Airtel and Intel announce collaboration to accelerate 5G in India
Bharti Airtel (“Airtel”), India’s premier communications solutions provider, today announced a collaboration with Intel for 5G network development by leveraging vRAN / O-RAN technologies.
The collaboration is part of Airtel’s 5G roadmap for India as it transforms its networks to allow its customers to reap the full possibilities of the hyperconnected world where Industry 4.0 to cloud gaming and virtual / augmented reality become an everyday experience. Airtel is the first telecom operator in India to demonstrate 5G over a LIVE network and is conducting 5G trials in major cities.
Airtel will deploy Intel’s latest 3rd gen Xeon® Scalable processors, FPGAs and eASICs, and Ethernet 800 series across its network to build a solid foundation for rolling out wide-scale 5G, mobile edge computing and network slicing.
As members of the O-RAN Alliance, Airtel and Intel will work closely for developing a range of Make in India 5G solutions and enabling world-class telecom infrastructure in India through local partners. Open radio access network (O-RAN) will be an area of tremendous innovation and creativity in the coming years. These O-RAN platforms will leverage Intel FlexRAN, a reference architecture with both software and hardware components, and enable software-based radio base stations that can run-on general-purpose servers located at the network edge.
Randeep Sekhon, CTO – Bharti Airtel said, “Airtel is delighted to have Intel as a part of its rapidly expanding partner ecosystem for 5G. Intel’s cutting-edge technologies and experience will contribute immensely to Airtel’s mission of serving India with world-class 5G services. We also look forward to working with Intel and home-grown companies to unlock India’s potential as a global 5G hub.”
Dan Rodriguez, Intel corporate vice president, Network Platforms Group said, “Being able to digitally power the vibrant population of India’s connected users requires scalable and agile networks that can evolve to address the growing demands of its users. Airtel is delivering their next-generation enhanced network with a breadth of Intel technology, including Intel® Xeon® Scalable processors and FlexRAN software to optimize RAN workloads with embedded intelligence, to scale their infrastructure and deliver on the promise of a connected India.”
Led by affordable smartphones and the lowest data tariffs globally, India has the world’s secondlargest internet population at over 620* million as per IAMAI – Kantar Cube. The country’s active internet user base is expected to grow to 900* mn by 2025. The advent of 5G will further deepen the digital adoption through a range of industrial and customer use cases.
HCL Technologies Wins 2020 Google Cloud Specialization Partner of the Year for Infrastructure Award
HCL Technologies (HCL), a leading global technology company, today announced that it has received the 2020 Google Cloud “Specialization Partner of the Year” for Infrastructure award. This award honours partners with the Infrastructure Specialization who helped their customers succeed in 2020 by building strong customer infrastructure and workflows on Google Cloud.
HCL was recognized for demonstrating success in assisting customers architect and build their Google Cloud infrastructure and workflows, and migrate to Google Cloud. With industry-aligned solutions and development of significant IPs and accelerators, HCL has enabled clients to architect the right cloud strategy, thereby helping them achieve business agility, innovation and cost efficiencies using nextgeneration technologies.
HCL’s Google Cloud specific Cloud Native Labs in the United States (Dallas), the UK (London), and India (NCR) have helped customers by providing a landscape to innovate and engage in businessfocused design workshops to rapidly create MVPs/pilots on Google Cloud.
“Google Cloud Specializations recognize partner excellence and proven customer success in a particular product area or industry,” said Kevin Ichhpurani, Corporate Vice President, Global Partner Ecosystem at Google Cloud. “Based on proven, repeatable customer success throughout a unique and challenging year, and strong technical capabilities, we’re delighted to recognize HCL Technologies as the Infrastructure Specialization Partner of the Year”
“We’re delighted and honored to receive this award! This one is for my entire team at the HCL Google Cloud Ecosystem which I am very proud of,” said Kalyan Kumar, Chief Technology Officer and Head Ecosystems, HCL Technologies. “The past year was certainly a challenging one in multiple ways and we’re fortunate to have worked with customers globally as partners to accelerate their digital transformation journey. The HCLCloudSmart Industry and Business down approach has enabled our customers to gain rapid benefits from HCL’s Google Cloud specific repeatable industry solution frameworks and cloud acceleration IP’s. We look forward to continuing our partnership with Google Cloud to help customers innovate and succeed at scale.”
