Blog from KeralaIt

CEO of Technopark Company Wins Star Entrepreneur Award at Innovation Summit

Tue, 31 Jan 2012

� � Lepeesh Parat, the founder and CEO of Technopark Trivandrum-based Zesty Beanz Technologies has won the "Star Entrepreneur Award" at the 5th Indira International Innovation Summit held in Pune in January this year. � The award was conferred on Parat in recognition of his leadership and contributions to the area of entrepreneurship and innovation. The award consists of a trophy and a citation. � Presented by the Indira College of Engineering and Management (ICEM) at Pune, the annual Indira International Innovation Summit aims to develop an insight into developing a mindset for innovation. This year�s theme was "Imagination, Creativity and Ingenuity: Leading a Culture of Innovation." � Parat founded Zesty Beanz Technologies at the National Institute of Technology TBI at Kozhikode (NIT-K) in October 2008. In May, 2011, the company expanded its operations to Technopark Trivandrum. Today, a major part of the development, support, and sales team is based in Thiruvananthapuram. The centre at NIT is maintained for training and R&D. The company also has a divisional office in Belgium and plans to start operations in Frankfurt (Germany) later this fiscal. � Source: KeralaITNews

UST Global Conducts Talent Hunt Among Government School Children

Tue, 31 Jan 2012

� As part of its community reach-out programmes to transform lives, UST Global recently initiated a talent hunt among the students of government schools in and around Thiruvananthapuram Corporation area. The competition will be conducted separately for lower primary, upper primary and high school/higher secondary students. Finally, two schools--one champion and one runner-up--will be identified. � The first session of the three-week long "Talent Hunt" was held on January 26, 2012, at the company�s centre in Technopark Trivandrum. The competitions that day were for the "Higher Secondary" category and included essay writing, elocution, skit, quiz, and painting competitions. � �UST Global aims at recognising and awarding six winner schools; two in each category. Similar activities will be conducted for the other two categories as well and the events will be organised in the second the third week of February 2012. � Source: KeralaITNews

Thiruvananthapuram Corporation to Implement RFID Project

Tue, 31 Jan 2012

� The Thiruvananthapuram Corporation has immediate plans to implement a centrally sponsored Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) project that will enable full-fledged connectivity between every household in the city and the Corporation offices. An RFID tag will be installed at convenient location near the front door of each house within the Corporation area to enable the connectivity. � RFID is the use of a wireless non-contact radio system to transfer data from a tag attached to an object, for the purposes of automatic identification and tracking. � RFID will enable the Corporation gather up-to-date information on collection of solid waste, identify households, enhance and speed up the issue of occupancy and residency certificates, and even improve the handling of grievances and suggestions from citizens. � The RFID tag marked "MAXenna" will contain a Radio Frequency Identifier with details of house and households, which is equivalent to the sensors installed in shops to prevent theft of goods. The officials from Corporation or Clean Well unit members from Kudumbashree will swipe the reader on the installed Maxeenna tag at the door steps. At that time, the GPS system will pass the information to the server installed in the Corporation office. Thus the Corporation can effectively monitor the successful collection of solid waste, completion of site visits by corporation officials, etc. � The Corporation authorities have assured the citizens that their privacy will not be affected in any way by using this mechanism. � Bangalore-based MAXrad Software (Maxsoft) has been awarded the order for RFID-based solid waste collection management. MAXenna is a full subsidiary of Maxsoft and is engaged in the R&D of state-of-the art RF & Embedded products for the applications in RFID & Industrial automations. � Source: KeralaITNews

Technopark Trivandrum All Set to Host State School IT Fest on Feb 1 and 2

Tue, 31 Jan 2012

� � On February 1 and 2, 2012, Technopark Trivandrum will host the 11th edition of the State School IT Fest that will see the participation of about 500 students from across the State, including the first and second position winners in district-level IT fests. � Technopark is hosting this event for the fifth consecutive time. The Fest website was launched on January 27. The inaugural function scheduled for February 1 has been cancelled due to official mourning. � The competitions would be held separately for high school and higher secondary/vocational higher secondary sections at four venues in the park campus. Competitions will be held on an open source platform in Digital Painting, Multimedia Presentation, Web Page Designing, IT Project, Malayalam Computing, and IT Quiz. � The IT Mela would also see sessions on various IT topics of interest to the students. The students would also get a chance to interact with the IT Professionals in Technopark and visit the companies there. The International Centre for Free and Open Source Software (ICFOSS) Lab will also host some competitions. � Kerala Chief Minister Oommen Chandy will give away prizes to the winners of the competitions during the valedictory function to be held on February 2, 2012. The handing over of the e-India Award 2011 won by IT@School Project and screening of animation films by students will also be held at the function. The competition results, videos, and photos of the State School IT Fest will be uploaded live on the fest website (itfest.itschool.gov.in). The ViCTERS channel will have two special bulletins everyday on the fest. � Source: KeralaITNews

Kozhikode to Host NASSCOM Emerge Forum Fridays� 2.0 on January 31

Tue, 31 Jan 2012

� � Kozhikode will witness the 16th session of NASSCOM EMERGE Forum Fridays� 2.0 on January 31, 2012. The event will be hosted by the Malabar Chamber of Commerce, and its highlight will be a talk by Dr. Saji Gopinath, Dean, IIM Kozhikode on Blue Ocean Strategy. The event is free for both members and nonmembers; however, prior registration is mandatory. � The Blue Ocean Strategy moves away from the conventional way of thinking and advocates a systematic approach to migrate into a market space--the blue ocean--to make competition irrelevant. The talk on Blue Ocean Strategy is designed to enable the audience have an in-depth understanding of the principles of formulating and executing Blue Ocean Strategy through reconstructing the market boundaries and reaching beyond conventional demand/ consumers so as to develop the right strategic sequence needed to implement the same. The focus of the lecture will be multi-dimensional, covering the strategic, organizational, and human resource management issues in order to familiarise the participants with nuances of blue ocean strategy formulation and implementation in their own organizations. � Source: KeralaITNews

