Google is to release its own mobile platform next year in a bid to drastically shake up the cell-phone industry and provide mobile users with a host of new applications, the Wall Street Journal reported.
The paper Tuesday said that Google planned to make a formal announcement of its plans in about two weeks.
The report said that Google was in talks with cell-phone maker HTC of Taiwan and LG of South Korea to manufacture the phone, which would be tailored to Google software. Google is also seeking partnerships with wireless operators like Deutsche Telekom AG's T-Mobile USA, France Telecom's Orange SA and Hutchison Whampoa's 3 in Britain.
The Google ogibe would make Google applications and services as easily accessible on mobile phones as PCs, so that the company can extend its advertising business to the more than three billion users of cell phones and other wireless devices.
Worldwide, mobile ad spending is expected to reach $1.5 billion this year and grow to $11.3 billion by 2011, according to market researcher Informa Telecoms & Media.
Until now, Google has pursued various strategies to tap this market, adapting Google websites for mobile browsers as well as preloading Google software in handsets like Apple's iPhone.
DPA
Wednesday, October 31, 2007
One million workers for Reliance Retail in four years
Notwithstanding the unabated protests against its stores in some parts of the country, Reliance Retail is planning to increase its workforce to one million within the next four years.
"We will be having a million people working for us within the next four years. What took Wal-Mart to achieve in 30 years, Mukesh Ambani plans to do that in four years," Susan Bloch, chief culture officer of Reliance Retail Ltd., said at the Fortune Global Forum here.
Reliance Retail, which has earmarked an investment of $5 to 6 billion, launched its first fruit and vegetable stores called Reliance Fresh in November last year. Since then, the company has opened 300 stores in 30 cities.
In August it opened its first hypermart -- a mega store spread over 165,000 sq ft -- in Ahmedabad. It has plans to open hypermarts in Jaipur, Jamnagar, New Delhi, Hyderabad and Chennai before the end of this year and have 500 such stores in the country by 2010.
The Fortune Global Forum, which brings the world's top industry leaders together, is being held in India for the first time.
Indo-Asian News Service
"We will be having a million people working for us within the next four years. What took Wal-Mart to achieve in 30 years, Mukesh Ambani plans to do that in four years," Susan Bloch, chief culture officer of Reliance Retail Ltd., said at the Fortune Global Forum here.
Reliance Retail, which has earmarked an investment of $5 to 6 billion, launched its first fruit and vegetable stores called Reliance Fresh in November last year. Since then, the company has opened 300 stores in 30 cities.
In August it opened its first hypermart -- a mega store spread over 165,000 sq ft -- in Ahmedabad. It has plans to open hypermarts in Jaipur, Jamnagar, New Delhi, Hyderabad and Chennai before the end of this year and have 500 such stores in the country by 2010.
The Fortune Global Forum, which brings the world's top industry leaders together, is being held in India for the first time.
Indo-Asian News Service
Tuesday, October 30, 2007
Reliance woos mom & pops with franchisee plan
Sporadic protests against retail biggies in recent months have driven Reliance Retail to tweak its business model a little, to ensure the enterprise isn't derailed before it has really taken off. Under the new scheme of things, it plans to partner local kiranas in smaller outlets, understandably as a pacifist ploy, while going it alone at the higher end of the retail spectrum - the hypermarts.
Jai Bendre, head-marketing, food business, Reliance Retail admitted as much in a recent brand summit. However, while conceding that the company was working on a plan to integrate small retail stores in the overall retail system, she refused to give away further details.
Sources, though, said Reliance Retail has started inviting retailers and individuals to become franchisees. As per the plan, the company will select and revamp the retail outlets, which would then be run on a revenue sharing model by the small retailers.
The company will go for the franchisee model in almost all product categories, including cosmetics, jewellery, watches, books and toys. The outlets will sell both Reliance and other brands.
Retail sector analysts believe such a move augurs well for the company. "It gets ready infrastructure and can eventually buy out these stores, when the dust has settled," said an analyst, preferring anonymity.
From the point of view of a small retailer, taking a franchisee offers an opportunity to both upgrade his store and increase business by stocking more brands.
All the same, not everyone's convinced.
Viren Shah, joint secretary, Federation of Retail Traders Welfare Association said some 20,000 small and medium kirana stores in Mumbai would form area-wise associations to collectively purchase goods, extend credit facilities and negate the big retailers' advantage over them by passing on the discounts derived from collective purchase of goods.
"We are looking at forming 30-50 associations, each having anywhere between 100 and 1,500 kirana stores in that area. Each retailer will have to spend Rs 400 per sq ft to standarise the interiors. Talks are already on and we will have our first meeting after Diwali. Hopefully, by early next year, we will have our action plan ready," said Shah.
Mohan Gurnani, chairman, Federation of Associations of Maharastra (FAM), though, chose to differ.
"Revenue sharing model is a good thing. Look, we are not against big malls or retailers. We are against displacement of lakhs of people dependent on the business model of the small retail," said Gurnani.
Credit: Sify.com
Jai Bendre, head-marketing, food business, Reliance Retail admitted as much in a recent brand summit. However, while conceding that the company was working on a plan to integrate small retail stores in the overall retail system, she refused to give away further details.
Sources, though, said Reliance Retail has started inviting retailers and individuals to become franchisees. As per the plan, the company will select and revamp the retail outlets, which would then be run on a revenue sharing model by the small retailers.
The company will go for the franchisee model in almost all product categories, including cosmetics, jewellery, watches, books and toys. The outlets will sell both Reliance and other brands.
Retail sector analysts believe such a move augurs well for the company. "It gets ready infrastructure and can eventually buy out these stores, when the dust has settled," said an analyst, preferring anonymity.
From the point of view of a small retailer, taking a franchisee offers an opportunity to both upgrade his store and increase business by stocking more brands.
All the same, not everyone's convinced.
Viren Shah, joint secretary, Federation of Retail Traders Welfare Association said some 20,000 small and medium kirana stores in Mumbai would form area-wise associations to collectively purchase goods, extend credit facilities and negate the big retailers' advantage over them by passing on the discounts derived from collective purchase of goods.
"We are looking at forming 30-50 associations, each having anywhere between 100 and 1,500 kirana stores in that area. Each retailer will have to spend Rs 400 per sq ft to standarise the interiors. Talks are already on and we will have our first meeting after Diwali. Hopefully, by early next year, we will have our action plan ready," said Shah.
Mohan Gurnani, chairman, Federation of Associations of Maharastra (FAM), though, chose to differ.
"Revenue sharing model is a good thing. Look, we are not against big malls or retailers. We are against displacement of lakhs of people dependent on the business model of the small retail," said Gurnani.
Credit: Sify.com
FORTUNE Global Forum Starts in New Delhi, India; Conference Video Available on www.thenewsmarket.com
op CEOs, head of states, academics and leading thinkers are gathering New Delhi, India, to discuss the most pressing issues facing global business at the 10th FORTUNE Global Forum. Themed “Mastering the Global Economy”, the Forum will focus on India’s emerging role in today’s global economy.
Video from the event including sound bites from speakers will be available on The NewsMarket’s India site www.thenewsmarket.com/india and can also be accessed via www.thenewsmarket.com/fortuneglobalforum. News media and bloggers can view and download available FORTUNE Global Forum content free of charge and in multiple formats, including full professional broadcast-quality, as well as in streaming formats that can be downloaded by online media outlets or embedded by bloggers.
Speakers at the FORTUNE Global Forum include:
-- Dr. Manmohan Singh, The Prime Minister of India
-- Richard D. Parsons, Chairman and CEO, Time Warner Inc.
-- P. Chidambaram, Honourable Minister of Finance, India
-- Azim H. Premji, Chairman, Wipro Ltd
-- Lloyd Blankfein, Chairman and CEO, The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc.
-- John Chambers, Chairman and CEO, Cisco Systems, Inc.
-- Henry M. Paulson, Jr., Secretary of the Treasury, U.S. Treasury Department
The NewsMarket launched its India-focused site (www.thenewsmarket.com/india) last month around the India@60 event series in New York. Indian companies, organizations and government agencies trying to communicate with international audiences, as well as foreign businesses looking to increase their brand awareness in India, use the service to reach journalists, bloggers and other stakeholders directly with their video news.
About The NewsMarket
The NewsMarket is the leading online platform for corporations, government entities and non-profit organizations to deliver original video content to the media, consumers and other key audiences globally. The company empowers content providers through a single platform for all their video needs. Our site – www.thenewsmarket.com – connects content providers with more than 13,000 media outlets and news organizations, as well as the blogosphere, in nearly 200 countries. In addition, BrandTV, our corporate branding platform, allows clients to use Web video to communicate directly with consumers, employees, investors, partners and other constituents. And MarketPlace, our global video exchange, is the first online platform for buyers and sellers of licensed non-commercial video content.
The NewsMarket is headquartered in New York, with offices in Beijing, Delhi, London, San Francisco, Munich, Singapore, Hong Kong and Mumbai. The NewsMarket: where video means business.
Video from the event including sound bites from speakers will be available on The NewsMarket’s India site www.thenewsmarket.com/india and can also be accessed via www.thenewsmarket.com/fortuneglobalforum. News media and bloggers can view and download available FORTUNE Global Forum content free of charge and in multiple formats, including full professional broadcast-quality, as well as in streaming formats that can be downloaded by online media outlets or embedded by bloggers.
Speakers at the FORTUNE Global Forum include:
-- Dr. Manmohan Singh, The Prime Minister of India
-- Richard D. Parsons, Chairman and CEO, Time Warner Inc.
-- P. Chidambaram, Honourable Minister of Finance, India
-- Azim H. Premji, Chairman, Wipro Ltd
-- Lloyd Blankfein, Chairman and CEO, The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc.
-- John Chambers, Chairman and CEO, Cisco Systems, Inc.
-- Henry M. Paulson, Jr., Secretary of the Treasury, U.S. Treasury Department
The NewsMarket launched its India-focused site (www.thenewsmarket.com/india) last month around the India@60 event series in New York. Indian companies, organizations and government agencies trying to communicate with international audiences, as well as foreign businesses looking to increase their brand awareness in India, use the service to reach journalists, bloggers and other stakeholders directly with their video news.
About The NewsMarket
The NewsMarket is the leading online platform for corporations, government entities and non-profit organizations to deliver original video content to the media, consumers and other key audiences globally. The company empowers content providers through a single platform for all their video needs. Our site – www.thenewsmarket.com – connects content providers with more than 13,000 media outlets and news organizations, as well as the blogosphere, in nearly 200 countries. In addition, BrandTV, our corporate branding platform, allows clients to use Web video to communicate directly with consumers, employees, investors, partners and other constituents. And MarketPlace, our global video exchange, is the first online platform for buyers and sellers of licensed non-commercial video content.
The NewsMarket is headquartered in New York, with offices in Beijing, Delhi, London, San Francisco, Munich, Singapore, Hong Kong and Mumbai. The NewsMarket: where video means business.
The Philadelphia Inquirer Selects Pressmart Media to Provide New Compelling Digital Edition to its Readers
Hyderabad based Pressmart Media - world’s premier Digital Publishing Technology provider announced today that The Philadelphia Inquirer has selected Pressmart Media to power its electronic edition. Pressmart will co-develop, host and electronically deliver the print-replica eEdition of The Philadelphia Inquirer on its New Media Delivery Platform™. Offering Web 2.0 features that include Blogs, Podcast, RSS, and Social Media integration, the electronic edition will be delivered on multiple distribution channels to individuals, enterprises and academic institutions. Distinctive from web-based versions of newspapers, the eEdition will be actual replica of the print edition and will be available at a regular subscription rate for current and potential Inquirer subscribers. The electronic edition is scheduled to go live on January 7th, 2008.
“The Inquirer selected the Pressmart eEdition system because of its ease of use and its unique functionality,” said Inquirer Publisher Brian Tierney. “This new media digital distribution channel includes eEditions, Mobile Editions, and Audio Editions for Podcasts. We can now offer our current print subscribers as well as new subscribers a convenient same-day, same-as-print eEdition delivered to their laptops or PC’s.”
“As a provider of a wide spectrum of digital publishing solutions, it is crucial for us to provide highly capable, reliable and scaleable solutions for our publishing customer needs,” Sanjeev Gupta, CEO, Pressmart Media, Said. “Pressmart’s selection as an digital publishing partner by Philadelphia Inquirer demonstrates our strong domain expertise, long-term success in service delivery and consistent innovation in technology. The Pressmart New Media Delivery Platform™ has gained industry reputation for its powerful features and functionality that enables Publishers to deliver feature rich digital version of their products for its consumers and add new profitable revenue streams.”
Pressmart’s “ePaper” solution is the industry's most advanced solution for publishing the electronic edition of daily newspapers, magazines or any other periodical or publication on the web. Pressmart also has one of the industry’s most sophisticated and advanced library digitization service supported by its large global delivery team and proprietary digitization technology.
The Philadelphia Inquirer is the third big customer win for Pressmart Media in US after Suburban Newspapers Association and NNA which it acquired recently.
About Pressmart Media Limited
Pressmart’s digital publishing technology is preferred by publications printed in 19 languages from 28 countries, including UK’s largest Trinity Mirror Group, World Association of Newspapers (representing over 65,000 publications worldwide), Suburban Newspapers of America and CNBC European Business Magazine. Pressmart’s industry leading eArchiving technology has been used to digitize historic archives of over 400 years of newspapers from microfilm and newsprint sources. Access to worldwide publications enabled by Pressmart is available at its site http://www.pressmart.net
About The Philadelphia Inquirer and Philadelphia Media Holdings
Philadelphia Media Holdings, LLC, is the leading media company in the Philadelphia region. Privately held and locally owned, PMH is the owner of The Philadelphia Inquirer, Daily News, philly.com, related online products and several community newspapers. With almost one million people reading The Inquirer each day, and 1.6 million on Sundays, The Inquirer is the region’s most-read daily newspaper. Together with the Daily News, the #1 tab newspaper in the region, which reaches 500,000 readers each week, and philly.com, the #1 website in the region, Philadelphia Media Holdings, LLC, reaches almost 2 million people each day.
“The Inquirer selected the Pressmart eEdition system because of its ease of use and its unique functionality,” said Inquirer Publisher Brian Tierney. “This new media digital distribution channel includes eEditions, Mobile Editions, and Audio Editions for Podcasts. We can now offer our current print subscribers as well as new subscribers a convenient same-day, same-as-print eEdition delivered to their laptops or PC’s.”
“As a provider of a wide spectrum of digital publishing solutions, it is crucial for us to provide highly capable, reliable and scaleable solutions for our publishing customer needs,” Sanjeev Gupta, CEO, Pressmart Media, Said. “Pressmart’s selection as an digital publishing partner by Philadelphia Inquirer demonstrates our strong domain expertise, long-term success in service delivery and consistent innovation in technology. The Pressmart New Media Delivery Platform™ has gained industry reputation for its powerful features and functionality that enables Publishers to deliver feature rich digital version of their products for its consumers and add new profitable revenue streams.”
Pressmart’s “ePaper” solution is the industry's most advanced solution for publishing the electronic edition of daily newspapers, magazines or any other periodical or publication on the web. Pressmart also has one of the industry’s most sophisticated and advanced library digitization service supported by its large global delivery team and proprietary digitization technology.
The Philadelphia Inquirer is the third big customer win for Pressmart Media in US after Suburban Newspapers Association and NNA which it acquired recently.
About Pressmart Media Limited
Pressmart’s digital publishing technology is preferred by publications printed in 19 languages from 28 countries, including UK’s largest Trinity Mirror Group, World Association of Newspapers (representing over 65,000 publications worldwide), Suburban Newspapers of America and CNBC European Business Magazine. Pressmart’s industry leading eArchiving technology has been used to digitize historic archives of over 400 years of newspapers from microfilm and newsprint sources. Access to worldwide publications enabled by Pressmart is available at its site http://www.pressmart.net
About The Philadelphia Inquirer and Philadelphia Media Holdings
Philadelphia Media Holdings, LLC, is the leading media company in the Philadelphia region. Privately held and locally owned, PMH is the owner of The Philadelphia Inquirer, Daily News, philly.com, related online products and several community newspapers. With almost one million people reading The Inquirer each day, and 1.6 million on Sundays, The Inquirer is the region’s most-read daily newspaper. Together with the Daily News, the #1 tab newspaper in the region, which reaches 500,000 readers each week, and philly.com, the #1 website in the region, Philadelphia Media Holdings, LLC, reaches almost 2 million people each day.
India at last mile of Doha round: Kamal Nath
India is fast nearing a conclusion in the Doha round of global trade talks, Commerce and Industry Minister Kamal Nath said Tuesday.
"We are closer than ever before in closing the (Doha) round. I think we are in the last mile and if we can win it we are there," Kamal Nath said at the 10th Fortune Global Forum organised in India.
The global trade talks under the aegis of the WTO were launched in Doha, Qatar in 2001 with an aim to lower trade barriers, boost the global economy and help poor countries develop fast.
The negotiations have stalled due to sharp and complicated differences among the multilateral organisation's rich, developing and poor countries on issues ranging from agriculture subsidies to access to industrial goods.
"At the same time, we have to address sensitivities. If America has its sensitivities relating to agriculture, so do African nations that have only one crop," he added.
Emphasising that India has 650 million people engaged in agriculture and 300 million who live by less than one dollar a day, the minister told the virtual who's who of the global corporate world: "If these sensitivities are taken on board then India would not be able to exercise flexibilities as we have done in other areas."
Referring to the draft proposals that were circulated by two WTO chairs on agriculture and non-agricultural market access (NAMA) in July he said: "Things have changed in the last two months. There's much more convergence in the last two months after the draft papers were circulated."
The WTO draft proposal, which aimed at reviving the stalled talks, talked about pruning agricultural subsidies to $12.8-16.2 billion dollars from the current $48.2 billion.
"We are close to it like never before and US, I think, is taking on board India's sensitivity on agriculture."
On the issue of the some European NGOs accusing the Indian industry of flouting labour laws and human rights, particularly in the garment business, the minister said: "I condemn seriously and I am also very seriously concerned of the increasing trend of countries using these type of non-tariff barriers and inducing the NGOs to bring out false reports."
"These would put pressure on me to take retaliatory actions and if need be we may do so. We are seeing this increasingly with Europe. And the main cause of concern is these are motivated," he said.
"It's only appropriate we draw a line somewhere."
Indo-Asian News Service
"We are closer than ever before in closing the (Doha) round. I think we are in the last mile and if we can win it we are there," Kamal Nath said at the 10th Fortune Global Forum organised in India.
The global trade talks under the aegis of the WTO were launched in Doha, Qatar in 2001 with an aim to lower trade barriers, boost the global economy and help poor countries develop fast.
The negotiations have stalled due to sharp and complicated differences among the multilateral organisation's rich, developing and poor countries on issues ranging from agriculture subsidies to access to industrial goods.
"At the same time, we have to address sensitivities. If America has its sensitivities relating to agriculture, so do African nations that have only one crop," he added.
Emphasising that India has 650 million people engaged in agriculture and 300 million who live by less than one dollar a day, the minister told the virtual who's who of the global corporate world: "If these sensitivities are taken on board then India would not be able to exercise flexibilities as we have done in other areas."
