Consumer Infoline

April 2011 | Consumer Infoline | 1

Volume 1 | Issue 8 | Rs. 50 | April 2011 | www.consumerinfoline.com 12

29

Today customer is more data centric and interested in products which can provide

them additioanal security rather than just an antivirus Solution

2 | Consumer Infoline | April 2011


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ContentsVolume 1 | Issue 8 | Rs. 50 | April 2011 | www.consumerinfoline.com

Channel World | 6-8-10

In the news | 32-33-34

Product Launch | 26-27-28

Publisher: Sunil Kumar SinghEditor: Sunil Kumar SinghBrand Manager: Ashutosh SinghAssociate Editor: Suman SinghSr. Correspondent: Nikita Sharma Correspondent: Amit SinhaVisualizer: Manish Ghosh Design: Sagar Kumar

Staff: Bangalore: Nikhil Thakur Mumbai: Ranjan NaikKolkata: Madulika Banerji

Marketing: Sr. Marketing Manager: Agni ChoudhuryAsst. Marketing Manager: Nikhil Sharma

For advertisement, feedback and other queries, write to [email protected]

For subscription contact at: 01165575723

Printed, Published and owned by Sunil Kumar Singh

Phone: 01165575723

Place of Publication: F-33, 2nd Floor, Katwaria Sarai, New Delhi-110016

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All rights reserved. Reproduction or translation in any language in whole or in part without permission is prohibited. All disputes are subject to exclusive jurisdiction of competent courts and forums in Delhi or New Delhi.

22

Inbox | 12

Channel Partners Are strength of Unistal

Business focus | 14

HP Improving Quality of Education Through

‘Lab-in-Box’ Solution

Business Strategy | 16

India Is A Key Market For NComputing Business

Channel Buzz | 20

For Supertron Progress Lies In Partnerships

Channel strategy | 22

HP Focus more on Channel Profitability

Business Focus | 24

LG To Revamp the Monitor market

Mobility Zone | 35-36-37

Product of the month | 38


Dear FriendsThe $820 billion IT services market is changing quickly

and dramatically, as cloud computing and offshoring is becoming mainstream, and CIOs should take steps to manage inherent risks and unexpected costs during the cloud services revolution.

During the next few years, market dynamics will determine whether cloud-enabled outsourcing will be the demise of traditional outsourcing, if it will lead to the convergence of services and products currently marketed “as a service,” or if it will result in next-generation outsourcing.

Cloud service sourcing is immature and fraught with potential hazards. The hype around cloud computing services has increased interest, as well as caution, for CIOs trying to determine where, when and if cloud services can provide valuable outcomes for their businesses. Cloud computing is driving discontinuity that introduces exciting opportunities and costly challenges. Organizations need to understand these changes and develop realistic cloud sourcing strategies and contracts that can reduce risk.

In the new cloud services scenario, however, flexibility, agility and innovation are design principles and, over time, service providers will succeed in delivering on these principles. The market also expects scalability, cost-efficiency and pay-per-use pricing models from cloud services solutions. Although cloud services already provide these, service providers manage their risks through terms and conditions that are still immature. However, solutions and their commercial terms are maturing quickly.

To avoid the potential pitfalls and hidden costs of cloud sourcing, organizations need to ensure they understand the short- and long-term implications of cloud services, on the demand and supply side, as well as on the sourcing life cycle itself.

Sunil Kumar SinghEditor

March / 2011 Editor’S Letter

HP Helps Customers to Manage Business Growth with Data Centers

The HP Performance-optimized Data Center (POD) enables customers in India to rapidly expand compute capacity with a scalable, flexible and secure infrastructure to support new business growth. The HP POD offers Web 2.0, cloud computing, high-performance computing (HPC) and enterprise customers with limited space, budget or critical mobility needs to remain competitive by lowering costs, increasing facility efficiency and accelerating time to market.

Designed specifically to support a wide range of industry-standard technology, the HP POD addresses these challenges by:

• Providing customers with more density than competitive offerings by supporting more than 3,500 compute nodes, or 12,000 large-form-factor (LFF) hard drives, in a 20 or 40-foot shipping container.

• Delivering the equivalent of 4,000-plus square feet of typical data center capacity that ships within six weeks of the customer’s order. HP PODs are built to order and delivered through HP Factory Express, HP’s customization, configuration and integration services organization.

• Offering flexible configurations optimized for power or density, which enables customers to quickly upgrade or extend the capacity of their physical infrastructures to meet their specific business needs.

Providing HP POD Infrastructure Services, including assessment, preparation and deployment services, as well as data center design and planning through HP Mission Critical Services.

HP POD stats:• Available in 20-foot or 40-foot containersForty-foot container delivers:• 22 x 50U, 19-inch full-depth industry-standard racks support

HP and other companies’ servers• Support for 3,520 compute nodes,12,000 LFF drives, or any

combination• 1,800+ watts/square foot, compared to 150 – 250 watts/square

foot in a typical data center• 600+ kilowatts of capacity• Pre-integrated, configured and tested before shipment; shipped

worldwide in six weeks from receipt of order• Energy efficiency of PUE ratio <1.25 (1.07 excluding chiller)

HP POD Infrastructure ServicesServices available for the complete lifecycle of the HP POD:

• Data center integration and planning• Critical facilities services • Tailored Factory Express POD• Build, integrate, test and ship• Onsite implementation• Deployment, commissioning, acceptance testing• Ongoing maintenance and support• Options include proactive and critical service named services

account team


Rashi launches Mega Summer Bonanza on ECS Products

Rashi Peripherals has announced “Mega Summer Bonanza” on purchase of ECS products to give more value to its loyal partners.

The focus of this scheme is to reward and motivate partners to accelerate business during the vacation time for entire range of ECS motherboards available in India through Rashi Peripherals. The scheme will run throughout the summer starting from 01st April to 30 June 2011.

Under the Mega Summer Bonanza, partners will be entitled to win Apple iPads, Air Conditioners, Double door refrigerators, digital cameras, water purifiers, Micromax mobile phones etc… as per fixed slabs.

Announcing the offer, Mr. Karan Khemka, Product Manager, ECS, Rashi Peripherals, said, “We have had one of the best period for ECS motherboards in recent times so we thought of giving an extra incentive to reward the partners who have been a constant support to us. We want our partners to capitalize on their hard work and win some gifts.”

Rashi has launched this scheme after receiving an outstanding response to the “ECS Channel Promotion program” launched in last quarter this year.

Commenting further, Mr. Karan Khemka, said, “The response for our previous channel scheme was tremendous and it has helped a lot in strengthening the position of ECS as a motherboard brand in the country. This offer will further help us gain a stronger presence in the minds of channel partners.”

The Mega Summer Bonanza scheme will be valid on purchases made through all branches of Rashi Peripherals all across the country.

Array Networks Appoints Inspira as a VAD Array Networks has appointed Inspira as a key value added

distributor in India. Inspira provides technology solutions to global clients in

select verticals that demand high performance, high availability, scalability and security. Inspira implements standards-based software solutions that provide the extensibility and adaptability required when interfacing with multi-vendor, multi-architecture and multi-platform applications. Their low-risk Global Delivery Model reduces costs and meets schedules and quality parameters while their rigorous methodologies ensure high quality and delivery predictability for customers.

Array Networks is placing increased focus on select verticals in the coming year and there is significant upside tied to Array’s growth, footprint and revenues in India. Inspira views this as a valuable opportunity to broaden its portfolio and revenue potential. Today’s move enables Array and Inspira to compliment each other’s strengths - focus on key verticals and technology - to better satisfy customer demands.

“We are delighted to align ourselves with Array’s mission to provide best-of-breed application acceleration and secure access solutions,” said Rohan Dholakia, Chief Marketing Officer at Inspira.

Philips Monitors kick-starts India market revitalization

MMD a wholly owned company of TPV Technology, established through a brand license agreement with Philips, has announced a market revitalization campaign for India with the launch of a wide range of new Philips LCD, LED Monitors and Monitor TVs.

One of the product highlights is the Ultra-Slim Philips Blade LED monitor that pushes the limits of modern LED display technology to achieve a remarkably thin profile with a 12.9mm chassis, amongst slimmest in the world. Inspired by skating blades, its slim silhouette is a study in elegance and function.

All Philips monitors introduced in India are packed with Philips proprietary image technologies and features many smart display technologies. HDMI input lets consumers explore the multimedia world in Full HD. LED technology lights up to full, consistent brightness quickly. Intelligent SmartTouch key control responds to the lightest of your touches and coolly illuminate to acknowledge your commands.

SmartImage - another leading edge innovation from Philips lets you select various image profiles such as Office, Image, Entertainment and Economy via a user-friendly interface. It dynamically optimizes the contrast, color saturation and image sharpness and videos for the best display performance.

SmartControl Premium is a next-generation icon-based GUI monitor control software lets you can fine-tune a wide amount of parameters of the monitor including ECO mode. And if you are looking for a monitor to elevate your movie-viewing and action game-play experience to new heights, Philips monitors lightning-fast 2m/s SmartResponse Turbo dramatically smoothens the display of fast-moving objects on the screen for action gaming and a smooth cinematic experience.

Blue Coat Introduces Cloud Partner Program

Blue Coat has introduced its new Cloud Partner Program to provide a quick and easy path for partners to sell the Blue Coat Cloud Service. The Blue Coat Cloud Service is an Internet-delivered service that leverages proven Blue Coat Web security technology and the collaborative WebPulse community to provide cost-effective Web protection to all users, all the time, anywhere.

The Cloud Partner Program includes two new designations: Cloud-Ready and Managed Security Service Provider. The Cloud-Ready designation provides existing Blue Coat partners with the sales and technology training they need to quickly begin selling the new service. The Managed Security Service Provider designation is an advanced designation offering partners the option to white label the Blue Coat Cloud Service and build additional offerings around it. For end-users, the new designations offer an easy way to identify partners that can help them deploy or manage the new Blue Coat Cloud Service.

Designed to enable partners to successfully sell the Blue Coat Cloud Service, the new Cloud Partner Program offers partners a series of benefits to help them build stronger relationships with their end users and expand their business.

CHANNEL World



CHANNEL World

Om Nanotech launches Nation wide helpline

Om Nanotech has announced the launch of its all India toll free helpline number as part of its initiative for customer satisfaction.

Customers across the country will be able to post queries, lodge complaints and get assistance by just dialing the number ‘18002661140’. By providing support and information and catering to the queries of the customers, the helpline will build the bridge between the Company and its valued users.

On the occasion, Mr. Atul Khosla, Director, Om Nanotech Pvt. Ltd., said, “The helpline is an information forum; the customers can call on the number and avail any required information. Seated in any part of the country, the customers will find our team providing them assistance anytime they require.”

Seagate and Samsung Announce Broad Strategic Alignment

Seagate and Samsung have announced that they have entered into a definitive agreement under which Seagate and Samsung will significantly expand and strengthen their strategic relationship by further aligning their respective ownership, investments and key technologies. Major elements of the agreement include:• Samsung combining its hard disk drive (HDD) operations into

Seagate • Extending and enhancing the existing patent cross-license

agreement between the companies• A NAND flash memory supply agreement under which Samsung

will provide Seagate with its market-leading semiconductor products for use in Seagate’s enterprise solid state drives (SSDs), solid state hybrid drives and other products

• A disk drive supply agreement under which Seagate will supply disk drives to Samsung for PCs, notebooks and consumer electronics

• Expanded cooperation between the companies to co-develop enterprise storage solutions

• Samsung receiving significant equity ownership in Seagate• A shareholder agreement under which an executive of Samsung

will be nominated to join Seagate’s Board of DirectorsThe combined value of these transactions and agreements is

approximately $1.375 billion USD, which will be paid by Seagate to Samsung in the form of 50% stock and 50% cash.

These transactions and related strategic agreements will enable both companies to better align their current and future product development efforts and roadmaps, accelerate time-to-market for new products and position the companies to better address rapidly evolving opportunities in markets including, but not limited to, mobile computing, cloud computing and solid state storage. In connection with its strategic alliance with Samsung, Seagate expects also to strengthen its relationship with TDK Corporation/SAE Magnetics Ltd.

“Knock-Out” with Belkin and win Rewards Belkin’s channel members now have reasons to cheer beyond

fours and sixes in this cricketing season. Belkin India, a leading provider of interconnectivity solutions across computing and

consumer electronic devices, is all set to “Knock Out” this season with rewards that makes its partners winners of all times. Bowling to a cool “Knock-out”, this unique Channel Promotion brings in a Chance to bring home rewards as per your innings.

Every purchase brings channel partners closer to exciting rewards like mobile phones, DVD Players, AC’s, LED TV’s and many more. “This offer has been structured in such a manner that it benefits all our channel members. We wish they participate in this attractive offer so they earn great rewards and enjoy the flavors of this cricketing season”, said Mohit Anand, Managing Director, India Sub Continent, Belkin India.

This Promotion shall benefit both small and large resellers in the upcountry locations as they only have to achieve relatively smaller targets and a chance to win exciting gifts in order to encourage business for Belkin. This is a simple value based offer that proffers rewards on purchase of Belkin products during the period of 1st April, 2011 to 30th June, 2011.

Rashi concludes Meet for its Sales Champions

Rashi has recently concluded 2 days meet for its all India Sales team of at Mumbai.

As a part of its training and development process, Rashi Champions Meet (RCM) is organized on an annual basis focusing on all round development of the entire sales & marketing team. Every year RCM is built around a specific theme which provides the roadmap to the sales personnel on the way business has to be

done. RCM 2011 revolved around the theme – “WE DID IT…..but Yeh dil maange more” working around achievement and future ambition.

The basic idea behind this theme is to celebrate the success of achieving the set goals for FY 2011 and also to keep working and aiming harder for further growth and development.

Day 1 kicked off with product training and updates on all brands distributed by Rashi led by Mr. Rajesh Goenka. Vendors like ASUS, ADATA Microsoft and SanDisk were also present at the event conducting sessions.

