Thiruvananthapuram: Flytxt, a provider of real-time closed-loop mobile marketing solutions, has won twin deals with African telecom companies Warid Uganda and Warid Congo B.
Based out of Technopark here, Flytxt will provide its campaign management solution to these telcos.
Goes Live
The company’s platform went live on both the operator networks soon after the closure of the deal, a company spokesman said here.
Its technology brings out subscriber insights based on service consumption patterns and helps cellular service providers to highly customise service offerings. The integrated reward-churn-intent-and-offer management functionality of the Flytxt marketing suite helps build an efficient closed-loop marketing process.
Shailendra Naidu, Chief Commercial Officer at Warid Uganda said pre-paid markets were changing and required not just real-time insights about mobile subscribers but also the ability to communicate with them in an interactive and personalised fashion.
Loyal Partnership
Innovations such as these help mobile operators to forge a strong bond with their subscribers and develop a loyal, long-term relationship with them. “We are delighted to bring technology purpose-built by Flytxt for telcos,” Naidu said.
Imossio Begoume, Chief Marketing Officer at Warid Congo B said he wanted to create newer and richer experiences for the people of Congo.
Warid had partnered with Flytxt with a view to benefiting from its innovative approach to mobile marketing technology and services space.
Vinod Vasudevan, Group Chief Executive Officer, Flytxt said his company was extremely happy about partnering with Warid Uganda and Warid Congo B.
“We look forward to working with them to enable personalised communications and improved experience for their mobile subscriber base.
Success in my Habit
Wednesday, August 29, 2012
WBSEDCL mandates IL&FS Engineering Services to build 3 power projects in West Bengal
Kolkata: State-run power utility West Bengal State Electricity Distribution Company Ltd has mandated IL&FS Engineering & Construction Company or IL&FS Engineering Services to build three rural power projects worth Rs 331 crore in the state.
The projects involve supply and delivery of equipment and build the infrastructure for rural electrification. The projects will be carried out in South 24-Paraganas, which is one of most backward districts in the state. IL&FS Engineering said on Tuesday.
The projects is slated to be completed simultaneously in 24 months. The debt-laden state plans to use the centre's Backward Region Grant Fund to meet the cost of the projects.
IL&FS Engineering Services is one of the leading multinational infrastructure development, construction and project management companies.
Villages in Thakurpukur, Maheshola, Budge Budge, Kultali, Basanti, Sonarpur, Bhangar, Canning, Canning, Baruipur, Joynagar, Mathurapur will be covered under this plan.
The projects involve supply and delivery of equipment and build the infrastructure for rural electrification. The projects will be carried out in South 24-Paraganas, which is one of most backward districts in the state. IL&FS Engineering said on Tuesday.
The projects is slated to be completed simultaneously in 24 months. The debt-laden state plans to use the centre's Backward Region Grant Fund to meet the cost of the projects.
IL&FS Engineering Services is one of the leading multinational infrastructure development, construction and project management companies.
Villages in Thakurpukur, Maheshola, Budge Budge, Kultali, Basanti, Sonarpur, Bhangar, Canning, Canning, Baruipur, Joynagar, Mathurapur will be covered under this plan.
Govt maps road for electric vehicles
New Delhi: In a move to reduce dependence on fossil fuels for vehicles, government plans to push the supply of vehicles powered by electricity over the next eight years. A report prepared by the Centre projects that there would be demand of 5-7 million electricity-operated vehicles, and over 50% of them would be battery electric vehicle (BEV).
The report, which will be discussed at a meeting on National Electric Mobility 2020 on Wednesday, pegs investment of Rs 20,000-23,000 crore for the initiative. Funds will be needed for initiatives including additional power generation and attendant infrastructure to charge batteries.
The meeting, involving key Central ministers headed by heavy industries minister Praful Patel, on Wednesday will firm up the plan to make the transformation of public and private vehicles. Government estimates suggest that the transport sector in India accounts for about one-third of total crude oil consumption, with road transport guzzling more than 80%.