HERO MOTOCORP BRINGS ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY EDGE TO ITS SCOOTER PORTFOLIO
LAUNCHES THE NEW ‘CONNECTED’ MAESTRO EDGE 125 WITH FIRST-IN-SEGMENT FEATURES
Aligned to its aggressive growth strategy in the scooter segment, Hero MotoCorp, the world’s largest manufacturer of motorcycles and scooters, today launched an advanced, ‘connected’, and feature-rich new Maestro Edge 125.
Close on the heels of the launch of Glamour Xtec on Tuesday, the new Maestro Edge 125 adds to the ever-growing appeal of the successful Maestro brand, offering the ideal combination of style and technology. The new scooter offers a connected and distinctive experience with its enhanced aesthetics, modern technology, and edgy design.
Building on an aggressive stance, the new Maestro Edge 125 offers a high-value and premium experience with the first-in-segment projector LED Headlamp, fully digital speedometer, Bluetooth connectivity with call alerts and turn-by-turn navigation, Hero Connect and new sharper design features.
Available in exciting new colors at Hero MotoCorp customer touch-points across the country, the Maestro Edge 125 is attractively priced at Rs. 72,250/- (Drum variant)*, Rs. 76,500/- (Disc variant)* and Rs. 79,750 (Connected variant)*. *(Ex-Showroom, Delhi).
Since its inception the Maestro Edge 125 has attracted customers who want the latest in technology and trends. With this upgrade, Hero MotoCorp is further strengthening its association with the youth and tech enthusiasts.
Malo Le Masson, Head of Strategy and Global Product Planning, Hero MotoCorp, said, “The Maestro Edge 125 has been a key player in the 125cc scooter segment. In this latest avatar, we have sharpened its ‘Edge’ further with LED Projector headlamp, Digital Speedometer, Turn-by-Turn Navigation and Bluetooth connectivity. This scooter has it all. These upgrades are part of our overall portfolio push to provide more technology and features to our customers."
Naveen Chauhan, Head of Sales and Aftersales, Hero MotoCorp, said, “We are witnessing an increasing demand for our scooters recently and with the new Maestro Edge 125 we expect this trend to continue. With its first-in-segment features and new design, this scooter will definitely resonate with the youth across the country.”
Santander UK and Infosys Finacle Launch New International Cash Management Platform
– Infosys Finacle, part of EdgeVerve Systems, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Infosys (NSE, BSE, NYSE: INFY) and Santander UK, today announced the roll out of Santander UK's international cash management platform as part of the bank's ongoing digital transformation programme
Santander Global Connect, is a brand-new cash management platform designed to support the international growth plans for Santander’s corporate and commercial customers. The first release of the platform, which is currently in pilot, provides customers with access to view liquidity held globally. Subsequent releases will enable self-service digital capabilities to manage, control, and mitigate cash and business risk, all from a single portal. Client feedback will form a critical part of future enhancements, to ensure the global cash management platform meets and exceeds client requirements
Highlights of the first release:
• Santander Global Connect will be powered by the Finacle Cash Management Suite that includes the
Finacle Digital Engagement Hub, Finacle Online Banking, Finacle Payments and Finacle Liquidity
Management solutions.
• Key capabilities of the new platform will include:
o A centralised multi-bank information portal with a consolidated view of cash positions
o Account and transaction level reporting for both domestic and international activities
o Country level visibility of foreign currency accounts held, and banks used by customers
John Carroll, Head of International and Transactional Banking, Santander UK, said, "This new platform will allow us to support UK businesses of all sizes to seamlessly manage their international transaction and cash management banking needs. It will also help us to develop and grow relationships with existing customers and support the international growth needs of new customers. There has never been a more important and exciting time for businesses to consider international expansion. By collaborating with Finacle, we’re able to offer our customers a crucial tool to support both them and our own international banking strategy now and in the future.