Day 1 also included a theme based entertaining cum informative product showcase ramp show in the evening, which had all Rashi brand and product managers dress up as south super star Rajinikanth and display newly launched products under all brands distributed by Rashi Peripherals. The show focused on portraying the brands distributed by Rashi Peripherals as ‘Rajinikanths (superstars) of IT’.

The event culminated with a gala night wherein more than 100 lucky draw prizes were given away including a Toshiba LCD TVs, ASUS Eee PC, ViewSonic digital photo frames, SanDisk pen drives & Micro Sds, Targus backpack, Toshiba external HDD, Audiovox mobile phone, ASUS O!play, Plantronics Blue tooth headset etc to the ecstatic group of sales champions. All Rashi sales champions were given an ASUS Eee PC or 22” LCD TV as a take away gift.



CHANNEL World

Dell Launches Equipment Finance Program in India with Macquarie

Dell has announced the launch of Dell Financial Services India (DFS), a leasing and financing program for small, medium and large commercial businesses and public organizations in India, to be provided by Macquarie Equipment Finance, the leasing arm of the Sydney-based Macquarie Group, a leading international provider of banking and investment services. The program will help customers preserve capital, maximize IT investments and drive innovation.

DFS is the first financing program for Dell in India to address the comprehensive financing needs of our enterprise, public sector and small and medium business customers by providing a dedicated sales team to structure the most effective financing arrangements available in the marketplace.

Responding to customer needs, Dell offers outstanding financing options including:

• Low interest rate and promotional financing on key Dell products;

• Asset-management solutions to maximize the technology investment throughout the asset lifecycle;

• Comprehensive buy-back & remarketing capabilities;• Environmentally-safe and regulatory compliant disposal

alternatives for retired equipment;• Online asset management tools; and• Customized billing for cost allocation.

Xerox says ‘kem cho’ to resellers in Ahmedabad

Xerox recently strengthened its presence in the state and rolled out a reseller meet in Ahmedabad. The meet received overwhelming response and was attended by over 110 resellers and partners spanning the state of Gujarat. Xerox also showcased a strong portfolio of solutions in A4 mono and color lasers targeted at SME’s and Enterprise businesses for the state of Gujarat.

Addressing the meet, Kuldeep Malhotra, Associate Director – Volume & Supplies Business, Xerox India Ltd said, “Gujarat or as one would say Vibrant Gujarat with a GDP growth of 11.05% has always been a strong market for Xerox and have given us positive results. Today Gujarat contributes over 15% of our volume equipment business and our endeavour is to activate and engage with our resellers and partners with a robust engagement plan.”

Xerox will provide direct pre-sales/post-sales support to these partners to deliver maximum benefits to customers. With the partner engagement model, Xerox will ensure that these partners are well trained and are equipped with collaterals to enable them to sell Xerox products and services. Xerox will also look at co-branded marketing seminars and customer events to support the partners in these centers. The partner loyalty program of Xerox will ensure that they are rewarded on achieving their targets.

MSI Tie-Up with Inspan for Distribution of Notebooks

Inspan Infotech, has now formally announced the tie-up with MSI.

Inspan will be distributing the entire range of MSI notebooks. The notebooks are well known for MSI Turbo Drive Engine+ (TDE+) Technology can increase CPU, memory and graphics frequency. The TDE+ technology brings more calculating speed to enhance the system performance. It benefits the video decoding/encoding, 3D gaming and art work designing. MSI TDE+ Technology gives the experience of faster response time and efficient real-time data processing.

Kobian announces 3 year warranty for Mercury Motherboards

Kobian has announced 3 Years warranty for Mercury Motherboards.

Kobian is currently offering 3 years warranty on their other Mercury products like LED / LCD Monitors, Memory Modules and Switching Power Supply through their service arm, Kaizen Infoserve.

Mercury Motherboards enjoys a sizeable market share in India over last 15 years and the company gives the credit to its channel fraternity which has made Mercury as one of the preferred choices in Computer peripherals. The 3-Year warranty on Motherboards shall be effective from the next generation Intel and AMD platforms motherboards. The Current motherboard models will continue with the 2-year warranty package.

Cisco Steers its Partners to F1 at Nurburgring, Germany

Cisco has announced the rollout of its newly launched ‘F1 Overdrive’ program aimed at its 1600 Commercial and SMB segment partners in India and SAARC region. The program aims to accelerate growth and increase coverage while acting as a catalyst in enrolling more partners by offering special discounts and rewards. While the top performers from the program will be eligible to travel to Nurburgring, Germany, to watch the German F1 Race LIVE, other partners can win exciting prizes like iPads, iPhones, Samsung Galaxy Tabs, Cisco Flip Cameras and Ferrari Puma jackets. The initiative started from March 3, 2011 will end by June 15, 2011.

The aim of this initiative is to cater to the needs of the SMB market in the region which has been largely untapped. Cisco has identified this potential and introduced products specifically catering to this segment that will help its partners capture this opportunity. F1 Overdrive, like its predecessors, will be categorized according to geographical locations and points will be rewarded to each participant basis pre-determined parameters. There are numerous products participating under this initiative: Routers (800 and ISR series), Switches, UCS C Series & the complete Small Business portfolio.

To create awareness about the program and its products, Cisco will also conduct a series of roadshows across the region. There would also be various exciting activities & branding exercises conducted at partners offices and will include remote controlled and other virtual car racing games designed to excite and motivate the partners.



Inbox

Alok GuptaManaging Director

Unistal Systems Pvt. Ltd

How Unistal is positioned in Indian market?

Unistal is strongly positioned in the Indian market and rated as the market leaders in Data Care, Anti-virus solution, Data Security & Data Recovery software and services .Unistal is headquartered in Delhi with regional offices in Mumbai, Kolkatta & Bangalore and development centers at Noida & Pune.What ranges of products and solutions do you have?

We offer Data Care, Anti-Virus, Data Security and Data Recovery Software’s and services. Unistal’s focus has always remained on delivering highly advanced and innovative technology solutions for medium to large business, government bodies, & individuals. Today Unistal has more than 40 quality products where more than 30 products fall in Data Recovery, File Recovery, E-mail Recovery etc under the brand name of “Quick Recovery”. In Data Security “Protegent” range of products are becoming the market leader due to its unique features.How Unistal is focused on its channel partners? And how many channel part-ners do you have? Can you put some light on your distribution model?

We keep on participating in major IT events; we sponsor these events along with our channel partners. We continuously float various schemes for our channel partners we keep on advertising through print & electronic media .Yes unistal is very much focused on its channel partners we have two tier approaches where we appoint regional distributors and then sell through them to resellers. We have more than100 regional distributors and more than 5000 resellers in India.What’s your go-to-market strategy in

Indian market? Do you have any plan to increase the number of your channel partners?

Yes definitely, as channel partners are strength of unistal they act as the valued advisors to unistal. Currently we are working on appointing more regional distributors in unrepresented areas.What do you do to strengthen the chan-nel community? Do you have any chan-nel engagement for program?

We keep on participating in major IT events; we sponsor these events along with our channel partners. We continuously float various schemes for our channel partners we keep on advertising through print & electronic media .Unistal conducts Channel Partner Meet to educate the partner on unistal’s strategy enabling partners to bring in more business we are looking forward for new ways to reward our distributors, dealers & resellers.What are some of the trends that the in-dustry is going to see in year ahead?

The customer is more data centric and wants the products/ solution which can give

them complete solution rather than just antivirus solution. The SMB industry has also started looking for complete solution and it will grow with time.What are the key verticals you are pri-marily targeting? And what are the chal-lenges you see in this market?

The key verticals that we are primarily targeting are Channel, Corporate Government & OEM apart from online and physical exports. A lot of competition is there in the market as all the companies have started focusing on India.What’s your future plan and program for Indian market?

Our focus will continue for Indian market and steadily will expand our business. As Unistal is continuously developing the products, we have planned to launch 6 more products for data care and data recovery. We also have plans to expand our data recovery services business by appointing more than 100 Unistal’s authorized data recovery centers within this year. We will also be launching the solution on cloud computing for different business verticals. l



What is the ‘Lab-in-Box’ solu-tion all about? How was the idea developed and imple-

mented in the form of the prototype?HP is synonymous with innovation and

‘Lab-in-Box’ solution is one of our many such milestone initiatives. We believe that making education accessible to all will go a long way in paving the road for the overall socio-economic development of the country. HP’s Lab-in-Box solution caters to this objective; imparting the right education the right way. Making quality education accessible to all is the key governing idea for this initiative.

Infrastructure is a huge concern in our country. Setting up a school is a cumbersome process necessitating very high costs in terms of building materials, municipality permits, electricity, remuneration for teachers, and maintenance. As a corollary, this acts as a hurdle to many bright students who cannot afford that kind of money. The high drop outs rates and illiteracy testifies the fact. Through this pioneering initiative HP is aiming to address the issues of the underserved community. HP’s Lab-in-Box is a fully integrated mobile solution; devoid of any mammoth infrastructure requirements and costs are minimal.

Technology is a key enabler in meeting this end. HP in association with the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) launched this initiative to bring mobile computing resources to remote and urban schools in India. HP has developed a prototype for its “Lab-in-Box”, a- technology-equipped classroom housed

in a shipping container that can be readily transported. The Lab, which includes 15 HP PCs, printers, wireless connectivity and a diesel electrical generator, that allows students to access India’s finest teachers from remote locations and can help achieve the goal of increasing secondary education. Each such Lab can accommodate 15 students and one teacher. The education software is based on NCERT’s education content platform.

One very unique aspect is that the Lab is a fully equipped, self-powered, mobile computing center that overcomes the power, space, infrastructure and equipment challenges currently faced by schools in India. NCERT intends to use the Lab-in-Box to demonstrate the power of interactive learning via its online syllabuses and online tutorials to students and teachers nationwide.In what capacity has HP partnered in this initiative?

HP is the technology partner for NCERT for this initiative. HP will provide the technology infrastructure and NCERT will provide the syllabus and content. NCERT is a nodal body for Ministry of Human Resource Development and is responsible for curriculum for 201 million school students. What was the objective behind this concept? How will this initiative facili-tate school education in the country?

HP creates new possibilities for technology to have a meaningful impact on people, businesses, governments and society. HP India developed the

Lab-in-Box solution in response to the Government’s agenda to implement more creative, sustainable and inclusive models of education. Today, only 12.4 per cent of India’s 220 million school going children go on to attend college. As part of its Vision 2020 plan, the Government is looking to increase the number of school going children to 30 per cent by 2020. Access to technology will play a vital role in enabling this increase.

This is an excellent example of aligning technology innovation to meet the social and educational challenges we face in the country, using a very unique and modular approach that is sustainable and cost-effective.

Lab-in-Box completely erases the infrastructure challenges that we face in our country. It will help in expanding educational opportunities to far-flung populations. Now, more and more Indian children will get access to truly immersive learning via the power of technology.

The solution provides the following:• Remote delivery of school classes by

the best of teachers• Printing of latest textbooks by

downloading the same and using the HP network printers

• Tracking of school drop-out by child • Basic IT education to the students; by

providing a ready to use computer lab• With Dream screen, students can also

access predesigned education tutorial with syllabuses aligned to various state and national boards

• With Mutiseat processing power of

Business Focus


Inbox

one computer can be shared to give computing experience to 10 students. Thus it is most economical solution for spreading ICT education in India

What is the target segment (age group) and target area (regions in India) of the concept? How can this be implemented at higher education level?

The target schools will be almost all of the existing government schools plus the schools that will be opened in the next 10 years for accommodating the additional 100 m expected school student.

Lab-in-Box can be quickly transported and installed and is self-sustainable and fully operational from day one. It is not dependent on factors such as the lack of electricity and space at the schools, phased approvals for equipment, municipality permissions, and other such factors. This can thus, also be implemented to impart higher education. The only variable factor is the syllabus and content, making the same accessible to all is been taken care of by the technology innovation that HP provides.When will the prototype be implement-ed?

The Lab-in-Box prototype is currently housed at the NCERT campus. What are the likely challenges that you may or are encountering in its imple-

mentation?Since Lab-in-Box can be quickly

transported and installed and is self-sustainable and fully operational from day one, it is not dependent on factors such as the lack of electricity and space at the schools, phased approvals for equipment, municipality permissions, and other such factors. Aspects like good teachers and internet connectivity are also taken care of. Also, HP’s multi-seat computing solution means multiple users can be connected to one PC, meaning space is maximised whilst cost and complexity are reduced. Till now, we have not faced any major challenges in terms of implementation.How accessible and cost effective the “Lab-in-box” concept will be?

It is completely accessible and it is the most economical solution for spreading education across the country. The Lab-in-Box is equipped with mutiseat processing power. Thus one computer can be shared to give computing experience to 15 students. In today’s time, what role can technol-ogy play in meeting educational needs of the country? What other initiatives is HP coming up with to contribute in India’s education sector?

Technology can play a catalytic role in furthering quality education in the

country. Several corporate houses have been collaborating with academia to work towards the same goal. HP, a world leading technology innovator has also been undertaking several initiatives to improve the quality of education and to make it an interactive and engaging process. Right kind of education will go a long way in strengthening India’s position as a global technology and economic leader. Initiatives like the Lab-in-Box will work wonders for rapidly setting up classroom infrastructure for schools and for vocational training and skill development. It can also be re-purposed after school hours as a social infrastructure for Common Service Centers (CSC’s), Tele-medical consultations, Higher education deliver and tracking government schemes such as mid-day meal and tracking school dropouts by child.

For education, with the HP DreamScreen, students can also access predesigned NCERT text books and tutorials, which they can then print on HP’s networked printers. Future features of the Lab could also include technology to electronically track school drop-out rates more effectively with a simple fingerprint reader that connects to a PC in the Lab and is able to send the attendance information to a government server.

The Lab-in-Box prototype is currently housed at the NCERT campus.l

Sunil DuttVP & GM, PSG

HP India


Business Strategy

What is the adoption level of virtualisation in the government versus the

enterprises? What are some of the key benefits that governments/de-partments can derive from virtuali-sation?