The Centre is looking at electric-operated vehicles in a bid to decrease the over dependence on scarce fossil fuel. The report claims that sale of 6-7 million units of electric vehicles, including two-wheelers, will help save 2.2-2.25 million tonne fossil fuel consumption by 2020. Sources said that the National Electric Mobility Plan has components like cash subsidy and financing facilities for the end consumers, creating a network for charging of the vehicles, research and development as well as (R&D) incentives for the companies.
Many countries such as Japan, France and the US have set targets to bring electric vehicles on their roads. France aims to get two million BEVs and plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEVs) with an investment of $380-$400 million. Japan is looking at two million electric vehicles by 2025, and has earmarked $250 million for the venture.
In India, vehicle manufacturers such as Mahindra & Mahindra, Maruti and Tata have announced to launch cars on electric mode soon.
Electric vehicles for mobility have gained importance in light of growing pollution across the globe. International Energy Agency (IEA) in its 2009 report had mentioned that fossil fuel based transportation is the second largest source of carbon dioxide emission.
The report, which will be discussed at a meeting on National Electric Mobility 2020 on Wednesday, pegs investment of Rs 20,000-23,000 crore for the initiative. Funds will be needed for initiatives including additional power generation and attendant infrastructure to charge batteries.
The meeting, involving key Central ministers headed by heavy industries minister Praful Patel, on Wednesday will firm up the plan to make the transformation of public and private vehicles. Government estimates suggest that the transport sector in India accounts for about one-third of total crude oil consumption, with road transport guzzling more than 80%.
The Centre is looking at electric-operated vehicles in a bid to decrease the over dependence on scarce fossil fuel. The report claims that sale of 6-7 million units of electric vehicles, including two-wheelers, will help save 2.2-2.25 million tonne fossil fuel consumption by 2020. Sources said that the National Electric Mobility Plan has components like cash subsidy and financing facilities for the end consumers, creating a network for charging of the vehicles, research and development as well as (R&D) incentives for the companies.
Many countries such as Japan, France and the US have set targets to bring electric vehicles on their roads. France aims to get two million BEVs and plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEVs) with an investment of $380-$400 million. Japan is looking at two million electric vehicles by 2025, and has earmarked $250 million for the venture.
In India, vehicle manufacturers such as Mahindra & Mahindra, Maruti and Tata have announced to launch cars on electric mode soon.
Electric vehicles for mobility have gained importance in light of growing pollution across the globe. International Energy Agency (IEA) in its 2009 report had mentioned that fossil fuel based transportation is the second largest source of carbon dioxide emission.
India PC market grows 17% in Q2
Mumbai: The combined desk-based and mobile personal computer market in India grew to about 2.9 million units in the second quarter of 2012, a 17 per cent rise over the same period a year ago.
Mobile personal computers, which grew 54 per cent, helped in driving the overall market growth, according to a study by global research and advisory firm Gartner.
White boxes (including parallel import), which accounted for 45 per cent of the overall desktop market, declined 18 per cent during the reporting period, it said.
“Consumer buying accounted for 50 per cent of total PC sales in the second quarter of 2012. Consumer PC sales grew 24 per cent sequentially, which emphasises the fact that media tablets are not yet cannibalising the PC market in India like in the West,” Vishal Tripathi, principal research analyst at Gartner, said.
Consumer segment
Consumer growth is primarily being driven by entry level products. Vendors such as HP, Lenovo, Asus and Samsung registered more than 50 per cent growth in the consumer segment.
“Ultrabooks are still finding it difficult to penetrate the market. However, with the availability of the new Intel processor and declining price points, we expect adoption to increase in the coming quarters,” Tripathi added. Gartner expects PC shipment growth to continue in the third quarter of 2012 due to the festive season and education buying, the report said.
Mobile personal computers, which grew 54 per cent, helped in driving the overall market growth, according to a study by global research and advisory firm Gartner.