Sanat Rao, Chief Business Officer & Global Head, Infosys Finacle, said, "With the increased volatility and complexity of the global business environment, corporate treasurers need to monitor and manage their liquidity positions and working capital in real-time. We are excited to extend our partnership with Santander UK to enable this for their corporate and commercial banking customers. The new platform will power innovative global cash and liquidity management services, along with much-needed flexibility, openness, and self-serve capabilities."
Wipro wins Google Cloud Specialization Partner of the Year award for Application Development
Wipro Limited (NYSE: WIT, BSE: 507685, NSE: WIPRO), a leading global information technology, consulting and business process services company, today announced that it has received the 2020 Google Cloud Global Specialization Partner of the Year award for Application Development.
Wipro was recognized for its achievements in the Google Cloud partner ecosystem for helping joint customers accelerate their digital transformation journey, by developing customized cloudnative applications on Google Cloud’s platform. Wipro was selected for this award as it has consistently demonstrated innovative thinking and outstanding customer service, by harnessing Google Cloud to create industry-leading solutions. These innovative solutions and commitment to customer service have simplified digital transformation, while improving operational efficiency for our customers.
Google Cloud and Wipro have a long history of successful collaboration. Today’s announcement follows the prestigious Google Cloud Partner Specialization badge for Application Development, won by Wipro earlier this year. In addition to the badge for application development, Wipro has also secured Google Cloud specializations in Cloud Security, Cloud Migration, and Google Workspace transformation.
Rajan Kohli, Managing Partner - Integrated Digital, Engineering and Application Services, Wipro Limited said, “We are delighted to win this prestigious award from Google Cloud. This recognition validates our strong product offerings and capabilities in Application Development, and is proof of our continued success in delivering modernization and transformation solutions on Google Cloud. We look forward to building on our productive partnership with Google Cloud, while collaborating with clients to deliver innovative products and services to their customers.”
“Google Cloud Specializations recognize partner excellence and proven customer success in a particular product area or industry,” said Kevin Ichhpurani, Corporate Vice President, Global Partner Ecosystem at Google Cloud. “Based on proven, repeatable customer success throughout a unique and challenging year, and strong technical capabilities, we’re delighted to recognize Wipro as Application Development Specialization Partner of the Year.”
Wipro and Celonis Launch Global Celonis Center to Optimize Business Processes and Enterprise Impact
a leading global information technology, consulting and business process services company and Celonis, the global leader in execution management, today announced a partnership. As a part of this collaboration, Wipro will launch the Global Celonis Center to drive operations transformation for clients. This partnership will leverage the Celonis Execution Management System and Wipro’s expertise to streamline operations for clients across a range of areas, including finance, human resources, and supply chain management.
Through the Global Celonis Center, customers will be able to work with digital twins of business processes to monitor, standardize and control them. Additionally, they can identify and remove efficiency, effectiveness and experience barriers and reap the benefits of intelligent, data-driven execution. This will lead to superior customer experience, delivering enhanced business value and operational cost reduction.
The Global Celonis Center aims to provide a critical boost to global enterprises recovering from the impact of COVID-19 and looking to re-build organizational resiliency through operational transformation. It will help enterprises usher a new operating model without disrupting their long-term IT investments.
“Wipro is committed to help clients maximize their business performance and move towards customer-centric and smart operations. The strategic partnership with Celonis will enhance our capabilities in these crucial areas and reaffirm our role as a trusted partner for operations transformation. This collaboration allows us to gain unparalleled insights and a clearer view of the overall organizational processes giving us the ability to implement corrective transformation levers that make processes more efficient,” said Praveen Gulabrani, General Manager & Global Head, Enterprise Operations Transformation, iCORE, Wipro Limited.
“The Wipro-Celonis partnership will help customers by providing greater access to powerful tools and capabilities including next-generation outsourcing models for data operations as a service as well as real-time process intelligence. This strategic collaboration will boost value for enterprises and help increase their competitiveness. By combining Wipro’s expertise to drive SaaS-based cloud transformation and Celonis’ market-leading process mining and execution management capabilities, customers will be able to accelerate their digital transformation journeys for greater savings, optimization, and defined business outcomes,” said Amit Puri, Vice President & Global Head – BPO & Managed Services, Celonis.