Referring to the draft proposals that were circulated by two WTO chairs on agriculture and non-agricultural market access (NAMA) in July he said: "Things have changed in the last two months. There's much more convergence in the last two months after the draft papers were circulated."
The WTO draft proposal, which aimed at reviving the stalled talks, talked about pruning agricultural subsidies to $12.8-16.2 billion dollars from the current $48.2 billion.
"We are close to it like never before and US, I think, is taking on board India's sensitivity on agriculture."
On the issue of the some European NGOs accusing the Indian industry of flouting labour laws and human rights, particularly in the garment business, the minister said: "I condemn seriously and I am also very seriously concerned of the increasing trend of countries using these type of non-tariff barriers and inducing the NGOs to bring out false reports."
"These would put pressure on me to take retaliatory actions and if need be we may do so. We are seeing this increasingly with Europe. And the main cause of concern is these are motivated," he said.
"It's only appropriate we draw a line somewhere."
Indo-Asian News Service
Dilithium Extends its Technology Leadership with New Multimedia Gateway Release
Dilithium, the leading supplier of converged video solutions, announced the 2.2.1 release of its latest DTG 2000 Multimedia Gateway incorporating state-of-the-art video technologies of MONA, WNSRP, H.264 video transcoding as well as extended IMS support. The DTG 2000 Release 2.1.1 is available immediately.
MONA (Media Oriented Negotiation Acceleration or ITU-T H.324 Annex K) is a recently standardized video session set-up time acceleration technique that significantly improves the video customer experience by reducing the session setup time to around one second, comparable to voice calls. The new release DTG fully supports all of the three MONA terminal classes for the best performance and flexibility with any handset. Full support for WNSRP (Windowed Numbered Simple Retransmission Protocol) is also provided in this release. WNSRP accelerates the transport of command and control messages in video calls. The MONA and WNSRP techniques are mandated by the ITU-T and recommended by 3GPP for video calling technologies, including video value added services, and use Dilithium technologies at their core.
"The DTG 2000 now also incorporates end to end support for H.264. The H.264 video codec, which delivers stunning quality at the low data rates used in wireless communications, was ratified as part of the MPEG-4 standard (MPEG-4 Part 10) as well as ITU-T Recommendation H.264," says Mitch Lewis, Senior Vice President for Dilithium's Service Provider Business Unit. "This ultra-efficient technology provides excellent results across a broad range of bandwidths, from 3G mobile devices, broadband and internet, to HD for broadcast and DVD. Earlier releases of the DTG 2000 supported H.263 and MPEG-4 video (MPEG-4 Part 2) with full transcoding, transrating and Video Refresh(TM) support."
The DTG 2000 is the leading multimedia platform enabling a wide range of converged video value added services such as live TV, video portals, video surveillance, video blogging, video push, and video ring back tones. These applications enable operators to create and offer enhanced video services such as video ringback tones, video chat, video blogging and live TV. The DTG 2000 is also used as a combined IMS (IP Multimedia Subsystem) video gateway, and more specifically as a MGCF/IMS-GW (Media Gateway Control Function and IMS media gateway). Dilithium is the first to market with a multimedia gateway incorporating these technologies.
About Dilithium
Dilithium is the global leader in converged video solutions for the mobile, broadband and internet markets. Dilithium pioneered 3G video communications and our technologies are deployed by the major network operators, content owners, aggregators and equipment providers. www.dilithiumnetworks.com
MONA (Media Oriented Negotiation Acceleration or ITU-T H.324 Annex K) is a recently standardized video session set-up time acceleration technique that significantly improves the video customer experience by reducing the session setup time to around one second, comparable to voice calls. The new release DTG fully supports all of the three MONA terminal classes for the best performance and flexibility with any handset. Full support for WNSRP (Windowed Numbered Simple Retransmission Protocol) is also provided in this release. WNSRP accelerates the transport of command and control messages in video calls. The MONA and WNSRP techniques are mandated by the ITU-T and recommended by 3GPP for video calling technologies, including video value added services, and use Dilithium technologies at their core.
"The DTG 2000 now also incorporates end to end support for H.264. The H.264 video codec, which delivers stunning quality at the low data rates used in wireless communications, was ratified as part of the MPEG-4 standard (MPEG-4 Part 10) as well as ITU-T Recommendation H.264," says Mitch Lewis, Senior Vice President for Dilithium's Service Provider Business Unit. "This ultra-efficient technology provides excellent results across a broad range of bandwidths, from 3G mobile devices, broadband and internet, to HD for broadcast and DVD. Earlier releases of the DTG 2000 supported H.263 and MPEG-4 video (MPEG-4 Part 2) with full transcoding, transrating and Video Refresh(TM) support."
The DTG 2000 is the leading multimedia platform enabling a wide range of converged video value added services such as live TV, video portals, video surveillance, video blogging, video push, and video ring back tones. These applications enable operators to create and offer enhanced video services such as video ringback tones, video chat, video blogging and live TV. The DTG 2000 is also used as a combined IMS (IP Multimedia Subsystem) video gateway, and more specifically as a MGCF/IMS-GW (Media Gateway Control Function and IMS media gateway). Dilithium is the first to market with a multimedia gateway incorporating these technologies.
About Dilithium
Dilithium is the global leader in converged video solutions for the mobile, broadband and internet markets. Dilithium pioneered 3G video communications and our technologies are deployed by the major network operators, content owners, aggregators and equipment providers. www.dilithiumnetworks.com
Hilton Hotels Corporation Appoints Christopher Nassetta as President and CEO
Hilton Hotels Corporation ("Hilton") and The Blackstone Group (NYSE:BX) ("Blackstone") today announced the appointment of Christopher J. Nassetta as President and Chief Executive Officer of Hilton. Mr. Nassetta currently leads Host Hotels and Resorts, the largest owner of luxury and upscale hotels in the world. Mr. Nassetta joins Hilton as the company moves into an exciting new phase of growth, both in the U.S. and abroad.
The Blackstone Group's real estate and corporate private equity funds completed the acquisition of Hilton on October 24, 2007. Blackstone views Hilton as an important strategic investment and intends to invest in its properties and brands to enhance the Company's growth. As stated at the time of the initial announcement in July, Blackstone has no intention of selling any brands or major assets as a result of the transaction.
Jonathan Gray, Senior Managing Director, Blackstone said, "Our goal with Hilton is to build the premier global hospitality company. We are confident that Chris will be a superb addition to the already strong Hilton team. Given his background overseeing the world's largest hotel ownership company, Chris understands the needs of hotel owners and is uniquely qualified to lead Hilton. I've known Chris personally for 15 years and have worked successfully side-by-side with him in the past. He's a man of the absolute highest integrity, who cares deeply about people. He has the energy, enthusiasm and experience to lead Hilton, and it's with great pleasure that we welcome him to the team."
Blackstone's strategy includes maintaining strong unit growth in the U.S., where more than 20% of all hotel rooms currently under construction carry a Hilton brand. Blackstone will also invest to accelerate the company's international growth, building on recent agreements to expand the Hilton family of brands outside of the U.S. through a series of strategic partnerships. It was only last year that Hilton merged with Hilton International, a transaction which created a new set of global opportunities for the company. Additionally, Blackstone intends to incorporate a significant portion of its existing portfolio of luxury hotels and resorts onto the Hilton platform, adding to the luxury offerings available to Hilton customers. Blackstone's holdings include such upscale properties as The Boulders Resort and Spa (Arizona), The El Conquistador Resort (Puerto Rico), and The Boca Raton Resort and Club (Florida).
Chris Nassetta commented, "I am excited to join this great company and am looking forward to working with Hilton's franchisees, owners and team members to grow this already impressive franchise. Hilton has a powerful collection of brands and we now have the opportunity to build on the strong foundation that already exists to drive the company's growth, particularly overseas, to create the pre-eminent lodging company in the world. I also look forward to working with Blackstone, who I know from experience will be a terrific strategic partner for Hilton going forward."
As President and CEO of Hilton, Mr. Nassetta will oversee Hilton's extensive line of quality brands, including: Hilton, Conrad, Doubletree, Embassy Suites, Hampton, Hilton Garden Inn, Hilton Grand Vacations, Homewood Suites by Hilton, and The Waldorf=Astoria Collection. Mr. Nassetta intends to work closely with the existing management team, including Thomas Keltner, Chief Executive Officer - Americas and Global Brands, and Ian Carter, Chief Executive Officer - Hilton International. As previously announced, Stephen F. Bollenbach retired from the company last week upon the completion of the transaction. Additionally, Matthew J. Hart will step down as president and chief operating officer but will serve as a member of Hilton's Board of Directors.
About Christopher Nassetta
Christopher J. Nassetta will join Hilton Hotels Corp. from Host Hotels & Resorts, where he has been President and Chief Executive Officer since 2000. Prior to joining Host, Mr.Nassetta co-founded Bailey Capital Corporation in 1991, where he was responsible for the operations of the real estate investment and advisory firm. He also spent seven years serving as Chief Development Officer and in various other positions with The Oliver Carr Company. Mr. Nassetta serves as a Director of CoStar Group, Inc., is Second Vice Chair and serves on the Board of Governors of National Association of Real Estate Investment Trusts, is a member and chairman of The Real Estate Roundtable, and is a member of the McIntire School of Commerce Advisory Board for the University of Virginia.
Mr. Nassetta graduated from the University of Virginia McIntire School of Commerce with a degree in finance and studied international finance at the London School of Economics.
About Hilton
Hilton Hotels Corporation is the leading global hospitality company, with 2,896 properties totaling approximately 500,000 rooms in 76 countries and territories.
The company owns, manages or franchises a hotel portfolio of some of the best known and highly regarded brands, including Hilton(R), Conrad(R) Hotels & Resorts, Doubletree(R), Embassy Suites Hotels(R), Hampton Inn(R), Hampton Inn & Suites(R), Hilton Garden Inn(R), Hilton Grand Vacations(TM), Homewood Suites by Hilton(R) and The Waldorf=Astoria Collection(R).
About Blackstone
The Blackstone Group (NYSE:BX) is a leading global alternative asset manager and provider of financial advisory services. Its alternative asset management businesses include the management of corporate private equity funds, real estate opportunity funds, funds of hedge funds, mezzanine funds, senior debt funds, proprietary hedge funds and closed-end mutual funds. The Blackstone Group also provides various financial advisory services, including mergers and acquisitions advisory, restructuring and reorganization advisory and fund placement services.
Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of federal securities law, including statements concerning business strategies and their intended results, and similar statements concerning anticipated future events and expectations that are not historical facts. The forward-looking statements in this press release are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties, including the effects of economic conditions; supply and demand changes for hotel rooms; competitive conditions in the lodging industry, relationships with clients and property owners; the impact of government regulations; changes in foreign currency exchange rates; and the availability of capital to finance growth, which could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in or implied by the statements herein.
The Blackstone Group's real estate and corporate private equity funds completed the acquisition of Hilton on October 24, 2007. Blackstone views Hilton as an important strategic investment and intends to invest in its properties and brands to enhance the Company's growth. As stated at the time of the initial announcement in July, Blackstone has no intention of selling any brands or major assets as a result of the transaction.
Jonathan Gray, Senior Managing Director, Blackstone said, "Our goal with Hilton is to build the premier global hospitality company. We are confident that Chris will be a superb addition to the already strong Hilton team. Given his background overseeing the world's largest hotel ownership company, Chris understands the needs of hotel owners and is uniquely qualified to lead Hilton. I've known Chris personally for 15 years and have worked successfully side-by-side with him in the past. He's a man of the absolute highest integrity, who cares deeply about people. He has the energy, enthusiasm and experience to lead Hilton, and it's with great pleasure that we welcome him to the team."
Blackstone's strategy includes maintaining strong unit growth in the U.S., where more than 20% of all hotel rooms currently under construction carry a Hilton brand. Blackstone will also invest to accelerate the company's international growth, building on recent agreements to expand the Hilton family of brands outside of the U.S. through a series of strategic partnerships. It was only last year that Hilton merged with Hilton International, a transaction which created a new set of global opportunities for the company. Additionally, Blackstone intends to incorporate a significant portion of its existing portfolio of luxury hotels and resorts onto the Hilton platform, adding to the luxury offerings available to Hilton customers. Blackstone's holdings include such upscale properties as The Boulders Resort and Spa (Arizona), The El Conquistador Resort (Puerto Rico), and The Boca Raton Resort and Club (Florida).
Chris Nassetta commented, "I am excited to join this great company and am looking forward to working with Hilton's franchisees, owners and team members to grow this already impressive franchise. Hilton has a powerful collection of brands and we now have the opportunity to build on the strong foundation that already exists to drive the company's growth, particularly overseas, to create the pre-eminent lodging company in the world. I also look forward to working with Blackstone, who I know from experience will be a terrific strategic partner for Hilton going forward."
As President and CEO of Hilton, Mr. Nassetta will oversee Hilton's extensive line of quality brands, including: Hilton, Conrad, Doubletree, Embassy Suites, Hampton, Hilton Garden Inn, Hilton Grand Vacations, Homewood Suites by Hilton, and The Waldorf=Astoria Collection. Mr. Nassetta intends to work closely with the existing management team, including Thomas Keltner, Chief Executive Officer - Americas and Global Brands, and Ian Carter, Chief Executive Officer - Hilton International. As previously announced, Stephen F. Bollenbach retired from the company last week upon the completion of the transaction. Additionally, Matthew J. Hart will step down as president and chief operating officer but will serve as a member of Hilton's Board of Directors.
About Christopher Nassetta
Christopher J. Nassetta will join Hilton Hotels Corp. from Host Hotels & Resorts, where he has been President and Chief Executive Officer since 2000. Prior to joining Host, Mr.Nassetta co-founded Bailey Capital Corporation in 1991, where he was responsible for the operations of the real estate investment and advisory firm. He also spent seven years serving as Chief Development Officer and in various other positions with The Oliver Carr Company. Mr. Nassetta serves as a Director of CoStar Group, Inc., is Second Vice Chair and serves on the Board of Governors of National Association of Real Estate Investment Trusts, is a member and chairman of The Real Estate Roundtable, and is a member of the McIntire School of Commerce Advisory Board for the University of Virginia.
Mr. Nassetta graduated from the University of Virginia McIntire School of Commerce with a degree in finance and studied international finance at the London School of Economics.
About Hilton
Hilton Hotels Corporation is the leading global hospitality company, with 2,896 properties totaling approximately 500,000 rooms in 76 countries and territories.
The company owns, manages or franchises a hotel portfolio of some of the best known and highly regarded brands, including Hilton(R), Conrad(R) Hotels & Resorts, Doubletree(R), Embassy Suites Hotels(R), Hampton Inn(R), Hampton Inn & Suites(R), Hilton Garden Inn(R), Hilton Grand Vacations(TM), Homewood Suites by Hilton(R) and The Waldorf=Astoria Collection(R).
About Blackstone
The Blackstone Group (NYSE:BX) is a leading global alternative asset manager and provider of financial advisory services. Its alternative asset management businesses include the management of corporate private equity funds, real estate opportunity funds, funds of hedge funds, mezzanine funds, senior debt funds, proprietary hedge funds and closed-end mutual funds. The Blackstone Group also provides various financial advisory services, including mergers and acquisitions advisory, restructuring and reorganization advisory and fund placement services.
Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of federal securities law, including statements concerning business strategies and their intended results, and similar statements concerning anticipated future events and expectations that are not historical facts. The forward-looking statements in this press release are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties, including the effects of economic conditions; supply and demand changes for hotel rooms; competitive conditions in the lodging industry, relationships with clients and property owners; the impact of government regulations; changes in foreign currency exchange rates; and the availability of capital to finance growth, which could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in or implied by the statements herein.
Market Leader in Multi-Functional Poly-Phase Power Meters Selects Teridian Semiconductor as Strategic Technology Supplier
Teridian Semiconductor has joined with Wasion Meters, a technology leader in multi-functional poly-phase electronic power meters in China, to provide solutions enabling high-accuracy energy meter applications. The joint collaboration includes the introduction of a high-accuracy energy meter IC from Wasion, "WS0710", using Teridian's innovative meter System-on-Chip (SoC) technology to address the wide dynamic range, high linearity and accuracy requirements for high performance electronic meters.
"Teridian's leadership in providing precision energy meter SoC solutions will enable Wasion to leverage its flexible platform for fast time-to-market delivery of new meter designs conforming to the varying requirements of each utility for high performance meter solutions," said Li Xianhuai, Chief Engineer, Wasion Meters.
Teridian's Single Converter Technology(R) and large portfolio of System-on-Chip solutions for residential, commercial and industrial metering support active/reactive power, single/multi tariff, anti-tamper and AMR meter designs and offer OEMs a unique ability to differentiate their products in a very competitive and rapidly changing global market.
"We are pleased to announce our relationship with Wasion Meters, a leading Chinese precision meter manufacturer," said Steve McClure, vice president of marketing for Teridian, "as it further demonstrates our commitment to the global metering industry and continued innovations in metering metrology solutions."
About Wasion Meters Group Limited
Wasion Meters Group Limited (stock code: HK3393) and its subsidiaries are leading power solution providers in the PRC specialized in the provision of electronic power meters and power management systems. Its products are widely applied for the measurement and management of power generation, transmission, distribution and usage. With more than 15 years experience, Wasion Group offers the total solution to the energy metering, including electricity meter (poly-phase, single phase, AMR product, pre-paid meter), concentrator, RTU, AMR system (currently focused on Chinese market), power quality measurement equipment, gas meter, water meter and so on. More than 5 million energy meters of Wasion has been put into application all over the world.
In 2007 Wasion International branch company has been founded and it will definitely promote and accelerate the internationalization of Wasion.
For more information, please visit http://www.wasion.com.
About Teridian Semiconductor
Teridian Semiconductor Corporation brings intelligence and integration to real-world designs. The company's best-in-class analog and mixed-signal integrated circuits play a primary role in energy and automation, networking, and secure access applications. Teridian solutions can be found in smart card readers, VoIP gateways, set-top boxes, point-of-sale equipment, utility meters and factory floor automation across the globe, enabling customers to get to market quickly with advanced applications that are tailored to meet the specific needs of their target markets.
For more information, visit http://www.teridian.com.
"Teridian's leadership in providing precision energy meter SoC solutions will enable Wasion to leverage its flexible platform for fast time-to-market delivery of new meter designs conforming to the varying requirements of each utility for high performance meter solutions," said Li Xianhuai, Chief Engineer, Wasion Meters.
Teridian's Single Converter Technology(R) and large portfolio of System-on-Chip solutions for residential, commercial and industrial metering support active/reactive power, single/multi tariff, anti-tamper and AMR meter designs and offer OEMs a unique ability to differentiate their products in a very competitive and rapidly changing global market.
"We are pleased to announce our relationship with Wasion Meters, a leading Chinese precision meter manufacturer," said Steve McClure, vice president of marketing for Teridian, "as it further demonstrates our commitment to the global metering industry and continued innovations in metering metrology solutions."
