ACT Fibernet (Atria Convergence Technologies Ltd.) India’s largest fiber-focused wired broadband ISP (Internet Service Provider), has announced its partnership with SonyLIV to expand its OTT offerings and provide premium content to all customers. With a vision to become the most admired in-home entertainment service provider and to offer unmatchable streaming experience, ACT Fibernet is bringing an array of entertainment content that will meet the complete entertainment needs of their customers.
As part of this collaboration, ACT Fibernet customers across all 16 cities can now directly subscribe to SonyLIV and enjoy rich content across movies, sports, shows, music, web originals, English shows and much more. Additionally, this offer is valid on all broadband plans and can be availed at an additional cost of Rs.99 per month.
Speaking on the partnership, Ravi Karthik, Head of Marketing, ACT Fibernet, commented, “SonyLIV is one of the most widely watched OTT platform with a host of original content and we are happy to bring their offerings through our service to all our customers across the country. There is a soaring demand for OTT content, in the last one year we have received overwhelming response for the various other OTT services that we provide to our users. We are positive that we will see a remarkable traction for SonyLIV and our customers will have a wholesome entertainment experience.”
Speaking on the partnership, Uday Sodhi, Business Head - Digital, said,” ACT Fibernet is one of most of the preferred broadband service providers in India, and we are delighted to extend SonyLIV content to its 1.28 million customers in the country. Backed by high internet broadband speed the viewers will enjoy a seamless streaming experience."
NASSCOM Foundation hosted India’s largest Tech for Good driven conference – The CSR Leadership Conference 2018 in Bangalore today.
The two-day conference brings over 400 delegates consisting of CEOs, CXOs, CSR Heads from the industry, policy makers, influencers, NGO Leads, Tech4Good champions, and social innovators under one roof to discuss innovative approaches to CSR and help create a roadmap to a new, developed and inclusive India.
The event was supported by Accenture, discussing Skills to Succeed. Societe Generale and Wells Fargo also came forward to support the knowledge platform, along with Sonata Software.
The event saw leaders like Debjani Ghosh, president, NASSCOM call for collaboration across the industry to solve larger national issues. Rekha Menon, Chairman and Senior Managing Director, Accenture India, talked about how India needs to upskill and re-skill its workforce to remain relevant. Arun Seth, Chairman, NASSCOM Foundation, reflected on NASSCOM Foundation’s role in using technology for social good to create an inclusive India.
Ashok Pamidi, CEO, NASSCOM Foundation, said, “Sabka Saath, Saka Vikaas, (together with all, development for all) has been one of the cornerstones of the public policy of the Government of India. The conference takes this vision forward by providing a platform for the IT-BPM industry to collaborate and solve India’s most pressing problems.”
He further added, “With Industry Revolution 4.0 technologies, we are at the threshold of what could be history in the making. On the one hand, we plan to use CSR funds to skill people on these new technologies like Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Blockchain, Robotics, etc. and bridge the skills gap. On the other hand, we plan to use the power of these technologies to address various day-to-day problems and needs of common people while helping improve the social fabric. This conference aims at the discussing opportunities and challenges of these technologies apart from addressing the present implementation needs.”
According to a report from Accenture on creating a future workforce, 95% workforce believes that it needs new skills to remain relevant. Addressing the critical question on future of work and where does India stand in re-skilling its workforce, the Skills to Succeed partner for the conference, Accenture called for an innovative approach, aided with intelligent technologies, to help people develop future-ready skills. The panel consisting of leaders like Gayathri Vasudevan from LabourNet Services India Pvt. Ltd., Clement Chauvet, UNDP, Anita Rajan, Tata STRIVE, Rituparna Chakraborty, TeamLease Services Ltd, and Gaurav Kapoor, NSDC moderated by Kshitija Krishnaswamy, Accenture further discussed on how India’s skilling challenge can be transformed into an opportunity.
Around 80% of the jobs created in the future will require STEM – Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths skills. A session focusing on STEM education for children highlighted how CSR initiatives had stepped in to energize the ecosystem by building makerspaces, tinkering labs, collaborating to develop curriculum and expose the students to new technologies at a young age.