Wipro launches FieldX, after sales and service solution on ServiceNow
A leading global information technology, consulting and business process services company, today launched FieldX, a cloud-based end-to-end digital service lifecycle automation solution built on ServiceNow’s Now Platform®. Using FieldX, manufacturing organizations can enhance and scale-up their after-sales customer service operations while reducing costs.
Built as part of the ServiceNow Partner Industry Solution Program, FieldX integrates the customer service and field-service management capabilities of the Now Platform with Wipro’s Internet of Things (IoT) and Augmented Reality (AR) platforms. By digitizing and automating departmental and cross-enterprise workflows, FieldX allows manufacturers to scale-up operations with reduced costs.
FieldX helps manufacturers enhance their customers’ experience with omni-channel support that leverages Wipro’s process-transformation expertise and technological innovations. It also increases machine uptime through proactive IoT-based monitoring, while AR-based live assistance accelerates issue resolution. In addition, FieldX provides service operators and field service workers a 360-degree view of the customer, thereby improving their efficiency.
Harish Dwarkanhalli, President, iDEAS – Apps & Data, Wipro Limited said, “FieldX is a significant step forward in our partnership with ServiceNow and it enables manufacturers to proactively address their customers’ needs in after-sales service management. We look forward to working with ServiceNow to give other relevant industries the opportunity to leverage this comprehensive digital solution as they transform their own customer-service processes.”
Binoy Gosalia, Global Head of Industry Partnerships, ServiceNow said, “Wipro’s expertise in Field Service Management and manufacturing, combined with ServiceNow’s continued innovation across the Now Platform, helps ensure that FieldX addresses all manufacturer needs. After-sales service and customer care are focus areas for ServiceNow, and we look forward to our continued collaboration with Wipro in this space.”
ServiceNow Industry Partner Solutions extends ServiceNow’s capabilities to deliver industryspecific apps and services tailored to meet the customers’ unique digital transformation needs.
TCS Renews Sponsorship of TCS New York City Marathon Through 2029
Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) (BSE: 532540, NSE: TCS), a leading global IT services, consulting, and business solutions organization, announced that it hassigned an eight-year contract with New York Road Runners (NYRR) to extend its title and technology sponsorship of the TCS New York City Marathon through 2029. TCS’ sponsorship of global running events will also be highlighted in a new advertising campaign which debuts today.
TCS’ extended partnership with NYRR follows its announcement earlier this month that it will become the new title sponsor of the London Marathon starting in 2022. Collectively, TCS plans to invest $30 million to $40 million annually in global running sponsorships and related community programming from 2022 to 2029.
“We are delighted to extend our sponsorship of the TCS New York City Marathon, the foremost running event in the world,” said Surya Kant, Chairman, North America, TCS. “We sponsor running events across the world because we want to inspire local communities to live healthy and active lifestyles, and also because of the obvious parallels between marathons and the growth and transformation journeys that we help our customers undertake. Running a marathon makes you feel that there’s nothing you can’t do. With each step, you’re building on belief.”
As part of the sponsorship, TCS will launch a new version of its TCS New York City Marathon App that incorporates augmented reality (AR) featuresthat became popular for virtual races during the pandemic. The new version will include features to support both in-person and virtual runners along with surprise-anddelight AR experiences. Fans and athletes will be able to access real-time runner tracking, digital cheer cards, and a finishing-time predictor.
The other pillar of TCS’ sponsorship focuses on redoubling its efforts to encourage communities to adopt active, healthier lifestyles. TCS will donate $4 million to NYRR’s youth and community programs including Rising New York Road Runners, a free, nationwide NYRR program that incorporates physical education into the school day. TCS will also develop a marathon version of its award-winning goIT STEM education contest that will challenge students to develop an app concept that promotes active lifestyles and inclusivity. Lastly, TCS will host the Team TCS Teachers Program, which will select 50 teachers from across North America who demonstrate an ability for sharing their passion for running with students. Selected teachers will receive free race entries, a VIP race day experience, and marathon-themed lesson plans for students from TCS’ STEM education program, Ignite My Future in School.