About Wasion Meters Group Limited
Wasion Meters Group Limited (stock code: HK3393) and its subsidiaries are leading power solution providers in the PRC specialized in the provision of electronic power meters and power management systems. Its products are widely applied for the measurement and management of power generation, transmission, distribution and usage. With more than 15 years experience, Wasion Group offers the total solution to the energy metering, including electricity meter (poly-phase, single phase, AMR product, pre-paid meter), concentrator, RTU, AMR system (currently focused on Chinese market), power quality measurement equipment, gas meter, water meter and so on. More than 5 million energy meters of Wasion has been put into application all over the world.
In 2007 Wasion International branch company has been founded and it will definitely promote and accelerate the internationalization of Wasion.
For more information, please visit http://www.wasion.com.
About Teridian Semiconductor
Teridian Semiconductor Corporation brings intelligence and integration to real-world designs. The company's best-in-class analog and mixed-signal integrated circuits play a primary role in energy and automation, networking, and secure access applications. Teridian solutions can be found in smart card readers, VoIP gateways, set-top boxes, point-of-sale equipment, utility meters and factory floor automation across the globe, enabling customers to get to market quickly with advanced applications that are tailored to meet the specific needs of their target markets.
For more information, visit http://www.teridian.com.
ESET Launches ESET NOD32 Antivirus V3.0 and ESET Smart Security
ESET, the leader in proactive threat protection, today announced the introduction of ESET Smart Security, a new, integrated security solution for consumers and small-to-medium-sized businesses. It includes antivirus, antispyware, antispam and firewall features built on ESET's award-winning advanced heuristic ThreatSense(R) detection system and the ESET NOD32 scanning engine. ESET Smart Security combines speed, accuracy and minimal computer system impact to deliver a significant improvement over traditional solutions in the marketplace today. It provides the industry's highest level of accuracy and fewest false-positives through ESET NOD32 Antivirus(1). With significantly lower performance overhead compared to the competition, ESET Smart Security uses only 40MB of disk space and scans systems up to 30-times faster than other products.
"Threats no longer appear in the form of pure viruses or spam or phishing. They now come as 'blended' threats which require an integration and intelligence among individual security features. Smart computer users are looking for the best level of integrated protection with the minimal amount of inconvenience," said Phil Hochmuth, senior analyst at the Yankee Group. "This drives users to look for malware solutions that provide great protection, are easy to install, don't slow down their computers and work completely behind the scenes."
Unlike security suites which combine standalone products, ESET Smart Security tightly integrates the antispyware, antispam and firewall features with the new version of ESET's flagship ESET NOD32 Antivirus scanning engine. This tight integration allows each module to share information with the other to evaluate and classify every threat appropriately.
ESET's ThreatSense technology provides the industry's highest level of accuracy. It is the only antivirus technology that has not missed an in-the-wild-virus in Virus Bulletin VB 100 testing over the past nine years, while producing only one false-positive during that time. It has also received more Advanced+ awards from AV-Comparatives.org for proactive protection than any other product.
"Our research indicates that consumers and businesses are looking for maximum protection, low system requirements, accurate results and fast scanning speeds--in that order. They are tired of solutions that slow down their computers and interfere with other applications," said Anton Zajac, CEO of ESET, LLC. "ESET set out to build a solution that addressed these concerns while offering the best level of protection available. With ESET Smart Security, we've surpassed our goal and savvy computer users will be amazed by its ease of use, intelligent lightweight design and near-zero impact on system performance."
Unique to ESET Smart Security and ESET NOD32 Antivirus V3.0:
-- Hands-on service - All ESET customers receive the same level of excellent technical support service, whether an individual computer user or an SMB.
-- Ease of installation - ESET Smart Security and ESET NOD32 Antivirus V3.0 scanning engines are quick and easy to install, no matter what solution is currently running.
-- Advanced threat protection network - ESET solutions are backed by ThreatSense.Net, a global early warning system built into the products. ThreatSense.Net extends the power of ThreatSense's powerful analytics by automatically submitting samples of and information about new malware to ESET researchers for analysis, thus helping to close the window of vulnerability opened by new threats.
ESET's new solutions are ideal for the small-to-medium size business environment. By incorporating ESET's Remote Administrator, both ESET Smart Security and the new version of ESET NOD32 Antivirus can be deployed and managed remotely from a central location.
Availability
ESET Smart Security and ESET NOD32 Antivirus V3.0 will be available for purchase at www.eset.com as well as various Micro Center retail stores throughout the country on November 5, 2007 (for the consumer edition) and November 26, 2007 (for the business edition).
The suggested retail price for ESET Smart Security is USD 59.99 for individual users which includes a one year subscription to all updates to the product, including new versions. ESET Smart Security Business Edition is available for a suggested retail price of USD 40.99 (5-10 seats, per seat).
ESET NOD32 Antivirus V3.0 is USD 39.99 for individual users which includes a one year subscription to all updates to the product, including new versions. ESET NOD32 Antivirus V3.0 Business Edition is available for a suggested retail price of USD 32.99 (5-10 seats, per seat).
About ThreatSense
ESET solutions are built on ESET's one-of-a-kind ThreatSense technology. This advanced heuristics engine enables proactive detection of malware not covered by even the most frequently updated signature-based products by decoding and analyzing executable code in real time, using an emulated environment. By allowing malware to execute in a secure virtual world, ESET is able to clearly differentiate between benign files and even the most sophisticated and cleverly-disguised malware. ESET Smart Security takes this advanced methodology to the next level by applying it to the integrated solution as a whole, passing evaluation information between its integrated features for the most accurate protection possible.
About ESET
ESET develops software solutions that deliver instant, comprehensive protection against evolving computer security threats. ESET pioneered and continues to lead the industry in proactive threat detection. Over the past 20 years, ESET's NOD32 Antivirus has consistently achieved the highest accolades in all types of comparative testing. ESET's flagship product, ESET NOD32 Antivirus, is the foundational product that builds out the ESET product line to include ESET Smart Security. ESET Smart Security is an integrated antivirus, antispyware, antispam and personal firewall solution that combines accuracy, speed and an extremely small system footprint to create the most effective security solution in the industry. Both products have an extremely efficient code base that eliminates the unnecessary large size found in some solutions. This means faster scanning that doesn't slow down computers or networks. Sold in more than 110 countries, ESET has worldwide production headquarters in Bratislava, SK and worldwide distribution headquarters in San Diego, U.S. ESET also has offices in Bristol, U.K.; Buenos Aires, AR; Prague, CZ; and is globally represented by an extensive partner network. For more information, visit www.eset.com or call (619) 876-5400.
(1) Virus Bulletin - October 2007
"Threats no longer appear in the form of pure viruses or spam or phishing. They now come as 'blended' threats which require an integration and intelligence among individual security features. Smart computer users are looking for the best level of integrated protection with the minimal amount of inconvenience," said Phil Hochmuth, senior analyst at the Yankee Group. "This drives users to look for malware solutions that provide great protection, are easy to install, don't slow down their computers and work completely behind the scenes."
Unlike security suites which combine standalone products, ESET Smart Security tightly integrates the antispyware, antispam and firewall features with the new version of ESET's flagship ESET NOD32 Antivirus scanning engine. This tight integration allows each module to share information with the other to evaluate and classify every threat appropriately.
ESET's ThreatSense technology provides the industry's highest level of accuracy. It is the only antivirus technology that has not missed an in-the-wild-virus in Virus Bulletin VB 100 testing over the past nine years, while producing only one false-positive during that time. It has also received more Advanced+ awards from AV-Comparatives.org for proactive protection than any other product.
"Our research indicates that consumers and businesses are looking for maximum protection, low system requirements, accurate results and fast scanning speeds--in that order. They are tired of solutions that slow down their computers and interfere with other applications," said Anton Zajac, CEO of ESET, LLC. "ESET set out to build a solution that addressed these concerns while offering the best level of protection available. With ESET Smart Security, we've surpassed our goal and savvy computer users will be amazed by its ease of use, intelligent lightweight design and near-zero impact on system performance."
Unique to ESET Smart Security and ESET NOD32 Antivirus V3.0:
-- Hands-on service - All ESET customers receive the same level of excellent technical support service, whether an individual computer user or an SMB.
-- Ease of installation - ESET Smart Security and ESET NOD32 Antivirus V3.0 scanning engines are quick and easy to install, no matter what solution is currently running.
-- Advanced threat protection network - ESET solutions are backed by ThreatSense.Net, a global early warning system built into the products. ThreatSense.Net extends the power of ThreatSense's powerful analytics by automatically submitting samples of and information about new malware to ESET researchers for analysis, thus helping to close the window of vulnerability opened by new threats.
ESET's new solutions are ideal for the small-to-medium size business environment. By incorporating ESET's Remote Administrator, both ESET Smart Security and the new version of ESET NOD32 Antivirus can be deployed and managed remotely from a central location.
Availability
ESET Smart Security and ESET NOD32 Antivirus V3.0 will be available for purchase at www.eset.com as well as various Micro Center retail stores throughout the country on November 5, 2007 (for the consumer edition) and November 26, 2007 (for the business edition).
The suggested retail price for ESET Smart Security is USD 59.99 for individual users which includes a one year subscription to all updates to the product, including new versions. ESET Smart Security Business Edition is available for a suggested retail price of USD 40.99 (5-10 seats, per seat).
ESET NOD32 Antivirus V3.0 is USD 39.99 for individual users which includes a one year subscription to all updates to the product, including new versions. ESET NOD32 Antivirus V3.0 Business Edition is available for a suggested retail price of USD 32.99 (5-10 seats, per seat).
About ThreatSense
ESET solutions are built on ESET's one-of-a-kind ThreatSense technology. This advanced heuristics engine enables proactive detection of malware not covered by even the most frequently updated signature-based products by decoding and analyzing executable code in real time, using an emulated environment. By allowing malware to execute in a secure virtual world, ESET is able to clearly differentiate between benign files and even the most sophisticated and cleverly-disguised malware. ESET Smart Security takes this advanced methodology to the next level by applying it to the integrated solution as a whole, passing evaluation information between its integrated features for the most accurate protection possible.
About ESET
ESET develops software solutions that deliver instant, comprehensive protection against evolving computer security threats. ESET pioneered and continues to lead the industry in proactive threat detection. Over the past 20 years, ESET's NOD32 Antivirus has consistently achieved the highest accolades in all types of comparative testing. ESET's flagship product, ESET NOD32 Antivirus, is the foundational product that builds out the ESET product line to include ESET Smart Security. ESET Smart Security is an integrated antivirus, antispyware, antispam and personal firewall solution that combines accuracy, speed and an extremely small system footprint to create the most effective security solution in the industry. Both products have an extremely efficient code base that eliminates the unnecessary large size found in some solutions. This means faster scanning that doesn't slow down computers or networks. Sold in more than 110 countries, ESET has worldwide production headquarters in Bratislava, SK and worldwide distribution headquarters in San Diego, U.S. ESET also has offices in Bristol, U.K.; Buenos Aires, AR; Prague, CZ; and is globally represented by an extensive partner network. For more information, visit www.eset.com or call (619) 876-5400.
(1) Virus Bulletin - October 2007
Top Service Provider Executives Headline Mobility World Congress & Exhibition
Top executives from Far EasTone, KDDI, KTF, Telus, T-Mobile and Vodafone are among the more than 150 speakers confirmed for the 12th annual Mobility World Congress(www.MobilityWorldCongress.com), slated for Dec. 3-6, 2007, in Hong Kong. Organized by Beacon Events, the Mobility World Congress is Asia's first and premier event focused on all aspects of mobility, including 3G technologies, mobile TV, WiMAX, mobile entertainment and mobile marketing. More than 50 operator case studies from 25 countries will be featured this year.
Speaker highlights include visionaries such as:
-- Tan Ho-Chen, Chairman & CEO, Chunghwa Telecom, Taiwan
-- Borut Razdevsek, CEO, Debitel
-- Dr. Sachio Semmoto, Founder, Chairman and CEO, EMOBILE, Japan
-- Jan Nilsson, President, Far EasTone Telecommunications, Taiwan
-- Dr. Yasuhiko Ito, EVP Technology, CTO and Member of the Board, KDDI, Japan
-- Dr. Yeon-Hak Kim, EVP and Chief Strategy Officer, KTF, Korea
-- Sung Lee, VP of Asia Operations, MySpace
-- Marion Lai JP, Director-General of Telecommunications, OFTA, Government to Hong Kong SAR
-- Jean-Noel Tronc, CEO, Orange France
-- Dr. SeHyun Oh, SVP and CTO, SK Telecom, Korea
-- Todd Miller, EVP & Managing Director, Asia, Sony Pictures Television International
-- Ihab Osman, Chief Commercial Officer, Sudatel
-- Peter Trinkl, Chief Strategy Officer, Swisscom Mobile, Switzerland
-- Dr. JC Dorng, Chief Strategy Officer, Taiwan Mobile
-- Dr. Mike Robey, Executive Director, Mobile Consumer Strategy, Consumer Marketing and Channels, Telstra, Australia
-- Ibrahim Gedeon, CTO, Telus
-- Dr. Hossein Moiin, Group Vice President, Technical Strategy, T-Mobile International, UK
-- Prof. Michael Walker, Group R&D Director, Vodafone Group Services
The CxOs of EMOBILE, Swisscom Mobile, Far EasTone Telecommunications and Debitel will participate in a roundtable discussion session, "Way Forward for Your Mobility Business - What is the Single Most Important Revenue Opportunity in the World of Mobility?" In addition the CTOs of SK Telecom, KDDI, Telus and T-Mobile also will participate in a panel, "Key directions in next-generation networks and technology architectures -- What's next?"
This year's Mobility World Congress also has industry support from 36 international associations as well as local support in Hong Kong from OFTA, Hong Kong Trade Development Council and InvestHK.
"Mobility World Congress remains Asia's premier annual international congress dedicated to all aspects of mobile," said Daniel Kirwin, Managing Director, Beacon Events. "The reason for its success is simple: Mobility World Congress brings in top executives to share their experiences and insights, along with the mobile industry's key vendors. That breadth and depth of information has made Mobility World Congress Asia's must-attend event for 12 years in a row."
"CEOs, CTOs and other mobile operator executives are inundated with invitations to speak at industry events, but there's only so much time we can spare," said Jan Nilsson, president, Far EasTone, Telecommunications. "That's why I and so many others make time for Mobility World Congress: As Asia's premier event, it's the most efficient, effective way to reach and network with as many of the industry's decision-makers as possible."
"Mobility World Congress is an ideal venue to take the pulse of Asia's mobile industry," said Dr. SeHyun Oh, SVP and CTO for SK Telecom. "That's because it offers such a wide variety of speakers and topics from around the world, bringing new insights from service convergence and innovation to strategic technology direction."
Speaking and sponsorship opportunities can be obtained by contacting Geoffrey Ip on gip@beaconevents.com. For more detailed information on this year's event, to register or submit to present, please visit www.mobilityworldcongress.com.
Editor's Note: to register for press credentials, please email rbigleman@globalresultspr.com
About Mobility World Congress
Mobility World Congress(TM) (www.MobilityWorldConress.com), is Asia's largest industry gathering of the world's leading telecom companies in the high growth and dynamic mobile communications market. Now in its 12th year, Mobility World is the new name for the 3G World Congress(TM) and will be held from 4-6 December, 2007 in downtown Hong Kong. The new name and theme reflects the comprehensive and forward looking scope of the event, independent of any particular technology.
About Beacon Events
Beacon is an international business services company focused on conferences, exhibitions and management training. Spun off from the Institute for International Research's (IIR) Asia team, Beacon has an expanding portfolio of large-scale annual events. Beacon's approach to business is to cooperate and evolve with our customers to produce the leading annual events in the many business areas we cover. The company is known for its highly focused must-attend events and work with its partners -- whether they are industry associations, government organizations, advisory boards or our customers.
Speaker highlights include visionaries such as:
-- Tan Ho-Chen, Chairman & CEO, Chunghwa Telecom, Taiwan
-- Borut Razdevsek, CEO, Debitel
-- Dr. Sachio Semmoto, Founder, Chairman and CEO, EMOBILE, Japan
-- Jan Nilsson, President, Far EasTone Telecommunications, Taiwan
-- Dr. Yasuhiko Ito, EVP Technology, CTO and Member of the Board, KDDI, Japan
-- Dr. Yeon-Hak Kim, EVP and Chief Strategy Officer, KTF, Korea
-- Sung Lee, VP of Asia Operations, MySpace
-- Marion Lai JP, Director-General of Telecommunications, OFTA, Government to Hong Kong SAR
-- Jean-Noel Tronc, CEO, Orange France
-- Dr. SeHyun Oh, SVP and CTO, SK Telecom, Korea
-- Todd Miller, EVP & Managing Director, Asia, Sony Pictures Television International
-- Ihab Osman, Chief Commercial Officer, Sudatel
-- Peter Trinkl, Chief Strategy Officer, Swisscom Mobile, Switzerland
-- Dr. JC Dorng, Chief Strategy Officer, Taiwan Mobile
-- Dr. Mike Robey, Executive Director, Mobile Consumer Strategy, Consumer Marketing and Channels, Telstra, Australia
-- Ibrahim Gedeon, CTO, Telus
-- Dr. Hossein Moiin, Group Vice President, Technical Strategy, T-Mobile International, UK
-- Prof. Michael Walker, Group R&D Director, Vodafone Group Services
The CxOs of EMOBILE, Swisscom Mobile, Far EasTone Telecommunications and Debitel will participate in a roundtable discussion session, "Way Forward for Your Mobility Business - What is the Single Most Important Revenue Opportunity in the World of Mobility?" In addition the CTOs of SK Telecom, KDDI, Telus and T-Mobile also will participate in a panel, "Key directions in next-generation networks and technology architectures -- What's next?"
This year's Mobility World Congress also has industry support from 36 international associations as well as local support in Hong Kong from OFTA, Hong Kong Trade Development Council and InvestHK.
"Mobility World Congress remains Asia's premier annual international congress dedicated to all aspects of mobile," said Daniel Kirwin, Managing Director, Beacon Events. "The reason for its success is simple: Mobility World Congress brings in top executives to share their experiences and insights, along with the mobile industry's key vendors. That breadth and depth of information has made Mobility World Congress Asia's must-attend event for 12 years in a row."
"CEOs, CTOs and other mobile operator executives are inundated with invitations to speak at industry events, but there's only so much time we can spare," said Jan Nilsson, president, Far EasTone, Telecommunications. "That's why I and so many others make time for Mobility World Congress: As Asia's premier event, it's the most efficient, effective way to reach and network with as many of the industry's decision-makers as possible."
"Mobility World Congress is an ideal venue to take the pulse of Asia's mobile industry," said Dr. SeHyun Oh, SVP and CTO for SK Telecom. "That's because it offers such a wide variety of speakers and topics from around the world, bringing new insights from service convergence and innovation to strategic technology direction."
Speaking and sponsorship opportunities can be obtained by contacting Geoffrey Ip on gip@beaconevents.com. For more detailed information on this year's event, to register or submit to present, please visit www.mobilityworldcongress.com.