There is a strong trend by both government agencies and private enterprise toward the adoption of desktop virtualization; the key factors driving adoption are a little different though. For government, the priority is often to automate their systems and processes, become more available to the citizens they serve, and to achieve major cost advantage. In many cases, government agencies are moving to desktop virtualization from manual, paper based processes, whereas private enterprise is more often moving from legacy technology based systems. So, government can literally leapfrog old technology to more quickly automate and transform the efficiency, productivity, reach and quality of service they provide to citizens.

Private enterprise is also increasingly adopting desktop virtualization; but unlike government they are solving a different problem. While government is often moving straight from paper-based systems, many large BPO companies in India are seeking to solve their problem of managing multiple under-utilized

PCs, and grappling with the high support and maintenance costs. And, at the same time are looking to find the most effective way to deploy advanced emerging technology applications such as cloud computing.

Regardless of whether the impetus is to move from paper based systems or to solve the problems of legacy PC infrastructures, government and private enterprise alike achieve similar benefits of significantly reduced cost of acquisition (up to 75% lower cost), vastly reduced ongoing support costs (up to 75% reduction in support and maintenance), and massively reduced energy costs (up to 90% lower energy requirement). These strategic ROI advantages are delivered without any trade off in performance. Users get pc-like performance, including multi-media, from virtual desktop devices. Moreover, because there is no data residing on the virtualized client side, and all application rights and user permissions are maintained centrally, security and data protection are significantly enhanced.

Desktop virtualization is increasingly being used across all government agencies, and commercial enterprise including education, manufacturing and healthcare. Which forms of virtualisation—server, network, OS and applica-tion—are relevant for government?

Does a full-blown virtualisation strategy sound realistic? What would be the ideal approach?

Governments are tasked with serving the needs of their citizens and stakeholders with speed and flexibility, but with very limited budget and staff. In addition, the computing infrastructure must be secure, work under harsh conditions, and is often spread out over many locations. Desktop virtualization is often highly relevant solution.

All government departments are different so the deployment will differ. There is one common factor in desktop virtualization -- it addresses PC and operating environment complexity with simplification. For example, VDI Express deployments are simple, fast and affordable. No VDI management infrastructure is required; and departments can rapidly deploy virtual desktops without taking on significant investment and project risk. Moreover, government departments can optimize virtual desktop deployments by providing multiple end-users simultaneous access to a single operating system instance of either Windows or Linux – they can go from managing one operating system per user to one operating system for up 30 users. And in more complex environments, desktop virtualization can be easily integrated with VMWare so government departments can take advantage of the combined power

By sunil singh

[email protected]


Business Strategy

of zero-client access devices with VMWare virtualization management infrastructure. What kind of issues crop up when it comes to doing virtualisation in a legacy IT environment? What approach should be taken to mini-mise these?

When deploying desktop virtualization, often the major issue is one of dealing with old perceptions and prejudices; such as the user experience of a virtual desktop is not good as traditional PCs. This is absolutely not the case. Users enjoy full PC like experience whether working on simple

office software or using multi-media applications. Another perception, due to historic issues, is that desktop virtualization is complex and costly to deploy. However, the old barriers have been removed and desktop virtualization is arguably one of the most simple and fast technologies to deploy, with some of the fastest ROI. The ultralow cost makes computing available and affordable, it works with all standard office software, and it doesn’t require re-training of staff. Because advanced desktop virtualization supports both linux and Windows environment, integration of OS and legacy environments is straight forward.

Concerns are still expressed when it comes to hosting mission-critical applications in a virtualised en-vironment? To what extent have virtualisation platforms matured in this regard? Which are some of the mission-critical applications being hosted by governments, in India or globally?

Desktop virtualization has two important advantages in mission critical applications. First, is that, as already stated, because no data resides on the virtualized client side, and all application rights and user permissions are maintained centrally, security and data protection are significantly enhanced.Moreover, while up to 30 virtual desktops can run off a single PC or server, in the event of a single point of failure, the other 29 users are not affected because there is a failure rollover feature in the BIOS; and the likely of failure rate in virtual desktop devices such as NComputing’s near to zero as the have almost no parts to fail.What is your virtualisation offering for the government and what are some of its differentiating proposi-tions? How do you address issues around reliability, security and di-saster recovery?

Today’s PCs are so powerful that the vast majority of people use less than 5% of the power. The rest is wasted. NComputing enables a single PC to be shared by up to 30 users without compromising on performance or speed. Given the current economic conditions, this is the most effective way to upgrade or increase computer access. Let me provide an example.

Let’s say that a typical desktop PC costs about Rs. 20,000. With NComputing, that single PC can easily support 10 additional users for about Rs 40,000. So now you have 11 total users (one on the shared PC and 10 on NComputing access devices) for a total of Rs 60,000 — or less than Rs 5,500 per user. And since Ncomputing uses only 1 watt of energy (compared to 110 watts for a PC), electricity usage is cut by more than 90%. As you add more users, the overall costs keep declining because the host PC cost is shared over multiple users.

Therefore in government sector,

Manish SharmaVice PresidentAsia Pacific, NComputing


we provide affordable computing for government offices (municipal, state, central) in urban as well as rural areas. In addition to the cost advantage, one key feature of our solution is that it uses only 1 watt of electricity. This is especially critical in areas where electricity is in short supply because expensive inverters and UPS (uninterruptible power supply) are required. I think we are already unique as we provide an end to end solution, right from the hardware to the protocol and the virtualization software. Other companies just piece together hardware, software and the protocol from various vendors. So, although it’s a working solution, it does not give the user a full multimedia experience on a thin-client like we do. At $70, we offer a solution that not only provides a full desktop experience on a thin client, but also saves up to 50-75 percent on hardware cost and up to 90 percent on electricity cost. We make desktop virtualization simple, unlike other companies that put the pieces together and offer a basic computing capability.What are the key drivers for vir-tualisation in general and in gov-ernment in particular? Is ‘green’ a bigger driver in government than it is in the enterprises?

The efforts of the National Informatics Center (NIC) to connect all the district headquarters during the eighties was a very significant development. From the early nineties, IT technologies were supplemented by ICT technologies to extend its use for wider sectoral applications with policy emphasis on reaching out to rural areas and taking in greater inputs from NGOs and private sector as well.

Quite a number of state governments have initiated measures to introduce information technology and its tools in the governance process. Most of these states are using these applications for improving service delivery to their citizens. They are moving from manual processes to on-line delivery by using conveniently located service centers in public places.

Regardless of whether it is a government department or private business, India is a country challenged by energy supply so its protection and usage is high on everyone’s agenda. NComputing virtual desktop devices draw on less than 5 watts, which means that energy footprints can be reduced by

as much as 90% per user. And because the devices produce practically no heat, they reduce the need for energy-consuming air conditioning. Electricity savings alone can pay for the virtual desktops in as little as one year. For cash strapped government departments that must set an example to its citizens of running ‘green’ environments, desktop virtualization is a huge boon as the very process of ‘working green’ delivers major ROI benefits too.How big is the virtualisation mar-ket globally and in India? Which are some of the growth verticals and what are the growth trends for the government vertical?

Frost & Sullivan reportedly announced the results of a study which found that virtualization although now in its nascent stage in India will increase significantly in the future. Virtualization has been predicted to be the technology that will change the dynamics of enterprise infrastructure. In India, virtualization is expected to influence the end-to-end infrastructure of an enterprise such as the server, storage, network, application and desktop.

The Frost & Sullivan study estimated that the desktop virtualization market including hardware, software, licensing and management tools will grow at a compound annual growth rate or CAGR of 33.31 percent from 2008 to 2015.

The main verticals include Banking, Financial Services, Insurance, Telecom and IT/ITeS. Enterprises are also studying the problems which may arise in a virtualized environment such as concentrated risk, increased infrastructure complexity and migration challenges. These serve as bottle necks to quick adoption of server virtualization solutions, according to the study group.

As IT departments are increasingly being asked to ‘do more with less’, virtualization technologies offer a direct and tangible means of achieving operational efficiency and cost saving objectives by aggregating disparate computing resources into shareable pools. The technology is rapidly being deployed in server, storage, networking, as well as client environments. According to IDC, virtualization will be the single most important technology for IT departments with the highest-impact on IT infrastructure and operations through 2012. l

Hitachi GST Extends Your Personal CloudHitachi GST has expanded its family of external storage and backup solutions with its

new line of Hitachi Touro Pro desktop and mobile external hard drives. Delivering two levels of protection--local backup and cloud storage, the Touro Pro line is an all-in-one solution to help protect, transport and store your photos, music, videos and documents for easy access from anywhere.

In addition to providing simple local backup, the Touro Pro family’s online storage option ensures your data is always protected and accessible in the cloud. With Hitachi’s intelligent storage solutions, you can access and share files from any web browser, tablet or Smartphone – even from an iPhone and iPad using our apps. When using the cloud service, all content is stored in its natural format (no proprietary formatting), so files are easy to view, download and share from any web browser, anywhere. You can even share your online content with others by sending a web link.

Every customer receives 3GB of online storage for free and for more storage there is an option to upgrade to a quarter of a terabyte (250GB) for only US$49 per year, which includes multiple computer protection. Upgrade to a paid account and receive the Apple iPhone or iPad mobile digital device apps for free.

The Hitachi Touro Pro local backup software was developed in-house by our team of engineers. With a few clicks, the drive’s default setting will backup your photos, favorite music, videos, and documents from your computer directly to the drive. Once installed, backups run quietly and automatically every 30 minutes. And, it’s flexible enough to schedule custom backups on a time or day that’s convenient for you.

Pricing and AvailabilityFeatured in a sleek piano black design, Hitachi Touro Pro drives are easy-to-use with

desktop and mobile solutions that cover virtually every Mac or PC users’ storage and backup needs. For simple add-on storage expansion only, Hitachi is offering a family of Hitachi Touro mobile and desktop solutions. The Hitachi Touro Mobile Pro and Touro Mobile drives are now available. The Hitachi Touro Desk Pro and Touro Desk versions will ship in June.

Business Strategy



CHANNEL buzz

Supertron Electronic Ltd., India’s Top 10 IT Distributors and one of the top three fastest

growing distribution companies in India was established in 1993. The company’s proprietary brands Supercomp and Solitaire rank among the top five PC component brands in the country. Right from its inception, Supertron has registered a consistent top line and bottom line growth with record results. Supertron’s growth has outperformed the compounded annual industry growth of 20% over the last five years. Bucking slowdown trends, the company achieved phenomenal growth in the fiscal year 2009-2010 and registered a consecutive year-on-year growth exceeding 60 percent. The company crossed the Rs.1000 crore thresholds with turnover of more than 1100 crore.

Supertron has contributed a lot to the Indian IT industry. The contribution of Supertron to the IT industry can be gazed at four levels- vis-à-vis vendor partners, channel partners, end users and ties with IT fraternity. Speaking about Supertron philosophy, Mr. V.K Bhandari, CMD, Supertron Electronics Ltd., says, “As far as Business Philosophy is concerned, I believe in business philosophy based on relationship, maintain an ethics, healthy competition with transparency and collaborative approach. Being a distribution company I always maintain good relation with the channels and vendors and try to fulfill the customer needs”.

Business Focus

Currently, Supertron enjoys enduring alliances with globally renowned MNCs like Acer, Buffalo, Dell, eMachines, IBM, Seagate and Transcend, and among others, resulting in the delivery of contemporary products. Supertron’s enhanced supply chain efficiencies, the ability to reach products across the country and scale a brand’s growth in the shortest possible time and at the lowest cost has made it a leading alliance partner for its vendor partners. The company has secured a positive reputation for sustainable alliance success and stands out as a leading alliance brand in its field.

Supertron believes that progress is powered by partnerships and has created a relationship-driven business model that enhances the short-term and long-term interests of its channel partners. The company has a growing family of over 9,000 channel partners spread all over the country. Speaking about channel engagement and company’s focus Mr. Bhandari says, “I want to establish my organization as a leader with focused and value added distributor with a strong logistics with strong pan India presence, and we will be a logistics partner and No. 1 IT distributor of the country.”

Supertron is driven by an overarching mission to bring world-class IT products to the common man. With a broad-based pan-India distribution network and strong presence in relatively underpenetrated IT spaces in the upcountry hinterland, Supertron is playing its role in taking IT deeper into the country and in the process empowering users and enhancing national

efficiency.Supertron has received numerous

accolades and recognition from the industry, vendor partners, IT associations and reputed media.

• Conferred an award from Acer for “High Growth- Consumer Notebooks” for the year 2010

• Lifetime Achievement Award for Mr. V.K. Bhandari, CMD, Supertron Electronics by Computer Association of Eastern India (Compass), 2010

• Top-Performer for Desktops- Dell, 2009-10

• Ranked 57th position among top 100 Indian IT companies in 2010

• Awarded ‘Outstanding Product Manager for Seagate Business’ at Beijing, 2007

• Rated most Powerful Indian IT Distribution Company by DQ Channel, 2007

• Ranked among India’s Top 10 Distributors by DATAQUEST TOP 20, 2006

• Seagate’s Best Sub-Disti Award for Best Overall Performance, 2006

Present EngagementSupertron is the National Distributor

of globally renowned MNCs like Acer, Buffalo, Dell, eMachines, IBM, Seagate and Transcend, among others, resulting in the delivery of a wide range of contemporary products.

More recently, Dell has significantly extended relations with Supertron and

By Amit sinha

[email protected]


CHANNEL buzz

V.K BhandariCMD

Supertron Electronics Ltd.

awarded the exclusive national distribution of Servers, Projectors and Printers to Supertron in addition to the Desktops and TFT Monitors product lines which Supertron is already distributing for Dell.

Supertron also markets PC Components, peripherals and security & surveillance products of its proprietary brands Solitaire and Supercomp.

Supertron achieved a turnover of Rs. 479 crore in 07-08,611 crores in 08-09 and 927 crore in 09-10. The company has projected a growth of 35-40% in 2010-2011 fiscal and a revenue target of Rs.1200 crore up from around Rs 927 crores in 2009. The company achieved 1100 crores in 2010-2011.