The company’s new advertising campaign titled We Believe is anchored in its marathon sponsorships, and complements TCS’ new brand direction. Using marathon supporters and fans as the heroes of the story, the campaign is centered around a runner’s journey and the team of individuals it takes to turn a belief into reality.
“At NYRR, we are thrilled to extend our incredible partnership with TCS for the next eight years,” said Kerin Hempel, CEO, NYRR. “Since 2014, TCS has helped us transform our runners’ experience through technological advancements, while also providing tremendous support of our community programs across the five boroughs. TCS and NYRR have shared core values, commitment to service, and passion for innovation, and I can’t wait to see what we co-create in our next chapter together.”
TCS Announces New Partnership with the Dutch Open Golf Tournament
a leading global IT services, consulting and business solutions organization, announced a new partnership with the Dutch Open, one of Europe’s most innovative and sustainable golf events
TCS will leverage its expertise in digital technologies to help the Dutch Open enrich participant and spectator experience. Being the title sponsor of leading global marathons, TCS has transformed runner experiences with award-winning marathon apps at the TCS Amsterdam Marathon, TCS New York Marathon and TCS London Marathon, among others. This gives TCS a strong background to make a positive contribution to the Dutch Open this year.
Dutch Open organizer TIG Sports is excited to have TCS as its new partner. “We are delighted to be able to add TCS as a partner alongside our existing partners KLM and ING Private Banking,” said Martijn van der Meulen, Managing Partner, TIG Sports. “In title sponsorships of various international marathons, TCS has shown that its technological knowledge can serve to enrich the experience of both the participants and spectators of major sports events. A great example of this is how TCS designed the digital transformation of the TCS Amsterdam Marathon with a ‘virtual run’ during last year’s lock-down. We welcome TCS’ experience, technological know-how and look forward to making the Dutch Open even more successful together.”
“We are delighted to partner with the Dutch Open, one of the European Tour’s most innovative and sustainable golf events. We are eager to leverage our digital expertise and experience in enriching international sports events to create an even more exciting Dutch Open,” said Josu Devasia, Country Head, TCS Netherlands. “As a growth and transformation partner to leading Dutch enterprises across different industries, TCS is playing a key role in orchestrating cross-industry innovation ecosystems that are united by shared purpose and cloud technologies. TCS sees the Dutch Open as an excellent forum to bring companies from diverse backgrounds together to stimulate innovation and sustainable collaborations.”
The Dutch Open 2021 will take place from September 16 to 19 at the Bernardus Golf court in Cromvoirt. This will be the 101st edition of the European Tour golf tournament. Given the current situation, organizer TIG Sports has announced that they will adhere to strict COVID-guidelines to ensure the success of the international tournament and safety of all attendees.
Present in The Netherlands since 1992, TCS currently partners with leading Dutch corporations in their growth and transformation journeys. Earlier this year, TCS Netherlands was ranked the number one IT services provider in customer satisfaction by leading companies in a survey by Whitelane Research and certified as a Top Employer by the Top Employers Institute for the eighth consecutive year.
TCS Wins 2020 Google Cloud Breakthrough Partner of the Year Award
a leading global IT services, consulting and business solutions organization, has been selected as the 2020 Google Cloud Breakthrough Partner of the Year for demonstrating innovative thinking, outstanding customer service, and best-in-class use of Google Cloud products and solutions.
TCS is a Premier Google Cloud partner with a large and growing global talent pool of Google Cloud-certified consultants. In recent months, it has won significant cloud transformation deals with marquee leaders with its full-stack service catalog that includes IT modernization, digital transformation, and industry solution offerings as well as strong capabilities, accelerators, and differentiators. TCS won the 2020 Google Cloud Breakthrough Partner of the Year Award for outstanding results across sales, delivery, competency development, expertise, specialization badges, and growth of its customer base.