White boxes (including parallel import), which accounted for 45 per cent of the overall desktop market, declined 18 per cent during the reporting period, it said.
“Consumer buying accounted for 50 per cent of total PC sales in the second quarter of 2012. Consumer PC sales grew 24 per cent sequentially, which emphasises the fact that media tablets are not yet cannibalising the PC market in India like in the West,” Vishal Tripathi, principal research analyst at Gartner, said.
Consumer segment
Consumer growth is primarily being driven by entry level products. Vendors such as HP, Lenovo, Asus and Samsung registered more than 50 per cent growth in the consumer segment.
“Ultrabooks are still finding it difficult to penetrate the market. However, with the availability of the new Intel processor and declining price points, we expect adoption to increase in the coming quarters,” Tripathi added. Gartner expects PC shipment growth to continue in the third quarter of 2012 due to the festive season and education buying, the report said.
We can double exports by 2015, says Commerce Secretary
New Delhi: The Government’s target of doubling exports to $500 billion by 2015 is achievable, said S.R. Rao, Commerce Secretary.
Speaking on the sidelines of a Confederation of Indian Industry Export summit here, he said, “The country can expect some policy announcements in the next 3-4 weeks which would encourage the industry and exporters.”
When asked whether India will be able to achieve the $360-billion export target for this fiscal, he said, “it is difficult.”
Underlining the significance of emerging economies in global trade flows, he said their share in global trade flows had risen to 42 per cent with South-South trade accounting for a large portion.
“South-South trade has multiplied more than 10 times in the last two decades as compared to global trade which grew four-fold in this period,” said Rao.
Adi Godrej, President, CII, and Chairman, Godrej Group, said if supply chains currently based in China are relocated, India needs to take advantage of that by finding ways to integrate itself more effectively in the new value chain.
T.C.A. Ranganathan, CMD of Exim Bank of India, said that while the Government and industry have an equally important role to play in formulating an effective strategy, it is the strategy of individual corporations that will play a bigger role in achieving the export target.
Last year India’s external merchandise trade was close to $780 billion contributing close to 47 per cent of the national GDP.
“Our exports have breached the $300-billion mark though our imports remain a hefty $470 billion generating a large trade deficit, which is a matter of concern,” the Commerce Secretary said.
Speaking on the sidelines of a Confederation of Indian Industry Export summit here, he said, “The country can expect some policy announcements in the next 3-4 weeks which would encourage the industry and exporters.”
When asked whether India will be able to achieve the $360-billion export target for this fiscal, he said, “it is difficult.”
Underlining the significance of emerging economies in global trade flows, he said their share in global trade flows had risen to 42 per cent with South-South trade accounting for a large portion.
“South-South trade has multiplied more than 10 times in the last two decades as compared to global trade which grew four-fold in this period,” said Rao.
Adi Godrej, President, CII, and Chairman, Godrej Group, said if supply chains currently based in China are relocated, India needs to take advantage of that by finding ways to integrate itself more effectively in the new value chain.
T.C.A. Ranganathan, CMD of Exim Bank of India, said that while the Government and industry have an equally important role to play in formulating an effective strategy, it is the strategy of individual corporations that will play a bigger role in achieving the export target.
Last year India’s external merchandise trade was close to $780 billion contributing close to 47 per cent of the national GDP.
“Our exports have breached the $300-billion mark though our imports remain a hefty $470 billion generating a large trade deficit, which is a matter of concern,” the Commerce Secretary said.
Tuesday, August 28, 2012
L&T secures Rs 1302 crore order from Petroleum Development Oman
The order was won against stiff competition from nine international EPC bidders.
Petroleum Development Oman (PDO) is the leading exploration and production company in the Sultanate.
It accounts for more than 70% of the country's crude-oil production and nearly all of its natural-gas supply. Production from the Saih Rawl (SR) Gas Fields commenced ln 1999. However due to declining reservoir pressure in Saih Rawl Main (SRM) Field, the Saih Rawl Main wells Flowing Tubing Pressure will continuously decline until it reaches 35 bars in first quarter 2015.
