Anant Maheshwari, President Microsoft India Speaks on Digital Acceleration as Lockdown Eases in India

Excerpts from Anant Maheshwari, President Microsoft India Discussion with Aarthi Subramanian, Group Chief Digital Officer for Tata Sons on digital acceleration as lockdown eases in India.

As new work norms evolve and we continue to work from home, organizations are realizing they need a comprehensive solution that brings communications, collaboration, and business continuity together on one platform. Speaking at the Microsoft Envision Forum recently, Anant Maheshwari, President Microsoft India shared his perspective on the role that digital acceleration will play in rebuilding the industry as the lockdown eases.

Aarthi Subramaniam: “So Anant, since I spoke about technology playing a big role. I’ve a question for you. You know with Microsoft being at the forefront of technology and driving technology leadership. What role do you see for Microsoft and for technology in general and digital acceleration from a broader economic revival point of view”

Anant Maheshwari:

So maybe I build on what you said Aarthi. I’ll first speak about tech and digital as a key trend. I think as you spoke about the context of India and Tata group.  It’s been seen across the world that tech intensity will go up and digital acceleration will happen. Just a few days back, Satya in one of the meetings said that the last 2 months have seen digital transformation that we may have normally seen in 2 years. That’s the level of acceleration that the world has seen in digital transformation. If I just look at the trend lines, initially when we all got to work from home, the first need was getting maybe a videoconference solution that enabled us to see each other and talk to each other. But very quickly I’ve seen people move from just the need for video conference to collaborate, to actually get work done, to integrate business processes inside the solution. And there is then just one solution for people to actually work together and to create together in this work from home environment

So, moving very quickly, within 40 – 50 days people who said listen I don’t want to do video or calling because I like to meet people in person - I see many of those executives and  CEOs and CXOs being so comfortable with this now, and actually saying, hey, this is giving me more opportunities to do many new things. So ideation is changing as it’s happening.

What does it mean from a tech and Microsoft point of view? I think the Teams platform, which we were talking about just now, is a huge canvas, a huge enabler because it goes way beyond video conferencing into actually getting work done together, integrating business process into this, so that can become the normal way in some forms to work. So, that’s the first big change that I see as a transition point.

The second -  as you also mentioned  - I think data and analytics will become really critical. There will be  a lot of understanding of what data and analytics says. Companies and people will also say, I want to be more productive, so I need more data and more analytics coming to me as tool kits.

The third trend line I see is the ability to scale all of this digital experience. Therefore, the power of the public cloud in terms of  enabling that scaling is going to be well appreciated by a lot of people and therefore been seen a lot of that being used dynamically. And more innovation will happen in the combination of public cloud, the data analytics and the collaboration process

Now given all of this, I think we’re recognizing today that cybersecurity, privacy becomes even more important… because in the past when we were in the confines of a building in an office, the firewall and the physical separations in some form were helping the security envelope. But today when you’re working from home you’ve got to think about the entire security and privacy envelope very, very differently. And therefore, new norms will come in, new tools will come in to enable that security and privacy for every individual. And I think a lot of innovation can happen, which is good for the world in general to have that security and privacy discussion involved.

Finally I would say, I think governments will use technology a lot more.  The crisis management that they’re doing for Covid is all with these tools. So, I think there is a lot of policy frameworks also that will change to enable this from the government because this is the new normal that we’re working out. So, if I put all of this together I think it’s is a lot of innovation that’s going to happen in the next few weeks and months as we live through this and as we emerge from this into the post Covid world, hopefully soon.

Financial Strength Should be Key Consideration When Choosing the Cybersecurity Vendor in COVID-19 Era: Mahendra Negi

Financial stability directly leads to new product innovations; the company shifts gear to focus on hybrid cloud and SOC security

Trend Micro Incorporated (TYO: 4704; TSE: 4704), a global leader in cybersecurity solutions, recently held its inaugural virtual regional partner conference, PartnerTRENDs 2020. The event was attended by channel partners across Asia Pacific, Middle East, and Africa, and featured Trend Micro global executives including its CEO, COO, and CFO, along with regional business leaders and partners.