SIROCo Technologies Open Office in Technopark Trivandrum

Mon, 30 Jan 2012

� � SIROCo Technologies, the IT division of System Integration and Rapid Orchestration Controls (SIROCo) based in Saudi Arabia, has opened a facility in Technopark Trivandrum. The new office was inaugurated by the State Minister for IT and Industries, P.K. Kunhalikutty. SIROCo�s Indian operations will now be based out of this new facility in "Thejaswini." � According to K. Jayakumar, Director, SIROCo, with a presence in three strategic technology verticals, such as Software Orchestration, Infrastructure Management, and Quality Control, the company is all set to offer services via its technology verticals spanning into Managed IT Services, Application Software Development and Maintenance, Business Intelligence, IT Consulting, IT Auditing and QMS Support, and various Transaction Processing services. � SIROCo is currently engaged in the development of Software Process Engineering methodologies for the industry congruent with SPICE, Bootstrap, COBIT, and ITIL. These methodologies will be implemented for the development of software projects and training purpose, and will be accessible to all partners of SIROCo. The company�s diversified business activities are enriched with sophisticated process standards, highly competent and experienced Team members, imparting training in concurrent and futuristic technologies, in tandem with the dynamic requirements of the industry. � K. Srinivas IAS, IT Secretary; M. A. Waheed, MLA; and K. G. Girish Babu, CEO, Technopark were among those present at the function. � Source: KeralaITNews

Kerala Becomes the First Indian State to Have Two Data Centres

Mon, 30 Jan 2012

� � Kerala became the first State in India to have two Data Centres, when P.K. Kunhalikutty, the Minister for IT and Industries, inagurated the second State Data Centre (SDC) in Technopark Trivandrum, at a function held at the Park Centre. The new tier II Data Centre, located in "Thejaswani" has been set up at a cost of Rs.22.5 crores. � Delivering the inaugural address, the Minister said that the addition of the new Data Centre will facilitate a faster and more secure roll out of e-governance initiatives, especially Government to Government (G2G) and Government to Citizen (G2C) services. The first Data Centre, which was launched in 2005, has reached its saturation, and the launch of the new SDC will boost the Government�s capacity to cater to the ever- growing demand for e-governance services. � The SDC was set up by Sify Technologies. Sify has also been entrusted with the task of setting up application migration and integration with the Kerala State Wide Area Network (KSWAN). It will also handle training, operation and maintenance, and deployment, in addition to managing the facility for five years. In line with the Kerala Government�s policy, the SDC has more of Linux and Open Source applications. The power facility at the SDC is tier III. � Source: KeralaITNews

UST Global Wins KMA Excellence Award for Technology Innovation

Mon, 30 Jan 2012

� � Leading IT services firm UST Global has won the Kerala Management Association (KMA)'s Excellence Awards 2011 in the "Technology Innovation-Implemented and Initiated" category. The award was announced last week at the valedictory function of the 31st Annual KMA Convention held in Kochi. � UST Global received this award for Interactive Gesture Recognition software that captures specific gestures like wave of a hand to control the power point) and WOD (or Wearable Obstacle Detector, an electronic device that acts as an add-on to the existing white cane which helps a blind person to navigate with better awareness of surroundings). WOD is in the form of a head wear which can be easily worn by the user and PowerUS, an energy management tool that eliminates wasted energy on computers without disrupting existing IT administration processes and without impacting critical user applications or data. � Source: KeralaITNews

Technopark Senior Official Gets Certified as InfoDev Trainer

Mon, 30 Jan 2012

� � Dr. K.C. Chandrasekharan Nair, Secretary and Registrar, Technopark Technology Business Incubator (T-TBI), and the CFO of Technopark, has received certification from InfoDev (World Bank) Group as a Certified Business Incubation Trainer. � InfoDev trainers are persons authorized to deliver InfoDev's incubator manager training modules. � InfoDev is a technology and innovation-led development finance programme in the Financial and Private Sector Development (FPD) Vice Presidency of the World Bank and the International Financial Corporation (IFC), and support small and medium enterprises (SMEs) active in the three priority areas of mobile and ICT, agribusiness, climate technologies and agribusiness. � Dr. K.C.C. Nair received this certification after the successful completion of a "trainers training programme" designed for certifying business incubation trainers that was held in Ootacamund during October-November, 2011. � The training was organised by InfoDev in association with Asia Pacific Incubation Network (APIN). InfoDev certified Dr. K.C.C. Nair based on the recommendation from two of the master trainers who conducted the programme. � With the certification, Dr. K .C.C. Nair will have to conduct training with InfoDev material at least once every year at any part of the world. � Source: The Hindu

e-Declaration Facility at Walayar Likely from May 2012

Sat, 28 Jan 2012

� � Some of the measures introduced by the Kerala Commercial Taxes Department to decongest and modernize the check-posts at the State's borders, such as the e-declaration facility at Walayar, video camera surveillance at major border check-posts, and shifting of the out-counter at Walayar check-post towards Palakkad, are likely to materialize soon. � According to Susan Billa, Commercial Taxes Commissioner, the e-declaration facility succesfully tried out at the Amaravila check-post, would be launched at Walayar early next financial year. This facility would reduce transit time as drivers will not have to queue up to get clearance. � The Unique Identity Number provided to anyone who makes an e-declaration will be verified by tax officers at the spot where the vehicle is and a receipt will be issued from a hand-held device. � The Department has also identified a location for shifting the out-counter at Walayar towards Palakkad to decongest the check-post. The new counter will be ready for commissioning in five to six months. � The department also plans to install video surveillance cameras at all major check-posts soon to track congestion on a real-time basis and take up remedial measures. � Source: The Hindu