In order to continue to produce on-spec gas through the CPP in first quarter 2015, second stage depletion compressors (SRDC2) are required to be installed upstream of the SRDC1. L & T has been chosen to execute this part of the project.
The SRDC2 involves installation of 76 MW of gas compression capacity with 4 trains, and modification of the condensate handling system at CPR. This will enable the Saih Rawl Main field to produce Maximum Annual Daily Load (MADL) of 30 MMSCMD gas.
LEET's EPC expertise in this refdion has been earlier roped in for executing around 150 MUSD, Lekhwair Gas Field Development Project for PDO.
Indian cloud market to grow 70pc in 2012, over 2011
New Delhi: After being on the fringes for quite some time, cloud computing is set for a major leap. In these tough times, companies have been proactively looking at various 'disruptive technologies' that will ensure that technology is elastic enough to meet the business growth needs. Cloud models and the flexibility they bring are featuring high here.
International Data Corporation (IDC) estimates the Indian Cloud market to be in the region of $535m in 2011, with a growth of more than 70 per cent expected for 2012 and almost 50 per cent growth forecasted for the next three years. It is a market that is fast maturing and seeing many new entrants with a broad range of investments/solutions taking key roles in the cloud ecosystem. Public cloud still lags way behind the private cloud adoption for a number of factors.
IDC has just released a cloud research report, titled 'India Cloud Market Overview-2011-16'. The research provides insights on how the cloud market landscape is evolving and how companies are taking advantage of the new mode of IT usage.
"We have definitely seen cloud cross the inflexion point in end 2011; use cases especially in IasS & SaaS areas provide testimony to that. With proper messaging from key vendors and due diligence of opportunities which exist in the cloud delivery models, the market will grow much faster in the coming years"" says Nirupam Chaudhuri, Research manager - Software & IT Services, IDC India, in a release.
"Alliance with key channels and enablement will further intensify the growth for major cloud providers and gradually we will see even core applications moving to cloud much faster. Users need to feel much more comfortable with fewer inhibitions like security and ownership concerns" added Nirupam.
Cloud providers also need to strengthen their capabilities to understand the business requirements of the organizations and come up with apt value propositions. "Organizations are more likely to work with firms that understand their business processes better and industry dynamics, and hence are better suited to overseeing the transition of the organization to a cloud environment without disruption of the business processes," says Sandeep Kumar Sharma, senior market analyst - IT services, IDC India.
It is also imperative for the cloud providers to act as partners for the organizations in assessing their cloud readiness, and accordingly recommending a cloud adoption roadmap. This is absolutely essential for a seamless integration of the IT infrastructure into the cloud environment. "Organizations, even the larger ones, are on an increasing level feeling the pinching need to assess their cloud readiness and maturity levels. This would provide a boost to cloud consulting services in the coming 12-24 months. A direct corollary is that vendors need to have robust cloud consulting capabilities in place for making a foray into this space," Sandeep added.
International Data Corporation (IDC) estimates the Indian Cloud market to be in the region of $535m in 2011, with a growth of more than 70 per cent expected for 2012 and almost 50 per cent growth forecasted for the next three years. It is a market that is fast maturing and seeing many new entrants with a broad range of investments/solutions taking key roles in the cloud ecosystem. Public cloud still lags way behind the private cloud adoption for a number of factors.
IDC has just released a cloud research report, titled 'India Cloud Market Overview-2011-16'. The research provides insights on how the cloud market landscape is evolving and how companies are taking advantage of the new mode of IT usage.
"We have definitely seen cloud cross the inflexion point in end 2011; use cases especially in IasS & SaaS areas provide testimony to that. With proper messaging from key vendors and due diligence of opportunities which exist in the cloud delivery models, the market will grow much faster in the coming years"" says Nirupam Chaudhuri, Research manager - Software & IT Services, IDC India, in a release.