Editor's Note: to register for press credentials, please email rbigleman@globalresultspr.com
About Mobility World Congress
Mobility World Congress(TM) (www.MobilityWorldConress.com), is Asia's largest industry gathering of the world's leading telecom companies in the high growth and dynamic mobile communications market. Now in its 12th year, Mobility World is the new name for the 3G World Congress(TM) and will be held from 4-6 December, 2007 in downtown Hong Kong. The new name and theme reflects the comprehensive and forward looking scope of the event, independent of any particular technology.
About Beacon Events
Beacon is an international business services company focused on conferences, exhibitions and management training. Spun off from the Institute for International Research's (IIR) Asia team, Beacon has an expanding portfolio of large-scale annual events. Beacon's approach to business is to cooperate and evolve with our customers to produce the leading annual events in the many business areas we cover. The company is known for its highly focused must-attend events and work with its partners -- whether they are industry associations, government organizations, advisory boards or our customers.
Royal Philips Purchases Moore Microprocessor Patent (TM) Portfolio License
Alliacense today announced that Royal Philips Electronics has purchased a Moore Microprocessor Patent(TM) (MMP) Portfolio license from The TPL Group. Philips becomes the 21st MMP licensee in as many months and the third major European company to purchase an MMP license following Schneider Electric and Nokia Corporation.
"We welcome the expansion of our program with Philips, a proven worldwide leader in medical equipment and consumer electronics. This agreement further validates the strength and broad scope of the MMP Portfolio," said Andre-Pascal Chauvin, Vice President, Licensing for Alliacense.
"It's pretty common to see the pace of deals pick up as trial approaches," said Mike Davis, Sr. Vice President, Licensing. "A number of companies that have been following the case closely needed a little time to evaluate the recent Markman ruling, and are now moving to capture licenses at current prices and avoid significantly higher royalty rates following trial."
"Other developments we're watching with interest include mounting pressure from retailers on product manufacturers to resolve patent infringement issues expeditiously and avoid major market disruptions that could result from injunction or ban on imports," said Davis. This issue was highlighted recently in Broadcom v. Qualcomm ITC case, which placed a ban on the import of new mobile handsets and led one mobile service provider, Verizon, to step in and resolve the matter on its own.
The sweeping scope of applications using MMP design techniques continues to encourage manufacturers of end user products from around the globe to become MMP licensees. Since January 2006, HP, Casio, Fujitsu, Sony, Nikon, Seiko Epson, Pentax, Olympus, Kenwood, Agilent, Lexmark, Schneider Electric, NEC Corporation, Funai Electric, SanDisk, Sharp Corporation, Nokia, Bull, LEGO, and Denso Wave have all purchased MMP Portfolio licenses.
About the MMP Portfolio
The Moore Microprocessor Patent Portfolio contains intellectual property that is jointly owned by the privately-held TPL Group and publicly-held Patriot Scientific Corporation (OTCBB:PTSC). The portfolio includes seven U.S. patents as well as their European and Japanese counterparts. It is becoming widely recognized that the jointly-owned patents protect fundamental technology used in designing microprocessors, microcontrollers, digital signal processors (DSPs), embedded processors and system-on-chip (SoC) devices. Manufacturers of microprocessor-based products can learn more about how to participate in the MMP Portfolio Licensing Program by contacting: mmp licensing@alliacense.com.
About Royal Philips Electronics
Royal Philips Electronics of the Netherlands is a global leader in healthcare, lifestyle and technology, delivering products, services and solutions through the brand promise of "sense and simplicity". Headquartered in the Netherlands, Philips employs approximately 125,800 employees in more than 60 countries worldwide. With sales of EUR 27 billion in 2006, the company is a market leader in medical diagnostic imaging and patient monitoring systems, energy efficient lighting solutions, personal care and home appliances, as well as consumer electronics. News from Philips is located at www.philips.com/newscenter.
About Alliacense
Alliacense is a TPL Group Enterprise executing best-in-class design and implementation of Intellectual Property (IP) licensing programs. As a cadre of IP licensing strategists, technology experts, and experienced business development/management executives, Alliacense focuses on expanding the awareness and value of TPL's IP portfolios. Founded in 1988, The TPL Group has emerged as a coalition of high technology enterprises involved in the development, management and commercialization of proprietary product technologies as well as the design, manufacture and sales of proprietary products based on those technologies and corresponding IP assets. For more information, visit www.alliacense.com.
Alliacense and Moore Microprocessor Patent (MMP) are trademarks of Technology Properties Limited (TPL). All other trademarks belong to their respective owners.
"We welcome the expansion of our program with Philips, a proven worldwide leader in medical equipment and consumer electronics. This agreement further validates the strength and broad scope of the MMP Portfolio," said Andre-Pascal Chauvin, Vice President, Licensing for Alliacense.
"It's pretty common to see the pace of deals pick up as trial approaches," said Mike Davis, Sr. Vice President, Licensing. "A number of companies that have been following the case closely needed a little time to evaluate the recent Markman ruling, and are now moving to capture licenses at current prices and avoid significantly higher royalty rates following trial."
"Other developments we're watching with interest include mounting pressure from retailers on product manufacturers to resolve patent infringement issues expeditiously and avoid major market disruptions that could result from injunction or ban on imports," said Davis. This issue was highlighted recently in Broadcom v. Qualcomm ITC case, which placed a ban on the import of new mobile handsets and led one mobile service provider, Verizon, to step in and resolve the matter on its own.
The sweeping scope of applications using MMP design techniques continues to encourage manufacturers of end user products from around the globe to become MMP licensees. Since January 2006, HP, Casio, Fujitsu, Sony, Nikon, Seiko Epson, Pentax, Olympus, Kenwood, Agilent, Lexmark, Schneider Electric, NEC Corporation, Funai Electric, SanDisk, Sharp Corporation, Nokia, Bull, LEGO, and Denso Wave have all purchased MMP Portfolio licenses.
About the MMP Portfolio
The Moore Microprocessor Patent Portfolio contains intellectual property that is jointly owned by the privately-held TPL Group and publicly-held Patriot Scientific Corporation (OTCBB:PTSC). The portfolio includes seven U.S. patents as well as their European and Japanese counterparts. It is becoming widely recognized that the jointly-owned patents protect fundamental technology used in designing microprocessors, microcontrollers, digital signal processors (DSPs), embedded processors and system-on-chip (SoC) devices. Manufacturers of microprocessor-based products can learn more about how to participate in the MMP Portfolio Licensing Program by contacting: mmp licensing@alliacense.com.
About Royal Philips Electronics
Royal Philips Electronics of the Netherlands is a global leader in healthcare, lifestyle and technology, delivering products, services and solutions through the brand promise of "sense and simplicity". Headquartered in the Netherlands, Philips employs approximately 125,800 employees in more than 60 countries worldwide. With sales of EUR 27 billion in 2006, the company is a market leader in medical diagnostic imaging and patient monitoring systems, energy efficient lighting solutions, personal care and home appliances, as well as consumer electronics. News from Philips is located at www.philips.com/newscenter.
About Alliacense
Alliacense is a TPL Group Enterprise executing best-in-class design and implementation of Intellectual Property (IP) licensing programs. As a cadre of IP licensing strategists, technology experts, and experienced business development/management executives, Alliacense focuses on expanding the awareness and value of TPL's IP portfolios. Founded in 1988, The TPL Group has emerged as a coalition of high technology enterprises involved in the development, management and commercialization of proprietary product technologies as well as the design, manufacture and sales of proprietary products based on those technologies and corresponding IP assets. For more information, visit www.alliacense.com.
Alliacense and Moore Microprocessor Patent (MMP) are trademarks of Technology Properties Limited (TPL). All other trademarks belong to their respective owners.
Lime Communications, UK Appoints Tanla to Run Mobile Campaign of Popular Television Serial "Desperate Housewives” in UK
Lime Communications appoints Tanla Mobile to manage 3.4 million on pack promotion text to win competition for Vanish and Woolite. A promotional campaign to support the forthcoming release of the latest Walt Disney Studios, Desperate Housewives DVD - ‘The Dirty Laundry Edition’ - using a Text to Win competition is to be hosted and managed by Tanla Mobile. The campaign has been designed by leading film and DVD promotions agency Lime Communications, and is being run in partnership with Reckitt Benckiser who will promote it across 3.4 million packs of their Vanish and Woolite brands in the UK.
Consumers submit a text message with their name and postcode to a short code number printed on each pack, with all entrants and selection of winners managed using the Tanla Campaign Manager platform. Prizes including copies of the show’s DVD, a Mazda MX5, trips to Los Angeles and washing machines will be selected at random on each day of the promotion and awarded daily to a winner, also selected at random from the entrants received the previous day.
The campaign will also be supported across major supermarkets and grocery stores in the UK via Point of Sale promotion, plus substantial advertising and media spend. Desperate Housewives, ‘The Dirty Laundry Edition’ DVD goes on sale in the UK on November 5th. The Text to Win campaign runs until February 28th, 2008.
“Tanla Mobile has always demonstrated a real commitment to service, combined with a highly efficient and cost effective platform for delivering these kinds of large scale mobile campaigns,” explained Tim Hook, account manager at Lime Communications. “It’s vital to be able to work with a partner who can effectively manage the communication with consumers who are entering the competition, and also the selection of winners in a transparent way. Tanla has an excellent track record on both counts.”
“This is a superb example of how well run Mobile campaigns can add a great deal of value to a high profile DVD release such as this,” commented Gautam Sabharwal, Director, Tanla Mobile. “Working with Lime Communications and global brands such as Disney and Reckitt & Benckiser underlines the effectiveness of the Tanla Mobile platform to deliver mobile campaigns which reach millions of people.”
About Tanla Mobile
Tanla Mobile is a leading innovator of next-generation mobile application solutions, m-commerce and interactive services. Tanla Mobile specialises in developing mobile applications and platforms for the Mobile Telecoms, Media and Digital Communications sector. Tanla Mobile works in partnership with global mobile operators across Asia, Europe and North America to deliver and bill mobile content over SMS, WAP, MMS, Video, etc.
With direct connections and commercial revenue sharing agreements with global mobile operators including 3 (Hutchison 3G), O2, Orange, T-Mobile, Vodafone, Virgin Mobile and several Indian network operators, clients use its carrier-grade technology platform and application development expertise for immediate deployment of interactive mobile services. Its product suite includes Mobile Payments Solutions, Campaign Management, Content Management, 3G Video Management and Interactive TV Management applications, all of which are supported by powerful online reporting and CRM tools.
Based at Hyderabad, Tanla is currently in process of expanding its global operations having already established offices in London, New York and Singapore.
Tanla Mobile is a subsidiary of Tanla Solutions Ltd, www.tanlasolutions.com, an established Telecom Infrastructure Solutions provider with strong coverage in the Asia Pacific region. Through its relationship with Tanla Solutions, Tanla Mobile has immediate access to a large team of highly-skilled software engineers and analysts providing application development and technical support from their 350-seat facility in India. This offshore development capability results in a fast time to market with new technologies, and significant cost and time savings for clients. For further information visit www.tanlamobile.com
About Lime Communications: http://www.limemovies.co.uk/
Consumers submit a text message with their name and postcode to a short code number printed on each pack, with all entrants and selection of winners managed using the Tanla Campaign Manager platform. Prizes including copies of the show’s DVD, a Mazda MX5, trips to Los Angeles and washing machines will be selected at random on each day of the promotion and awarded daily to a winner, also selected at random from the entrants received the previous day.
The campaign will also be supported across major supermarkets and grocery stores in the UK via Point of Sale promotion, plus substantial advertising and media spend. Desperate Housewives, ‘The Dirty Laundry Edition’ DVD goes on sale in the UK on November 5th. The Text to Win campaign runs until February 28th, 2008.
“Tanla Mobile has always demonstrated a real commitment to service, combined with a highly efficient and cost effective platform for delivering these kinds of large scale mobile campaigns,” explained Tim Hook, account manager at Lime Communications. “It’s vital to be able to work with a partner who can effectively manage the communication with consumers who are entering the competition, and also the selection of winners in a transparent way. Tanla has an excellent track record on both counts.”
“This is a superb example of how well run Mobile campaigns can add a great deal of value to a high profile DVD release such as this,” commented Gautam Sabharwal, Director, Tanla Mobile. “Working with Lime Communications and global brands such as Disney and Reckitt & Benckiser underlines the effectiveness of the Tanla Mobile platform to deliver mobile campaigns which reach millions of people.”
About Tanla Mobile
Tanla Mobile is a leading innovator of next-generation mobile application solutions, m-commerce and interactive services. Tanla Mobile specialises in developing mobile applications and platforms for the Mobile Telecoms, Media and Digital Communications sector. Tanla Mobile works in partnership with global mobile operators across Asia, Europe and North America to deliver and bill mobile content over SMS, WAP, MMS, Video, etc.
With direct connections and commercial revenue sharing agreements with global mobile operators including 3 (Hutchison 3G), O2, Orange, T-Mobile, Vodafone, Virgin Mobile and several Indian network operators, clients use its carrier-grade technology platform and application development expertise for immediate deployment of interactive mobile services. Its product suite includes Mobile Payments Solutions, Campaign Management, Content Management, 3G Video Management and Interactive TV Management applications, all of which are supported by powerful online reporting and CRM tools.
Based at Hyderabad, Tanla is currently in process of expanding its global operations having already established offices in London, New York and Singapore.
Tanla Mobile is a subsidiary of Tanla Solutions Ltd, www.tanlasolutions.com, an established Telecom Infrastructure Solutions provider with strong coverage in the Asia Pacific region. Through its relationship with Tanla Solutions, Tanla Mobile has immediate access to a large team of highly-skilled software engineers and analysts providing application development and technical support from their 350-seat facility in India. This offshore development capability results in a fast time to market with new technologies, and significant cost and time savings for clients. For further information visit www.tanlamobile.com
About Lime Communications: http://www.limemovies.co.uk/
Cisco and NISG Present Shared Vision of Transformational Change with e-Governance at India Public Sector Summit
Cisco® and the National Institute for Smart Government (NISG) came together to host the 3rd Annual India Public Sector Summit on e-Governance. The theme of this year’s summit is Networked Nations: Transformational Change with e-Governance. The summit was inaugurated by Shri. R. Chandrashekhar, additional secretary (e-Governance), Department of Information Technology, Government of India, with a keynote address by John Chambers, chairman and CEO of Cisco Inc., on the first day of his three-day visit to India.
“Governments worldwide have made significant progress in moving services online by implementing a network-based approach to increase access for citizens and improve productivity in national and local government”, said Chambers. “Effective collaboration with government and the development of universal broadband access lies at the heart of Cisco’s strategy to support transformation of public services and drive socio-economic change across nations. The network truly can provide the platform for leading this transformation.”
Speaking at the summit, Chandrashekhar said, “This forum provides an excellent opportunity with a backdrop of international experience for the Department of Information Technology to share and discuss its plans with leaders from the states and union territories who are responsible for implementing these plans in their respective jurisdictions. This forum helps us to design and evolve approaches and solutions that take into account both the specific circumstances prevailing in states and international best practices in order to address felt needs optimally.”
The summit focused on key priorities of the National e-Governance Plan, including e-districts, unique identification, capacity building and leading transformational change. The summit provided a platform for government decision-makers, those responsible for leading implementation, and international experts to exchange views.
J Satyanarayana, CEO of NISG, said, “A concerted effort is needed for the successful implementation of the National e-Governance Plan. The Public Sector Summit 2007 will enable sharing of knowledge and experience on the various facets of e-governance, which will go a long way in increasing the pace of implementation and realizing the goals of providing better public services in the country.”
The two-day summit, to be held on October 29 - 30 in New Delhi, will see participation from various senior officials from the central and state governments in India and experts from around the world. International speakers include Datuk Azizan bin Ayob, CEO of Commerce Dot Com, Malaysia; D. Scott Campbell, former CIO and strategic consultant, eGovernance, Canada; and Simon Willis, Global Vice President and Head eGovernment, Internet Business Solutions Group, Cisco.
About National Institute for Smart Government (NISG)
National Institute for Smart Government (NISG), Hyderabad is a not-for-profit company incorporated in 2002 with NASSCOM (National Association of Software and Service Companies), Central and State governments being the principal promoters. NISG is being shaped as an institution of excellence in the area of e-Governance with focus on Strategic Planning, developing appropriate architectures and standards, providing high-level consultancy services and capacity building at the national level. The goal of NISG is to lead the nation to a preeminent position in providing integrated online services to the citizens and businesses. Cisco has partnered with the NISG in 2005 and 2006 on previous Public Sector Summits.
About Cisco
Cisco, (NASDAQ: CSCO), is the worldwide leader in networking that transforms how people connect, communicate and collaborate. Information about Cisco can be found at www.cisco.com. For ongoing news, please go to newsroom.cisco.com. Cisco equipment in India is supplied by Cisco Systems International BV, a wholly owned subsidiary of Cisco Systems, Inc.
“Governments worldwide have made significant progress in moving services online by implementing a network-based approach to increase access for citizens and improve productivity in national and local government”, said Chambers. “Effective collaboration with government and the development of universal broadband access lies at the heart of Cisco’s strategy to support transformation of public services and drive socio-economic change across nations. The network truly can provide the platform for leading this transformation.”
Speaking at the summit, Chandrashekhar said, “This forum provides an excellent opportunity with a backdrop of international experience for the Department of Information Technology to share and discuss its plans with leaders from the states and union territories who are responsible for implementing these plans in their respective jurisdictions. This forum helps us to design and evolve approaches and solutions that take into account both the specific circumstances prevailing in states and international best practices in order to address felt needs optimally.”
The summit focused on key priorities of the National e-Governance Plan, including e-districts, unique identification, capacity building and leading transformational change. The summit provided a platform for government decision-makers, those responsible for leading implementation, and international experts to exchange views.
J Satyanarayana, CEO of NISG, said, “A concerted effort is needed for the successful implementation of the National e-Governance Plan. The Public Sector Summit 2007 will enable sharing of knowledge and experience on the various facets of e-governance, which will go a long way in increasing the pace of implementation and realizing the goals of providing better public services in the country.”
The two-day summit, to be held on October 29 - 30 in New Delhi, will see participation from various senior officials from the central and state governments in India and experts from around the world. International speakers include Datuk Azizan bin Ayob, CEO of Commerce Dot Com, Malaysia; D. Scott Campbell, former CIO and strategic consultant, eGovernance, Canada; and Simon Willis, Global Vice President and Head eGovernment, Internet Business Solutions Group, Cisco.
About National Institute for Smart Government (NISG)
National Institute for Smart Government (NISG), Hyderabad is a not-for-profit company incorporated in 2002 with NASSCOM (National Association of Software and Service Companies), Central and State governments being the principal promoters. NISG is being shaped as an institution of excellence in the area of e-Governance with focus on Strategic Planning, developing appropriate architectures and standards, providing high-level consultancy services and capacity building at the national level. The goal of NISG is to lead the nation to a preeminent position in providing integrated online services to the citizens and businesses. Cisco has partnered with the NISG in 2005 and 2006 on previous Public Sector Summits.