SmartCity Master Plan to be Ready Soon

Sat, 28 Jan 2012

� � According to Baju George, the MD of SmartCity Kochi, the concept master plan for the entire 246 acres earmarked for the project will be ready in three weeks. � Preparations to unveil the master plan are already on. It is also planned to launch the road show in Bangalore to attract investments to the project by the end of February or the first week of March. Plans are also afoot to organise a mega event that will be attended by Chief Minister Oommen Chandy to mark the occasion. � Consultants have been appointed in the U.S. to facilitate contacts between SmartCity and prospective investors. A team is also likely to visit Silicon Valley to showcase the SmartCity Kochi project. � The road show to be launched in Bangalore will also be held� in Hyderabad, Gurgaon, Mumbai, and select destinations abroad. � The construction of the first phase of the project will be launched in April 2012. It is expected to be completed in 20 months and will feature a building spread over 3.5 lakh sq.ft. The first phase is expected to generate 5,500 jobs. � Source: The Hindu

Local Chapter of Indian Libre User Group Celebrates 15th Anniversary

Sat, 28 Jan 2012

� According to Richard Stallman, hailed as guru of the world-wide free software movement, proprietary software inherently takes away the freedom of people. On the other hand free software is not only efficient but also moral as it does not curb anyone's freedom. � Dr. Stallman was talking at an event organised as part of the 15th anniversary of the Cochin chapter of the Indian Libre User Group established in 1997. � The local chapter of the Indian Libre User Group was founded with the concept of freedom of knowledge. Since then, it has been engaged in spreading the concept of free software and conducting workshops and training programmes. � The 15th anniversary celebrations of the chapter included an interactive session among its members on Sunday, January 22, 2012, from 2.30 p. m. Dr. Stallman was the special guest at the occasion. � Source: The Hindu

Government to Have Own m-Apps Store

Fri, 27 Jan 2012

� The Government of India is planning to create its own application store to aid the delivery of a number of public services through mobile phones. � There will be an integrated payment gateway that will enable users to pay for public services through their mobile phones. A mobile applications (m-apps) store will be launched to facilitate this, and integrated into the Mobile Services Delivery Gateway (MSDG), which is the core infrastructure for delivery of public services. The store will be created by an agency within the Department of Information Technology, Government of India. It will have the provision to connect with private value added service providers for creation of various mobile applications. � Source: Economic Times

Kinfra Park to Have Telecom Business Incubator

Fri, 27 Jan 2012

� The Kinfra Park at Kalamassery in Kochi is all set to have "Startup Village," India's first public-private partnership telecom business incubator. The agreement on taking 15,000 sq. ft. space has been signed between Sanjay Vijayakumar, CEO of MobME, and S. Ramanath, Managing Director of Kinfra. � Startup Village will be set up jointly by the National Science and Technology Entrepreneurship Development Board (NSTEDB), Department of Science and Technology (DST), Technopark Trivandrum, and MobME Wireless. � Startup Village will focus primarily on student start-ups from college campuses. It would be modelled on Technology Incubators in the Silicon Valley. It aims to incubate 1,000 product start ups over 10 years and start the search for a billion-dollar company from a college campus by the turn of this decade. � The Village is expected to create an ecosystem for start-ups that will give birth to breakthrough technologies for the global telecommunications industry. This would be made possible by setting up Telecom Innovation Zones in association with leaders in the telecom sector. This would ensure that the latest technology platforms and products are made available to the start-ups in the incubator. � The first phase of the Startup Village is expected to be inaugurated by February 2012 and the first batch inducted by April. The campus will have full 4G network and advanced telecom labs. It would also provide legal, intellectual property, and accounting services, full-furnished offices, video-conference rooms, computers, phone lines, Internet, server space, and virtual offices. � Source: Business Line

Applexus Announces Services in SAP HANA

Fri, 27 Jan 2012

� � Seattle-based leading IT services and solutions provider Applexus, which also has an offshore centre in Technopark Trivandrum, has announced its services in SAP HANA platform that empower organizations to hasten best business decisions based on real-time data access. � SAP HANA is an appliance that combines SAP in-memory technology with hardware that enables organizations to gain instant insight into their business operations, analyze all the available data, and quickly react to rapidly changing business conditions. � With the SAP HANA platform, organizations will be able to run complex analyses such as simulations and pattern recognition in seconds. � Source: TechnoparkToday

Kudumbasree Launches "Unnathi" for Women in IT

Wed, 25 Jan 2012

� � In order to give impetus to the entrepreneurial dreams of women in the field of IT, Kudumbasree has formed a state-level consortium of IT units called "Unnathi" that would bring together 79 data processing units and five hardware assembly units that function under it. � The logo of Unnathi was released by ;M.K. Muneer, the State Minister for Panchayats and Social Welfare, on Tuesday, January 17, 2012. The Minister said that the consortium would leverage the many opportunities available in the IT sector. Unnathi would be based in Thrissur. Here, the government would allocate land for the consortium to set up its headquarters. The government would also look into providing space for Unnathi at the proposed Gender Parks of the Social Welfare Department. � The IT units of Kudumbasree currently engage more than 1,500 women for data processing jobs in government organisations and municipalities, and play a critical role in poverty alleviation and the socio-economic empowerment of women. � Unnathi is registered as a cooperative society. � It will focus on upgrading the IT infrastructure and skills development, in addition to facilitating access to expert assistance for the units. � It will also aim at creating jobs for women in the IT sector, developing new welfare schemes in the fields of education and health, andboosting collaboration with the IT industry at large. � Women under 40 and with a minimum qualification of Plus Two will be eligible to start an IT unit. � Source: The Hindu