The negative economic impact forced upon businesses by the COVID-19 pandemic has created confusion and led to concerns in the channel community when it comes to choosing the right cybersecurity vendors to work with. At the event, Mahendra Negi, CFO, Trend Micro, reassures the partners of the company’s financial stability, its strong net cash and profitability margin.

“There are many considerations partners should take into account when choosing the right cybersecurity vendor, especially during this outbreak. A company’s current financial strength is becoming a more important factor now, as venture capitalists are largely holding back investment during this period. This means vendors whose strategy is to spend two dollars in order to earn one dollar in return would not be receiving the two dollars in the first place. Partners need to be wary of companies that heavily rely on external investment to get the business going and don’t have a way to generate revenue on its own.”

Trend Micro currently holds 35% of the hybrid cloud security market share. The company’s software-as-a-service (SaaS) customer base surpassed the traditional on-premise customer base in 2019; and it is seeing tremendous growth of its SaaS offerings during this outbreak.

There are two trends the company observes and highlights during the event: the need to secure the hybrid cloud environment and the need to secure the security operations centers (SOC).

“Trend Micro has the most comprehensive cloud security offerings in the industry right now, addressing concerns arising from workloads, containers, serverless applications, network, to compliance in the cloud”, says Nilesh Jain, vice president, Southeast Asia and India, Trend Micro, referring to the company’s newly launched Cloud One platform.

“On top of that, as an organization’s IT environment gets larger and more complex, the race to detect threats becomes a more urgent task. Trend Micro’s cross detection and response (XDR) offering is designed to address daily issues experienced in the SOC environment, with the ultimate goal of shortening the detection window.”

Trend Micro’s XDR platform collects security data from the server, endpoint, network, and email into one data lake and analyzes all the data together, breaking the silos that traditionally existed between different security tools. The goal is to reduce the number of alerts SOC analysts receive on a daily basis, and provide rich, contextual information to help them prioritize the security events.

“Financial strength directly translates into investment in R&D and new products”, adds Negi.

FedEx and Microsoft Join Forces to Reinvent the Commerce Experience Globally

FedEx Corp. (NYSE: FDX) and Microsoft Corp. (Nasdaq: MSFT) on Monday announced a new multiyear collaboration to help transform commerce by combining the global digital and logistics network of FedEx with the power of Microsoft’s intelligent cloud. Together, FedEx and Microsoft aim to create opportunities for their customers through multiple joint offerings powered by Azure and Dynamics 365 that will use data and analytics solutions to reinvent the most critical aspects of the commerce experience and enable businesses to better compete in today’s increasingly digital landscape.

“FedEx has been reimagining the supply chain since our first day of operation, and we are taking it to a new level with today’s announcement,” said Frederick W. Smith, chairman and CEO, FedEx. “Together with Microsoft, we will combine the immense power of technology with the vast scale of our infrastructure to help revolutionize commerce and create a network for what’s next for our customers.”

This new strategic alliance represents a long-term commitment between the companies to fuel innovation, collaborate on product development and share subject-matter expertise. Today, FedEx networks link more than 99% of the world’s gross domestic product across 220 countries and territories, and Microsoft Azure is trusted by more than 95% of Fortune 500 companies. By combining the breadth and scale of the FedEx network and the Microsoft cloud, businesses will have an unprecedented level of control and insight into the global movement of goods.

“Now more than ever, organizations are counting on an efficient and capable supply chain to remain competitive and open for business,” said Satya Nadella, CEO, Microsoft.  “Together with FedEx, we will apply the power of Azure, Dynamics 365 and their AI capabilities to this urgent need, building new commerce experiences that transform logistics for our mutual customers around the world.”

Announcing FedEx Surround — driving digital illumination of the physical world

FedEx Surround, the first solution resulting from the FedEx and Microsoft collaboration, allows any business to enhance visibility into its supply chain by leveraging data to provide near-real-time analytics into shipment tracking, which will drive more precise logistics and inventory management. While most carriers are reactive to global logistics dynamics with limited visibility options built into a package’s journey, FedEx Surround will provide near-real-time insights — down to the granular level of ZIP code, for example — to shine a digital light on the progress and movement of physical inventory.