About Cisco
Cisco, (NASDAQ: CSCO), is the worldwide leader in networking that transforms how people connect, communicate and collaborate. Information about Cisco can be found at www.cisco.com. For ongoing news, please go to newsroom.cisco.com. Cisco equipment in India is supplied by Cisco Systems International BV, a wholly owned subsidiary of Cisco Systems, Inc.
HDFC’S Financial Results for the Half-Year Ended September 30, 2007
The Board of Directors of Housing Development Finance Corporation Limited (HDFC) announced the results for the first half of the financial year 2007-2008, following its meeting on Monday, October 29, 2007 in Mumbai. The accounts have been subject to limited review by the Corporation’s statutory auditors in line with the regulatory guidelines.
FINANCIAL RESULTS
For the six months ended September 30, 2007, HDFC reported a profit before tax amounting to Rs.1,400.70 crore as against Rs. 846.84 crore in the corresponding period last year – an increase of 65%. The profit before tax is inclusive of profit on sale of investment in an associate company, Intelenet Global Services Private Limited, amounting to Rs. 313.25 crore (as compared to Rs. 32.98 crore in a subsidiary and associate company in the corresponding period in the previous year).
After providing Rs. 381.50 crore for taxes, the profit after tax increased by 53% to Rs.1,019.20 crore as compared with Rs. 664.84 crore in the corresponding period last year.
For the quarter ended September 30, 2007, HDFC’s profit before tax including the above- mentioned exceptional item of Rs. 313.25 crore, amounted to Rs. 895.69 crore as against Rs. 470.11 crore in the corresponding quarter of the previous year – an increase of 91%. After providing Rs. 249.30 crore for taxes, the profit after tax for the quarter ended September 30, 2007 increased by 76% to Rs. 646.39 crore as against Rs. 368.02 crore in the corresponding quarter last year.
TOTAL ASSETS
As at September 30, 2007, the total assets of HDFC stood at Rs. 72,665 crore as against Rs. 56,496 crore as at September 30, 2006 – an increase of 29%.
LENDING OPERATIONS
Approvals And Disbursements
Loan approvals during the six-month period ending September 30, 2007 amounted to Rs. 18,948 crore as compared to Rs. 14,729 crore, in the corresponding period last year, representing a growth of 29%. Loan disbursements during the period ending September 30, 2007 amounted to Rs.14,275 crore as compared to Rs. 11,280 crore in the corresponding period last year, representing an increase of 27%.
Loan Portfolio
The loan portfolio (including loans outstanding and investments in debentures and inter-corporate deposits for financing real estate related projects) as at September 30, 2007 amounted to Rs. 63,446 crore as against Rs. 51,332 crore as at September 30, 2006, representing an increase of 24%.
RESOURCES
Domestic Borrowings
During the first half of the current financial year, HDFC raised loans from commercial banks and financial institutions amounting to Rs. 6,773 crore. HDFC also raised Rs. 5,370 crore through private placement of non-convertible debentures (NCDs) during the current financial year. HDFC raised these funds at rates comparable with the lowest in the market. The NCDs were “AAA” rated by both CRISIL and ICRA.
Deposits stood at Rs. 11,504 crores as at September 30, 2007. CRISIL and ICRA have for the thirteenth consecutive year reaffirmed “AAA” rating for HDFC’s deposits.
Preferential Offer of Equity
In July 2007, the Corporation raised Rs. 3,114 crore through the issue of 1.8 crore equity of Rs. 10 each at a premium of Rs. 1,720 per share on a preferential basis to The Carlyle Group through CMP Asia Limited and Citigroup Strategic Holdings Mauritius Limited.
Conversion of Foreign Currency Convertible Bonds (FCCB)
In September 2005 the Corporation issued FCCB of US$ 500 million. During the quarter the Corporation allotted 5,06,207 equity shares of Rs. 10 each pursuant to the conversion of FCCB. The outstanding amount under the FCCB as at September 30, 2007 is US$ 483.80 million
CAPITAL ADEQUACY RATIO
HDFC’s capital adequacy ratio stood at 17% of the risk weighted assets, as against the minimum requirement of 12%. Tier 1 capital adequacy was 12.4% as against a minimum requirement of 6%.
INCREASE IN STAKE IN HDFC ASSET MANAGEMENT COMPANY
In October 2007, HDFC and Standard Life Investments Limited (SLI) realigned their shareholding in HDFC Asset Management Company (HDFC-AMC). Accordingly, HDFC increased its stake in HDFC-AMC by acquiring a stake of 9.90% from SLI. This acquisition has raised HDFC’s shareholding in HDFC AMC to 60% while SLI retains the balance 40%.
DISTRIBUTION NETWORK
HDFC’s distribution network spans 243 outlets that include 49 offices of HDFC’s distribution company, Home Loan Services India Private Limited (HLSIL). In addition, HDFC covers over 90 locations through its outreach programmes. HDFC’s marketing efforts continue to be concentrated on developing a stronger distribution network. Home loans are also marketed through HLSIL, HDFC Bank Limited and other third party Direct Selling Agents (DSA).
To cater to non-resident Indians, HDFC has an office in London and Dubai and service associates in Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Sharjah, Abu Dhabi, Al Khobar, Jeddah and Riyadh in Saudi Arabia.
APPOINTMENTS
The Board at its meeting held today appointed Mr. Keki M. Mistry as the Vice Chairman and Managing Director of the Corporation and Ms. Renu S. Karnad as the Joint Managing Director of the Corporation with immediate effect.
FINANCIAL RESULTS
For the six months ended September 30, 2007, HDFC reported a profit before tax amounting to Rs.1,400.70 crore as against Rs. 846.84 crore in the corresponding period last year – an increase of 65%. The profit before tax is inclusive of profit on sale of investment in an associate company, Intelenet Global Services Private Limited, amounting to Rs. 313.25 crore (as compared to Rs. 32.98 crore in a subsidiary and associate company in the corresponding period in the previous year).
After providing Rs. 381.50 crore for taxes, the profit after tax increased by 53% to Rs.1,019.20 crore as compared with Rs. 664.84 crore in the corresponding period last year.
For the quarter ended September 30, 2007, HDFC’s profit before tax including the above- mentioned exceptional item of Rs. 313.25 crore, amounted to Rs. 895.69 crore as against Rs. 470.11 crore in the corresponding quarter of the previous year – an increase of 91%. After providing Rs. 249.30 crore for taxes, the profit after tax for the quarter ended September 30, 2007 increased by 76% to Rs. 646.39 crore as against Rs. 368.02 crore in the corresponding quarter last year.
TOTAL ASSETS
As at September 30, 2007, the total assets of HDFC stood at Rs. 72,665 crore as against Rs. 56,496 crore as at September 30, 2006 – an increase of 29%.
LENDING OPERATIONS
Approvals And Disbursements
Loan approvals during the six-month period ending September 30, 2007 amounted to Rs. 18,948 crore as compared to Rs. 14,729 crore, in the corresponding period last year, representing a growth of 29%. Loan disbursements during the period ending September 30, 2007 amounted to Rs.14,275 crore as compared to Rs. 11,280 crore in the corresponding period last year, representing an increase of 27%.
Loan Portfolio
The loan portfolio (including loans outstanding and investments in debentures and inter-corporate deposits for financing real estate related projects) as at September 30, 2007 amounted to Rs. 63,446 crore as against Rs. 51,332 crore as at September 30, 2006, representing an increase of 24%.
RESOURCES
Domestic Borrowings
During the first half of the current financial year, HDFC raised loans from commercial banks and financial institutions amounting to Rs. 6,773 crore. HDFC also raised Rs. 5,370 crore through private placement of non-convertible debentures (NCDs) during the current financial year. HDFC raised these funds at rates comparable with the lowest in the market. The NCDs were “AAA” rated by both CRISIL and ICRA.
Deposits stood at Rs. 11,504 crores as at September 30, 2007. CRISIL and ICRA have for the thirteenth consecutive year reaffirmed “AAA” rating for HDFC’s deposits.
Preferential Offer of Equity
In July 2007, the Corporation raised Rs. 3,114 crore through the issue of 1.8 crore equity of Rs. 10 each at a premium of Rs. 1,720 per share on a preferential basis to The Carlyle Group through CMP Asia Limited and Citigroup Strategic Holdings Mauritius Limited.
Conversion of Foreign Currency Convertible Bonds (FCCB)
In September 2005 the Corporation issued FCCB of US$ 500 million. During the quarter the Corporation allotted 5,06,207 equity shares of Rs. 10 each pursuant to the conversion of FCCB. The outstanding amount under the FCCB as at September 30, 2007 is US$ 483.80 million
CAPITAL ADEQUACY RATIO
HDFC’s capital adequacy ratio stood at 17% of the risk weighted assets, as against the minimum requirement of 12%. Tier 1 capital adequacy was 12.4% as against a minimum requirement of 6%.
INCREASE IN STAKE IN HDFC ASSET MANAGEMENT COMPANY
In October 2007, HDFC and Standard Life Investments Limited (SLI) realigned their shareholding in HDFC Asset Management Company (HDFC-AMC). Accordingly, HDFC increased its stake in HDFC-AMC by acquiring a stake of 9.90% from SLI. This acquisition has raised HDFC’s shareholding in HDFC AMC to 60% while SLI retains the balance 40%.
DISTRIBUTION NETWORK
HDFC’s distribution network spans 243 outlets that include 49 offices of HDFC’s distribution company, Home Loan Services India Private Limited (HLSIL). In addition, HDFC covers over 90 locations through its outreach programmes. HDFC’s marketing efforts continue to be concentrated on developing a stronger distribution network. Home loans are also marketed through HLSIL, HDFC Bank Limited and other third party Direct Selling Agents (DSA).
To cater to non-resident Indians, HDFC has an office in London and Dubai and service associates in Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Sharjah, Abu Dhabi, Al Khobar, Jeddah and Riyadh in Saudi Arabia.
APPOINTMENTS
The Board at its meeting held today appointed Mr. Keki M. Mistry as the Vice Chairman and Managing Director of the Corporation and Ms. Renu S. Karnad as the Joint Managing Director of the Corporation with immediate effect.
Info Edge (India) Limited Announces Q2 Results
Quarter Ended September 30, 2007
-- The company achieved a profit after tax of INR 151.42 million compared to INR 35.56 million in corresponding quarter in 2006, representing a sharp growth of 326% in profits. At the operating level, profit after tax is INR 108.63 million which is up by 285%.
-- Total Income in Q2 of FY 07-08 at INR 585.01 million shows an increase of 80% over corresponding quarter in 2006. Total operating income is INR 526.03 million, which is 66% higher.
-- EBITDA at INR 220.84 million grew 227% over corresponding quarter in 2006. Operating EBITDA is 161.86 million, representing an increase of 172%.
Reinforcing its position as the pioneer and leader in the online businesses in the country, Info Edge (India) Limited today announced results for the quarter ended September 30, 2007. The company reported Net Profit after Tax of Rs. 151.42 million compared to Rs. 35.56 million for the corresponding quarter in 2006. Info Edge recorded Total income of Rs. 585.01 million compared to Rs. 325.4 million in the corresponding quarter last year.
Commenting on the results, Ambarish Raghuvanshi, CFO and Director, Info Edge (India) Limited said, “Our core recruiting business continued to grow while the newer businesses grew faster (albeit of smaller bases) despite some possible signs of a re-adjustment in hiring plans of IT services clients (as a result of the rise in the rupee/ dollar exchange rate and the sub prime mortgage issues in the US). Our profits growth look extremely good but as we have stated in the past, the lumpiness of advertising spends will cause some volatility in our earnings. We expect advertising and promotions activity to increase in the subsequent six months, therefore it will be unwise to extrapolate profits for the year from these numbers.” Also it is important to watch trends in the underlying business client segments e.g. IT services.
Financial Results:
-- Total Income – Increased by 80% at Rs. 585.01 million as compared to Q2 of Financial Year 06-07.
-- EBITDA – Increased by 227% at Rs. 220.84 million as compared to the corresponding quarter in 2006. The new businesses Jeevansathi.com and 99acres.com continue to be in an investment mode incurring losses.
-- Total Expense including Interest & Depreciation – Increased by 41% to Rs. 377.51 million as compared to the corresponding quarter last year.
About Info Edge (India) Ltd
Info Edge (India) Ltd (NSE: NAUKRI) is the largest and fastest growing internet company, in India. The company owns an assortment of portals which include Naukri.com - India’s No. 1 job site, Naukri Gulf.com –- its more recent foray into the Middle East market, Jeevansathi.com – India’s fastest growing matrimonial site and 99acres.com - India’s No.1 real estate portal. Quadrangle, an offline executive search firm was acquired in the year 2000. Info Edge recently launched asknaukri.com, India’s first Career Guidance website and Brijj.com, a professional networking site.
Info Edge has ventured into newer businesses and territories and attracted investments from leading venture capitalists. Formerly an ICICI Ventures investee company, Kleiner, Perkins, Caufield & Byers and Sherpalo Ventures have also invested in the company. Info Edge raised Rs. 1,703 million by way of an IPO in November 2006.
With its headquarters in Noida (NCR), the company employs over 1300 people and operates through over 57 offices in 32 cities in India and overseas offices in Dubai catering to the Middle East market.
-- The company achieved a profit after tax of INR 151.42 million compared to INR 35.56 million in corresponding quarter in 2006, representing a sharp growth of 326% in profits. At the operating level, profit after tax is INR 108.63 million which is up by 285%.
-- Total Income in Q2 of FY 07-08 at INR 585.01 million shows an increase of 80% over corresponding quarter in 2006. Total operating income is INR 526.03 million, which is 66% higher.
-- EBITDA at INR 220.84 million grew 227% over corresponding quarter in 2006. Operating EBITDA is 161.86 million, representing an increase of 172%.
Reinforcing its position as the pioneer and leader in the online businesses in the country, Info Edge (India) Limited today announced results for the quarter ended September 30, 2007. The company reported Net Profit after Tax of Rs. 151.42 million compared to Rs. 35.56 million for the corresponding quarter in 2006. Info Edge recorded Total income of Rs. 585.01 million compared to Rs. 325.4 million in the corresponding quarter last year.
Commenting on the results, Ambarish Raghuvanshi, CFO and Director, Info Edge (India) Limited said, “Our core recruiting business continued to grow while the newer businesses grew faster (albeit of smaller bases) despite some possible signs of a re-adjustment in hiring plans of IT services clients (as a result of the rise in the rupee/ dollar exchange rate and the sub prime mortgage issues in the US). Our profits growth look extremely good but as we have stated in the past, the lumpiness of advertising spends will cause some volatility in our earnings. We expect advertising and promotions activity to increase in the subsequent six months, therefore it will be unwise to extrapolate profits for the year from these numbers.” Also it is important to watch trends in the underlying business client segments e.g. IT services.
Financial Results:
-- Total Income – Increased by 80% at Rs. 585.01 million as compared to Q2 of Financial Year 06-07.
-- EBITDA – Increased by 227% at Rs. 220.84 million as compared to the corresponding quarter in 2006. The new businesses Jeevansathi.com and 99acres.com continue to be in an investment mode incurring losses.
-- Total Expense including Interest & Depreciation – Increased by 41% to Rs. 377.51 million as compared to the corresponding quarter last year.
About Info Edge (India) Ltd
Info Edge (India) Ltd (NSE: NAUKRI) is the largest and fastest growing internet company, in India. The company owns an assortment of portals which include Naukri.com - India’s No. 1 job site, Naukri Gulf.com –- its more recent foray into the Middle East market, Jeevansathi.com – India’s fastest growing matrimonial site and 99acres.com - India’s No.1 real estate portal. Quadrangle, an offline executive search firm was acquired in the year 2000. Info Edge recently launched asknaukri.com, India’s first Career Guidance website and Brijj.com, a professional networking site.
Info Edge has ventured into newer businesses and territories and attracted investments from leading venture capitalists. Formerly an ICICI Ventures investee company, Kleiner, Perkins, Caufield & Byers and Sherpalo Ventures have also invested in the company. Info Edge raised Rs. 1,703 million by way of an IPO in November 2006.
With its headquarters in Noida (NCR), the company employs over 1300 people and operates through over 57 offices in 32 cities in India and overseas offices in Dubai catering to the Middle East market.
Express Logic Partners with Global Edge Software to Provide Application Software and Middleware to Developers Using ThreadX
Express Logic, Inc., the worldwide leader in royalty-free real-time operating systems (RTOS), has teamed up with Global Edge Software Ltd., a leading embedded software solutions and services company based in Bangalore, India, to provide ThreadX customers with embedded software solutions and IP-based services. GlobalEdge services combine ready solutions and engineering services, to offer complete product realization.
ThreadX Customers in the communication, wireless, industrial automation, automotive and consumer appliances industries will be served by GES to assist them in creating their next-generation products. This alliance will provide Express Logic’s customers with a wide range of software solutions in the areas of wireless, VoIP, DSP, USB, and networking technologies. Leveraging on GlobalEdge’s extensive ThreadX experience in device drivers and BSP development and strong IP portfolio, customers will be able to build feature-rich, cost-effective and quick-to-market solutions.
“GlobalEdge foresees a growing RTOS market across businesses,” commented Sarbpreet Singh, President & COO at GlobalEdge. “Express Logic’s leadership in small-footprint, royalty-free real-time operating systems makes them an ideal partner for many semiconductor and product companies. Partnering with Express Logic enables GlobalEdge to expand its penetration in the market further and to help in delivering high-quality customer solutions.”
“More and more developers are asking for highly integrated solutions, specifically tailored for the specifications of their customers,” noted William E. Lamie, president of Express Logic. “Partnering with GlobalEdge enables us to provide a plethora of integrated communications protocols and IP peripherals quickly and cost efficiently. I look forward to being better able to meet our customers’ needs in these areas.”
About Global Edge Software, Ltd
Bangalore based GlobalEdge Software, is an embedded services company, serving the Consumer Electronics, Communications, Automation and Automotive industries. Established in 1992, GlobalEdge has a team of 300+ system engineers focused on serving leading OEMs and Silicon vendors, helping them solve highly complex technical problems, functioning as extensions of their development organizations. Additionally, over the years, GlobalEdge has built an IPR portfolio in technology areas like VoIP, WiFi, Packet Cable, Residential Gateway etc.
GlobalEdge is funded by Global Technology Ventures Ltd, India's premium investment company supported by Bank of America Equity Partners. GlobalEdge is SEI CMM Level 5 certified and its solutions are backed by ISO 9001:2000, ISO 27001:2005.For more information about GlobalEdge, please visit the Website at www.globaledgesoft.com, call 1-408-705-2473, or email inquires to sales@globaledgesoft.com.
About Express Logic
Headquartered in San Diego, CA, Express Logic offers the most advanced run-time solution for deeply embedded applications, including the popular ThreadX® RTOS, the high-performance NetX™ TCP/IP stack, the FileX® embedded MS-DOS compatible file system, and the USBX™ Host/Device USB protocol stack. All products from Express Logic include full source-code and have no run-time royalties. For more information about Express Logic solutions, please visit www.expresslogic.com, call 1-888-THREADX, or email inquires to sales@expresslogic.com.