Infopark Kochi Arranges Bus Service for Employees

Wed, 25 Jan 2012

� � Here is more good news for the techies working in Infopark Kochi! A CXOs' meeting on January 09, 2012, has decided to arrange a 49-seater contract bus for the professionals in the park. The bus wills transport employees from Kakkanad to Infopark campus and back. The bus service will begin on Monday, January 30, 2012 at 7:30 AM from Kakkanad Panchayath bus stand. � There will be daily trips from Kakkanad panchayath bus stand to Infopark Campus. The service will be from 7:30 AM to 10.50 AM. In the evening, trips from Infopark Thapasya Campus to Kakkanad panchayath bus stand will be from 4:30 PM to 07:45 PM. � The bus will ply from Kakkanad panchayath bus stand via the Collectorate Bus stop, Community hall, and IMG to reach Infopark and back. � In the Infopark campus, the bus will have stops at Leela Infopark, Thejomaya, the round-about near Wipro main gate, Athulya, and Thapasya. � The bus service will be operational from Monday to Friday (5 days in a week). The bus schedule is as follows: � � Starting Point: Kakkanad�� Departure �� Arrival �7:30 AM�� 7:50 AM 8:15 AM�� 8:35 AM 9:00 AM�� 9:20 AM 9:45 AM�� 10:05 AM 10:30 AM�� 10:50 AM 4:55 PM�� 5:10 PM 5:40 PM�� 5:55 PM 6:25 PM�� 6:40 PM 7:10 PM�� 7:25 PM � Starting Point: Thapasya�� Departure�� Arrival 7:55 AM�� 8:10 AM 8:40 AM�� 8:55 AM 9:25 AM�� 9:40 AM 10:10 AM�� 10:25 AM 4:30 PM�� 4:50 PM 5:15 PM�� 5:35 PM 6:00 PM�� 6:20 PM 6:45 PM�� 7:05 PM 7:30 PM�� 7:45 PM � Per trip fare is Rs.12.50/- � Bus coupons will be available during office hours from the Infopark Project Office at "Athulya" on advance cash payment. Each coupon-book will contain 20 coupons worth a total of Rs.250/- Companies can collect the coupons from the office and distribute them among their employees. � Only professionals working in Infopark will be permitted to travel in this bus. They are required to produce their ID card/badge before the coupon collector. Only bus coupons will be collected in the bus, and there will be no cash collections. � Companies interested in availing the new bus facility may contact Mr. Sajith N.G, Administrative Officer, Infopark. He can be reached at 9946504273 (M), 0484-241 5217 (O), or sajith@infoparkkochi.com. � Companies may also get in touch with Mr. Regi� K. Thomas, Assistant Manager (Administration), Infopark Kochi He can be reached at 9895337755 (M), 0484-241 5217 (O), or regi@infoparkkochi.com. �

Farmers Can Now Use Mobile Phones for Information on Farming

Tue, 24 Jan 2012

� Thanks to an initiative of the Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), farmers can now use their mobile phones to gain information regarding agriculture, such as latest production technologies, availability of planting materials, measures to be adopted in case of a sudden outbreak of diseases or a pest attack, and so on that will be sent to their mobiles as text messages. � The project, initiated by KVK, under the administrative control of the Indian Institute of Spices Research (IISR), has become fully functional since January. � According to KVK sources, more than 800 farmers have already registered their names for the SMS service. The service is free of cost, and interested persons can register their names with KVK. Once a farmer registers his or her name and other details, text messages containing valuable information on agriculture will be sent to the registered mobile phone number on a regular basis. � Source: The Hindu

RapidValue Announces Plans to Expand

Tue, 24 Jan 2012

� � Infopark Kochi -based RapidValue Solutions has announced its plans for major expansion over the next 9-12 months. It also has plans to launch its new facility at Leela Infopark, Kochi, by March 2012. The expansion is expected to boost the company�s ambitious growth plans, strengthen its relationships with clients and partners, and provide solutions in high growth areas such as information management, mobile application development, and big data. � According to Rajesh Padinjaremadam, CEO, RapidValue, �The market demand for mobile enterprise applications is growing exponentially and we are going to scale rapidly to meet this demand. We plan to increase our headcount from 100 to 200 plus by the end of this year.� � The company has already deployed mobility solutions for large enterprises across retail, finance, media, health, and banking verticals. Over the last two years, it has also secured a number of major partnerships. � According to Rinish K, CTO, RapidValue, the company is looking to scale up "resources in line with soaring business demands." � Source: KeralaITNews

UL Cyberpark to Make a Mark in �Destination Kozhikode�

Mon, 23 Jan 2012

� � On Friday, January 20, 2012, Kerala Chief minister Oommen Chandy laid the foundation stone for the much-awaited software development building of the upcoming UL CyberPark, promoted by the Uralungul Labour Contract Cooperative Society Ltd (ULCCS) at Nellikode. � The CM said that the Government of Kerala would implement a special action plan to speed up the IT development of Malabar and take initiatives to develop Kozhikode as the third IT hub in the state. Kozhikode will soon be in an IT hotspot like Thiruvananthapuram and Kochi. � The construction of the UL Cyberpark's first building will begin in April this year. The building will have an area of 2.6 lakh square feet. An incubator along the lines of the Technopark Business Incubation Centre (T-TBIC) for start-up firms will be ready by June 2012. Construction of the approach road to the Cyber Park will start in the coming March. � P.K. Kunhalikutty, the State Minister for Industries and IT, inaugurated the QuickSpace building at the UL CyberPark. He said that the Government would develop a cluster of IT and high-tech export-oriented industries within 50 Km from the Karipur International Airport. � The UL CyberPark will come up in an area of 25 acres. It holds the distinction of being the first IT special economic zone in Malabar. Its estimated investment is Rs. 600 crore. It is expected to have a total built up area of three million square feet. The first phase of the project will involve an area of 14-lakh square feet. � M.K. Muneer, the State Minister for Panchayaths and Social Welfare, presided over the function. Mayor A.K. Premajam, M.K. Raghavan MP, former minister Elamaram Kareem MLA, A. Pradeep Kumar MLA, and P. Rameshan, Chairman and MD of UL CyberPark, were among those who spoke at the function. � Source: Times of India