The company has a nationwide presence with 29 branch offices and 9 satellite offices across 29 states and Union Territories with over 500 employees. The company has extended its presence beyond metro cities to B, C and D class cities with a significant and growing presence in the upcountry hinterlands.

Products & servicesThe company’s flagship business

is the distribution of a wide variety of IT products including servers, desktops, laptops, netbooks, printers, TFT Monitors, PC components, peripherals, memory modules, storage products, networking products and consumer electronic products of brand-enhancing international vendors like Acer, e-Machines, Buffalo, Dell, IBM , Seagate and Transcend among others.

The company also markets a range of PC components and peripherals (UPS, keyboards, speakers, mouse, cabinets, TV Tuner, add-on cards, headsets, motherboards, webcam etc.) and Security & Surveillance products (CCTV, DVR Cards, Standalone DVR and accessories) under its own brand Supercomp. PC components and peripherals are also available in premium range under Solitaire brand. Within a short span Supercomp and Solitaire have shown phenomenal growth and rank today among the top five component brands in the country.

Status of manufacturing, R&D and exports

Supertron’s proprietory products are manufactured in state of the art and sophisticated contract manufacturing

plants in China with the highest international standard quality management systems. Best business practices are followed with strict Quality Control (QC) system and Comprehensive Product Testing Process. Seven-member team ensures quality consistency of proprietary products.

Apart from the benefits of world-class technology, quality assurance and regular supply, the unique differentiator of Supertron’s proprietary products is that they are customized to Indian trends and preferences and address the needs of the Indian end-user better.

In October, 2010 Supertron launched its mobile handset brand ‘iSuper’ under Supertron Telecommunications Pvt. Ltd. iSuper mobile handsets are value-for-money mobile handsets with a combination of smart features, super-affordable prices and style.

The company’s newest businesses along with the established ones are poised to become the company’s future growth drivers. The company has set the framework that seeks to ensure both current and future financial soundness- a characteristic the company prides itself on.

In the endIn a short span of time, Supertron

as has grown into a full fledged profit making organization, capable of delivering products and services to the Indian IT Industry.

The Indian IT market is bubbling with opportunities for the channel partners as well for the vendors and it seems that Supertron is eager to make it easier and more profitable for partners as well for vendors of all business models. l


CHANNEL strategy

Sunil DuttVP & GM, PSG

HP India

Being a leading player in the consumer segment, HP shares a deep relationship with its

channel partners. Its constant engagement with partners across the nation has helped the company to develop a relationship of mutual support in all kind of situation. In consumer business, expertise lies in terms of distribution knowledge hence HP has roped few telecom partners to reach widespread retail partners. The company is driving a profitable distribution model to ensure partner margins at all levels – Tier 1/Tier 2/Tier 3 with higher amount of transparency and accountability.

In 2010, the challenge for HP was to evolve a strategy where channel profitability would take centre-stage. Speaking on this front, Mr. Sunil Dutt, VP & GM, PSG, HP India says, “Our new go-to-market distribution model was devised to ensure that everyone in the channel made healthy and assured margins, and the market operating price was no longer dependent on the volume of business a partner did. It allows partners to focus on creating a strong value proposition for customers rather

By suman singh

[email protected]


CHANNEL strategythan spending time negotiating prices with suppliers. Assured margins would encourage distribution partners to deploy more resources for channel engagement and market expansion of their HP business.”

HP is completely focused on partner profitability, enhancing partner skill sets and introducing new solutions (and not products only). HP has launched POS solution for retails, education and small enterprises and also digital signage to help partners extract maximum wallet share out of a customer. Speaking on this front Mr. Sunil Dutt, says, “HP is thankful to all partners for their support and we want to include everybody in future growth chart with us.”

Programmes For partnersHP’s notion behind the existing

distribution policy is “If the channel makes profit, the brand will always have potency in the market”, in order to introduce ‘a go to market’ and a certain amount of consistency and methodology.

After its recent National Partner Advisory Board meeting, HP identified the following needs that had to be met by the company:

• Regional Partner Advisory Board meeting to be conducted at a regular interval

• Management development Programs for Partner Owners, next Line and first line of sales people

• National Account Management for Top 25 partners

• Partner Business Planning exercise with top 100+ partners to align business goals and share issues/ strategies

• Stretch Program for HP Inner circle partners for a year wherein they share HP’s stretch nos.

• IT systems of partners to be aligned with HP so that they look at business reporting the same way as HP

Post these insights, HP has decided to launch several new programmes for the benefit of its channel partners.

National Account Management – Given the fact that a lot of the small channel partners wish to grown big, the new HP program will help them in scaling up. This program will ensure that each of the top 25 partners have an assigned Relationship Manager. This Relationship Manager will help them scale up their business within HP into various BU’s and also across geographies. Thus Top 25 partners will have a national resource

managing their interface with HP.Catalyst 2.0 – HP believes in not

just imparting training to the partners on HP products and solutions but on other relevant subjects that can help in their growth. CEO’s of Top 150 organizations will be taken through a Management Development program on Financial Management, Mergers and Acquitions, expansion opportunities beyond India and raising capital.

Premium Partner Program – HP’s unique loyalty program for top 170 partners for revenue sharing and aligning business goals.

Sales Efficiency Program – In collaboration with Dale Carnegie, training sessions for 325 sales representatives from top 150 partners. A training session on easy 5 steps Sales Process Management, Sales Efficiency and Funnel Management in ten cities.

“Next Gen” - A six days workshop in collaboration with MDI, Gurgaon at their campus for the second level executives of top 150 partners. The workshop will cover all aspects of the business and will be conducted by industry experts and renowned professors in a customized fashion for HP Partner General Managers.

Channel EngagementChannel partners from TAIT have

helped HP to expand its customer base in Mumbai and helped it to further strengthen the existing customer base.

The company has also appointed 12 zonal distributors (ZDs) or T1 partners across the country. These include three IT partners – Ingram, Savex and Redington – as well as nine telecom distributors. Each zone has been divided into multiple regions based on their local dynamics and potential. In each of these regions, we have appointed redistributors/stockists (RDS).

Products & services

HP has launched a whole new range of products and solutions both in the Enterprise and the Commercial segment in the recent event at Shanghai. The company will relaunching the same in India in a phased manner.

Commercial Products• The HP ProBook 4230s • The HP EliteBook 8460p • The HP Compaq 8200 Elite • The HP 5570 Thin Client• The HP MultiSeat t150 Thin

Client• HP Pocket Whiteboard• The HP Imaging Barcode

Scanner• The HP LD4201, HP LD4210

and HP LD4710 LCD Digital Signage Displays, HP LD4201, HP LD4210 and HP LD4710.

• The HP Elite L2201x 21.5 inch LED Backlit LCD Monitor

Consumer Products• The HP Pavilion dv4 • The HP Pavilion dv6 • The HP Pavilion dv7 • The HP Pavilion g4 and g6• The HP TouchSmart610

Consumer PC • The HPx2301 Micro Thin LED

monitorWebOS

• HP Touch PadIn India, HP has unveiled a full range

of end-to-end virtualization products and solutions at the CVE event in Bangalore.

The latest HP t5550, t5565 and t5570 Thin Clients are ideal for customers seeking simple, affordable and reliable computing for typical office applications and Web browsing in most client virtualization or cloud computing environments.

The industry’s first EPEAT Gold registered thin client, the t5500 series is ENERGY STAR qualified, BFR/PVC-free and its case parts contain more

HP is completely focused on partner profitabil i ty, enhancing partner ski l l sets and introducing new solutions (and not products only). HP has launched POS solution for

retails , education and small enterprises and also digital signage to help partners extract maximum wallet share out

of a customer.

Turn to pg 25


Sanjoy BhattacharyaProduct Group Marketing Head, IT Products, LG Electronics India Pvt. Ltd.

How big is Monitor market in India and how LG is positioned in this market?

The total market size is likely to be 6.1 million sets this year. In case of white box the market size will be 3.5 million sets. It is estimated that LG will do little more than one million sets this year.What is LG strategy for Monitor in In-dia? Which verticals you are primarily targeting at?

LG is mainly targeting the white Box PC market to sell its monitors. Historically, we are doing very well in Home Consumer, and SMB segment. LG is also endeavoring to penetrate the Government segment with LG Network Monitor.

LG believes that the growth potential of BSFI is very high and that’s why we are mobilizing our resources to tap this vertical with our LED monitors. In the past we have been partially successful in penetrating the BSFI segment.

The upgrading of CRT monitor also holds a very promising growth for the whole monitor industry in India. LG is planning various kinds programs to attract the commercial & consumer customers in India. What developments would you like to see in the market in the next 12 months?

Through the E-waste disposal law from government, huge number of CRT can be called back under CRT upgrade program, which in turn will not only save energy, money but will also promote the green earth movement. We want that government should enforce BEE standard for Monitor & PC products.

Another problem that whole IT Industry is facing is of Parallel Import where the importers are bringing non-Indian standard product at a very cheaper rate, which in turns leads towards consumer dissatisfaction.

This issue must be vociferously raised by recognized bodies like MAIT and NASSCOM, so that government can take necessary measures to curb down the practice of parallel imports. These bodies should consult with legal advisors to stop this under “Brand Licensing” policy.How LG strategies its channel partners for Monitor Business in India?

LG is undisputed leader in white Box monitor market. This has been only possible through our strong dedicated channel partners (Our Regional distributors, Resellers & System assemblers).

LG is determined to fulfilling the basic necessities of channel partners through following means:

(1) Latest product offerings(2) Stable MOP (we do not encourage

deals), (3) One India One pricing (No

infiltration to nearby locations) (4) Prompt After sales support (5) Reasonable earning opportunity.(6) Speedy Scheme/ program,

settlement. These are the fundamental for channel business & our team is working to ensure the healthy practices.What’s your go-to-market strategy in India?

Our main go-to-market strategy is to maintain a product leadership. We have brought many new futuristic models for India market.

3SIL is the main driver for LG’s growth. Here 3 stand for 3D monitor. LG brings Cinema 3D monitor which is based on FPR technology and has been highly appreciated

Business Focus

By Nikita Sharma

[email protected]


by the consumers. The word S stands for Slim Monitor. I stand for next generation IPS (In Plain Switching panel) which will meet the requirement of Professional like CAD/CAM, high end Photographer & Videographer. Social networking sites users can use IPS panel because it can give them a better picture quality without any eye strain. The last word L stands for large format monitor which is primarily used as commercial display.

LG has also introduced 3 New Series of Slim monitor. The first one is the CEO series, which comes with 21.5” & 23” size. The second one is Signature Series, which comes with 20.1”, 21.5”, 23” size which is backed by Full HD LED screen & HDMI ready).

Urban consumers are quite choosy about Style, design & specification so our 3SIL offering is suitable to meet their need. Our SMART series regular LED lineup can meet the need of value for money customers as these products are ideal for their budget.What’s your future plan in India?

Our future plan is categorizes into following segment:

1. Category planLG being the leader will endeavor to

develop the 3D monitor market and for that we will mobilize our resources to develop this segment. We are joining hands with few more renowned complementing brands to develop gaming zone in 12 cities in India. Soon this development can be seen in major cities of India.

2. Concept DevelopmentLG is also taking another initiative to

create second monitor concept for Laptops / Netbook users. Generally, Laptops are either 14” or 15” & Netbook is of 10” so a laptop / Net book user who work 8 to 10 hours can enjoy better viewing pleasure when they get connected with this LCD/LED monitors. In fact in the era of multi tasking this will be good solution for office users.

3. Channel DevelopmentFor channel we have taken an ambitious

plan to reach 10 thousand system assemblers without hurting our current channel eco system. In this project we are trying to get touch base of 10, 000 system assemblers at least once in 45 days. We have deployed 200 people in the field to meet, educate & resolve the local issue of system assemblers across India.What kind of trend Monitor market is go-ing to witness in near future?

Currently the monitor market is rapidly shifting towards LED & we are hopeful to convert 75 per cent of Monitor to LED by end of September. The demand for bigger size of monitor is also going to scale up. l

than 30 percent post-consumer recycled plastic.

The HP BladeSystem c7000 enclosure consolidates the essential elements of a data center – power, cooling, management, connectivity, redundancy, and security – into a modular, flexible, scalable, converged infrastructure with built-in intelligence and support for future technologies.

HP ProLiant G7 servers provide modular standards-based building blocks that advance clients towards a converged infrastructure. HP ProLiant servers are designed to give customers the best return on their investment with improved performance, energy efficiency and virtualization capabilities.

HP StorageWorks P4800 BladeSystem SAN is the first HP BladeSystem SAN and the first storage area network (SAN) designed specifically for client virtualization to help organizations improve productivity, flexibility, security and control costs. With software features included, the P4800 SAN provides scalable, shared storage that extends the advantages of virtualization to notebooks, laptops and desktops. It supports 1600 users at 50 percent less cost and requires 60 percent less space than traditional client virtualization implementations.

HP Client Infrastructure Services Portfolio is a comprehensive set of consulting services and solutions, built to help organizations extend the benefits from converged infrastructure to the desktop. As HP prepares to serve a market ready for change, the new client infrastructure services portfolio integrates products across HP’s computing, software and hardware groups to provide clients with a unified, connected experience that increases productivity.

HP Easy Tools thin client configuration management software simplifies installation and implementation across the network, regardless of model type or operating system.

Recently, HP launched DreamScreen in India. A new interactive device dubbed DreamScreen that can be used as a digital photo frame and can also fetch social network updates. New DreamScreen is an interactive digital device that has icon-based touch interface with a 10-inch touchscreen, It will require Internet connectivity to perform several functions like fetching status updates, and also promises to offer IPTV service in India. HP DreamScreen is a several-in-one like solution that offers to work as a Digital Frame, Internet Radio, Alarm Clock,

Weather Report, Facebook Updates and even a Video player.