ThreadX Customers in the communication, wireless, industrial automation, automotive and consumer appliances industries will be served by GES to assist them in creating their next-generation products. This alliance will provide Express Logic’s customers with a wide range of software solutions in the areas of wireless, VoIP, DSP, USB, and networking technologies. Leveraging on GlobalEdge’s extensive ThreadX experience in device drivers and BSP development and strong IP portfolio, customers will be able to build feature-rich, cost-effective and quick-to-market solutions.
“GlobalEdge foresees a growing RTOS market across businesses,” commented Sarbpreet Singh, President & COO at GlobalEdge. “Express Logic’s leadership in small-footprint, royalty-free real-time operating systems makes them an ideal partner for many semiconductor and product companies. Partnering with Express Logic enables GlobalEdge to expand its penetration in the market further and to help in delivering high-quality customer solutions.”
“More and more developers are asking for highly integrated solutions, specifically tailored for the specifications of their customers,” noted William E. Lamie, president of Express Logic. “Partnering with GlobalEdge enables us to provide a plethora of integrated communications protocols and IP peripherals quickly and cost efficiently. I look forward to being better able to meet our customers’ needs in these areas.”
About Global Edge Software, Ltd
Bangalore based GlobalEdge Software, is an embedded services company, serving the Consumer Electronics, Communications, Automation and Automotive industries. Established in 1992, GlobalEdge has a team of 300+ system engineers focused on serving leading OEMs and Silicon vendors, helping them solve highly complex technical problems, functioning as extensions of their development organizations. Additionally, over the years, GlobalEdge has built an IPR portfolio in technology areas like VoIP, WiFi, Packet Cable, Residential Gateway etc.
GlobalEdge is funded by Global Technology Ventures Ltd, India's premium investment company supported by Bank of America Equity Partners. GlobalEdge is SEI CMM Level 5 certified and its solutions are backed by ISO 9001:2000, ISO 27001:2005.For more information about GlobalEdge, please visit the Website at www.globaledgesoft.com, call 1-408-705-2473, or email inquires to sales@globaledgesoft.com.
About Express Logic
Headquartered in San Diego, CA, Express Logic offers the most advanced run-time solution for deeply embedded applications, including the popular ThreadX® RTOS, the high-performance NetX™ TCP/IP stack, the FileX® embedded MS-DOS compatible file system, and the USBX™ Host/Device USB protocol stack. All products from Express Logic include full source-code and have no run-time royalties. For more information about Express Logic solutions, please visit www.expresslogic.com, call 1-888-THREADX, or email inquires to sales@expresslogic.com.
A winning brand is everything
Over the past week we have been treated to a national outpouring of pride as the world champion Springboks have paraded the Webb Ellis Cup around South Africa. Today Cape Town is the last stop.
Politicians have been quick to piggyback on success, but it's understandable. Winning the World Cup is good for a country.
You can't begrudge President Thabo Mbeki donning a Springbok jersey, launching a million camera flashbulbs as he supports the Class of 2007.
Of course, politicians routinely remind us of rugby's duties to society. While we celebrate victory, a sporting miracle when you consider all the outside factors at play, we are told of the responsibility to transform the game.
One black player in the starting XV in the 1995 World Cup winners, two in 2007. At that rate we would only field an all-black champion Springbok XV in 156 years.
So, you can see where the transformers are coming from, but the Bok bus is not a vehicle fitted with "L" plates, it's the F1 of the sport. Testing of talent has to be done at the structures below.
However, amid all the comments attributed to the politicians, who say we "mustn't make the same mistakes as the last time (1995)", let's just cast our minds back to 12 years ago and where we were in our sport.
Was winning the Rugby World Cup a mistake? It created such a positive domino effect on other codes. Which is also why we should not tinker with a winning brand. And the Springbok is just that, in name and performance.
It's reason number 967 why merit must be the only selection criteria at the elite level of sport. You want the best 15 Springboks taking on the All Blacks in a World Cup final; anything less and you're on a hiding to nothing.
But back to 1995 and the feel-good effect. In the months after Francois Pienaar lifted the trophy and thanked "43 million South Africans" an inspired Bafana Bafana won the African Cup of Nations.
What some might have forgotten is that Bafana Bafana were officially named Fifa's best movers of the year and reached the dizzy heights of 19th in the world. Yes, 19th. Today they're in 83rd place, and 17th in Africa. Those stats are worth reading again.
Why has our national football team slipped so alarmingly? The same politicians who are banging on about transformation in rugby should be pointing their cannons at soccer and asking why it has failed South Africans. The Bafana brand is so low they want to change its name.
Then again, rugby is a soft target. They argue the Boks don't reflect the demographics of the country. But which national team does?
With 2010 looming the politicians should be asking why soccer, by far the most funded in the country, and with the richest administrators, has slipped so much.
Think post-1995 too and the effect it had on our Olympians. In her autobiography Penny Heyns talked about the Boks and she's not even a big rugby fan.
But in the months that the Boks ruled the world, and Bafana Bafana were at their peak, she broke the world breaststroke record and then won two golds at the 1996 Olympics. And marathoner Josiah Thugwane won men's marathon gold too. A winning spirit is infectious.
The Boks have allowed us to dream again. The next African Cup of Nations and the Olympics are next year.
Thanks to John Smit, Jake White and others on the Bok bus, our other sporting talent believes. To dismantle these winners now when they are approaching their peak would not just be a disservice to rugby's world champions.
It would also be a disservice to all those other codes and individuals aspiring to be the best.
Politicians have been quick to piggyback on success, but it's understandable. Winning the World Cup is good for a country.
You can't begrudge President Thabo Mbeki donning a Springbok jersey, launching a million camera flashbulbs as he supports the Class of 2007.
Of course, politicians routinely remind us of rugby's duties to society. While we celebrate victory, a sporting miracle when you consider all the outside factors at play, we are told of the responsibility to transform the game.
One black player in the starting XV in the 1995 World Cup winners, two in 2007. At that rate we would only field an all-black champion Springbok XV in 156 years.
So, you can see where the transformers are coming from, but the Bok bus is not a vehicle fitted with "L" plates, it's the F1 of the sport. Testing of talent has to be done at the structures below.
However, amid all the comments attributed to the politicians, who say we "mustn't make the same mistakes as the last time (1995)", let's just cast our minds back to 12 years ago and where we were in our sport.
Was winning the Rugby World Cup a mistake? It created such a positive domino effect on other codes. Which is also why we should not tinker with a winning brand. And the Springbok is just that, in name and performance.
It's reason number 967 why merit must be the only selection criteria at the elite level of sport. You want the best 15 Springboks taking on the All Blacks in a World Cup final; anything less and you're on a hiding to nothing.
But back to 1995 and the feel-good effect. In the months after Francois Pienaar lifted the trophy and thanked "43 million South Africans" an inspired Bafana Bafana won the African Cup of Nations.
What some might have forgotten is that Bafana Bafana were officially named Fifa's best movers of the year and reached the dizzy heights of 19th in the world. Yes, 19th. Today they're in 83rd place, and 17th in Africa. Those stats are worth reading again.
Why has our national football team slipped so alarmingly? The same politicians who are banging on about transformation in rugby should be pointing their cannons at soccer and asking why it has failed South Africans. The Bafana brand is so low they want to change its name.
Then again, rugby is a soft target. They argue the Boks don't reflect the demographics of the country. But which national team does?
With 2010 looming the politicians should be asking why soccer, by far the most funded in the country, and with the richest administrators, has slipped so much.
Think post-1995 too and the effect it had on our Olympians. In her autobiography Penny Heyns talked about the Boks and she's not even a big rugby fan.
But in the months that the Boks ruled the world, and Bafana Bafana were at their peak, she broke the world breaststroke record and then won two golds at the 1996 Olympics. And marathoner Josiah Thugwane won men's marathon gold too. A winning spirit is infectious.
The Boks have allowed us to dream again. The next African Cup of Nations and the Olympics are next year.
Thanks to John Smit, Jake White and others on the Bok bus, our other sporting talent believes. To dismantle these winners now when they are approaching their peak would not just be a disservice to rugby's world champions.
It would also be a disservice to all those other codes and individuals aspiring to be the best.
Hyundai Gearing Up to Sharpen Brand Power
Hyundai Engineering and Construction is flexing its muscles to revive its well-known reputation in the local construction market with its recently unveiled new apartment brand, ``Hillstate''.
Unlike impressive performances in overseas construction, the company has been struggling somewhat in the local housing market, which accounts for more than 70 percent of South Korea's $80 billion construction industry.
Its share of the housing market in South Korea once fell from around 10 percent in the 1990s to 5 percent in 2005, as it faced competition by archrivals such as GS Engineering & Construction and Samsung Corporation.
``With the latest premium brand, we will increase our local housing sales to 3.3 trillion won by 2010,'' said Lee Jong-su, CEO of Hyundai Engineering and Construction.
``The housing sector, now taking up some 40 percent of our total revenue, will reach about 45 percent by then,'' he said.
Such an ambitious goal seems achievable, given its proven track record in subscription.
The first ``Hillstate'' apartments in Seoul last November were 74 times oversubscribed, according to the company.
In September last year, Hyundai launched a new apartment brand in a tactical way to dominate the premium housing market.
Hyundai said the brand ``Hillstate'' is to evoke feelings of high society and pride and is a combination of the word ``Hill'' representing a high-class residential complex and ``state'' that suggests high status.
Additionally, the name symbolizes the ``H'' of Hyundai emphasizing ``history,'' ``hotness,'' ``human,'' and ``honor,'' which are four main tailored categories appealing to consumers, company officials said.
Restoring Past Glory
Hyundai Engineering and Construction, which celebrates its 60th founding anniversary this year, was established by the late Hyundai Group founder Chung Ju-yung as Hyundai Civil Works Company in 1947.
Once a renowned local builder from the 1970s to the 1990s, Hyundai was separated from Hyundai Group, the country's once-largest conglomerate, in 1999. An earlier-than-expected escape from its own debt workout program in May last year paved the way for the company to have a chance to regain its leadership in the local construction market.
Hyundai, boosted by its bright performances abroad, appears confident of restoring its past glory as the country's top construction company.
``We secured $3.4 billion worth of overseas orders from gas to harbor projects at the end of September this year, surpassing the yearly target. We expect new orders worth almost 10 trillion won this year, including more than $3.4 billion from overseas,'' Lee said, expressing hope that sales will improve continuously as the company is diversifying its business strategies from simple construction to value added projects.
``We will join forces with top foreign design companies to offer more delicate housing spaces to our consumers in order to make them feel like living in high-class residential complexes,'' Lee said.
Unlike impressive performances in overseas construction, the company has been struggling somewhat in the local housing market, which accounts for more than 70 percent of South Korea's $80 billion construction industry.
Its share of the housing market in South Korea once fell from around 10 percent in the 1990s to 5 percent in 2005, as it faced competition by archrivals such as GS Engineering & Construction and Samsung Corporation.
``With the latest premium brand, we will increase our local housing sales to 3.3 trillion won by 2010,'' said Lee Jong-su, CEO of Hyundai Engineering and Construction.
``The housing sector, now taking up some 40 percent of our total revenue, will reach about 45 percent by then,'' he said.
Such an ambitious goal seems achievable, given its proven track record in subscription.
The first ``Hillstate'' apartments in Seoul last November were 74 times oversubscribed, according to the company.
In September last year, Hyundai launched a new apartment brand in a tactical way to dominate the premium housing market.
Hyundai said the brand ``Hillstate'' is to evoke feelings of high society and pride and is a combination of the word ``Hill'' representing a high-class residential complex and ``state'' that suggests high status.
Additionally, the name symbolizes the ``H'' of Hyundai emphasizing ``history,'' ``hotness,'' ``human,'' and ``honor,'' which are four main tailored categories appealing to consumers, company officials said.
Restoring Past Glory
Hyundai Engineering and Construction, which celebrates its 60th founding anniversary this year, was established by the late Hyundai Group founder Chung Ju-yung as Hyundai Civil Works Company in 1947.
Once a renowned local builder from the 1970s to the 1990s, Hyundai was separated from Hyundai Group, the country's once-largest conglomerate, in 1999. An earlier-than-expected escape from its own debt workout program in May last year paved the way for the company to have a chance to regain its leadership in the local construction market.
Hyundai, boosted by its bright performances abroad, appears confident of restoring its past glory as the country's top construction company.
``We secured $3.4 billion worth of overseas orders from gas to harbor projects at the end of September this year, surpassing the yearly target. We expect new orders worth almost 10 trillion won this year, including more than $3.4 billion from overseas,'' Lee said, expressing hope that sales will improve continuously as the company is diversifying its business strategies from simple construction to value added projects.
``We will join forces with top foreign design companies to offer more delicate housing spaces to our consumers in order to make them feel like living in high-class residential complexes,'' Lee said.
Developing St. Louis as a brand
St. Louis hopes to brand itself as a distinctive tourist destination with a new logo and a slogan that is a bit of a play on the city's name.
The slogan is "St. Lou is all within reach," and the image for the campaign includes a graphic representation of the Gateway Arch bridging the intentional space between "St. Lou" and "is" in the slogan.
St. Louis Convention and Visitors Commission president Kitty Ratcliffe said the shimmering Gateway Arch is the symbol most identified with the city and has worldwide recognition.
"It is our Eiffel Tower. It is our Nike swoosh," she said.
The brand aims to tie into the notion that St. Louis has exceptional attractions, like its sports teams, architecture, museums and parks, but a lower cost of living and fewer hassles than some bigger cities.
A related advertising campaign will run from around Thanksgiving to Valentine's Day, encouraging people to visit St. Louis in the winter. Ads will run in Missouri, Illinois, Oklahoma, Iowa, Tennessee and Indiana.
The slogan is "St. Lou is all within reach," and the image for the campaign includes a graphic representation of the Gateway Arch bridging the intentional space between "St. Lou" and "is" in the slogan.
St. Louis Convention and Visitors Commission president Kitty Ratcliffe said the shimmering Gateway Arch is the symbol most identified with the city and has worldwide recognition.
"It is our Eiffel Tower. It is our Nike swoosh," she said.
The brand aims to tie into the notion that St. Louis has exceptional attractions, like its sports teams, architecture, museums and parks, but a lower cost of living and fewer hassles than some bigger cities.
A related advertising campaign will run from around Thanksgiving to Valentine's Day, encouraging people to visit St. Louis in the winter. Ads will run in Missouri, Illinois, Oklahoma, Iowa, Tennessee and Indiana.
Kroger-Brand Smoked Salmon Dip Recalled
The following recall has been announced:
_About 529 pounds of Kroger-brand smoked salmon dip manufactured by House of Thaller Inc. of Knoxville, Tenn., because it has the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes. The organism can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections. No illnesses have been reported in connection with this problem.
The product, which was sold in the Kroger Seafood Department, was distributed to 17 states: Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Illinois, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Missouri, Mississippi, North Carolina, Nebraska, Ohio, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia and West Virginia. The Smoked Salmon Dip was packed in a clear plastic 7.5-ounce rectangular container and is marked with "Use By" dates of 04NOV2007A LN3 and 04NOV2007B LN3.
The company has also chosen to include the following products, also in the clear plastic 7.5-ounce container: Cajun Salmon Dip, 287 pounds, Use By 04NOV2007A LN3 and 04NOV2007B LN3; Southern Crab Dip, 945 pounds, Use By 04NOV2007A LN3 and 04NOV2007B LN3; and Sundried Tomato Crab, 516 pounds, Use By 24OCT2007A LN3.
Consumers who have purchased these products are urged to return them to the place of purchase for a full refund. For questions, contact the House of Thaller at 1-800-462-3365.
_About 529 pounds of Kroger-brand smoked salmon dip manufactured by House of Thaller Inc. of Knoxville, Tenn., because it has the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes. The organism can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections. No illnesses have been reported in connection with this problem.
The product, which was sold in the Kroger Seafood Department, was distributed to 17 states: Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Illinois, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Missouri, Mississippi, North Carolina, Nebraska, Ohio, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia and West Virginia. The Smoked Salmon Dip was packed in a clear plastic 7.5-ounce rectangular container and is marked with "Use By" dates of 04NOV2007A LN3 and 04NOV2007B LN3.
The company has also chosen to include the following products, also in the clear plastic 7.5-ounce container: Cajun Salmon Dip, 287 pounds, Use By 04NOV2007A LN3 and 04NOV2007B LN3; Southern Crab Dip, 945 pounds, Use By 04NOV2007A LN3 and 04NOV2007B LN3; and Sundried Tomato Crab, 516 pounds, Use By 24OCT2007A LN3.
Consumers who have purchased these products are urged to return them to the place of purchase for a full refund. For questions, contact the House of Thaller at 1-800-462-3365.
A daring new Brand image
KATY Brand may be television's hottest new comic talent, but she stops laughing the moment I mention the recent re-eruption of the debate about whether women can be funny or not. And specifically, why more of them are not being funny on television.
"Ah, the old 'gender glasses' problem," says the 24-year-old, rolling her eyes. "The more you talk about it, the more it becomes a problem. You end up giving women an excuse not to try. Comedy can be intimidating but it is intimidating for men, too."
That's me told.
You might think comedy would be all the more intimidating if, like Brand, you are a lapsed "fundamentalist Christian" (her phrase) with a figure that could politely be described as Rubenesque. But Brand's confidence in her own talent has led to a meteoric rise.
Having only begun performing what she calls her "insane monologues" - pin-sharp take-offs of celebrities intercut with acutely observed characters of her own creation - in comedy clubs in 2004, she now has her own vehicle, Katy Brand's Big Ass Show, and is being promoted as ITV's answer to Catherine Tate. "I tell people I'm Russell Brand's estranged wife, and I've gone into comedy to win him back," she deadpans. "Or sometimes I tell taxi drivers that Jo Brand is my mum."
Like Catherine Tate and the Little Britain duo, all of whom she admires, Brand delivers a gloriously monstrous form of 21st-century satire. In her view, this is a country obsessed with celebrity, body fascism and shopping, and she skewers it with a cruel wit that is part Swift, part Viz.
But it is her inspired spoofing of stars that sets her apart from the likes of Tate. There's Kate Moss as a naughty school bully, conspiring in the playground with Sadie Frost and Stella McCartney. Or Kate Winslet as a neurotic housewife, vacuuming the walls and struggling to turn on the oven in an increasingly desperate bid to appear "normal".
Best of all are her musical send-ups, such as Amy Winehouse slurring her new single, Booze on My Face, or the pop-reggae tune Banal, which mercilessly punctures Lily Allen's aspirations to working-class cred. "I can't help it if I grew up on a council estate..." Brand trills, "well, I walked past one."
She has a particular animus against Allen, it seems. "I just have a bit of a thing about very posh kids pretending they aren't posh. Be fine as you are, stop pretending you are something else," she says. But she is plainly delighted by the fact that, when Radio 1 played Banal, many mistook it for the real thing.
"Scott Mills played it without saying it was me and more than 20,000 listeners texted in thinking it really was Lily Allen. One even said it was 'a return to form'. Louis Walsh loved it," Brand cackles.
She denies that her parodies are cruel, insisting that she lampoons only the wider, weirder fringes of celebrity life.