T-TBI to Launch Projects of Social Relevance

Mon, 23 Jan 2012

� The Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS), along with the Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSEs), has empanelled Technopark's Technology Business Incubator (T-TBI) as one of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) partners. � Now, TBI can design and submit CSR activities for CPSE units in Kerala. Some of its focus areas will be entrepreneurship education, entrepreneurship development, and skill development in education sector. � The empanelment is valid till March 31, 2015. This would be subsequently renewed based on TBI's performance. � Technopark TBI aims at identifying potential entrepreneurs with innovative ideas and nurture them through different phases of growth. So far, the TBI has incubated more than 123 start-ups with a success rate of over 95 per cent. � Source: The Hindu

Kerala to Have Special IT Investment Regions

Sat, 21 Jan 2012

� � Delivering the inaugural address at the two-day "India IT� Summit," Shri. Oommen Chandy, the Chief Minister of Kerala, has announced that the State will soon have special Investment Regions for IT in Thiruvananthapuram, Kochi, and Kozhikode. This is as part of making the State a preferred destination for investments. � The Chief Minister also said that priority would be given to the development of basic infrastructure for IT industries. � In addition to this, a "single window" network for various clearances will also be introduced. � The "India IT Summit," which began on Thursday, January 19, 2011, is an event organised by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), Kerala State Council. � The CM said that the Government of Kerala would set up a platform with industry representatives to monitor the availability of basic infrastructure required by the industry. � A Kerala model IT policy will also be formulated to provide employment to the educated and qualified rural youth. � Kerala's IT scenario is developing at a vast pace. The "Cyberparks" at Kozhikode, Kannur, and Kasaragode will come up soon. � Kerala's initiatives in e-governance and remote processing have also been very successful. � Another upcoming project in the IT map of the state is the "SmartCity." The CM, in his speech, said that the project would be implemented in a time-bound manner. It will generate employment opportunities to one lakh people. � Neighbourhood towns will be developed into satellite townships by providing transport and communication facilities and setting up appropriate industries. � The industry, Government, and the academia will join hands to harness technology and boost the growth and development of Kerala's IT sector. � The inauguration was followed by various plenary sessions. Kris Gopalakrishnan, Executive Co-Chairman, Infosys, opined that there are significant opportunities for entrepreneurs for mobile apps, big data, and analytics. Kerala should create more opportunities for entrepreneurs and go aggressive on e-governance and m-governance. The State needs to make its growth in IT explicit. � Ganesh Lakshminarayan, President and MD, Dell India, mentioned in his address that social media makes IT business non-linear. Businesses should be reoriented for non-linear growth. Indian IT industry is doing extremely well, and the country is in a position of strength, and hence it is important that it capitalises on non-linear growth. � Avinash Vashistha, Chairman and GU MD, Accenture India, asked the big IT players to collaborate with small innovators who come up with disruptive solutions. They will be the game changers. � Pratik Mehta, Director - Public Sector, Microsoft, talked on future trends in IT. Cloud computing is a lever for non-linear growth. Companies and governments should make use of cloud-based services to accelerate non-linear growth. � V. Ramaswamy, VP and Global Head, ION, TCS, spoke on future trends and IT services of the future. Social data will be a new source of business and business intelligence. � Mike Nithavriankis, Deputy High Commissioner, UK, spoke about the opportunities in UK and EU for IT companies in Kerala. This is his third India IT Summit in Kerala. Kerala IT companies like UST, IBS, and SunTec are big investors in UK. The UK Kerala Business Forum is trying to get more British Companies to come to Kerala. � Dr. Ingo Karsten, Consul General, Germany, said that German companies are seeking solutions from Indian IT firms. Both countries can benefit from this partnership and Kerala will have lot of opportunities. � Shanker Subramaninam, Invest in Denmark, spoke on what Nordic countries could offer to Kerala IT companies. Smaller companies from Denmark will be comfortable with Kerala companies. � T.P. Sreenivasan talked about the social challenges due the growth of the IT industry. � Pradeep Udhas, Partner and Head - IT/BPO Sector, KPMG, spoke on addressing challenges in the IT industry. � Sudhir Nair, Senior VP, Mahindra Satyam, shared opinions on offshore and onshore business models. � Source:�Business Line

CABE Lauds State's ICT-enabled Learning Model

Thu, 19 Jan 2012

� The Central Advisory Board of Education (CABE) is considering the adoption of Kerala's Information Communication Technology (ICT)-enabled education as a base model for the other states in the country. � The ICT sub-committee of CABE would check if the Kerala ICT-model can be implemented elsewhere. The Kerala model is not vendor-specific. It also allows the user� to modify the content, as it is based on free and open software. � Kerala's success rested on the fact that it was able to leverage the strengths of ICT to teach individual subjects, through relevant content. � Source: The Hindu

Entries Invited for India Innovation Growth Programme 2012

Wed, 18 Jan 2012

� � Entries are invited from innovators interested in participating in the FICCI DST-Lockheed Martin India Innovation Growth Programme 2012. The nation-wide project, aimed at enhancing the country's entrepreneurial economy, began in 2007. Approximately 200 agreements have been signed between innovators and industry partners since then, helping innovators enter the commercial space. The cumulative revenue generated by the 2007-09 participants during 2007-10 amounted to more than Rs.350 crores. � The Programme is equally funded by the Department of Science and Technology, Government of India; and Lockheed Martin Corporation. It was developed with the assistance of the Indo-US Science and Technology Forum, IC2 Institute at the University of Texas, and FICCI. The overall goal of the programme is to accelerate the launch of Indian early-stage technologies into the global marketplace. � The programme is open to technologies in Aeronautics, Agriculture, Biotechnology, Chemistry, Communications, Computing, Defence, Electronics, Environmental, IT, Manufacturing, Marine, Materials, Medical / Life Sciences, Nanotech, Petrochemical, Semiconductors, and Transportation, among others. � Selected participants will be given training in technology commercialisation strategies and entrepreneurship, and coached on the analysis of commercial potential of their technology. The participation is judged by an international panel of experts. The programme finalists will receive additional benefits like professional business development assistance and access to U.S. and global markets. � Source: KeralaITNews