The benefits offered by FedEx Surround will extend to any business with a supply chain and particularly those that depend on highly time-sensitive deliveries. For example, a hospital may urgently need a package to help save a life, or a part may need rapid transport to a manufacturing facility to avoid an operational shutdown. In each instance, the near-real-time data insights provided by FedEx Surround offer a significant advantage to not only the organizations using the platform but also the people they serve.

FedEx Surround can also collect multiple data points gathered through the enhanced scanning and proprietary IoT technology of FedEx and analyze them using Microsoft’s broad suite of AI, machine learning and analytics solutions. This will provide participating businesses with not only enhanced visibility of a package’s location during its journey, but also knowledge of global commerce conditions and external challenges in near-real-time, such as severe weather or natural disasters, mechanical delays, clearance issues, and incorrect addresses. This unprecedented level of data-driven insight will give FedEx Surround customers the opportunity to intervene early and act to avoid logistical slowdowns before they occur to reduce friction and costs. And with every package that ships, FedEx Surround will analyze past trends to identify future opportunities for streamlined shipping, creating a stronger and more resilient commercial ecosystem.

Information regarding FedEx Surround availability will be shared beginning this summer, and customer access will be rolled out in the months ahead.

FedEx and Microsoft expect to announce additional solutions as part of their collaboration in the coming months, which will leverage even more Microsoft technologies, including Dynamics 365. This includes reimagining commerce experiences for businesses to offer consumers more integrated ways to shop, and faster and more efficient deliveries.

Those interested in more details, including visual assets, should visit www.fedex.com/transform.

Government Revenue Collections Can Increase by Rs 30,000 Crore Through Regulation of Non-Virginia Tobacco

National Health Forum (NHF), India’s leading NGO working in the field of tobacco control and which has been involved in various key effective activities on tobacco control measures, lauded the efforts being made by the Government of India in fighting the Covid-19 pandemic.

NHF, through its letter to the Ministry of Finance and Ministry of Health Family Welfare has appealed to the Government for regulating the sale of non-Virginia tobacco by ensuring that the sale of non-Virginia tobacco is processed through auction platforms overseen by the Tobacco Board of India or via APMCs and taxing the non-Virginia tobacco at the same tax as the Virginia tobacco on per kilogram basis. The initiative will have a double benefit, firstly the enhancement of revenue and secondly controlling the sale of the so far unregulated tobacco products in India.

According to Mandakini Sinh, Managing Trustee, NHF, “As per our estimates, a 30% levy as a reverse charge levied upon and paid by the manufacturers and dealers of non-Virginia tobacco products will yield a revenue increment of around Rs. 30,000 crores. This will lead to a far wider net of taxation and all types of tobaccos will be uniformly brought into the tax net. Currently, all tobacco products manufactured using non-Virginia tobacco (such as Burley tobacco) are in the unorganized sector and there is large scale evasion of tax by manufacturers and scant respect for the tobacco control laws.”

Presently, non-Virginia tobacco is freely sold without any intervention by the government and in the process, the Indian farmer gets a raw deal. The non-Virginia tobacco is used in the manufacture of chewing varieties of tobacco, hookah, gutkha, kiwam, gudaku , zarda and bidis. These non-Virginia tobaccos constitute about 85% of tobacco grown in India. And these are neither appropriately taxed nor it’s growers who are the poorest of poor farmers get stable prices for their produce. There are private intermediaries and middlemen who take advantage of the situation and milk the poor Indian farmers.

Virginia Tobacco on the other hand, is properly and strictly controlled and taxed by the government with checks and balances in place, such that not only proper revenue is generated but the interest of the farmer is also addressed.

A sizeable quantity of the non-Virginia tobacco goes in the manufacture of chewing tobacco, gutkha, Pan Masala with tobacco, zarda and snuff which are all products that are extremely dangerous in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic as they need to be spat out after consumption.