"I just try to latch on to a particular comic aspect. The thing I like is the gap between what stars are actually like and the constant press package being rammed down your throat. So you have Jennifer Aniston going 'I'm fine', and you want to say, 'Jennifer, how can you possibly be fine, you were married to Brad Pitt and he ran off with a minx?'
"Stars are constantly weaving a web of bullshit around themselves and if you keep building this web eventually the spider is gonna eat you."
One of the delights of her job, she says, is that she can read the likes of Heat and Grazia and claim it is research. "I genuinely enjoy reading those magazines," she says. "Of course I feel a bit dirty, but in a good way. If all you ate was Pot Noodle it would be bad, but occasionally it is fine. What I'm always doing is waiting for a story to reach critical mass - like Angelina Jolie living in the jungle for six months - then trying to write the mental version of their story."
Mention of Pot Noodle draws me into delicate territory. If comedy is intimidating to women, television is notoriously hostile to those who are anything more than rake-thin, and Brand is, shall we say, considerably larger than most of the celebrities she impersonates.
"I have never let it stop me doing someone," she smiles. "I've never thought I can't do a character because I'm not thin like her, and sometimes the physical contrast adds to the comedy."
Her size can even be an inspiration for wit. One of Brand's non-famous characters (until she gets taken up in playgrounds, at least) is called Caroline "Little Treats". In one delicious sketch, Caroline and her chums sit in a pub calculating how long they have to spend in the gym if they share a plate of chips or a small glass of wine. The camera pulls back to show every other woman in the pub doing the same mental arithmetic.
"I've done it myself," admits Brand. "I've been there, I've had that conversation. What I do in my comedy is find the ruts you get into and beat them to death."
Given her brash self-assurance, it's surprising to find there was little in Brand's past to suggest a career in entertainment. Her upbringing was nice, normal, middle-class. Admittedly, her trumpeter grandfather Geoffrey Brand worked with Paul McCartney and played on a brass version of Yellow Submarine, which might suggest a certain propensity towards humour. And Brand's earliest memory is of listening to endless tapes of The Goon Show in the car from home in Buckinghamshire to rain-sodden camping holidays in Cornwall.
One summer, however, when she was 13, instead of camping with her parents, she went away with friends who were evangelical Christians. By the time she returned, she had become an enthusiastic convert and, much to the bemusement of her family, started going to church five times a week. "Maybe that's the only way to rebel when you've got liberal parents," she suggests.
She worked hard at the local comprehensive school and earned a place at Oxford to read theology but gradually became disenchanted with religion.
"After about a year, I realised it was mostly rubbish and that things are never as simple as they seem when you are 13."
So she spent most of her time at Oxford doing plays and musicals. When she graduated, however, Brand did not want to perform and went into television production. "I thought to myself 'I'll try to do something else and if I don't miss it that'll be great', but I kept bumping into people from university who said they'd always assumed I'd be a performer, so I just gave it a go."
Now, she says, she looks at a room full of 300 drunken strangers and just thinks "bring it on".
Brand is already a part of the comic fraternity. She dated controversial comic Reginald D Hunter for 18 months and, though they separated, he remains a friend and gave her the title for her TV show. She and her old chum from her Oxford student days, Katherine Parkinson, are also writing a radio comedy show.
The danger of the move into TV and the wider fame it brings is that Brand runs the risk of meeting the people she is lampooning. So far this has happened once: "I've only met Charlotte Church. We were both drunk and I said, 'I do you!' She said, 'As long as it's funny I don't mind!' The last thing you can do is get grovelly and pathetic, but I'm genuinely not trying to savage anyone." Well, not too much, anyway.
"Ah, the old 'gender glasses' problem," says the 24-year-old, rolling her eyes. "The more you talk about it, the more it becomes a problem. You end up giving women an excuse not to try. Comedy can be intimidating but it is intimidating for men, too."
That's me told.
You might think comedy would be all the more intimidating if, like Brand, you are a lapsed "fundamentalist Christian" (her phrase) with a figure that could politely be described as Rubenesque. But Brand's confidence in her own talent has led to a meteoric rise.
Having only begun performing what she calls her "insane monologues" - pin-sharp take-offs of celebrities intercut with acutely observed characters of her own creation - in comedy clubs in 2004, she now has her own vehicle, Katy Brand's Big Ass Show, and is being promoted as ITV's answer to Catherine Tate. "I tell people I'm Russell Brand's estranged wife, and I've gone into comedy to win him back," she deadpans. "Or sometimes I tell taxi drivers that Jo Brand is my mum."
Like Catherine Tate and the Little Britain duo, all of whom she admires, Brand delivers a gloriously monstrous form of 21st-century satire. In her view, this is a country obsessed with celebrity, body fascism and shopping, and she skewers it with a cruel wit that is part Swift, part Viz.
But it is her inspired spoofing of stars that sets her apart from the likes of Tate. There's Kate Moss as a naughty school bully, conspiring in the playground with Sadie Frost and Stella McCartney. Or Kate Winslet as a neurotic housewife, vacuuming the walls and struggling to turn on the oven in an increasingly desperate bid to appear "normal".
Best of all are her musical send-ups, such as Amy Winehouse slurring her new single, Booze on My Face, or the pop-reggae tune Banal, which mercilessly punctures Lily Allen's aspirations to working-class cred. "I can't help it if I grew up on a council estate..." Brand trills, "well, I walked past one."
She has a particular animus against Allen, it seems. "I just have a bit of a thing about very posh kids pretending they aren't posh. Be fine as you are, stop pretending you are something else," she says. But she is plainly delighted by the fact that, when Radio 1 played Banal, many mistook it for the real thing.
"Scott Mills played it without saying it was me and more than 20,000 listeners texted in thinking it really was Lily Allen. One even said it was 'a return to form'. Louis Walsh loved it," Brand cackles.
She denies that her parodies are cruel, insisting that she lampoons only the wider, weirder fringes of celebrity life.
"I just try to latch on to a particular comic aspect. The thing I like is the gap between what stars are actually like and the constant press package being rammed down your throat. So you have Jennifer Aniston going 'I'm fine', and you want to say, 'Jennifer, how can you possibly be fine, you were married to Brad Pitt and he ran off with a minx?'
"Stars are constantly weaving a web of bullshit around themselves and if you keep building this web eventually the spider is gonna eat you."
One of the delights of her job, she says, is that she can read the likes of Heat and Grazia and claim it is research. "I genuinely enjoy reading those magazines," she says. "Of course I feel a bit dirty, but in a good way. If all you ate was Pot Noodle it would be bad, but occasionally it is fine. What I'm always doing is waiting for a story to reach critical mass - like Angelina Jolie living in the jungle for six months - then trying to write the mental version of their story."
Mention of Pot Noodle draws me into delicate territory. If comedy is intimidating to women, television is notoriously hostile to those who are anything more than rake-thin, and Brand is, shall we say, considerably larger than most of the celebrities she impersonates.
"I have never let it stop me doing someone," she smiles. "I've never thought I can't do a character because I'm not thin like her, and sometimes the physical contrast adds to the comedy."
Her size can even be an inspiration for wit. One of Brand's non-famous characters (until she gets taken up in playgrounds, at least) is called Caroline "Little Treats". In one delicious sketch, Caroline and her chums sit in a pub calculating how long they have to spend in the gym if they share a plate of chips or a small glass of wine. The camera pulls back to show every other woman in the pub doing the same mental arithmetic.
"I've done it myself," admits Brand. "I've been there, I've had that conversation. What I do in my comedy is find the ruts you get into and beat them to death."
Given her brash self-assurance, it's surprising to find there was little in Brand's past to suggest a career in entertainment. Her upbringing was nice, normal, middle-class. Admittedly, her trumpeter grandfather Geoffrey Brand worked with Paul McCartney and played on a brass version of Yellow Submarine, which might suggest a certain propensity towards humour. And Brand's earliest memory is of listening to endless tapes of The Goon Show in the car from home in Buckinghamshire to rain-sodden camping holidays in Cornwall.
One summer, however, when she was 13, instead of camping with her parents, she went away with friends who were evangelical Christians. By the time she returned, she had become an enthusiastic convert and, much to the bemusement of her family, started going to church five times a week. "Maybe that's the only way to rebel when you've got liberal parents," she suggests.
She worked hard at the local comprehensive school and earned a place at Oxford to read theology but gradually became disenchanted with religion.
"After about a year, I realised it was mostly rubbish and that things are never as simple as they seem when you are 13."
So she spent most of her time at Oxford doing plays and musicals. When she graduated, however, Brand did not want to perform and went into television production. "I thought to myself 'I'll try to do something else and if I don't miss it that'll be great', but I kept bumping into people from university who said they'd always assumed I'd be a performer, so I just gave it a go."
Now, she says, she looks at a room full of 300 drunken strangers and just thinks "bring it on".
Brand is already a part of the comic fraternity. She dated controversial comic Reginald D Hunter for 18 months and, though they separated, he remains a friend and gave her the title for her TV show. She and her old chum from her Oxford student days, Katherine Parkinson, are also writing a radio comedy show.
The danger of the move into TV and the wider fame it brings is that Brand runs the risk of meeting the people she is lampooning. So far this has happened once: "I've only met Charlotte Church. We were both drunk and I said, 'I do you!' She said, 'As long as it's funny I don't mind!' The last thing you can do is get grovelly and pathetic, but I'm genuinely not trying to savage anyone." Well, not too much, anyway.
Monday, October 29, 2007
Jet's inaugural New York-Delhi flight takes off
Jet Airways' inaugural flight between New York and New Delhi with 150 passengers aboard took off Sunday from JFK airport after a brief religious ceremony at the departure lounge.
This is Jet's third daily service between India and North America.
"The new flight is an exciting opportunity for us as it opens up another part of America's East Coast," Deepak Oberoi, Jet's regional director (East Coast & South America), told DNA.
He added the flight would be convenient for passengers from areas including the eastern part of New York, upstate New York and Connecticut.
Gurvinder Singh, an upstate New York businessman, agreed. "I had booked a seat on the inaugural flight two months ago," he said.
The Brussels-Delhi leg of the inaugural flight Sunday had all 312 seats booked.
Jet had earlier launched flights between Newark (New Jersey) and Mumbai and between Toronto and Chennai.
All three flights have stopovers in Brussels, a hub for Jet, around the same time, making it convenient for passengers to switch flights, depending on their final destination.
The religious ceremony at JFK's departure lounge of Terminal 8 had priests from Hindu, Sikh, Muslim and Christian religions saying prayers for the success of the service and welfare of passengers.
Jet Airways flights to and from both New York have Boeing 777-300ER aircraft, offering passengers First Class, Première Class and Economy Class.
The airline claims to offer top class luxury, privacy and comfort in the air, including First Class suites with the world's longest airline beds, private closets, dining tables for two, and 23" flat-screens.
Première (business) class pods offer what are considered the most comfortable Business Class seats in the sky that convert to 73"-long flat beds.
Jet also flies from India to London, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Colombo, Bangkok and Kathmandu.
It plans to commence service to more cities including San Francisco, Chicago, Hong Kong, Shanghai and Johannesburg.
Indo-Asian News Service
This is Jet's third daily service between India and North America.
"The new flight is an exciting opportunity for us as it opens up another part of America's East Coast," Deepak Oberoi, Jet's regional director (East Coast & South America), told DNA.
He added the flight would be convenient for passengers from areas including the eastern part of New York, upstate New York and Connecticut.
Gurvinder Singh, an upstate New York businessman, agreed. "I had booked a seat on the inaugural flight two months ago," he said.
The Brussels-Delhi leg of the inaugural flight Sunday had all 312 seats booked.
Jet had earlier launched flights between Newark (New Jersey) and Mumbai and between Toronto and Chennai.
All three flights have stopovers in Brussels, a hub for Jet, around the same time, making it convenient for passengers to switch flights, depending on their final destination.
The religious ceremony at JFK's departure lounge of Terminal 8 had priests from Hindu, Sikh, Muslim and Christian religions saying prayers for the success of the service and welfare of passengers.
Jet Airways flights to and from both New York have Boeing 777-300ER aircraft, offering passengers First Class, Première Class and Economy Class.
The airline claims to offer top class luxury, privacy and comfort in the air, including First Class suites with the world's longest airline beds, private closets, dining tables for two, and 23" flat-screens.
Première (business) class pods offer what are considered the most comfortable Business Class seats in the sky that convert to 73"-long flat beds.
Jet also flies from India to London, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Colombo, Bangkok and Kathmandu.
It plans to commence service to more cities including San Francisco, Chicago, Hong Kong, Shanghai and Johannesburg.
Indo-Asian News Service
David Copperfield's Attorney Says Allegations in Saturday Seattle Times are False
David Chesnoff, attorney for David Copperfield, said that allegations which were improperly leaked by federal officials to the Seattle Times and appeared in a Saturday story in that paper are false.
"David Copperfield has never struck, forced himself or threatened any woman," Mr. Chesnoff said. "If some woman told anyone that he did, then she is not being truthful."
Mr. Chesnoff said that these are not the first allegations leaked in this case which turned out to be untrue.
"The media previously reported that the FBI seized $2 million in cash from Mr. Copperfield's Las Vegas warehouse," he said, "only to be contradicted subsequently by an FBI statement that the media reports were untrue and that $2 million was neither found nor seized.
"We have been asked to respect the confidentiality of the investigation, but clearly law enforcement officials are not doing the same. At least three federal officials have been cited as sources in a Saturday Seattle Times story containing information about allegations being made. This not only unfairly and falsely defames my client, but it undermines the integrity of the entire investigation."
Mr. Chesnoff said that Mr. Copperfield is among those rare celebrities with a blemishless past.
"It is very hurtful for him to hear and read these horrible, untrue allegations being made against him by a still unnamed woman. As I have previously said, David Copperfield has never forced himself on any woman. He is not that type of person. He is a true gentleman in every sense of the word."
Media Contact Details
CONTACT: Sitrick And Company Mike Sitrick Glenn Bunting Holly Baird 310-788-2850
"David Copperfield has never struck, forced himself or threatened any woman," Mr. Chesnoff said. "If some woman told anyone that he did, then she is not being truthful."
Mr. Chesnoff said that these are not the first allegations leaked in this case which turned out to be untrue.
"The media previously reported that the FBI seized $2 million in cash from Mr. Copperfield's Las Vegas warehouse," he said, "only to be contradicted subsequently by an FBI statement that the media reports were untrue and that $2 million was neither found nor seized.
"We have been asked to respect the confidentiality of the investigation, but clearly law enforcement officials are not doing the same. At least three federal officials have been cited as sources in a Saturday Seattle Times story containing information about allegations being made. This not only unfairly and falsely defames my client, but it undermines the integrity of the entire investigation."
Mr. Chesnoff said that Mr. Copperfield is among those rare celebrities with a blemishless past.
"It is very hurtful for him to hear and read these horrible, untrue allegations being made against him by a still unnamed woman. As I have previously said, David Copperfield has never forced himself on any woman. He is not that type of person. He is a true gentleman in every sense of the word."
Media Contact Details
CONTACT: Sitrick And Company Mike Sitrick Glenn Bunting Holly Baird 310-788-2850
Indyarocks.com Partners with K Capital
Indyarocks.com, a premier mobile and online social networking portal and K Capital, a reputed Business forum organizer, today announced their partnership. This partnership provides K Capital access to Indyarocks’ Integrated media platform to extend the value of its Business Forums beyond the day of the event. Indyarocks in turn will be able to host reputed business workshops and knowledge forums online and provide business value to its members.
“This year we already have become the online hosts for major events such as Hyderabad 10k Marathon, TiE-ISB Connect and VLSI International Conference.” said Kalyan Manyam, Founder, Indyarocks. “Through the partnership with Knowledge capital, we now will be able to provide our members with an exclusive online access to reputed international knowledge speakers like Verne Harnish and Harry Beckwith.”
“Indyarocks is revolutionizing the way people interact and share knowledge, particularly with its seamlessly integrated mobile and online services,” said Raghoo Potinii, CEO at K Capital. “We’re excited that this partnership enables us to extend the overall value of our knowledge workshops by allowing our speakers to be in touch with their audience pre and post the event. This is a great way for us to share the immense knowledge that gets created in our workshops”
Indyarocks.com aims to provide a complete social experience by bringing various social and professional events online, thereby allowing enhanced networking between people with similar interests.
About PhoneLinx Communications
PhoneLinx Communications is a new age Mobile Lifestyle solutions company based out of San Jose, California and Hyderabad, India. PhoneLinx will be introducing its various interactive mobile applications and offerings through its unified social networking platform Indyarocks.com. PhoneLinx vision is to redefine life on the move.
About K Capital
K Capital is committed to providing an extraordinary perspective for educating the next generation of business leaders in India. Its business workshops /programs present a global perspective in a variety of formats - with each program designed to leave a lasting impact on you and your organization. We bring together the best faculty, their research and business leaders to help you to address your business challenges and dramatically improve your business performance.
“This year we already have become the online hosts for major events such as Hyderabad 10k Marathon, TiE-ISB Connect and VLSI International Conference.” said Kalyan Manyam, Founder, Indyarocks. “Through the partnership with Knowledge capital, we now will be able to provide our members with an exclusive online access to reputed international knowledge speakers like Verne Harnish and Harry Beckwith.”
“Indyarocks is revolutionizing the way people interact and share knowledge, particularly with its seamlessly integrated mobile and online services,” said Raghoo Potinii, CEO at K Capital. “We’re excited that this partnership enables us to extend the overall value of our knowledge workshops by allowing our speakers to be in touch with their audience pre and post the event. This is a great way for us to share the immense knowledge that gets created in our workshops”
Indyarocks.com aims to provide a complete social experience by bringing various social and professional events online, thereby allowing enhanced networking between people with similar interests.
About PhoneLinx Communications
PhoneLinx Communications is a new age Mobile Lifestyle solutions company based out of San Jose, California and Hyderabad, India. PhoneLinx will be introducing its various interactive mobile applications and offerings through its unified social networking platform Indyarocks.com. PhoneLinx vision is to redefine life on the move.
About K Capital
K Capital is committed to providing an extraordinary perspective for educating the next generation of business leaders in India. Its business workshops /programs present a global perspective in a variety of formats - with each program designed to leave a lasting impact on you and your organization. We bring together the best faculty, their research and business leaders to help you to address your business challenges and dramatically improve your business performance.
UN Book on Climate Change Released by Dr. RK Pachauri
The UN Environment Programme’s fourth Global Environment Outlook (GEO-4) book was released here in New Delhi by Dr RK Pachauri, Director General, The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) and Chairman, IPCC. The report has been released in 40 cities around the world simultaneously. The book puts the global environment scenario in sloth and neglect, even though sucessful actions have been taken.
The Global Environment Outlook: environment for development report is the culmination of five years of intensive consultation with stakeholders in all regions of the world. It links findings on the state of the environment with policy analyses, incorporating historical, current and future perspectives, combining global perspectives with sub-global views. GEO-4 also highlights emerging environmental issues that require policy attention. The GEO-4 assessment has used the 1987 report – Our Common Future – of the World Commission on Environment and Development as the baseline for the retrospective analysis of environmental trends and development in the past 20 years. It highlights both environment and development issues, focusing on human well-being and role of environment in development.