UL CyberPark to be Inaugurated on January 20

Tue, 17 Jan 2012

� On Friday, January 20, 2012, the Chief Minister of Kerala, Oommen Chandy, will lay the foundation stone for the first software development building of the UL Cyberpark, at the ULCC SEZ in Nellikode near Kozhikode. He will also inaugurate the QuickSpace building and project launch of UL Technology Solutions. The UL Cyberpark is a project owned and promoted by the Uralungal Labour Co-operative Society (ULCCS), which is the biggest labour contract society in the State. � According to P. Rameshan, Chairman & Managing Director, UL Cyberpark, UL CyberPark is the first IT Park of Kozhikode and also the first IT Special Economic Zone (SEZ) in the Malabar region. It is being set up in 25.11 acres of land and will have a total built up area of 3.1 million sq. ft. The project is being developed in two phases. The construction of the first phase began in June 2011, and is expected to be fully operational by December 2012 with a total built-up area of 14 lakh sq. ft. � On completion of both the phases, the Park is expected to provide direct employment to 20,000 IT & ITeS professionals and generate about 80,000 indirect employment opportunities. The estimated cost of the project is Rs.600 crores. � QuickSpace is ULCCS� commitment to support infrastructure incubation to deserving start up companies in IT. Fully furnished space will be offered to start-up initiatives so that the companies can keep their initial investment low and start their operations without wasting time. The QuickSpace has facilities like fit-outs, furniture, fixtures, fittings, and air-conditioning outlets enabling an entrepreneur to start an IT business within an hour. � M/s Nikken Sekkei of Japan is the master planner for the project and M/s CRN is undertaking the building architecture and services for a self-contained IT campus with modern amenities. All IT buildings are expected to be Green-certified, making UL CyberPark the first fully green LEED- certified IT Park in Kerala. � Source: KeralaITNews

Broadband Connections in India Touch 13 Million

Mon, 16 Jan 2012

� � According to a recent report from the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI), the end of September 2011 saw India's internet subscriptions touching a total of 20.99 million. Of these, 12.83 million are broadband connections (with an Internet download speed of 256 kbps or more). � In the September quarter, the growth in broadband connection was 24 percent over the same period in 2010. � Source: Deccan Herald

Now, Government School Library to Lend PCs

Sat, 14 Jan 2012

� High school students at the Government Girls HSS, Cotton Hill, Trivandrum, can now borrow not just "paper books" but also PCs from their school library, as a result of the donation of 150 Intel Classmate PCs, by the Intel Corporation. � Intel made the donation on Tuesday, Janaury 10, to the students, under the Smart School initiative of the IT@School Project. Cotton Hill was declared an ICT Smart School two years ago. � The idea behind providing access to Intel Classmate PCs is to acquaint each student with the vast possibilities of Information Technology. Most students do not have a personal computer at home, which prevents them from making use of the full potential of information and communication technoloy. However, the Classmate PCs are definitely going to help them overcome this handicap. � Students can take the PCs home after class hours. However, as the number of PCs is limited, they will be rotated among the various divisions on a weekly basis. � Source: Express Buzz

World Bank Recognizes Kerala's m-Governance Initiatives

Fri, 13 Jan 2012

� � The World Bank will recognize Kerala, along with South Korea and Afghanistan, for its m-governance activities.The Bank will publish a case study in the 2012 edition its publication titled "ICT4D 2012." � ICT4D 2012 reflects the newest trends and best practices in information and communications technologies for development. The publication is brought out by the Information and Communication Technologies unit of World Bank. Its last version was released in 2009. � The theme of the 2012 edition is "mobiles for development." The publication will be released in March. � The last chapter in the publication will be on "making government mobile." Three best case studies in the world have been selected and highlight the best and emerging practices in South Korea, Kerala, and Afghanistan. Kerala was selected considering the information provided to the people through mobile phones free of cost. � The State's m-Governance activites, undertaken by the Kerala State IT� Mission (KSITM) are regarded as the best across the world. � Source: Express Buzz

Register online for Disaster Risk Reduction & Contingency Planning workshop

Fri, 13 Jan 2012

� The State Minister for Revenue and Disaster Management, Thiruvanchoor Radhakrishnan, inaugurated the website and online registration facility for the forthcoming International Workshop on Disaster Risk Reduction & Contingency Planning on January 12, 2012. The workshop, which will be held on March 9 and 10, 2012, in Thiruvananthapuram, is organised by the Department of Revenue & Disaster Management, Government of Kerala, Kerala State Disaster Management Authority, Centre for Earth Science Studies, and the Institute of Land and Disaster Management. � At the inauguration, the Minister said that the ultimate aim of the workshop was to derive a suggestive framework for mainstreaming and institutionalising disaster risk reduction practices through systematic, scientific, and continuous contingency planning which could be a role model in the country for comprehensive disaster risk reduction policy formulation, governance strategy formulation, planning, and implementation supported by scientific inputs. He also said that the workshop will "foster sharing of knowledge on best practices from across the country and elsewhere in the world related to community-based disaster risk reduction." � An exhibition will also be held from March 4-10 at the same venue, with the aim of reaching out to all sections of the community to educate them on the need for disaster risk reduction and to equip them better to deal with disasters. � For more information and registration, visit iwdrrkerala.org. � Source: KeralaITNews