"Alliance with key channels and enablement will further intensify the growth for major cloud providers and gradually we will see even core applications moving to cloud much faster. Users need to feel much more comfortable with fewer inhibitions like security and ownership concerns" added Nirupam.
Cloud providers also need to strengthen their capabilities to understand the business requirements of the organizations and come up with apt value propositions. "Organizations are more likely to work with firms that understand their business processes better and industry dynamics, and hence are better suited to overseeing the transition of the organization to a cloud environment without disruption of the business processes," says Sandeep Kumar Sharma, senior market analyst - IT services, IDC India.
It is also imperative for the cloud providers to act as partners for the organizations in assessing their cloud readiness, and accordingly recommending a cloud adoption roadmap. This is absolutely essential for a seamless integration of the IT infrastructure into the cloud environment. "Organizations, even the larger ones, are on an increasing level feeling the pinching need to assess their cloud readiness and maturity levels. This would provide a boost to cloud consulting services in the coming 12-24 months. A direct corollary is that vendors need to have robust cloud consulting capabilities in place for making a foray into this space," Sandeep added.
SEBI moots zero fee demat account for small investors
Mumbai: To reduce cost of maintaining securities in demat accounts for retail investors, SEBI has decided to introduce a “Basic Services Demat Account” (BSDA).
All depository participants have to make available a BSDA with limited services, said SEBI.
Individuals opting for BSDA are eligible for one demat account across all depositories where they are the sole or the first holder.
The maximum value of securities in a BSDA should not exceed Rs 2 lakh and at any point of time. Annual maintenance charges would not be levied for value of securities held in a BSDA up to Rs 50,000. Anything above Rs 50,000 and up to Rs 2 lakh would attract annual maintenance charges of Rs 100.
All beneficial owners for BSDA, have to register their mobile number for availing themselves the SMS alert facility for debit transactions. They will be issued at least two delivery instruction slips (DIS) at the time of account opening.
The BSDA value would be determined everyday according to the daily closing price of securities or daily closing NAV.
If the value of the holding in the BSDA exceeds the prescribed criteria as on a particular date, charges applicable to a normal DP account would apply from that date.
Quarterly transaction statement would be sent to the beneficial owner only if the demat account holder has transacted. Similarly holding statements would be sent once in a year to beneficial owners according to their option — in physical or electronic format. While electronic statements would be free of charge, additional physical statements would cost investors Rs 25 each.
Accounts with zero balance and credit balance with nil transactions shall receive only one physical holding statement.
Transaction statements shall not be provided for accounts that becomes zero balance or remains zero balance during the year.
The circular comes into effect from October 1.
All depository participants have to make available a BSDA with limited services, said SEBI.
Individuals opting for BSDA are eligible for one demat account across all depositories where they are the sole or the first holder.
The maximum value of securities in a BSDA should not exceed Rs 2 lakh and at any point of time. Annual maintenance charges would not be levied for value of securities held in a BSDA up to Rs 50,000. Anything above Rs 50,000 and up to Rs 2 lakh would attract annual maintenance charges of Rs 100.
All beneficial owners for BSDA, have to register their mobile number for availing themselves the SMS alert facility for debit transactions. They will be issued at least two delivery instruction slips (DIS) at the time of account opening.
The BSDA value would be determined everyday according to the daily closing price of securities or daily closing NAV.
If the value of the holding in the BSDA exceeds the prescribed criteria as on a particular date, charges applicable to a normal DP account would apply from that date.
Quarterly transaction statement would be sent to the beneficial owner only if the demat account holder has transacted. Similarly holding statements would be sent once in a year to beneficial owners according to their option — in physical or electronic format. While electronic statements would be free of charge, additional physical statements would cost investors Rs 25 each.
Accounts with zero balance and credit balance with nil transactions shall receive only one physical holding statement.
Transaction statements shall not be provided for accounts that becomes zero balance or remains zero balance during the year.
The circular comes into effect from October 1.