The 540-page report calls for emissions of climate warming greenhouse gases to be cut by 60% to 80%. It highlights that 60% of the world’s ecosystems have been degraded and are still being used unsustainably. The report is a litany of planetwide death and degradation and GEO-4 finds that three million people die needlessly each year from water-borne diseases in developing nations —mostly children under five.
Dr R. K. Pachauri, while commenting on the books exclusivity reconfimed the fact that “Global peace and stability would be threatened by climate change and the need of the hour is to act now, or its too late.” He went on and urged “not only governments need to make stringent laws but also people need to have lifestyle changes too, and it is these small changes that can make a huge impact”
Expressing his disappointment at the world community for not doing enough to reduce carbon emmissions, he also added that “the developing countries are aping the developed world and counties such as India which will have a stake in future global decisions will have to make new norms to combat the future.”
The UNEP Report, drawn together by 388 scientists and vetted by 1,000 others, praises international treaties on saving the ozone layer, desertification, biodiversity and actions in some cities on controlling urban atmospheric pollution. But, it emphasises that “woefully inadequate” global response to problems, such as cutting emissions of carbon gases from power and transport, according to the scientists it will boost average temperatures up by 4°Celsius by this century.
The Global Environment Outlook: environment for development report is the culmination of five years of intensive consultation with stakeholders in all regions of the world. It links findings on the state of the environment with policy analyses, incorporating historical, current and future perspectives, combining global perspectives with sub-global views. GEO-4 also highlights emerging environmental issues that require policy attention. The GEO-4 assessment has used the 1987 report – Our Common Future – of the World Commission on Environment and Development as the baseline for the retrospective analysis of environmental trends and development in the past 20 years. It highlights both environment and development issues, focusing on human well-being and role of environment in development.
The 540-page report calls for emissions of climate warming greenhouse gases to be cut by 60% to 80%. It highlights that 60% of the world’s ecosystems have been degraded and are still being used unsustainably. The report is a litany of planetwide death and degradation and GEO-4 finds that three million people die needlessly each year from water-borne diseases in developing nations —mostly children under five.
Dr R. K. Pachauri, while commenting on the books exclusivity reconfimed the fact that “Global peace and stability would be threatened by climate change and the need of the hour is to act now, or its too late.” He went on and urged “not only governments need to make stringent laws but also people need to have lifestyle changes too, and it is these small changes that can make a huge impact”
Expressing his disappointment at the world community for not doing enough to reduce carbon emmissions, he also added that “the developing countries are aping the developed world and counties such as India which will have a stake in future global decisions will have to make new norms to combat the future.”
The UNEP Report, drawn together by 388 scientists and vetted by 1,000 others, praises international treaties on saving the ozone layer, desertification, biodiversity and actions in some cities on controlling urban atmospheric pollution. But, it emphasises that “woefully inadequate” global response to problems, such as cutting emissions of carbon gases from power and transport, according to the scientists it will boost average temperatures up by 4°Celsius by this century.
Oracle® Database 11g Generally Available on Microsoft Windows Platform
Oracle today announced the general availability of Oracle® Database 11g on the Microsoft Windows platform. Oracle Database 11g on Windows helps organizations of all sizes tackle the demands of rapid data growth, changing environments, and the need to deliver higher quality of services while reducing and controlling IT costs.
“Oracle is committed to providing choice, and we continue to deliver on that promise with the release of Oracle Database 11g on Windows,” said Andy Mendelsohn, senior vice president of Database Server Technologies, Oracle. “Optimized for Windows, Oracle Database 11g helps growing businesses address their increasing data management demands with unrivaled price/performance and scalability.”
Optimized for Windows and .NET
Oracle Database 11g is optimized for Windows platforms and services. Administrators can take advantage of new Windows-specific features including database backup and recovery using Windows Volume Shadow Copy Service as well as enhancements in Active Directory and Kerberos integration. New features in Oracle Database 11g and enhanced integration with Windows offer a fast, reliable and secure foundation for mission-critical applications. Oracle’s recent world record for price/performance with the TPC-C benchmark running Oracle Database 11g on Windows1 demonstrates Oracle Database’s ability to cost-effectively meet the needs of businesses of all sizes without compromising performance.
As a Premier partner in the Microsoft Visual Studio Industry Partner (VSIP) program, Oracle offers tight integration between Oracle Database and Microsoft Visual Studio. With the release of Oracle Database 11g on Windows, .NET developers will experience even faster performance and improved developer productivity. The new Oracle client result cache can significantly improve performance of repetitive queries. Oracle SecureFiles provides breakthrough performance for storage and retrieval of unstructured data such as documents, XML, images, and video. New indexing and storage methods for XML provide up to 15 times improved performance.
In previous releases, Oracle has delivered new and unique features for Windows customers such as Oracle Real Application Clusters, which turns a cluster of low-cost, industry-standard servers running Windows into a highly available, scalable and secure platform for running database and packaged applications. Oracle Database 11g is no exception and offers new capabilities, including:
-- Oracle Real Application Testing enables businesses to efficiently test the changes made to their IT environment from operating systems to servers to software, reducing the risks and costs associated with such changes;
-- Oracle Advanced Compression capabilities delivers compression ratios of 2x to 3x or more for all data types for added cost-effective storage of data;
-- Oracle Total Recall offers an easy, practical way to query the historical changes to data for change tracking, auditing and compliance;
-- Oracle Active Data Guard enhances the performance of production systems and provides a more cost-effective disaster recovery solution by enabling the offloading of resource intensive tasks such as queries and backups to a single physical standby database; and,
-- Oracle Partitioning automates many manual data partitioning operations and extends existing range, hash and list partitioning to include interval, reference and virtual column partitioning.
Melbourne Health Tests Oracle Database 11g on Windows
Melbourne Health is a major public health provider in Victoria, Australia that provides comprehensive acute, sub-acute and community-based health care programs. Melbourne Health is the lead driver behind the Bio21:Molecular Medicine Informatics Model (MMIM), a platform that provides clinical researchers access to data from disparate existing databases across multiple disease types at multiple institutions, co-located in a virtual repository.
A participant in the Oracle Database 11g beta program, Melbourne Health tested DICOM image storage, metadata (image information) extraction and DICOM image retrieval, ability to anonymize the image, generation of thumbnails, and conformance validation of Oracle Database 11g on Windows and Linux platforms.
“Oracle Database 11g on Windows has provided a number of new features such as increased capabilities for management of unstructured data including medical imaging, improved data compression for managing rapidly growing volumes of data, and data encryption for securing sensitive data that we would consider implementing in support of the Bio21:MMIM project. Authorized researchers will be able to access de-identified information about an image via the MMIM SAS interface, just as they do for other clinical research data,” said Dr. Marienne Hibbert, Ph.D., MMIM Project Director.
Webcast Explores IT Trends and Challenges in Windows Environment A Webcast featuring IDC Research Vice President Carl Olofson and hosted by Oracle and Redmond Magazine, is scheduled on Wednesday, October 24, 2007 at 12:00 PM ET / 9:00 AM PT. To register to hear more about IT trends and challenges within a Windows environment, go to: http://w.on24.com/r.htm?e=94296&s=1&k=9A5C333D69A9F6221FB918F5B41994E5&partnerref=oracle1
Availability
Oracle Database 11g Enterprise Edition, Standard Edition and Standard Edition One are generally available today on the Microsoft Windows platform. A free evaluation version of Oracle Database 11g for 32-bit Windows is available for download on the Oracle Technology Network at: http://www.oracle.com/technology/software/products/database/index.html .
For more information on Oracle Database 11g, go to: http://www.oracle.com/database .
About Oracle Database 11g
Oracle Database is the only database designed for grid computing. With more than 400 new features, 36,000 person-months of development, and 15 million test hours, Oracle Database 11g is making the management of enterprise information easier than ever, enabling customers to know more about their business and innovate more quickly. Oracle Database 11g delivers superior performance, scalability, availability, security and ease of management on a low-cost grid of industry standard storage and servers.
About Oracle
Oracle (NASDAQ: ORCL) is the world’s largest enterprise software company. For more information about Oracle, visit our Web site at http://www.oracle.com.
“Oracle is committed to providing choice, and we continue to deliver on that promise with the release of Oracle Database 11g on Windows,” said Andy Mendelsohn, senior vice president of Database Server Technologies, Oracle. “Optimized for Windows, Oracle Database 11g helps growing businesses address their increasing data management demands with unrivaled price/performance and scalability.”
Optimized for Windows and .NET
Oracle Database 11g is optimized for Windows platforms and services. Administrators can take advantage of new Windows-specific features including database backup and recovery using Windows Volume Shadow Copy Service as well as enhancements in Active Directory and Kerberos integration. New features in Oracle Database 11g and enhanced integration with Windows offer a fast, reliable and secure foundation for mission-critical applications. Oracle’s recent world record for price/performance with the TPC-C benchmark running Oracle Database 11g on Windows1 demonstrates Oracle Database’s ability to cost-effectively meet the needs of businesses of all sizes without compromising performance.
As a Premier partner in the Microsoft Visual Studio Industry Partner (VSIP) program, Oracle offers tight integration between Oracle Database and Microsoft Visual Studio. With the release of Oracle Database 11g on Windows, .NET developers will experience even faster performance and improved developer productivity. The new Oracle client result cache can significantly improve performance of repetitive queries. Oracle SecureFiles provides breakthrough performance for storage and retrieval of unstructured data such as documents, XML, images, and video. New indexing and storage methods for XML provide up to 15 times improved performance.
In previous releases, Oracle has delivered new and unique features for Windows customers such as Oracle Real Application Clusters, which turns a cluster of low-cost, industry-standard servers running Windows into a highly available, scalable and secure platform for running database and packaged applications. Oracle Database 11g is no exception and offers new capabilities, including:
-- Oracle Real Application Testing enables businesses to efficiently test the changes made to their IT environment from operating systems to servers to software, reducing the risks and costs associated with such changes;
-- Oracle Advanced Compression capabilities delivers compression ratios of 2x to 3x or more for all data types for added cost-effective storage of data;
-- Oracle Total Recall offers an easy, practical way to query the historical changes to data for change tracking, auditing and compliance;
-- Oracle Active Data Guard enhances the performance of production systems and provides a more cost-effective disaster recovery solution by enabling the offloading of resource intensive tasks such as queries and backups to a single physical standby database; and,
-- Oracle Partitioning automates many manual data partitioning operations and extends existing range, hash and list partitioning to include interval, reference and virtual column partitioning.
Melbourne Health Tests Oracle Database 11g on Windows
Melbourne Health is a major public health provider in Victoria, Australia that provides comprehensive acute, sub-acute and community-based health care programs. Melbourne Health is the lead driver behind the Bio21:Molecular Medicine Informatics Model (MMIM), a platform that provides clinical researchers access to data from disparate existing databases across multiple disease types at multiple institutions, co-located in a virtual repository.
A participant in the Oracle Database 11g beta program, Melbourne Health tested DICOM image storage, metadata (image information) extraction and DICOM image retrieval, ability to anonymize the image, generation of thumbnails, and conformance validation of Oracle Database 11g on Windows and Linux platforms.
“Oracle Database 11g on Windows has provided a number of new features such as increased capabilities for management of unstructured data including medical imaging, improved data compression for managing rapidly growing volumes of data, and data encryption for securing sensitive data that we would consider implementing in support of the Bio21:MMIM project. Authorized researchers will be able to access de-identified information about an image via the MMIM SAS interface, just as they do for other clinical research data,” said Dr. Marienne Hibbert, Ph.D., MMIM Project Director.
Webcast Explores IT Trends and Challenges in Windows Environment A Webcast featuring IDC Research Vice President Carl Olofson and hosted by Oracle and Redmond Magazine, is scheduled on Wednesday, October 24, 2007 at 12:00 PM ET / 9:00 AM PT. To register to hear more about IT trends and challenges within a Windows environment, go to: http://w.on24.com/r.htm?e=94296&s=1&k=9A5C333D69A9F6221FB918F5B41994E5&partnerref=oracle1
Availability
Oracle Database 11g Enterprise Edition, Standard Edition and Standard Edition One are generally available today on the Microsoft Windows platform. A free evaluation version of Oracle Database 11g for 32-bit Windows is available for download on the Oracle Technology Network at: http://www.oracle.com/technology/software/products/database/index.html .
For more information on Oracle Database 11g, go to: http://www.oracle.com/database .
About Oracle Database 11g
Oracle Database is the only database designed for grid computing. With more than 400 new features, 36,000 person-months of development, and 15 million test hours, Oracle Database 11g is making the management of enterprise information easier than ever, enabling customers to know more about their business and innovate more quickly. Oracle Database 11g delivers superior performance, scalability, availability, security and ease of management on a low-cost grid of industry standard storage and servers.
About Oracle
Oracle (NASDAQ: ORCL) is the world’s largest enterprise software company. For more information about Oracle, visit our Web site at http://www.oracle.com.
Lime Communications, UK Appoints Tanla to Run Mobile Campaign of Popular Television Serial
Lime Communications appoints Tanla Mobile to manage 3.4 million on pack promotion text to win competition for Vanish and Woolite. A promotional campaign to support the forthcoming release of the latest Walt Disney Studios, Desperate Housewives DVD - ‘The Dirty Laundry Edition’ - using a Text to Win competition is to be hosted and managed by Tanla Mobile. The campaign has been designed by leading film and DVD promotions agency Lime Communications, and is being run in partnership with Reckitt Benckiser who will promote it across 3.4 million packs of their Vanish and Woolite brands in the UK.
Consumers submit a text message with their name and postcode to a short code number printed on each pack, with all entrants and selection of winners managed using the Tanla Campaign Manager platform. Prizes including copies of the show’s DVD, a Mazda MX5, trips to Los Angeles and washing machines will be selected at random on each day of the promotion and awarded daily to a winner, also selected at random from the entrants received the previous day.
The campaign will also be supported across major supermarkets and grocery stores in the UK via Point of Sale promotion, plus substantial advertising and media spend. Desperate Housewives, ‘The Dirty Laundry Edition’ DVD goes on sale in the UK on November 5th. The Text to Win campaign runs until February 28th, 2008.
“Tanla Mobile has always demonstrated a real commitment to service, combined with a highly efficient and cost effective platform for delivering these kinds of large scale mobile campaigns,” explained Tim Hook, account manager at Lime Communications. “It’s vital to be able to work with a partner who can effectively manage the communication with consumers who are entering the competition, and also the selection of winners in a transparent way. Tanla has an excellent track record on both counts.”
“This is a superb example of how well run Mobile campaigns can add a great deal of value to a high profile DVD release such as this,” commented Gautam Sabharwal, Director, Tanla Mobile. “Working with Lime Communications and global brands such as Disney and Reckitt & Benckiser underlines the effectiveness of the Tanla Mobile platform to deliver mobile campaigns which reach millions of people.”
About Tanla Mobile
Tanla Mobile is a leading innovator of next-generation mobile application solutions, m-commerce and interactive services. Tanla Mobile specialises in developing mobile applications and platforms for the Mobile Telecoms, Media and Digital Communications sector. Tanla Mobile works in partnership with global mobile operators across Asia, Europe and North America to deliver and bill mobile content over SMS, WAP, MMS, Video, etc.
With direct connections and commercial revenue sharing agreements with global mobile operators including 3 (Hutchison 3G), O2, Orange, T-Mobile, Vodafone, Virgin Mobile and several Indian network operators, clients use its carrier-grade technology platform and application development expertise for immediate deployment of interactive mobile services. Its product suite includes Mobile Payments Solutions, Campaign Management, Content Management, 3G Video Management and Interactive TV Management applications, all of which are supported by powerful online reporting and CRM tools.
Based at Hyderabad, Tanla is currently in process of expanding its global operations having already established offices in London, New York and Singapore.
Tanla Mobile is a subsidiary of Tanla Solutions Ltd, www.tanlasolutions.com, an established Telecom Infrastructure Solutions provider with strong coverage in the Asia Pacific region. Through its relationship with Tanla Solutions, Tanla Mobile has immediate access to a large team of highly-skilled software engineers and analysts providing application development and technical support from their 350-seat facility in India. This offshore development capability results in a fast time to market with new technologies, and significant cost and time savings for clients. For further information visit www.tanlamobile.com
About Lime Communications: http://www.limemovies.co.uk/
Consumers submit a text message with their name and postcode to a short code number printed on each pack, with all entrants and selection of winners managed using the Tanla Campaign Manager platform. Prizes including copies of the show’s DVD, a Mazda MX5, trips to Los Angeles and washing machines will be selected at random on each day of the promotion and awarded daily to a winner, also selected at random from the entrants received the previous day.
The campaign will also be supported across major supermarkets and grocery stores in the UK via Point of Sale promotion, plus substantial advertising and media spend. Desperate Housewives, ‘The Dirty Laundry Edition’ DVD goes on sale in the UK on November 5th. The Text to Win campaign runs until February 28th, 2008.
“Tanla Mobile has always demonstrated a real commitment to service, combined with a highly efficient and cost effective platform for delivering these kinds of large scale mobile campaigns,” explained Tim Hook, account manager at Lime Communications. “It’s vital to be able to work with a partner who can effectively manage the communication with consumers who are entering the competition, and also the selection of winners in a transparent way. Tanla has an excellent track record on both counts.”
“This is a superb example of how well run Mobile campaigns can add a great deal of value to a high profile DVD release such as this,” commented Gautam Sabharwal, Director, Tanla Mobile. “Working with Lime Communications and global brands such as Disney and Reckitt & Benckiser underlines the effectiveness of the Tanla Mobile platform to deliver mobile campaigns which reach millions of people.”
About Tanla Mobile
Tanla Mobile is a leading innovator of next-generation mobile application solutions, m-commerce and interactive services. Tanla Mobile specialises in developing mobile applications and platforms for the Mobile Telecoms, Media and Digital Communications sector. Tanla Mobile works in partnership with global mobile operators across Asia, Europe and North America to deliver and bill mobile content over SMS, WAP, MMS, Video, etc.
With direct connections and commercial revenue sharing agreements with global mobile operators including 3 (Hutchison 3G), O2, Orange, T-Mobile, Vodafone, Virgin Mobile and several Indian network operators, clients use its carrier-grade technology platform and application development expertise for immediate deployment of interactive mobile services. Its product suite includes Mobile Payments Solutions, Campaign Management, Content Management, 3G Video Management and Interactive TV Management applications, all of which are supported by powerful online reporting and CRM tools.
Based at Hyderabad, Tanla is currently in process of expanding its global operations having already established offices in London, New York and Singapore.
Tanla Mobile is a subsidiary of Tanla Solutions Ltd, www.tanlasolutions.com, an established Telecom Infrastructure Solutions provider with strong coverage in the Asia Pacific region. Through its relationship with Tanla Solutions, Tanla Mobile has immediate access to a large team of highly-skilled software engineers and analysts providing application development and technical support from their 350-seat facility in India. This offshore development capability results in a fast time to market with new technologies, and significant cost and time savings for clients. For further information visit www.tanlamobile.com
About Lime Communications: http://www.limemovies.co.uk/
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