TCS has invested in and built industry-specific solutions on Google Cloud to drive innovation and digital transformation for industries such as banking and financial services, life sciences and healthcare, retail and consumer packaged goods, communications and media, manufacturing, utilities and energy and resources. Use cases include personalized digital consumer experiences in retail, modernizing manufacturing processes with AI and connected machines, and building multi-cloud platforms for the financial services industry.
“TCS is helping leading enterprises accelerate their multi-horizon cloud transformation journeys leveraging its contextual knowledge, innovation and intellectual property to power their purpose-led sustainable growth,” said Nidhi Srivastava, Global Head, Google Business Unit, TCS. “We are honored to win this award. It validates our agility, leadership in innovation around Google Cloud, our exceptional customer service, and the resultant outstanding growth.”
“We’re delighted to recognize Tata Consultancy Services as our Global Breakthrough Partner of the Year based on the growth of their Google Cloud business and their commitment to customer success,” said Kevin Ichhpurani, Corporate Vice President, Global Partner Ecosystem, Google Cloud. “These annual awards recognize the significant commitment our partners like TCS have made in supporting customers’ digital transformations, and in launching a dedicated Google Business Unit with end-to-end partnership across sales, delivery, and competency in order to foster accelerated growth.”
Sonata Software announces a new identity and strategy for its acquisition in Australia, Scalable data Systems
In 2018, Sonata Software acquired Scalable Data Systems, an Australian company known for its commodity trade and agri-manufacturing solutions. Today, the company announced the new brand identity of the acquisition: Sonata Scalable.
The strategy as announced at the time of acquisition was to combine the strength of both companies to make a significant impact on the Australian market.
This has come to fruition with proven success of addressing a broader set of industries; like Retail, Manufacturing, Distribution, Agri business and Service industries, engaging in larger transformation initiatives spread across a more broad based technology stack including Dynamics, Data and Cloud.
The new identity serves to reiterate the commitment and belief in the Australian market leading to more investments. Sonata, in line with this commitment to the Australian market acquired Melbourne head quartered GBW (Gap Buster Worldwide) that’s focused the Customer Experience management solutions globally.
Sonata Scalable brought together Scalable Data Systems’ deep understanding of local markets and customer needs and Sonata’s unique Platformation™ approach, global presence, strong track record of delivering technology solutions at scale and partnerships and alliances with software majors. “The new identity will help bring to sharper focus on cutting edge technology solutions to customers in the Australia, New Zealand and beyond,” said Srikar Reddy, MD & CEO, Sonata Software. “Companies around the world are looking at digital transformation as being core to doing business today and Platformation™, Sonata’s proprietary framework for building platform-based businesses will give customers the edge they need to thrive in a landscape being transformed by technology. Sonata Scalable will bring together global experience and local knowledge to provide our clients greater value,” he said.
“We are excited at how the integration has played out, opening up new segments and opportunities for the combined entity, Australia has now developed as one of our global delivery centers” he said. “Our 30-year partnership with Microsoft will also allow us to offer a broader range of services. As it is, Sonata Scalable has demonstrated its capabilities time and again, be it with Castlegate James, Chemists Warehouse, Ronstan, or any of our numerous clients in the region.”
Brett Crew, Vice President at Sonata Software and CEO, Sonata Scalable, has had over three decades of experience providing business software solutions to companies in the region, and he is excited about the bigger team and deeper expertise available to Sonata Scalable
“What we have is a capable team already established in Australia that is now backed by a broader, larger organisation, with centers of excellence across a whole range of areas such as data and analytics, platform engineering, mobility e-commerce, systems and infrastructure,” Crew said.
Platformation TM, the company’s signature offering, is the ideal framework for the veteran’s approach to digital partnerships.
“We developed our Commodity CTRM because we could see the value of systems built around data and digital. We wanted to give agri-manufacturing companies and commodity traders the ability to move faster and more confidently than their competitors. This philosophy aligns perfectly with the Platformation™ model which is about better aligning technology, business systems and data,” he said.
For Crew, the new company logo is the perfect representation of the strengths of the two companies. The Sonata Software piano keys have been carried through, signaling a corporate culture valuing creativity and teamwork as much as technical expertise. “The new logo is great. I’m looking forward to representing the company with new branding that better reflects our united strengths,” Crew says.