There is no doubt in our mind and other like minded NGOs that if the government regulates the sale and distribution of non-Virginia tobacco as it has done in the case of Virginia tobacco, it will lead to fair and uniform taxation of all tobacco products and definitely benefit our farmers (who are currently not paid for almost a year after the sale occurs due to the price setting power of the powerful middle man).

COVID 19 pandemic has caused widespread destruction of economic activity and there is a need to channel increased resources in resurrecting economic activity and provide relief to the jobless. A new source of tax collection to the tune of 30 thousand crore will be a great boost to support the post COVID rebuilding efforts.

In conclusion, we reiterate and compliment the Government and the Ministry of Finance for proposing this measure, which is a step in the right direction and seeking to bring a structured and regulatory layer between the farmer and the manufacturers of tobacco products using non-Virginia tobacco, which will not only benefit the Indian farmer but also immensely benefit revenue collection and will curb the consumption of these pernicious products.

Bengaluru Based Sanjay Agarwal & Vinita Agarwal Recognized as COVID-19 Agent of Safety

Sanjay Agarwal & Vinita Agarwal, a Bengaluru based couple and owners of Sharda Design Studio, a small boutique firm, have come forward to help the country fight against COVID-19. They are recognized by Godrej Locks as an Agent of Safety for their efforts in dealing with the current pandemic. The couple stopped taking tailoring orders when the coronavirus pandemic began. They utilized their skills to make and distribute over 25,000 masks with their personal investment. The family distributed the masks free of cost to underprivileged people, police personnel, NGO workers and government officials including the Chief Minister of Karnataka. They also paid special attention to hygiene and made sure the workers sanitized themselves well before they started stitching the masks. This has come as a great relief at a time when there is a shortage of masks, and stores are charging exorbitant prices.

At a time, when there are many inspirational stories of COVID-19 warriors, Godrej Locks made a humbled effort to reach out to some of them and bring forth their real-life stories as they deal with the pandemic. Godrej Locks will showcase Mr. Sanjay and Vinita Agarwal’s story along with the stories of other Agent of Safety, on digital platforms in the form of video content capturing the initiatives undertaken by them, how they are keeping themselves protected and their message to citizens as Agent of Safety. The video stories will also be featured on www.hargharsurakshit.com.

Mr. Sanjay Agarwal & Mrs. Vinita Agarwal stated, “It is an honour to be recognized as Agent of Safety and see our humble act being recognized by Godrej Locks. When the COVID-19 pandemic first started in India, we went to purchase masks, however, they were not easily available and where it was in stock, it turned out to very expensive and not everybody could afford it. Hence, we thought it would be a good idea to use our expertise to stitch masks to help our country fight this virus in a small way which was possible for us. We are happy that we have been able to reach out to a considerable number of citizens be it policemen, NGO workers and underprivileged people.”

Commenting on the initiative, Shyam Motwani, EVP and Business Head, Godrej Locks, said, “As the nation is committed to fighting this pandemic, many individuals have demonstrated heroic efforts and contributed to the larger cause of keeping citizens safe, protected and well-informed.  With Agent of Safety, it is our small contribution to celebrate some of these individuals making an impact, driving change and championing the cause of providing safety to others. In these testing times, we salute all these heroes writing a new chapter of humanity. Together, through our continued efforts as compatriots, we will emerge stronger and defeat the virus.”

Along with Sanjay Agarwal & Vinita Agarwal, Godrej Locks has highlighted the stories of many COVID-19 warriors from across India and recognized them as Agent of Safety. This includes Chef Varun Inamdar, Puja Marwaha, CEO - CRY (Child Rights and You), Shishir Joshi, Founder & CEO, Project Mumbai, RJ Archana Pania Sharma, Dr. Anita Mathew, Senior Consultant, Physician & Infectious Disease Specialist, Fortis Hospital, Mulund; Dr. Sudesh Gupta, Ward & Casualty RMO, Cardinal Gracious Memorial Hospital; Sr. Minimole Varghese, Chief Nursing Officer, Fortis Hospital, Mulund, Lokesh Kumar Sinha, City Superintendent of Police (CSP), Bhopal, Sarah Sharma, Superintendent of Police (SP) of District Gajapati, State of Odisha and Dr. Sachin Nayak of Bhopal.