Orisys India Launches Economical Communication Solution

Thu, 12 Jan 2012

� � IT consulatancy and solutions provider OrisysIndia, an incubated company in the T-TBIC, has launched "Asterisk," a sophisticated, low cost communications solution for call centers. Asterisk is a free and open source software that can transform a computer into a communication server. � Asterisk provides a complete set of tools that can be used to route calls, set up a conference bridge, VoIP gateway, and IVR system.� It is a very powerful platforms that offers full voice call control to programmers. Also, compared to conventional PBX providers whose solutions cost Rs. 20-30 lakhs, Asterisk comes as highly economical. The solution would cost around Rs. 2-5 lakhs, depending on the nature of the complete solution required by a customer, which may involve CRM integration, developing the IVR tree, solution customization, and so on. � Source: TechnoparkToday

Accentia Launches EMR Software

Thu, 12 Jan 2012

� � Accentia Technologies, based in Technopark, launched "Instakare," its technologically advanced, U.S.-certified Electronic Medical Records (EMR) software, during the FCA Convention held at Orlando, Florida, USA. � Accentia was one of the sponsors of the event and provided many promotional offers on the products and services for on-the-spot sign ups. This generated a lot of interest through which a large number of new clients were added for the new EMR service. � With the launch of "Instakare," Accentia is now offering the entire gamut of services in the Healthcare Receivables Management Cycle in the SAAS (Software as a Service) delivery model. � Source: TechnoparkToday

e-ticketing service for private buses launched

Wed, 11 Jan 2012

� � The State's Private Bus Operators Federation has undertaken an initiative to modernize privately operated buses by installing a Public Information System and Global Positioning System in them. � Transport Minister V.S. Sivakumar, on Sunday, January 8, 2012, launched an electronic ticketing system in private buses, by handing over an e-ticket to Hibi Eden MLA. The system, which will help bus operators in proper accounting, has been installed in 100 private buses in Ernakulam. Passengers using e-tickets can also win gifts. � In the first phase, the e-ticketing system is being introduced in Aluva, Perumbavur, Angamaly, Piravam, Muvattupuzha, Paravur, and Tripunithura. Later, it will be extended to other parts of the State. � Launching the system, the Minister also sought the support of the private bus operators in making the State free of vehicle accidents. Each year, 4,000 people lose their lives in about 40,000 accidents that take place in the State. � Source: The Hindu

Malayalam Wikipedia Wins Over More Hearts

Wed, 11 Jan 2012

� Malayalam Wikipedia is gaining popularity all over the world. With as many as 5,755 new articles added in 2011 to it, the Malayalam "Wiki" now has a total of 21,873 articles. Also, last year alone saw the addition of 8,744 new members. � Its popularity is the result of the concerted effort of the Wikimedians who introduced a number of activities such as "Wiki Grandhasala," "Wiki Nikhandu," mapping, and the development of one-line information. A number of workshops were also organised throughout the state to� make the movement more popular. � Currently, the Malayalam Wikipedia has the seventh largest collection of articles in India. However, the number of articles is expected to reach 25,000 by the mid-2012. An online quiz that began in October 2011 was one of the programmes conducted to popularise the movement. � As part of the 10th anniversary, a project was mooted to add more information to the one-line information. Around 250 one-line information was identified and around 80 developed.� Malayalam wiki dictionary now has 71,184 definitions. About 10,573 new definitions were added in 2011. Some definitions were made more informative by adding related images. � Source: Express Buzz

Thiruvananthapuram to Host CII India IT Summit 2012

Tue, 10 Jan 2012

� Trivandrum, the capital city of Kerala, is all set to host the third edition of the annual India IT Summit on January 19 and 20, 2012. Organised by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), the premier IT summit will see global IT influencers under one roof and discussing issues pertinent to the industry. � The theme of India IT Summit 2012 is "Business Strategies for Non-Linear Growth." The summit is part of CII�s joint effort with the Government to make Kerala one of the premier IT destinations in the country. � India IT Summit 2012 would have over 20 eminent speakers from India and abroad. The summit will have four plenary sessions. The topics of these sessions are "IT Industry Challenges for Sustaining Growth," "Partnering for Global Economic Revival," "Preparedness to Address the Challenges," and "Innovation as the Way Forward." � The expected number of delegates is about 500. Invitations have be issued to select thought-leaders, politicians, Government officials, CEOs, CIOs, CXOs, and COOs of IT and user industry, and media. � Kerala Chief Minister Oommen Chandy will inauguate the India IT Summit 2012. Kris Gopalakrishnan, Executive Vice Chairman, Infosys; Ganesh Lakshminarayan, President, Dell India; Avinash Vashistha, CMD, Accenture India; V Ramaswamy, Sr. VP, TCS; Sudhir Nair, Sr. VP, Mahindra Satyam; Pradeep Udhas; Executive Director, KPMG; and Roopa Kudwa, MD & CEO, CRISIL are among the invited speakers. � Source: KeralaITNews

Calicut University gets e-governance

Tue, 10 Jan 2012

� Kerala Minister for Industries and IT, P.K. Kunhalikkutty inaugurated the University of Calicut's e-governance system in its Tenhipalam campus. The Minister said that installing IT-enabled services in universities would help multiply the State's academic output. � However, the universities in Kerala were yet to utilise the potential of IT and IT-enabled services to the full. They are behind other government departments in using IT for administration. e-governance would also ensure transparency and speed in academic administration. � Calicut University Vice-Chancellor M. Abdul Salam, who presided over the function, also sanctioned the first e-file submitted by the Internal Quality Assurance Cell of the university. He said that Calicut University was the first in the State to adopt e-governance for academic administration. � The e-governance or paperless office management project, estimated to cost Rs.3 crore, will digitise the file management and payment system at the university and enable the students to monitor their applications online. � Source: The Hindu