Collaboration in CSR can help bring impact at scale for some of the most challenging of the social problems we face today. Prakriti Panvar from Wells Fargo took the lead in discussing various collaboration models and highlighted best practices in a cross-sectoral, multi-stakeholder environment.
According to a report, 9 out of the ten most polluted cities in the world are in India. Increasing air pollution, water pollution, inadequate waste disposal, increasing e-waste, growing scarcity of natural resources are some of the few immediate and imminent environmental threats the country faces. Societe Generale has been at the forefront of promoting clean and renewable energy and brought its knowledge to the conference where Sowmya Suryanarayanan talked about how can organizations embed sustainability within the values and culture of an organization.
The first day of CLC also had other interactive panel discussions and impacted talks, Rural Development, Reimagining Healthcare and making development efficient.
The day ended with business leaders like Sandhya Vasudevan, DB Group, Rostow Ravanan, Mindtree, Sarv Saravanan, Dell EMC giving an insight into how they balance business goals with social imperatives.
The CSR Leadership Conference also had a host of networking opportunities and enabled NGOs and Corporates to find relevant partners. CLC also hosted some of the best social innovation project demos.
The second day of CLC will deep dive into engaging learning experiences in Employee Volunteerism with a session by MyGov on Self4Society, Mapping CSR to SDGs, Design Thinking for Development and Best Practices for Monitoring and Evaluation
The CLC has grown over the years to become the largest IT-BPM specific CSR conference. This year the CLC hosted the leadership from across all relevant stakeholder groups involved in the CSR ecosystem – The IT Industry, NGOs, Social Enterprises and Ecosystem support agencies. Some of the participating organizations included - IBM, Intel, Teamlease, Labournet, Atal Innovation Mission, NSDC, Tata Strive, Accenture, Akshaypatra, ACC Limited, Cognizant, Vodafone and Deutsche Bank, Dalberg, PwC, Sattva Consulting, and Storywallahs.
The NASSCOM Foundation CSR Leadership Conference, therefore, delivered on its promise to provide a 360-degree opportunity for all stakeholders to connect, learn from peers and experts, and strive to solve the most significant challenges facing development and diversity in India.
Route Mobile Limited (“Route Mobile”), a cloud-communication platform service provider and a Member of Oracle Partner Network (OPN), have announced collaboration with Oracle Marketing Cloud, part of Oracle Customer Experience (CX) Cloud Suite, which empowers organizations to take a smarter approach to customer experience management and business transformation initiatives.
In today’s world, enterprises across the globe are looking for cloud-based solutions to engage deeply with their consumers in an efficient and cost-effective way. Oracle Marketing Cloud is one of the industry providers offering mobile consumer engagement with SMS messaging as a preferred channel for reaching consumers.
“Being a technology-driven cloud communications platform provider means staying ahead of the innovation curve with innovative products and strategic partnerships. We intend to continue to ensure seamless delivery of SMS messages to companies so that they can have deeper mobile customer engagement with two-way SMS communication, which makes the interaction more engaging and generates an excellent customer experience,” said Rajdipkumar Gupta, MD and Group CEO, Route Mobile. “We are excited about this collaboration. We believe that Oracle Responsys customers will benefit from our quality A2P SMS routes across the globe, proprietary cloud communications platforms, and domain expertise. We will aim to ensure every enterprise is armed with a cloud or on premise solution. We plan to leverage this platform to tap, offer our innovative products, and support customers around the world by utilizing the Oracle Responsys platform at a global scale.”
Sharad Kumar, CEO – Route Mobile LLC, added, “We believe that Route Mobile’s collaboration with Oracle Marketing Cloud eases the process for enterprise clients to choose the right SMS aggregator for their business whether it be for cost benefit, local business and regulation understanding or SMS delivery rate. We also believe this engagement could bring exponential business growth in the Middle East and Africa, due to tremendous growth in Mobile handset penetration.”