Speaking about the products Mr. Sunil Dutt, says, “Innovation has always been HP’s forte. Our products are in perfect congruence with the market dynamics. The demands for our products and solutions are witnessing a huge surge. Customers are increasingly looking for end-to-end solutions that will give them the peace of mind from what they invest into. Our solutions provide just that.”

Roadmap AheadHP’s premise is innovation. HP has

always been the first to bring the latest technology to the market. In 2011 will see more and more best of breed breakthrough technology innovation from HP’s stable. In fact, The company will be unveiling a whole new range of products and solutions in mobility and desktop very soon.

In order to deliver the best of our product & services to its customers HP is not only empower its channel partners adequately but also provide them with rigorous training time and again so that they can cater to each and every need of the consumers. HP National Partner Advisory Board proactively engages with the top 25 channel partners. The company conduct open feedback sessions to get channel partners’ views regularly for feedback and consequently improvement on some critical areas.

Speaking on this front Mr. Sunil Dutt, says, “We also have interactive sessions with our channel partners from time to time. The sessions are aimed at encouraging partners to benchmark excellence beyond the industry, highlight their issues to the team and provide open suggestions for improvement. In one such event recently, the average satisfaction score was 81% which was a 32% increase against the pre event feedback. The voice of partners was then converted into crisp action points that would be tracked, executed and progress will be shared with all partners on quarterly basis.”

In the endIndia is a young country and HP has

a portfolio that perfectly caters to the young population. HP’s products are fashionable and trendy, high on music, high on gaming. Its products for the SMB segment are also designed to make life easier for them.

Channel Partners want to position the ideal products and solutions before the customers and HP’s products and solutions addresses this need. l

contd. from pg 23

CHANNEL strategy


ProduCt Launch

Samsung Launches Note-book Series 9

Samsung has announced the launch of its ultra-premium and ultra-slim Notebook Series 9 in the Indian market. With a weight of only 1.31kg (2.89lbs.), measuring a mere 16.3mm (0.64inches) in depth and with a screen size of 13 inches, the Samsung Notebook Series 9 combines the latest technology with mobile computing experience to drive the market forward in terms of design, display and overall capabilities. The product was unveiled at CES 2011 in January and captured the attention of the global audience as one of the thinnest and most elegant mobile computing devices ever created.

Crafted from duralumin, a lightweight material that is twice as strong as aluminum and normally used in advanced aircraft design, the Notebook Series 9 underwent an exhaustive testing process to ensure it is durable enough for use at home and on the go. In terms of design, the sophisticated beauty of the flowing line on the side of the Notebook Series 9 is a key design concept that gives it an aerodynamic and sleek style much like a premium sports car.

Additionally, the notebook’s SuperBright Plus display with 400nit brightness, which is two times brighter than conventional displays, as well as its vibrant Color reproduction (16 million colors) and Super Contrast ratio (1,300:1), makes it one of the most beautiful notebook displays on the market. To ensure high performance, it uses a Second Generation Intel CoreTM i5 Processor. Notebook Series 9 is priced at Rs 1, 00,990/-.

With the launch of this model, Samsung now has a portfolio of 18 netbook and notebook models in India. The notebooks are priced in the range of Rs. 22,850 – to Rs 1, 00,990.

Simmtronics Launches Hard Disk Drives Globally

Simmtronics has announced the roll out of its new product Hard Disk Drives globally.

The Hard Disk Drives are currently available with different storage capacities— 80gb, 120gb, 160 GB, 250GB, 320GB, 400GB, 500GB, 750GB, 1TB, 1.5TB, 2TB & 3TB .

The Hard Disk is based on CPP (Capacity, Performance & Power) concept. These drives are 3.5-inch hard drives for desktop computers. Built to the highest standards of quality and reliability, these drives offer features and capacity at an affordable price.

The Hard Disk Drives are available in both SATA and PATA formats.

Price & Availability: Simmtronics Hard Disk Drives are available across the world. Company provides after sales support through its authorized service providers across the world. The price of 500 GB and 1 TB hard disks are Rs.1900 and Rs. 3000 respectively. The Hard Disk comes with 3 yrs. Global Warranty.

D-Link unveils 2 port KVM Switch

D-Link continues to allure its patrons with technology innovations that aim at making life simple. The very recent introduction being D-Link KVM-222 – a 2 port KVM (Keyboard, Video & Mouse) switch, that allows a user to control two PCs from a single keyboard, mouse, and VGA monitor console. Hence if a user has 2 PC’s he need not worry about buying an additional set of Keyboard & mice, as he can now easily perform all his task/ job with this wonder device. Additionally D-Link KVM-222 comes with a audio support feature that allows the two connected PCs to share a set of speakers via. a standard 3.5 mm stereo jack. Therefore D-Link KVM-222 not only allows user to keep his precious desk space free, but also helps save additional cost.

D-Link KVM-222 utilizes advanced microprocessor emulation that allows user to boot two computer systems simultaneously without faults or keyboard errors. Auto scan, audible feedback, and hot key features make the KVM-222 extremely simple to use and manage. A convenient wired remote control button simplifies the switching process even further, allowing users to place the switch in a convenient location.

Availability & Pricing: D-Link KVM-222 is currently available all across India at a MRP of Rs. 3100/- & comes with 1 year warranty.

D-Link introduces cost-ef-fective Broadband Solution

In order to meet the growing demand for ADSL N standard routers along with high-speed broadband devices, D-Link recently introduced 2 new cost effective products in this space – namely D-Link DSL-2750U & D-Link DSL-2730U.

D-Link DSL-2750U is a Wireless N 300 ADSL2+ Wi-Fi Router with USB that provides, high-performance 802.11n wireless access for wirelessly networked computers. Therefore enabling users to take full advantage of their high-speed ADSL connection. D-Link DSL-2730U on the other hand is a Wireless N 150 ADSL2+ Ethernet Router that allows users to connect to 802.11n wireless devices at up to 150 Mbps speed.

Both DSL-2750U & DSL-2730U helps to connect a group of users to the Internet, allowing multiple computers at home or the office to share an integrated high-speed ADSL2/2+ interface. Its High-speed performance allows users to enjoy smooth media streaming, so they can watch TV, listen to live music, broadcast over the Internet, and even experience clear Internet phone calls. Further DSL-2750U & DSL-2730U also comes with four built-in Ethernet ports, firewall protection, and QoS.

Availability & Pricing: D-Link DSL-2750U & DSL-2730U is currently available all across India at a MRP of Rs. 2700/- & Rs.2200/- respectively. Both these routers carry 3 years warranty.


ProduCt Launch

ZyXEL Launches wireless N router

ZyXEL offers cost-effective solution for users upgrading their networks to the next generation with NBG-419N Wireless N Router- ratified for the latest 802.11n technology standard. With a speed six times faster than the standard 802.11g networks, the NBG-419N provides more stable and reliable wireless connections for high-speed data and multimedia deliveries. The unit features MIMO smart antenna technology to deliver a significant increase in data throughput and link range. It provides a better Internet experience, and better yet, it’s backward compatible with the existing 802.11b/g networks.

Featuring wireless scheduling, the NBG-419N can be configured to turn itself off according to the wireless usage pattern, saving unnecessary power consumption and reducing wireless radiation. It is also equipped with a Wi-Fi Protected Setup (WPS) and a push button, the WPS takes only a few seconds to set up a secure wireless network without any complication. With Easy Mode and Expert Mode for Quick Navigation and Setup designed with a user-friendly interface, the NBG-419N provides “Easy Mode” for navigating functions, basic setup tasks and providing a comprehensive network map.

Price: NBG 419N Wireless N Home Router is priced at Rs. 4400.

Canon launches consumer products

Canon has announced the launch of 29 consumer digital imaging products. The company has introduced an array of digital compact cameras, camcorders, lenses and inkjet all-in-one printers to strengthen its portfolio for deepening and widening its technology reach.

The highlight of the event was the introduction of seven new entry-level digital cameras variants in the sub – Rs 10,000

category. Canon also unveiled six compact cameras from the PowerShot range, three lifestyle cameras from its IXUS range, six HD Camcorder, two Digital SLR from the EOS range, one Selphy photo printer and four next generation Lenses. Canon India also launched four new inkjet all-in-one and one Single function inkjet printers from the PIXMA series.

Other revolutionary products launched are the PIXMA MX426, MX 366, MX 886 and the PIXMA MX416. These printers come with a revolutionary Dual Function Panel – an intuitive operation panel that employs an alternating keypad interface on a single touch panel, such that it only displays the keys to the specific function enhancing the user’s efficiency.

ASUS launches Wireless-N Mobile Router

ASUS has launched the WL-330N3G router which offers all the benefits of a standard wireless router.

Delivering spectacular utility and value, the WL-330N3G works as six different devices rolled into one.

First and foremost, it is a mobile wireless router, connecting devices such as notebooks and smartphones to one broadband internet service. Second, it can be used as a universal repeater in conjunction with other routers to extend the range of an existing connection. Third, the WL-330N3G also functions as an access point when combined with a broadband modem, enabling connectivity for a host of devices.

The WL-330N3G can also be deployed as an Ethernet adapter for Ethernet-capable devices like game consoles, printers and cable set-top boxes.

Finally, the WL-330N3G has both hotspot and 3G sharing modes built in. As a hotspot, it can serve as a mobile Wi-Fi connection for several PCs, while in 3G sharing mode; it provides internet connectivity for several devices through the 3G network. This mode works in conjunction with a 3G USB adapter.

Price (M.R.P): Rs. 4500/- (excluding taxes)

The XFX Launches Graphics Card

Step up your gaming to a serious level with the most advanced graphics card in its class, the XFX AMD Radeon HD 6790. Double up with 2 XFX AMD Radeon HD 6790’s in CrossfireX configurations and you will have comparable performance to an NVIDIA GeForce 570 for less.

Play your favorite games in full stereo 3D, and get incredibly rich and interactive gameplay with AMD HD3D technology. Experience Blu-ray 3D as it was intended and take advantage of XFX Radeon HD 6790 graphics’ support for Dolby TrueHD and 3D HDTV to help create that theatre-quality experience.

Gaming doesn’t get more realistic than with AMD’s second-gen DirectX 11-ready graphics. With lightning-fast frame rates and ultra- realistic effects, the XFX Radeon HD 6790 enables an amazing HD gaming experience. And with advanced tessellation performance, it’s designed to give you true realistic detail.

AMD’s EyeSpeed visual acceleration technology pushes your computer to newer limits beyond just gaming. The XFX Radeo HD 6790 gives you enhanced and accelerated application performance. With AMD EyeSpeed’s visual acceleration, you’ll maximize your online and Blu-ray video experiences with a new level of smooth visual quality.

Price and Availability: XFX AMD Radeon 6790 graphics card is available for an estimated street price of INR 9000/- with 3 years warranty through all Rashi Peripheral branches.


ProduCt Launch

ASUS introduces New Moth-erboard

ASUS has announced the launch of its latest Republic of Gamers motherboard, the Rampage III Black Edition motherboard. Designed to set a new benchmark in the world of gaming motherboards, the Rampage III Black Edition will be a limited edition model based on the Intel X58 Express Chipset and supports the LGA1366 Intel Core i7 Processors with integrated memory controller to support 3-channel (6 DIMMs) DDR3 memory. It also supports Intel QuickPath Interconnect (QPI) with a system bus of up to 6.4 GT/s and a max bandwidth of up to 25.6 GB/s.

Even with a high-end CPU and GPU, FPS and MMORPGs can

still become a laggy mess if the LAN performance is poor. Gamers yearn to keep gaming frame rates solid. The ROG ThunderBolt has been designed from continual feedback from the PC gaming community. By enhancing the 2 key factors (Speed and Sound) that dominate your gaming experience, the advanced integration of the LAN/Audio combo ThunderBolt offers higher throughput and decreased latency and is about to bring the best in-game experience to you! The ROG ThunderBolt is a dedicated LAN/audio combo card designed for gamers. With the ROG ThunderBolt’s high sound quality and built-in amp, gamers can discover the enemy’s position much easier and react earlier, making it just like another weapon in a gamer’s arsenal! With fine-tuned background sound effects for popular game types and Xear 3D Surround tech, ROG ThunderBolt lets you hear better and win easier!

It also lets you experience ultra-fast data transfers at 4.8Gbps with USB 3.0—the latest connectivity standard. Built to connect easily with next generation components and peripherals, USB 3.0 transfers data 10X faster and is also backward compatible with USB 2.0 components. Supporting next-generation Serial ATA (SATA) storage interface, this motherboard delivers up to 6.0Gb/s data transfer rates. Additionally, get enhanced scalability, faster data retrieval, double the bandwidth of current bus systems. Extreme Engine Digi+ equipped with high performance digital VRM design can easily achieve the ultimate performance with adjustable CPU PWM frequency. It expedites heat dissipation and achieves better electric conduction keeping critical components reliable. Now you’ll be able to push your spanking new Intel CPU to the limit, hitting benchmark scores that others only dream of. Extreme Engine Digi+ balances the need for voltage and the desire for rock solid performance to bring the ultimate user experience.

Price (M.R.P): Rs. 39500/- (excluding taxes)

Techcom introduces Multi-media Speaker System

Techcom has introduced the SSD 7000R – its latest 5.1 channel multimedia home theatre system. With solid angular looks and a superior Vacuum Fluorescent Display (VFD), it is sure to be a head turner in the market. With built-in digital FM radio and FM tuner, you get the radio experience bundled with the package.

Additionally, it’s Hi-Fi Sound and powerful bass speakers provide you an enriching musical experience. Its digital mp3 player delivers crisp and scintillating sound quality. It also comes with USB, SD and MMC Reader functions for ease of connectivity to audio sources. Means you can play music from sources ranging from memory cards to USB Pen drives. The SSD 7000R comes with a fully functional remote for easier control.

It produces powerful music through its 5.25 inches Sub-Woofer and Satellite Speakers measuring 3 inches each.

The SSD 7000R is available in the market for an amazing price of about INR 3400 only and comes with a year’s warranty.

