy decisions and strengthen a data-led approach to urban planning. In this era of big data, we can extract information around traffic trends and help measure the impact of extended metro lines, first/last mile connectivity options, traffic interventions, etc. It’s good to see the private sector sharing its data publicly in the interest of solving mobility challenges cooperatively. I wish Uber Movement all the best.”
One case study, “Examining the impact of Metro on travel times in Bengaluru: Baiyappanahalli- Whitefield extension” uses data to calculate the impact of the eastern expansion of the Purple Metro Line in Bengaluru, comparing peak travel times from Bagmane tech park, Baiyappanahalli to Kadugodi, Whitefield between 1st January 2017 to 31st March 2017, against 1st January to 31st March 2018. The study points to a ~13.5 % increase in the AM peak travel time, and a slightly higher increase of ~16.4% in the PM peak travel time between the two periods, suggesting an increase in congestion on the route.
The data observes a significant difference in the peak travel times during the weekdays as compared to the weekend, with weekday AM travel time being ~57% more than the weekend. Interestingly, the study also estimates that the average travel time in the first quarter of 2020 will be upwards of 57 minutes.
After a detailed analysis, the tool reveals that post the expansion of the metro line, there will be a ~21% decrease in travel time between the areas near both ends of the metro route, hinting at potential solutions to incentivize multiple last-mile and first-mile connectivity options alongside the metro to smoothen overall travel times.
Besides a reduction in travel time, there will also be an expected reduction in stress, noise pollution and carbon emissions in the city, suggests the study. What’s interesting is that the data approximates a reduction in the cost of travel as well through low-cost last and first mile options as compared to that on-road, depending on the cost of fuel at that time.
Christian Freese, Uber spokesperson said, “Through sustained efforts by our mapping team, we have been able to gather large amounts of traffic and congestion data for Bengaluru. We are excited to launch this platform and its benefits for Bengalureans to encourage better infrastructure, city planning and data driven policy solutions that will utilize technology to make the city more efficient. Together with the government, civil society and other stakeholders, we aim to continue playing a key role in solving for urban mobility challenges in Bengaluru.”
Other data sets from Uber Movement reveal interesting insights on travel time during peak hours. Peak hour traffic in major Indian cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru and Kolkata almost doubles the travel time along some popular routes. Similarly, data reveals an adverse impact on travel times during festivals. The study showcased a 30% increase in travel time between Vasant Kunj to Lajpat Nagar during Dhanteras (October 17, 2017) in Delhi and over 20% hike in travel time throughout the capital.
According to an April 2018 study by consulting firm, Boston Consulting Group (BCG) titled, “Unlocking Cities: The impact of ridesharing across India”, traffic congestion during peak hours in four major cities — Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru and Kolkata — costs the economy a whopping $22 billion annually. Further, on average, travellers in Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Kolkata spend 1.5 hours more on their daily commutes than their counterparts in other Asian cities during peak traffic times. In fact, peak-hour congestion, which implies the additional time taken during peak traffic to travel a given distance, in these four Indian cities is estimated at 149%, much higher than the Asian average of 67%.
"This kind of data from the private sector can help solve public problems. With our collaboration with Uber Movement, we are trying to do more than just putting data in the public domain. We will build tools for different city entities - Metro, BMTC (Bus service), BDA, BBMP and others, to help them make decisions based on the data too." - Dr. Ashwin Mahesh, Founder, Mapunity
“As cities grow, India is going to see a complete change in the way urban governance is conceptualised - it will require administrators and representatives at the municipal level to make ever more complex political choices on resource allocation, requiring data to make informed decisions. I see Uber Movement as an important, open-source tool to enable such decision making.” - Alok Prasanna Kumar, Senior Resident Fellow, Vidhi Centre for Legal Policy
“The problems that India's overcrowded cities face are so vast that policy makers need to develop new frameworks built around analysis of data for better informing decision-making. Uber Movement is one such platform for data, and with usage by administrators, I see it helping in identification of, and addressing traffic choke points in cities.” - Nikhil Pahwa, Founder, Editor MediaNama
“Uber Movement is first of its kind of an effort by a cab aggregating service to publish near real-time open mobility data in India. This will be immensely helpful tool for laying a strong foundation for data-driven urban planning and policies in key cities in India. With such rich data, we can together work and innovate to improve traffic conditions, safety, public transit, road infrastructure, curb air pollution and more.” - Gaurav Godhwani, Director & Co-Founder, Civic Data Lab
DiGiSPICE, a trusted strategic partner in the digital transformation of private and public enterprises as well as governments, has announced the launch of ‘Horizon’, its telecom service management platform, in Indonesia. Rolled out for the service providers of the country’s 2nd largest telecom operator Indosat. Horizon is a fast, cost-efficient and reliable way to publish, deliver and manage rich content and digital experiences.
The business platform enables customer interaction over digital and conventional channels with its ability to manage and deliver digital experiences and content to any screen or device. It also enables sharply targeted marketing activities including campaigning and recommendation engine, thereby making it a frontrunner in combatting the challenges that the Value-Added Services realm currently faces.
Speaking on the launch of Horizon, Dilip Modi, Founder and Chairman of DiGiSPICE said, “With our extensive experience of running telecom services in India and creating highly-effective telecom-focused IT solutions, we understood the need for a platform that could bridge the gap between large telecom companies and the Value-Added service providers.”
“Horizon has been created to cater to this very need and we are pleased to announce its launch in the high-growth Indonesian market with one of its most prominent telcos, Indosat. While Indosat brings on board its strong customer base, brand recognition and credibility, Horizon will enable the partner on-boarding process, offering app and content management services to them, besides providing access to much-needed business intelligence and analytics tools,” he added.
The Value-Added Services (VAS) space is currently riddled with its fair share of challenges. These include fraudulent and unscrupulous charging, huge OPEX and CAPEX costs, insufficient service innovations, multiple access codes leading to subscriber confusion and old technology, amongst others. Horizon addresses these in multiple ways. From the service delivery perspective, it ensures seamless content management, service flow and increased subscriptions. The Compliance Centre offers enhanced customer satisfaction, faster reconciliation for incorrect charging and ensures service credibility. Our adoption of Blockchain Technology further strengthens our relationship with partners by creating trust, transparency & accountability.
Its smart campaign manager also allows for easy management and scheduling of multiple campaigns through an innovative multi-channel support. Service providers can employ a targetted approach to customer outreach by offering users convenient access to their favourite services. VAS Analytics further offers product recommendations and service credibility insights, in addition to helping the service provider with insightful Data Analytics via machine learning & AI. After the launch in Indonesia’s fast-growing telecom market, DiGiSPICE will look at rolling out the platform in other emerging global economies in the near future.