Route Mobile offers quality A2P SMS routes across the globe. As of December 31, 2017, Route Mobile had over 800 mobile networks and over 230 mobile network operators. We believe this collaboration between Route Mobile and Oracle Marketing Cloud enables companies to leverage Route Mobile’s quality connections for mobile customer engagement over SMS. Together with Oracle Marketing Cloud, Route Mobile intends to help companies reduce IT complexity and improve return on investment by providing successful and on-time A2P SMS delivery.
With a 200% increase in job growth rates and salary hikes at 50-100%, Blockchain Developer is the fastest growing skill set and most in demand by employers. There are a significant number of job openings for roles such as Blockchain developer, Blockchain system architect, Blockchain software engineer, among others in top tier organisations like TCS, IBM and Infosys.
According to data from leading global job site, Bengaluru is the leading city for those seeking job opportunities in the Blockchain sector, with over 36 per cent of all the Blockchain job postings in India. It is followed by Mumbai, Hyderabad, Pune and Chennai, making up the top five destinations for Blockchain careers in the country.
UpGrad and IIIT Bangalore have introduced two online programs to ensure high quality upskilling in Blockchain. For existing software developers, IIIT Bangalore provides a 6 month PG Certificate Program in Blockchain Technology priced at Rs 1,00,000 only. For those who are new to coding, IIIT Bangalore & UpGrad have created another program - PG Program in Software Development - Specialization in Blockchain which teaches students the fundamentals of programming along with Blockchain development priced at Rs 2,25,000 for 11 months.
Speaking at the launch, Ronnie Screwvala, Co-founder and Mayank Kumar, Co- founder & MD – UpGrad said, “The IIIT Bangalore & UpGrad Programs are best positioned to kick start the learner’s career in Blockchain, especially with career assistance and industry relevant projects integrated into the program. The comprehensive programs provide extensive knowledge of Blockchain concepts as well as hands-on projects in developing smart contracts and Hyperledger applications, which is unlike any other course provider in the industry at present. The course is taught by IIIT Bangalore faculty and leading experts from IBM, DCB Bank, BankChain, Elemential, SpringRole, SquadX.”
ThoughtWorks, a global software consultancy recently concluded its fourth edition of the Vapasi program – a ThoughtWorks India initiative. The program encourages women developers who are currently on a career break, to re-enter the world of programming. Bengaluru’s Vapasi 2018 edition was an intensive 3-week boot camp on Java and object-oriented programming. This particular edition saw 22 participants enroll and complete the program, with 9 of the participants being shortlisted for a 2-month internship program with ThoughtWorks. Post the internship, candidates are eligible to apply for full-time positions at ThoughtWorks.
Commenting on Vapasi, Savita Hortikar, Head of Recruitment, ThoughtWorks India said, “ThoughtWorks has always been passionate about diversity. We recognize that an inclusive work environment built around driven professionals is the answer to sustainable organizational growth. We are happy that the Vapasi program is empowering women technologists to re-enter the workforce and continue their careers.” She further added. “Vapasi is also a platform for women technologists to network, connect with role models and become active members of the tech community.”
This year, ThoughtWorks successfully completed two editions of the program for a total of 44 participants - 22 in Bengaluru and 22 in Pune (conducted in early 2018). Both programs had zero dropouts. Also, the Pune edition saw 5 participants being offered an internship program with ThoughtWorks out of which, 3 are now full-time technologists at the company.
Elizabeth Nisha James, a technologist for more than 6 years, and returning from a 4-year career break had this to say about her experience at Vapasi, "The program has been a life-changing experience. I rediscovered the ‘coder in me’ and was given both, the opportunity and guidance to get back on track with my career.”
Sethuraman Ramasubramanian, Lead Consultant at ThoughtWorks and Vapasi Trainer shared his thoughts on the program, “We recognized that every candidate had excellent problem-solving skills and confidence was the issue only because they had been away from work for a few years. Vapasi has been designed to bolster candidates’ confidence within the first week, and the following 2 weeks are dedicated to hands-on experience of working with new technologies.”