ASUS releases the Dual-Core GTX 590 Graphic card

Presenting more graphics processing output than any single-board product developed to date, the ASUS GTX 590 uses dual NVIDIA GF110 cores. With ASUS exclusive Voltage Tweak to drive the card at 918MHz, it enables DirectX 11 gaming in the highest resolutions possible and with all details and effects turned on to maximum, as well as smooth and realistic 3D gaming and movies through NVIDIA 3D Vision Surround for three-screen displays.

About the launch of this new graphics card Mr. Vinay Shetty – Country Head, ASUS (India) said, “The ASUS GTX590 is our offering on the latest NVIDIA GPU. It will provide superlative graphics performance to discerning users and along with various unique features like Voltage Tweak, Smart Doctor and Gamer OSD maximize the power and functionality of the GPU to provide gamers with the much needed edge over their competitors.”

Price: Rs. 48,000/- (excluding taxes)

Buffalo unveils another stor-age solution

Buffalo Technology has unveiled their power packed Drive Station Duo. Built in with USB 3.0, USB 2.0 and eSATA interfaces, its best suited for home as well as smaller working environments which require large data storage. Offering an easy raid configuration, this device provides an excellent speed of 5.0 Gbps for USB 3.0 and 480 Mbps for USB 2.0 and 3 Gbps with eSATA Interface.

The Drive Station Duo comes with Buffalo Tools, a feature loaded suite of tools planned to boost workstation performance and monitor the digital life of Windows users. It also comes with an Eco Manager mode that reduces the power consumption up to 80%.

DriveStation Duo is available in combination of two Variants – HD-WLU3/R1 Series with USB 3.0 Interface and HD-WLSU2/R1 Series with USB 2.0 and eSATA interface.


With the ever-evolving globally competitive business environment being addressed by technology transformation, the need for an in-depth assessment of technology before its acceptance and adoption is gaining importance. As the data proves to be critical for businesses today, leading to increasing number of data centers with various data center deployment options available to choose. With both qualitative and quantitative benefits evaluated through a Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) framework, this research aims to serve as an important tool for small and medium business (SMB) stakeholders for comprehensive assessment of an SMB data center infrastructure.

Based on a realistic approach to analyzing the business value of the hosted IT infrastructure environment, it is believed that SMBs will adopt managed hosting as a preferred data center deployment option to gain the following benefits:

• Significant cost savings over a 3 year TCO period, potentially in excess of 26 percent over an in-house deployment

• Maximized infrastructure utilization and minimized over provisioning

• Retained control over IT infrastructure

• Increased reliability and reduced risk

• Enhanced business competitiveness by improved focus on core business

However, quite often, the success of a deployment model strongly depends on the service provider selection Parameters such as availability of robust technology infrastructure, redundancy and resilience, on site security, and guaranteed Service Level Agreements (SLAs) along with round the clock availability of skilled technical staff play a critical role in the selection of a competent service provider.

With data emerging as the biggest asset

for organizations, the need and importance of data centers today cannot be debated. The term data center is nothing but a facility used to house computing, network and storage equipment. Data centers can range from a small facility (also called a server room) in some enterprises to massive-scale infrastructure for enterprises with huge computing requirements. But in the present day, the increasingly demanding customer needs, new applications, and advanced infrastructure options and compelling organizations to rapidly outgrow their existing data centers.

Furthermore, considering the need to maintain business stability and competitiveness with fewer resources and lower budgets, today CIOs face constant pressure to increase their data center capacity and performance. This scenario is forcing organizations to carefully examine various data center scaling options and direct areas of investments that will provide highest returns. Moreover, internal factors that include a combination of a workable level of availability and security, scalability, and the level of IT expertise available to maintain the IT infrastructure are also determining an organization’s data center deployment.

As a result, CIOs are constantly faced with challenging decisions, as to whether to

• Upgrade existing computing infrastructure with more powerful servers and software or lease infrastructure from hosting providers?

• Build a new data center or lease space in one or more co-location centers?

• Opt for Self Managed or Service Provider Managed? and so on

Quite often, organizations conclude that the possibility of obtaining benefits of an efficient data center only lies with a self-owned and operated approach along with an internal strategy addressing issues related to compliance, consolidation, and security, including business continuity. But little do they know that such uninformative conclusions can not only hinder the adoption

of latest IT innovation but also result in higher financial implications in the long run. While an in-house data center infrastructure provides SMBs with a sense of comfort and security in managing their IT infrastructure, a hosting deployment provides enhanced flexibility, ease of scalability, and technical expertise. Furthermore, merely outsourcing data center requirements to a third party does not complete the task in entirety; the selection of a competent service provider is likely to help materialize the targeted benefits.

Benefits of an In-house versus Managed Hosting Infrastructure

Current market landscape in India and future potential

A hosting service provider provides a physical space in which customers can cost their data center equipment (for example, servers, switches, network equipment). The service provider is responsible for heating and cooling, power (primary and backup sources), physical security, and network access, and security. Over the years, hosting service providers have evolved to provide value-added services including remote equipment monitoring and maintenance, network management tools, disaster recovery, managed hosting, and more recently, cloud services.

The overall data center space in India is expected to grow at a CAGR of 28.5 percent from 2,246,000 sq. ft. in 2008 to 6,132,701 sq. ft. in 2012. Third party data centers are expected to grow at a rate of 37.4 percent, which is 150 percent faster than captive data centers, indicating an increasing adoption of third party data centers by businesses.

During budget allocation, the IT departments receive a greater scrutiny than other departments, because an estimated 3-6 percent of a company’s overall operating expense budget is allocated towards IT. As a result, CIOs are exploring opportunities of consolidating their existing data centers to make them agile and increase utilization as well as outsourcing their infrastructure requirements to third party data centers.

In line with increasing network

CoMPutING strategy

By Amit Sinha

[email protected]


computing and storage requirements of organizations, the data center market in India is undergoing transformation as organizations are shifting their infrastructure from owned facilities or captive data centers to third party hosted facilities.

Today, IT is being increasingly accepted and adopted as an enabler rather than a facilitator. Therefore, IT is fast becoming an integral part of an organization’s business operations, enabling organizations to achieve operational efficiency, customer satisfaction, as well as remain competitive in the market. This changing role of IT in an organization requires it to be highly available and reliable. Various factors are driving the adoption of a managed hosted infrastructure environment. While it is evident that hosted infrastructure reduces management complexity, achieves rapid scalability, and provides flexibility to SMBs, it also becomes important to ascertain the financial implications that the various data center deployment options have on the bottom line.

For a comprehensive evaluation, organizations should aim to amass and analyze both qualitative and quantitative data points. Frost & Sullivan believes that a TCO exercise could serve as a constructive tool for key decision makers to evaluate and analyze the merits and demerits of an in-house data center as against the hosted infrastructure model. A TCO evaluation is a comprehensive depiction of all cost components involved in building and maintaining an operational data center over a period of time.

The following highlight the direct and indirect benefits of migrating to a hosted infrastructure:

SMBs can significantly cut IT costs with over 26 percent savings

Typical costs associated with data centers include capital

outlay on the computing and physical infrastructure as well as operational expenditure on electricity, personnel, internet connectivity, etc.

Quantitative Assessment of the benefits of Managed Hosting

The evaluation of the in-house versus the hosted infrastructure models has displayed significant cost savings of 26.95 percent in favor of managed hosted deployment for SMBs. These benefits are realized on the capital and operating expenses as well as soft costs such as management flexibility and availability.

Absence of upfront capital investment

With considerable investment required for a self-owned data center, an inhouse deployment can be quite an expensive affair as it calls for the need to shell out capital for premise-based equipment and installation services. Unlike the in-house model, a substantial percentage of savings in a hosted deployment can be attributed to the absence of upfront capital expenditure required in purchasing computing infrastructure comprising servers, switches, and routers. Besides being economical, the subscription model offered by the hosted service provider is easier to predict and manage, affording simplified financial reporting.

Reduced resource management costs

High level of expertise is required to manage data centers as computing, storage and networking technologies are rapidly changing. The costs of hiring, training, and retaining in-house personnel contribute not only to significant costs for an SMB, but also serve as challenges where IT is not a part of its core business. However, under a hosted infrastructure model, the hosting service provider has experienced and trained personnel who are either solely responsible for a particular customer or time shared across multiple customers, based on service level agreements. Further, with key result areas and salary of technical staff directly linked to the service rating given by customers, quality of service is the parameter that is given utmost importance. The hosted model thereby enables SMBs to increase utilization and effectiveness of their investments in personnel, which otherwise would have been considered a sunk cost. Moreover, the need for 24x7 availability of on-site staff and certified, trained, and experienced technical experts’ acts as an added advantage.

Qualitative Assessment of the benefits of Managed Hosting:

Besides the above financial analysis, qualitative parameters play an equal role in evaluating a hosted IT infrastructure.

Low cost of disruptions

The cost of disruptions cannot be ignored as it affects the organization at both the brand and financial levels. In a hosted infrastructure model, based on tier classification of the data center service provider, the service provider guarantees equipment availability. With redundant power supplies, network facilities as well as experienced support personnel available round the clock, the service provider is able to guarantee service levels, which are difficult to achieve through an in-house data center. Furthermore, the quality of service is secured since any non-compliance of the SLA or lapse in service below the minimum level could result in financial penalties against the service provider including termination of contract.

Reduced management responsibility

SMBs rarely have spare capacity to meet every requirement and dedicated staff for end-to-end management of their IT infrastructure. A hosted model provides IT managers with the flexibility to manage their core business applications while outsourcing the peripheral requirements to service providers who can leverage on their expertise and economies of scale to provide a robust IT infrastructure.

Minimize over-provisioning, under-utilization

Traditionally, the norm for businesses is to build and

CoMPutING strategy


maintain multiple fully staffed data centers. With the computing requirements of organizations growing exponentially, the physical infrastructure and administrative staff required to support the computing infrastructure are also expected to also grow. Typical data centers take about 2-3 years to move from planning to actual implementation. Additionally, the physical infrastructure will need to be over-provisioned in anticipation of future growth, thereby causing underutilized infrastructures. By outsourcing their infrastructure to a hosting service provider, SMBs will have the flexibility to scale both their physical and computing infrastructure with changing business requirements, without being responsible for increasing the data center footprint. In addition, expenditure is aligned to actual consumption of the SMB, thereby avoiding over provisioning and under utilization.

Retained control over ITMany businesses are

skeptical about the control rendered in a managed hosting environment, simply because of the belief that an in-house and an onsite proximity to IT infrastructure would place greater control in their hands. However, what organizations fail to understand is that the premise of the hosted deployment model lies in supplying, monitoring, and managing only the platform over which the applications operate, thereby retaining the control of application with the organization itself. Therefore, with no direct implication of a data center’s physical location on control, this myth does more damage than playing an instrumental role for a healthy analysis.

Increased reliability and reduced risk

There is a tendency for organizations to become complacent because of the absence of exposure to any major outrage. While it is impossible to eliminate business risk, the level of probability is further reduced when third

party expertise comes into play. With scale of operations and years of experience in the business brought to the table, hosted service providers strive to provide the best of class services and viability. Provision for state-of-the-art infrastructure and high uptime through SLAs enable SMBs to operate from reliable third party data centers. With Tier IV data centers available in India today, SMBs can be ensured highest levels of performance for mission-critical IT systems with 99.995 percent guaranteed uptime, which is difficult to match with a in-house deployment. Also, since it’s relatively easy for SMBs to switch providers, hosted service providers have a vested interest in ensuring that services offered meet their customers’ needs.

Improved competitiveness by focusing on core business

The use of IT as a business critical function mandates adequate planning, execution, and maintenance of the organization’s IT infrastructure. Significant effort is spent in order to manage end-to-end IT infrastructure, including server uptime/availability, hardware, software, facilities upgrade, power disruptions, equipment failure, and so on. It is also important to note the implications of downtime; its attached costs, including managing and adhering to SLAs can also be quite a challenging task. The adoption of a hosted model relieves an SMB from day-to-day operations of IT infrastructure, thereby enabling SMBs to redirect their attention to core business activities, resulting in improving competitiveness.

Faster time to marketIn the current technological

environment, it is difficult to deny the important role of IT in improving time to market and its criticality for most businesses. With growing data center needs, hosted service providers have the capability of provisioning additional computing requirements to supplement existing capacity;

allowing improved time to market by eliminating the need to procure hardware along with the time spent on installation, configuration, and integration.

Single vendor interfaceA number of experienced

and trained personnel are responsible for installation, deployment, and management of a hosted infrastructure solution. Consequently, time spent by the organization on tasks such as identifying various products and vendors, understanding the pros and cons of competing products and vendors, purchasing, deploying, as well as managing vendors of various infrastructure components is minimized.

ConclusionIn an IT infrastructure,

technology changes are constant. Obsolescence of technology is rampant and it does not take long for one to realize the need to upgrade existing infrastructure. With growing business and customer requirements, organizations feel constant pressure to keep abreast with the latest technology, which in turn demands continuous search and investments for the optimum technology to suit organizations’

needs. Moreover, with product warranties restricted to a limited period, SMBs may need to incur additional costs to maintain and run any legacy architecture in their data centers, in addition to incurring higher disposal costs.

Traditionally, organizations have been outsourcing critical components of their computing infrastructure such as application development, application management, etc. while being independently involved in the provisioning and management of the physical infrastructure, which is one of the most basic components of the organizations’ infrastructure. It is evident from this Frost & Sullivan research that a physical infrastructure outsourcing model can offer significant cost savings as well as flexibility for organizations to leverage the service provider’s expertise and achieve scalability.

Hence, it becomes imperative for SMBs to determine the better option: investing time, money, and effort into building and managing the data centers in-house or rather entrust end-to-end manageability to third party vendors and focus on leveraging existing expertise on core competencies. l

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IN the newsSAP Named Worldwide Market Share

Leader in Business Intelligence SAP has announced it has been named the overall market share

leader in the worldwide business intelligence (BI) market, owning nearly a quarter of the market according to the April 2011 report issued by Gartner. – “Market Share Analysis: Business Intelligence (BI), Analytics and Performance Management, 2010, Worldwide.” The combined BI market encompasses BI platforms, corporate performance management (CPM) suites, analytic applications and performance management. In the report, SAP ranks No. 1 with 23 percent share of the worldwide market based on revenue, reflecting a 16.8% growth from 2009.