About Godrej Locks

Godrej Locks is a 123-year-old leading manufacturer of innovative locking devices. Since its inception in 1897 by Ardeshir Godrej, the name ‘Godrej’ has become synonymous with trust, protection and integrity. From the first Anchor branded lock in 1897 to the first ever spring less lock in 1907, to the iconic 'Navtal' in 1954, and to the postmodern biometric locks, Godrej has set every benchmark in the locks industry. Over the years, Godrej Locks have changed in form, function and scope of application. But one thing still remains the same – the solid stamp of trust and reliability. Godrej Locks adhere to global quality norms and hold ISO 9001, ISO 14001 and OHSAS 18001 certifications.

With their locks reaching several countries around the world over a period of time, the brand has come a long way in delivering world-class smart locking solutions, therefore revolutionizing the very perception of a locking device from a mere functionality at an entry and exit point, to a proud pause at the doorstep, a moment to take in the significance of how far they have come. For more information, please log on to www.godrejlocks.com

Godrej Locks is a business unit of  Godrej & Boyce Mfg. Co. Ltd.

Colombia Pacific Communities Awards Its Creative Mandate To Famous Innovations

Columbia Pacific Communities, India's largest senior living community operators, has appointed Famous Innovations as its creative agency on record. The account was won after a multi-agency pitch and will be managed by the agency's Bangalore office.

Piali Dasgupta, VP-Marketing, Columbia Pacific Communities, said, "With a vision to help seniors live healthier for longer, our offering is a unique amalgamation of wellness, real estate, hospitality and technology. Senior living is an emerging category and a novel concept in India, The category is high on EQ and empathy and therefore requires communication that is backed by a strong, compelling narrative. Famous was able to synthesise this in a simple way and speak to the heart, not the mind."

In less than two years of operations in India, the brand has already bagged 10 coveted marketing awards for its digital campaigns, offline campaigns and its website.

Raj Kamble, Founder and CCO, Famous Innovations, added, "At Famous, we are always excited to work with brands that have a meaningful purpose at their core. Doing well yes, but also doing good. That's what we found in Columbia Pacific Communities and we believe their purpose is more important now than ever before because people need the safety and trust they provide. We are eager to partner the brand in exploring their complete potential."

Hyundai Salutes India’s Corona Warriors – Announces Corona Warriors Camp with Unique Service Offerings

Hyundai Motor India Ltd., country’s first smart mobility solutions provider and largest exporter since inception, announced the launch of Corona Warriors Camp, an initiative to salute the workforce involved in spearheading the battle against the COVID-19 pandemic. Hyundai will conduct the Corona Warriors Camp from May 20 – 31, 2020, across all its Workshops that are operational as per Government guidelines.

Commenting on the Corona Warriors Camp initiative, Mr. Tarun Garg, Director – Sales, Marketing & Service, Hyundai Motor India Ltd., said, “As a Caring and Socially Responsible brand, it is our duty to support communities through times such as these. We have launched the Corona Warriors Camp as a token of our gratitude towards customers that are battling the COVID-19 crisis on frontlines and are extending our support through unique service offerings for their Hyundai cars, along with other added benefits.”

* Priority service with complimentary AC Check

* Complimentary Top wash & Hi-Touch point sanitization.

* Attractive offers on car interior sanitization, Labour charges, Air purifier, Roadside    Assistance & Extended warranty.

* Additional special offer for medical professionals on purchase of select models.

The Safety of our Customers and Employees has always been our top priority. Accordingly, we have aligned our Dealer operations in sync with Central & State government guidelines. Further, for a safe & convenient customer experience, Hyundai has stepped up its 360◦ Digital & Contact-less Service through online service booking, repair updates through ‘Hyundai on WhatsApp’ and online service payment facility.