Vapasi is part of #TalkTechToHer, a ThoughtWorks campaign directed towards women in technology who have more than 6 years of work experience. The campaign aims to elevate conversations around inclusivity and drive an important message that women can achieve as much as men, or more, when they are presented with the opportunities, without biases.
ITC Infotech, a specialized global technology services provider and a fully-owned subsidiary of ITC Ltd, successfully concluded the fourth edition of its flagship annual co-creation and technology innovation platform ‘iTech 2018’. As part of iTech 2018, ITC Infotech organized a Startup Showcase and a programing Codeathon on December 8-9, 2018, at its Bangalore headquarters.
The Startup ‘Showcase’ has been designed with the objective of providing innovative technology startups a platform to present their solutions directly to businesses. Shortlisted startups pitched business solutions powered by new age technologies including Artificial Intelligence, Augment Virtual & Mixed Reality, Blockchain and IoT across three industry verticals - Industry 4.0, HealthTech and FinTech. The potential clients for these startups included C level executives from ITC Infotech’s global client base, senior business decision makers, including CIOs from various ITC Ltd., businesses, technology leaders from ITC Infotech’s leading ISV and technology platform partners, and leaders from across ITC Infotech’s various technology LoBs and industry verticals. Two startups, JioVio and Ethereal Machines won a cash prize of Rs. 2 Lakhs each, and the chance to co-develop their solution with ITC Infotech as a part of its go-to-market strategy. JioVio is a med-tech company focused on providing a positive pregnancy, infant care and parenting experience with its innovation in healthcare technology. Ethereal Machines solves manufacturing problems faced by industries by equipping them with affordable machines. Additionally, this year two startups - Detect Technology and NeoEyed won the special jury award for presenting exemplary solutions.
The iTech programing Codeathon, an open forum for students, professional developers and early stage technology startups, witnessed some of the sharpest technology minds compete and created code for complex business applications. Participants addressed various challenges included applications to enable labor matching for farmers & farm owners, interactive mobile UI component using platform specific SDKs, offline analytics for mobile applications, offline app sync and process automation. The codeathon also had an open innovation category to explore Blockchain solution across Industry 4.0, HealthTech and Fintech. Pulse (formerly known as DocTalk) won the Codeathon challenge and was awarded a cash prize of Rs. 2 Lacs. The first runner-up was a team from Institute of Technical Education & Research Bhubaneshwar who won a cash prize of Rs 1 Lacs and the second runner-up was a team from RR Donnelley who won a cash prize of Rs. 50,000. Team from CMR Institute of Technology and Mangalore Institute of Technology & Engineering won special jury awards. Select codeathon participants were also offered internship opportunities with ITC Infotech.
The iTech 2018 jury panel consisted of business leaders from ITC Infotech’s clients and platform & ISV partners, along with senior leaders from various divisions of ITC Ltd.
Commenting on the success of iTech 2018, Sushma Rajagopalan, CEO & MD, ITC Infotech, said, “As a technology company in the digital era, it is important for us to create an effective eco-system in order to develop innovative and disruptive solutions. Our objective is to collaborate with our employees, with our clients and ISV partners, and the world of startups, to work at the cutting edge of technology and make innovation a way of life at ITC Infotech. iTech is an extension of our philosophy to foster startups in a non-threating environment through partnership with our clients, and the larger ecosystem. Through iTech, we are also creating a platform to enhance the learning experiences of the next generation of technologists.”
The fourth edition of iTech 2018 received over 3500 entries for the Codeathon challenge and 32 teams were shortlisted for the final round of development. For Startup Showcase, 15 shortlisted startups were invited to showcase their solutions at the event as a part of the start-up showcase from the 200+ entries that were received.
Umeed 1000 Cycothon, a CSR initiative by RBL Bank, which was flagged off in Mumbai on November 30, 2018, has culminated at Manipal Global Academy of BFSI campus in Thanisandra. The closing ceremony was attended by DGP of Karnataka Police – Neelamani Raju along with India Cricketer Gautam Gambhir in the presence of Rajeev Ahuja, Executive Director – RBL Bank and Ravi Panchanadan, MD & CEO – Manipal Global Education Services.