According to Gartner report, “The global recession that swept the world had a major impact on markets and for a period of time, especially the first half of 2009, paralyzed them. While IT spending overall was negative during that time, the BI market managed to grow 4.2 percent in 2009. In 2010, the global resurgence from stimulus packages, general improvement in the macroeconomy and new product releases contributed to a surge in spending. As a result, BI software growth accelerated to 13.4 percent in 2010.”

Gartner found the total market revenue to have reached $10.5 billion in 2010, marking a 13.4 percent increase from 2009’s revenue of $9.3 billion. BI platforms were found to have a 63.7 percent market share of total worldwide BI software revenue. CPM suites were found to have a 20.6 percent market share, and analytic applications and performance management software were found to have a 15.7 percent market share. In 2010, SAP software revenue for all of these aforementioned segment types combined ranked first at approximately $2.4 billion.

HP Offers Cloud Service for Microsoft Dynamics CRM

HP Enterprise Services has announced a new service to help clients improve their customer experience by deploying their customer relationship management (CRM) application via a secure, virtual private cloud.

The initial time needed to deploy a CRM solution can be significant, impacting both return on investment and the time to benefit. Additionally, managing an existing CRM installation can be complex and expensive, when it includes the cost of provisioning, supporting, upgrading and growing the underlying infrastructure.

A comprehensive, easy-to-use CRM application in the cloud provides a flexible, cost-effective alternative to an on-premises implementation on client infrastructure or hosting it in a secure HP commercial data center. The new HP Enterprise Cloud Services for Microsoft Dynamics CRM offers Microsoft’s leading CRM software suite, Microsoft Dynamics CRM, as a cloud service. With this service, enterprises can use a virtual private cloud to enhance customer and constituent relationships without the capital investment or burden of procuring and deploying the application.

Unlike most public cloud CRM solutions, HP’s virtual private cloud offers extensive customization that helps fit the CRM application to a client’s unique needs. It also supports integration with other applications and data sources, increasing the effectiveness and value to the enterprise by providing a complete view of customer needs and preferences.

HP Enterprise Cloud Services for Microsoft Dynamics CRM delivers flexibility by easily scaling up or down the amount of named users needed to support changing environments. Capital costs are significantly reduced by leveraging the application as a cloud service.

HP Enterprise Cloud Services for Microsoft Dynamics CRM provides the benefits of a cloud-based model combined with HP’s more than 30 years of experience in operating and managing worldwide contact centers for clients in all industries. HP also has decades of experience in managing hosted data centers for clients, helping to ensure performance, quality of service, availability and business continuity.

Part of HP’s Hybrid Delivery, HP Enterprise Cloud Services for Microsoft Dynamics CRM is a key solution in helping clients become an Instant-On Enterprise. HP Hybrid Delivery helps clients build, manage and consume services using the right delivery model for them.

HP is Microsoft’s largest Global Partner and a five-time Microsoft Global Partner of the Year in the Enterprise Alliance category. HP has certified CRM professionals around the world supported by seven joint Microsoft and HP Competency Centers. HP and Microsoft, an HP Agility Alliance partner, collaborate in developing and managing mission critical applications, including workplace, mobility and security.

ASUS Eyes Strong Growth in Media Player Segment

Digital media players has been one of the hottest new segments in the Indian IT channel in the recent past. The device enables users to take digital-media content from their PCs and play it on their televisions. It has shifted entertainment from one’s PC to the living room and is an emerging segment in consumer electronics industry today that is showing a promise of strong growth and demand. Internet penetration and increase in accessibility of digital content together with hassle-free connectivity for transferring files, photos and watching movies, videos has made digital media players one of the favorite consumer electronics goods. It’s ease of use for consumers who are not familiar with operating conventional PCs has further lead to its demand as the perfect entertainment device to complement home theatre set ups and living room entertainment gadgets.

Commenting on the present scenario, Mr. Vinay Shetty – Country Head, Component Business, ASUS (India) said, “The media players segment is expected to grow around 50% by the end of this year. We have so far received very positive feedback from the market and the channel with strong traction from metros and major cities. It is still an emerging segment and partners are also very happy with the business and demand generated in the recent past. Currently we can peg out our market position at 29% of the TAM. We are expecting to further capture the market and achieve 50% of the market share in the next two years.”

Apart from establishing itself as the No.1 motherboard maker, Asus entered the media player segment towards the middle of 2009 with one of the first media players to be launched in India.


HP Applications Rationalization Services Help Enterprises

HP Enterprise Services has announced an enhanced service to help enterprises drive innovation by assessing, transforming and optimizing their applications portfolios.

HP Applications Rationalization services help enterprises fully understand their applications portfolio and create an applications transformation roadmap along with its supporting business case. The services build a complete applications inventory and identify duplicate and redundant capabilities. In addition, they also define each application’s strategic value to the enterprise, its operational impact and its total cost.

These services have been enhanced to include new HP Application Portfolio Management (APM) software, initially available only through this service. APM, is designed to track and manage the dispersed applications data found in complex technology environments. With APM, enterprises can manage their applications initiatives, track the performance and efficiencies of each application, as well as improve ongoing management of the portfolio.

HP Applications Rationalization services can identify modernization projects to help reduce applications, infrastructure and related costs. These savings can be used to self-fund the transformation and drive innovation for future growth.

HP Applications Rationalization services also use HP Visual Intelligence Tools to provide complete visibility into an application and identify transformation opportunities. The portfolio is then mapped to clients’ business strategies and technology objectives to develop their unique applications transformation roadmap. This provides individual action plans for each application based on cost, risk, quality, complexity, value and age.

HP transforms applications and processes designed for another era to help clients create their own Instant-On Enterprise.

HP Applications Rationalization services are available worldwide to clients in all industries and government agencies. The enhanced services using the new Application Portfolio Management software are expected to be available in May.

SAP Software to be Available in Hindi SAP has announced its plans to develop and localize its

industry leading software applications in Hindi. Continuing its investments on localization for the Indian market, SAP plans to develop the Hindi version of its Human Capital Management (HCM), Employee Self-Service (ESS), ERP Financials and Logistics solutions. In addition, SAP will also develop the Hindi version of its Citizen Services Applications. The Citizen Services Applications, which will be available sometime in 2012, will be of great utility for government organizations like municipal corporations whose main charter is to offer Citizen Services. The language localization is yet another important milestone for SAP in India. In keeping with the philosophy of leveraging the local expertise, a significant amount of work on this project would be done in collaboration with local Indian partners.

“India is a key market for SAP. With a majority of Hindi speaking population, there is a need for organizations to implement technologies in their local language to deliver timely services to attract and serve citizens better”, said Yueting Zhou, Senior Vice President, SAP Globalization Services, “Localized by SAP Labs India, we are very excited that Indian customers and partners can now leverage SAP in Hindi to make solutions available across segments and remote cities to drive the next wave of IT in India,” he added.

“SAP applications in Hindi will significantly increase our customers’ ability to increase efficiencies and reach out a much wider set of stakeholders. The Hindi release of our applications will provide SAP a competitive edge and help in expanding our footprint in the government as well as for-profit organizations.” said Alok Goyal, Chief Operating Officer, SAP India.

WatchGuard Teams with Mitel WatchGuard Technologies has announced that it will provide

next-generation firewall appliances for businesses using Mitel unified communications (UC) solutions. By doing so, businesses gain superior Voice over IP (VoIP) protection for their award-winning Mitel UC solutions, as well as their corporate networks, applications and data.

“WatchGuard is pleased to be working with Mitel by offering its extensible threat management (XTM) solutions to the market,” said Tim Helming, Director of Product Management at WatchGuard Technologies. “As the first vendor to offer comprehensive SIP and H.323 proxies, WatchGuard is in a unique position to best protect today’s unified communications environments.”

All WatchGuard XTM security appliances provide unparalleled VoIP protection, which is critical in securing business UC environments. Specifically by having SIP and H.323 proxy protection, WatchGuard XTM appliances protect against a multitude of VoIP threats, including denial of service attacks, spam over Internet telephony (SPIT), voice service theft, registration hijacking, eavesdropping, directory harvesting, voice phishing (vishing) and more.

“Providing best in class security for business communications is important,” said Paul Blide, vice-president Mitel DataNet CommSource. “Working with firewall appliance vendors like WatchGuard is a logical choice because their systems offer our customers the highest degree of performance, flexibility, reliability and most importantly protection for their business.”

HP Increases Efficiency of Information Management

HP has updated its Information Management portfolio to enable organizations to reduce risk, increase efficiency and simplify the way they manage their business information.

Instant-On Enterprises embed intelligence into everything they do for a transparent, real-time view of information across the organization to service customers, employees, partners and citizens with what they need instantly. HP brings a holistic approach to information management to help executives harness the power of information to make better decisions, manage for cost and compliance, and deliver the right information to the right users at the right time.

HP is helping organizations break down these information silos by providing a broad portfolio of solutions for all phases of the information life cycle, including capture, monitor, protect, retain, find and implement.

IN the news


Cisco Advances Networking to Tackle Most IT Tasks

Cisco has introduced new security, management, and video solutions to its Borderless Networks portfolio to help information technology departments more efficiently manage the proliferation of mobile devices, ongoing changes in workforce habits, and the impact of video on the network.

The Cisco Connected Technology World Report (2010) found that the demand to work from anywhere with the user’s device of choice is increasing dramatically, as is the demand to use video to enhance communications. Responding to those demands, Cisco is delivering networking technology and services from Cisco and our partners that enables IT professionals to centrally manage and automate security and access control for any device across the organization, as well as supporting embedded video and voice for emerging business practices.

Cisco has added support for ISE to the TrustSec Planning

and Design Service. This service provides policy review, analysis and design expertise to help customers extend the Borderless Networks TrustSec solution throughout their network.

Cisco Prime for Enterprise enables IT departments to more effectively manage their networks and network services. Cisco Prime for Enterprise is built on a service-centric foundation and a set of common operational attributes. It delivers an intuitive workflow-oriented user experience across Cisco architectures, technologies and networks to simplify network management, improve operational efficiency, speed troubleshooting, and increase network services predictability.

Cisco Medianet and Video Conferencing – optimizes video delivery by embedding media and network intelligence into endpoints and network elements. Using capabilities within Cisco Medianet enables organizations to reduce costs, save time, and make better decisions for network and video application planning.

A series of new validated design guides and enhanced SBA offerings enables partners and customers to take advantage of Cisco’s best practices and system testing as they design, implement, optimize and manage their borderless network deployments.

Additionally, Cisco offers its newest smart service innovation, Collaborative Professional Services. CPS leverages Cisco expertise to help partners build their professional services practices around Borderless Networks architectures to offer customers a true borderless network experience.

Unistal Releases New Version of Protegent Enterprise Security

Unistal has released new version of Protegent Enterprise Security 2011 by adding new module of Asset Tagging, Tracking and Early Warning System. This module provides an advanced security solution for an enterprise IT Assets. As the name suggests this module helps the organization to keep the track of their IT-infrastructure. Once installed it provides the complete history of the IT-infrastructure connected on the organization’s network. With this solution the system administrator can also keep the track of software installed on different PC’s in the network. This module also helps the administrator to safe guard the user data by providing the pre alerts on hard drive failure. Comprehensive reporting helps the administrator to get the required report on a click of button.

Protegent Enterprise Security has centralized management console, which enables administrators to manage data/information flow with its infrastructure from a single console. The centralized management console also provides an advanced approach to the employers who seek to have an effective data security solution and can monitor the activities of their Network Clients. Protegent Enterprise Security latest version provides a 4 tier protection with a centralized management console. The other module than the newly added are:

• Data Leakage Prevention: Provides proactive protection against data theft through external ports In case of unauthorized access to the system, an instant alert/report will be generated and sent to the Administrator, for an appropriate action. It also tracks the file transfer log through USB drives along with activities like addition, modification, renaming or deletion of file stored on an external USB storage.

• Activity Reporter: is a very important tool for any administrator to monitor the activities of all computer users. This would act as an ideal spy without the knowledge of the user that their every key Stroke/ every activity on the computer or internet is being monitored and screen shot/ report is generated on a regular basis. It also keeps log of software usage which help administrator in understanding the future software requirements.

• Bitdefender Small Office Security: Bitdefender Small Office Security is a robust and easy-to-execute module that empowers the small and medium enterprises (SMB’S) to protect against viruses, malware and e-threats. It provides end-to-end security for businesses continuity.

Mr. Alok Gupta, Managing Director UnistalSystems Pvt Ltd, said our new version of Protegent Enterprise Security has enormous potential due to its multiple features in single solution that are in demand and will provide the most advanced Security Solution to the enterprise. With this new module organizations can manage their IT infrastructure efficiently. This solution empowers the CEO’s & CIO’s of the organization to work with efficient people at optimal IT cost. The Protegent enterprise different modules can be selected and used as per user’s requirement.

Protegent also has Protegent PC- Complete Pc security for PC users and Protegent360- Complete Laptop Security for laptop users.

IN the news


Samsung launches its Nexus S handset

Samsung has announced the launch of the much awaited Nexus S smartphone in the Indian market.Developed in partnership with Google, Nexus S is powered by Gingerbread ( Android 2.3).It is the first handset from Samsung

Mobile with a 4” Super clear Curved LCD screen and Near Field Communication (NFC) technology .With the launch of Nexus S and 5 new Galaxy Smart phones based on the Android 2.2 platform – Galaxy Pro, Ace, Fit, Pop, Galaxy Pop CDMA, Samsung today offers the largest range of Android powered smart phones in the country.