India set to become second largest steel producer
New Delhi: India is poised to become the world's second largest steel producer. However, this is subject to companies finding the right technology to produce special categories of steel. Currently, with 74 million tonnes annual production in 2011, India is the fourth largest producer. Per capita steel consumption went up to 59 kg in 2011-12, from 34 kg in 2004-05. With the modernisation programmes of various public and private companies, the country will soon rise to second place, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said in his address to the steel industry, after giving away trophies for the best integrated steel plant here on Monday. However, he noted that despite impressive data, per capita steel production was much lower than the global average of 215 kg. Also, the country was one of the importers of special category of steel. The Prime Minister’s trophy was awarded to SAIL's Bhilai Steel Plant for 2009-10. Tata Steel got the trophy for 2008-09.
India, China plan to set up joint working group to boost trade
New Delhi: India and China are working to set up a joint working group aimed at giving a fillip to bilateral investment and also to address trade related matters.
The two countries also evinced interest in fostering favourable investment climate including greater market access and speedy visa facilitation.
Commerce and Industry Ministry Anand Sharma and his Chinese counterpart Chen Deming led their business teams at the ninth session of the India-China Joint Group on Economic Relations, Trade, Science and Technology.
Sharma, while briefing reporters, said, “The joint working group will be established soon and it will give its recommendations and assessments in 90 days...We have also agreed to work on a five-year plan on economic cooperation. These have been proposed by China and we have welcomed and endorsed it”.
While Sharma raised concerns over widening trade deficit in favour of China and restricted market access in areas such as IT, pharmaceutical and agricultural products, Chen raised issues pertaining to visas and the recent import duty hike on power equipment by India.
Sharma said, those projects which already have got approval for the 12{+t}{+h} Plan period will be continue to enjoy the exemption.
Sharma said the two sides had touched upon issues that were hampering trade and investments. India had asked leading Chinese companies to set up manufacturing bases in India.
“We have invited China to participate and support in the establishment of one or more of the National Investment and Manufacturing Zones,” the Minister said.
The Chinese Trade Minister said both India and China could help in a global economic recovery and it is important to strengthen ties between the two nations. He also expressed hope of achieving $100-billion trade target by 2013.
The total bilateral trade between India and China for 2011-12, stood at $75,457.42 million as compared with $59,000.36 million in 2010-11.
During 2011-12, the exports were $17,902.98 million while the imports stood at $57,554.44 million. The provisional trade deficit for 2011-12 was $39,651.46 million.
The two countries also evinced interest in fostering favourable investment climate including greater market access and speedy visa facilitation.
Commerce and Industry Ministry Anand Sharma and his Chinese counterpart Chen Deming led their business teams at the ninth session of the India-China Joint Group on Economic Relations, Trade, Science and Technology.
Sharma, while briefing reporters, said, “The joint working group will be established soon and it will give its recommendations and assessments in 90 days...We have also agreed to work on a five-year plan on economic cooperation. These have been proposed by China and we have welcomed and endorsed it”.
While Sharma raised concerns over widening trade deficit in favour of China and restricted market access in areas such as IT, pharmaceutical and agricultural products, Chen raised issues pertaining to visas and the recent import duty hike on power equipment by India.
Sharma said, those projects which already have got approval for the 12{+t}{+h} Plan period will be continue to enjoy the exemption.
Sharma said the two sides had touched upon issues that were hampering trade and investments. India had asked leading Chinese companies to set up manufacturing bases in India.
“We have invited China to participate and support in the establishment of one or more of the National Investment and Manufacturing Zones,” the Minister said.
The Chinese Trade Minister said both India and China could help in a global economic recovery and it is important to strengthen ties between the two nations. He also expressed hope of achieving $100-billion trade target by 2013.
The total bilateral trade between India and China for 2011-12, stood at $75,457.42 million as compared with $59,000.36 million in 2010-11.
During 2011-12, the exports were $17,902.98 million while the imports stood at $57,554.44 million. The provisional trade deficit for 2011-12 was $39,651.46 million.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)