Jasmeet S. Gandhi, a cycling enthusiast passionate towards contributing for girl child education, along with RBL Bank employees, led the Cyclothon to garner funds for Udbhav School in Hyderabad. Cyclothon, which was flagged off in Mumbai rallied across varied cities of Pune, Satara, Kolhapur, Belagavi, Hubballi, Ranibennuru, Tumkur and Bengaluru. 50 participants from Karnataka Special Reserve Police also joined from Belagavi to extend their support.
Speaking on the occasion, Neelamani Raju, DGP of Karnataka Police said, “We are proud to be associated with such a noble cause. I congratulate RBL Bank and Manipal Global Education for taking up this cause and making a difference in the lives of the underprivileged young girls. I wish them all the very best and I am sure this will bring the much needed change in our society.”
Addressing the gathering, Gautam Gambhir said, “This is indeed an initiative which will bring in a huge wave of change. Children are the future of our nation and thus it is imperative to educate every child for a better India. RBL Bank employees have showcased phenomenal grit and determination by cycling 1000 kms to raise awareness and funds for girl child education. My good wishes to Umeed 1000.”
Umeed 1000 was launched by RBL Bank as a CSR initiative in 2014. This year RBL Bank is supporting the IIMAAA Hyderabad Chapter Charitable trust to build and support another underprivileged school in Fatehnagar that has been catering to the education needs of students coming from urban slums in the vicinity.
Rajeev Ahuja, Executive Director – RBL Bank said, “Promoting education has always been a significant CSR pillar of the Bank. Umeed 1000 which started as a vision in 2014 has now culminated into a movement aimed towards providing access to quality education to the girl child of our nation. As an organisation, we stand united to support this noble cause and spread awareness of the plight of girl children. The entire time at RBL Bank is extremely proud of the cyclists who have braved this 1000 kms journey from Mumbai to Bengaluru to sponsor the education of the students at Udbhav School.”
Shanta Vallury Gandhi, Head - HR, CSR and Internal Branding, RBL Bank said, “Manipal Global Academy has always partnered with RBL Bank to encourage and advocate education for the development of the nation. Umeed 1000 is another such step to lift the social and economic plight of girls from the weaker sections by providing them with a holistic education and opportunities for personal growth. We would like to thank and extend our appreciation to Manipal Global Academy of BFSI for hosting the closing ceremony of this event. We congratulate the cyclists from RBL Bank along with lead cyclist Jasmeet Gandhi who have tested their endurance and overcome challenges to raise funds for these students and help them lead their lives with freedom, dignity and equality.”
Speaking on this occasion Ravi Panchanandan, MD & CEO of Manipal Global Education Services said, “We are priviledged to host the closing ceremony of Umeed 1000 which has brought new hope and a wave of change in the lives of underprivileged girls who are deprived of basic education. Manipal Global Education Services has been providing education by nurturing talent and providing the right platform for students to give them the ability to realise their career dreams. We constantly strive towards excellence in bringing nothing but the best on table for all our students. Though urban education has grown rapidly, underprivileged children are denied basic education. We must strive to provide education in order to make them productive members of the society and I think this is the perfect way to do it. My heartiest congratulations to RBL Bank for putting up brilliant efforts.”
S.Viswanathan, President IIMA AA, Bangalore Chapter said “ Education of the girl child should be one of the highest priorities in our education system. The literacy levels as with several other social measures are heavily skewed in favour of males - 81 % against 65 % at the last count - and corrective measures are urgently needed to set right these injustices in our predominantly patriarchal society. I'm privileged to be associated with Udbhav who are doing their bit to restore this anomaly. I and the IIMA AA Bangalore Chapter will be glad to participate in events like Umeed and assist Udbhav in any other manner in their endeavours now and in the future. I wish them all the best in their plans for spreading this initiative to other cities and in increasing the number of beneficiaries to 10000 from the current level of 800 over the next few years. “