Announcing the new launches, Mr. Ranjit Yadav, Country Head, Samsung Mobile and IT said, “The slew of launches on the Android platform represents our commitment to deliver a ‘smarter’, simpler and more intuitive smart phone experience to our consumers. Our entire smart phone strategy hinges on providing consumers with a seamlessly connected experience while at work, home or on the go.” Designed with an ergonomic fit and style, the Nexus S, is the first handset from Samsung Mobile to be equipped with a 4” super clear Curved LCD screen and offers premium viewing experience. Nexus S comes pre-installed with the best of Google apps, such as Google Search, Google Maps with Navigation, YouTube, Google Earth, Gmail, Mobile Instant and more. Nexus S also features Near Field Communication (NFC), technology which allows users to read information from nearby tags that are embedded with NFC chips. The Nexus S also includes popular Android features such as portable Wi-Fi hotspot, true multitasking and access to over 150,000 apps and widgets on Android Market.

Powered with a 1 Ghz mega processor, the Nexus S provides powerful multi-media and gaming experience with brilliant 3D graphics. With Android 2.3, users can enjoy hi-speed application downloads and watch HD video content with instant access. The handset also provides high speed connectivity options, internet calling (VoIP/SIP) support. The OS provides one-touch word selection and improved copy-paste function for all your documents and a dedicated camera/video switch that helps you capture pictures and videos with ease. The Nexus S is equipped with a 5 megapixel rear facing camera and camcorder with flash, as well as a VGA front facing camera. In addition, Nexus S features a gyroscope sensor to provide smooth, fluid gaming experience when the user is tilting the device up or down or panning the phone to the left or right.


MoBILItY Zone

RIM introduces Smartphone for CDMA Customers

Research In Motion (RIM) has announced the launch of the BlackBerry Style 9670 smartphone for CDMA customers in India. The elegant new smartphone comes in a compact flip design with dual high-resolution displays and a full-QWERTY keyboard. It also features the powerful new BlackBerry 6 operating system.

The new BlackBerry Style is available immediately and distribution of the smartphone is being managed by Brightpoint India, RIM’s national retail distribution partner for CDMA-enabled BlackBerry smartphones. The BlackBerry Style expands RIM’s CDMA product line in India, bringing the unique BlackBerry smartphone experience to consumers in an all new flip design.

The BlackBerry Style smartphone comes with an optical trackpad for fluid navigation and boasts two large displays, an external screen for quickly viewing notifications and messages and a high-resolution internal screen that makes Web browsing and watching videos a pleasure. The smartphone features a full-QWERTY BlackBerry keyboard that makes email, messaging and real-time chats with BBM (BlackBerry Messenger) incredibly easy. It also comes with many advanced features, including a 5MP camera with flash and support for video recording, built-in GPS for location-based apps and geo-tagging, Wi-Fi for faster connectivity and extended data coverage, and an expandable memory slot for up to 32GB of additional storage.

Kaspersky Launches Mobile Security Solutions

Kaspersky has launched Kaspersky Mobile Security Solutions – targeting both consumer and corporate, at a press conference in New Delhi. Present on the ocassion were Suk ling Gun, Corporate Sales Director – Asia Pacific; Altaf Halde, Head of South Asia Operations; Jagannath Patnaik, Director, Channel Sales (South Asia); and Thomas Abraham, Managing Director, Faxtel India.

Kaspersky Mobile Security Solution for Retail ConsumersKaspersky Mobile Security 9.0, a new generation of solution

that protects smartphone and communicator users from malware,

network attacks and SMS spam, safeguards the data on a smartphone or communicator if it is lost, and which offers a new Privacy Protection feature enabling users to hide information about any contacts they want to keep confidential. The new version now supports the Android and BlackBerry platforms alongside Symbian and Windows Mobile.

According to a research, Indian consumers are expected to buy 12 million smartphones in 2011. This growth definitely is a precursor to the number of trojans and malware that may be aimed at the smartphones.

With the all-new KMS 9, owners of Blackberry and Android-based smartphones can now get comprehensive protection for their device and all of the data stored on it.

Designed to protect your mobile privacyWith unique privacy protection technologies, you just need to

push one button to hide selected contacts and their contact data, including call histories, contact list entries and SMSs, and mute their calls. Contacts can also be hidden automatically after a preset idle period or remotely by sending a predefined SMS. You can also filter out unwanted calls and SMSs by creating a white list and a black list of contacts.

Kaspersky Mobile Security 9 will help you keep your data confidential should your smartphone be lost or stolen, and can help locate a missing device too. The solution allows you to wipe confidential files or block them remotely by sending a special SMS; locate your lost device with the help of the GPS Find tool; or block your phone and be notified of its new number if the SIM card is replaced.

The GPS Find feature will help you pinpoint your smartphones current location, and if Kaspersky Mobile Security 9 is installed on your childs device, you can always locate them quickly and easily. The Parental Control module in Kaspersky Mobile Security 9 lets you restrict which numbers your children and other vulnerable individuals can call, such as premium-rate numbers, and allows you to control who calls them.

Pricing and availability: KMS 9 is available at leading retail stores at Rs 599 only.

Comviva’s Data Platform Achieves Single Biggest Milestone

Comviva, the global leader in providing mobile solutions beyond VAS, has achieved yet another milestone for its Mobile Data Platform (MDP) deployed with one of the leading operators in India. Comviva’s MDP solution enabled and handled 350 Million hits per day with peak throughput of more than 7500 transactions per second. This is the single biggest achievement by a mobile data platform solution deployed at an operator in India.

Comviva has deployed its mobile data platform for various service providers in India and globally to support increased data traffic. Comviva’s Mobile Data Platform deploys advanced optimization, data management and monetization techniques to enhance the user experience and stimulate revenue growth, whilst realizing bandwidth and CAPEX savings of over 40%.

Comviva’s Mobile Data Platform enables operators to focus on optimizing bandwidth and capex investment; enhancing the user’s service experience with personalization, policy and advanced analytics’ engines, whilst enhancing monetization opportunities with improved opportunities to price on a differential basis. MDP also exploits management and monetization capabilities to deliver an enhanced service experience and drive revenue growth.


MoBILItY Zone

Tata DOCOMO introduces Family Plans, yet another Industry First on PostPay

Tata DOCOMO has introduced a new plan MyFamily under the Keep It Simple, campaign. Post the successful launch of its new campaign ‘Keep It Simple’ and the innovative Roam Free Plans, TATA DOCOMO the GSM brand of Tata Teleservices Limited has launched exclusive ‘MyFamily Plans’ pooling offer for its postpay customers.

Launching 3 different variants under MyFamily offer, postpay customers can select any plan that suits their requirement. MyFamily Plans come with a host of benefits, available in a common “pool”

like free airtime that can be used to make local and STD calls, free local and STD SMS and most important data usage that can be utilized for accessing 2G or 3G data services. What’s more! Customers also get a CUG offer of free local calling.

There are 3 unique MyFamily Plans that are currently available namely; Small Family @ 999, Medium Family @ 1999 and Large Family @ 2999. Under these plans, customer can take upto 3 connections in the small family and upto 5 connections in Medium and Large Family. Under MyFamily Small Plan 999, postpay customers get free 3000 mins for local and STD calls, free 1000 CUG minutes to make local calls 500 free local or STD SMS & 512 MB data consumption. Under MyFamily Medium 1999 plan, postpay customers get free 6000 mins for local and STD calls, free local 1500 CUG minutes, 1000 free local or STD SMS and free 1GB data consumption. Under MyFamily Large 2999 plan, postpay customers get free 10000 mins for local and STD calls, free local 2000 CUG minutes, 1500 free local or STD SMS and free 2GB data consumption.

Bharti Airtel and Apple to bring iPhone 4 to India

Bharti Airtel will launch iPhone 4 in India in the coming months. iPhone 4 is the most innovative phone in the world, featuring Apple’s stunning Retina display, the highest resolution display ever built into a phone and FaceTime, which makes video calling a reality. For further information, please visit www.airtel.in. For more information on iPhone 4 please visit http://www.apple.com/iphone

Android to Command Nearly Half of Worldwide Smartphone Operating System

Worldwide smartphone sales will reach 468 million units in 2011, a 57.7 percent increase from 2010, according to Gartner Inc. By the end of 2011, Android will move to become the most popular operating system (OS) worldwide and will build on its strength to account for 49 percent of the smartphone market by 2012 (see Table 1).

Sales of open OS devices will account for 26 percent of all mobile handset device sales in 2011, and are expected to surpass the 1 billion mark by 2015, when they will account for 47 percent of the total mobile device market.

Tata DOCOMO launches SongShare Tata DOCOMO has launched an innovative application

‘Songshare’ on popular social networking site Facebook, under its Call Me Tunes (CMT) service. The application captivates CMT subscribers with extremely unique and interactive Facebooking features like publishing their Call me tune status/updates on Facebook wall, allowing their friends to copy songs by clicking the postings on the wall, recommending a song from the available songs list to friends group or fans and searching song content available and downloading them for all callers or a specific caller.

To subscribe to the application, the customer has to log on to TATA DOCOMO Songshare application on Facebook. During the process of setting up the application, the customer is prompted to share his/her mobile number for authentication purpose. The application then generates a random number and sends it to the registered cellphone via SMS. Post the same, the customer has to enter the number received via SMS and complete the registration.

Zen Mobile launches Flikk M45 Zen Mobile has launched Flikk M45 with Feather Touch, the next

generation touch phone with the smoothest of all, soft and accurate Touch Screen, at an unbelievable price that is suited to fit every pocket. With a 7.1 cm large Touch Screen display, the new Zen Flikk M45 can be viewed even in bright sunlight and does not require a Stylus. Use your finger to “FLIKK” “TOUCH” and “PINCH” to zoom in or out. The powerful 3.2MP Camera comes in handy to capture instant pictures or record every interesting moment of your life in high resolution MP4 Video. Zen M45 has for the first time brought the “capacitive touch” technology in an entry level touch phone – such features were earlier available only on Premium Models at a not too “pocket friendly” price. But now the Zen Mobile has taken the lead to change the ball game totally by launching M45, India’s finest Capacitive Touch Screen phone with the approximate price of Rs 5000/-.

Also Flikk M45 allows you to stay connected, chat, share and get updated with its preloaded Facebook, Snaptu & Opera Mini applications while being on the go. Along with the Free back cover, you also get a 4 GB memory card absolutely free. The Memory card comes pre-loaded with licensed block buster movies like 3 Idiots, Dabangg and Deewar along with their Wallpapers, Ringtones etc.

Other features include customizable widgets that enable the users to go directly to the application that are being used more often. Just drag and drop icons to personalize the home screen with widgets and get easy access to the applications of your choice. It has an MP4 & MP3 Player with 3.5 mm Audio Jack giving an overall unmatched user experience.

Its handwriting recognition feature lets the users discover the joy of writing. Over and Above Flikk M45 has a powerful battery which ensures long battery backup, up to 7hours of talk time and 250 hours of standby time. This amazing feather touch technology phone will definitely open the doors of a world of endless possibilities with the slightest of touch.


ProduCt of the month

Samsung’s focus on high specification and quality colour prints has shaped the development of this multifunctional printer range. When your business demands high performance levels of printing, scanning and copying the Samsung CLX-6220FX range is an ideal option. The Samsung CLX-6220FX range offers consistently outstanding colour prints, copies, scanning as well as minimising operational costs.

High PerformanceThe CLX-6220FX increases your productivity with a print speed

of 20ppm. With a first page out time of as fast as 24seconds, you’ll spend more time having fun and less time waiting for documents to print. And with multifunction capabilities, it supports copy, scan, and fax - it’s your total business solution. it’s your total business solution. Add to that the power to print 65,000 sheets per month and the CLX-6220FX printer is ready for any challenge. There’s no doubting the high-octane performance the CLX-6220FX can bring to any office.

With an almost unreal knack for colour accuracy and the power to handle the demands of premium quality 9600 x 600dpi with absolute ease, the CLX-6220FX delivers high quality colour printing whenever you need it. And its Easy Colour Manager and enhanced CTD sensor ensure that colour output is always clear, sharp and professional, giving you control of your colours — allowing you to easily adjust colour balance, brightness, contrast and saturation of any image that you view on your monitor.

Speedy printing from the very first pageQuit spending your life waiting by the printer. The CLX-

6220FX’s industry-leading first page out time will have your first high-quality print in your hands in as little as 24 seconds. With its rapid 20-20 page-per-minute print speed and professional-grade resolution, you’ll get print shop quality in the convenience of your own office. The only problem? What to do with all that new found time.

Take the guesswork out of printingHas communication been an issue in your current printer

relationship? It’s time to move on. With the CLX-6220FX’s big, bright display, you’ll never again have to guess at abbreviations and error codes. The CLX-6220FX tells you its status in crystal-clear lettering on a 4-line LCD screen, twice the readable space of typical printers. Finally, a printer that actually speaks your language.

Toner Save ModeToner Save Mode lets you print using less toner on each page

without compromising quality and extends the life of the toner cartridge than normal mode by up to 30%.

Easy Colour Manager

What you see is what you get with Easy Colour Manager. It lets you adjust the colour balance, brightness, contrast and saturation of any image you view on your monitor, which comes in especially handy when handling specific brand requirements.

Real-Time CalibrationNo matter how many times you use the printer it always delivers

consistent colour quality, automatically calibrating your colour so you don’t have to even think about it. Unless the document is important enough that you want to, and then it will let manually manage the colour quality.

Auto Colour DetectionSkip the hassle of having to manually choose a mono or colour

option. The CLX-6220FX automatically detects colour in the images and prints accordingly. You’ll save time and money by printing documents in colour only as necessary.

Convenient Direct USBThe CLX-6220FX series features an easily accessible USB port

right on the front of the printer. Just plug in your USB drive to directly access and print your files, including PDF, BMP, TIFF, and JPEG formats.

Expandable MemoryThe built-in memory in the CLX-6220FX means that it can

handle your workload without breaking a sweat. Enjoy fast processing with the standard 256MB of built-in RAM, or upgrade to 512MB to handle even your biggest jobs with ease. l



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