Capgemini to Open Software Centre in Technopark Trivandrum

Mon, 09 Jan 2012

� � Paris-based Capgemini, one of the leading management consulting, outsourcing, and professional services companies in the world, will soon have a software centre in Technopark Trivandrum. According to M. Vasudevan, senior business development manager at Technopark, the company has taken up space at the Leela Infotech campus. � The office is expected to be ready in less than two months and would open with strength of 200. � Capgemini has a presence in 40 countries and employs� 1,15,000 professionals. � Technopark Trivandrum now houses 245 IT firms and 35,000 professionals. � In two years time, the Technopark� campus is poised to become one of the country's leading IT hubs. Indian IT giants like TCS have started to build their own 1.2 million sq.ft IT campus. In addition to this, UST Global, the largest IT employer in the state, is also going to have their own campus. � Source: Economic Times

Workshop on Cyber Security Concludes at IMG

Mon, 09 Jan 2012

� � The two-day workshop on �Mid-Career Interaction Between Armed Forces and Civil Services Officers on Cyber Security,� sponsored by the Department of Personnel & Training, Government of India, has been concluded at the Institute of Management in Government (IMG) at Thiruvananthapuram. About 25 senior officers from the Armed Forces and Civil Services (IAS, IFS, and IPS) will participate in the workshop on Cyber Security. The session was inaugurated by Dinesh Sharma IAS, Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister, Government of Kerala. � The workshop had eight sessions spread over two days. The topics covered included Information Security, Security Auditing, Cryptography & Digital Signature, Cyber Law, Protection of Intellectual Property, Internet Protocols, Cyber Forensics, and Cyber Crime Investigation. � The interaction between Armed Forces and Civil Services Officers was expected to bring out solutions to tackle the new-generation crimes such as hacking, cyber terrorism, cyber stalking, identity theft, and infringement of Intellectual Property. � Source: KeralaITNews

Indian Internet Industry to Take a Giant Leap

Sat, 07 Jan 2012

� Recent reports from industry associations like Internet & Mobile Association of India (IAMAI) and global consultancies like Boston Consulting Group (BCG) say that Internet in India is about to take a giant leap ahead. While the Internet has taken over 15 years to grow in India and cross the 100-million user mark, the most-recent reports predict a user base of 300 million in the next three years. � According to VCCEdge, an Indian online deal platform, in 2011 alone, there was an investment of $350 million in 57 Internet startups, which is more than the collective dotcom investment of the past four years. IAMAI says that about $3 billion worth of e-commerce was transacted in 2011. And, according to Helion Venture Partners, $20 billion worth of e-commerce will be done in five to seven years, with 12-15% of shopping going online in this period. Till date, the Indian Railways website for booking tickets is easily the most successful e-commerce model. Launched in 2002, irctc.co.in sold just 27 tickets online on its first day. Today, it sells 4 lakh. According to Verisign, an internet registry, about 2.6 million dotcom and 'dotin' companies are registered out of India. � In 2012, the National Internet Exchange of India (NIXI), which manages the dotin registry and routes internet traffic in India, will launch 'dotbharat' domain names, in anticipation of the needs a 100-million-plus user base. NIXI also plans to help get a web presence for 2,50,000 panchayats to ease delivery of citizen services from tax payments to registering births. � Facebook and LinkedIn, with 40 million and 12 million users, respectively, in the country, already look at it as their next growth frontier. Internet advertising, at $300 million, has already overtaken radio advertising. � Source: Times of India

India�s IT Exports to the Middle East Record 40% Growth

Sat, 07 Jan 2012

� It seems that the Middle East is becoming a more and more attractive market for India�s top-rated electronic and IT goods and services. During 2010-11, exports of these products from India to the Middle East increased by 40 percent to $3 billion as against the $2.15 billion during 2009-10. � The exports of electronic goods, and computer software and services including IT-enabled services to the Middle East contributed to more than 26 percent of India�s total exports, which reached $251 billion during 2010-11. The sector contributed $66.48 billion in the same fiscal year. � UAE and specially Dubai is a major destination for the exports of software, hardware, services, and electronic goods from India. � Source: Khaleej Times

Indiasoft 2012 to Focus on Innovation

Sat, 07 Jan 2012

� � The upcoming Indiasoft 2012, the flagship event of Electronics and Computer Software Export Promotion Council (ESC) and scheduled from March 21 to 23, 2012, in Hyderabad, will focus on innovation and market diversification. � The event will increasingly showcase innovations and technological breakthroughs by Indian IT firms to maintain and build on the head-start achieved by India in IT exports. � A number of changes in the global economy, such as the slow economic recovery in the U.S., the financial turmoils in eurozone, and lacklustre manufacturing growth in China may be detrimental to Indian IT exports, if the trend continues unabated. This is why it is important that the country and its software sector work proactively towards insulating it by innovating the products and diversifying the market. � Indiasoft 2012, a much sought-after IT exhibition, has been serving as a window for Indian exhibitors to meet software and ITeS importers from all over the world. So far, over 1,000 Indian IT exhibitors have displayed their products and services at the event. Indiasoft 2011 had attracted nearly 150 Indian IT exhibitors and 350 foreign buyers from 60 countries. � Indiasoft 2012 expects around 200 Indian companies and over 400 foreign buyers from 75 countries to attend. � Source: Khaleej Times

Australian Firm MailGuard Partners with Technopark-based Confianz

Fri, 06 Jan 2012

� Technopark Trivandrum-based IT services and solutions provider Confianz Information Technologies (CIT) has partnered with MailGuard, Australia�s leading independent Cloud security provider that offers email- and web-based security solutions to businesses across 21 countries. Confianz is MailGuard�s first Enterprise Channel Partner in India. The partnership with Confianz is expected to significantly boost MailGuard�s presence in the Indian market. � CIT�s CEO Anoop Menon believes that Cloud security is a logical expansion of their range of services. With the partnership, the company will be able to now offer Cloud email and web security solutions along with ERP, CRM, and packaged software suites, to cover all business needs. � CIT will market MailGuard�s Cloud solutions in India. The company�s suite of Cloud solutions will be available in the Indian market by CIT early this year. � Source: TechnoparkToday

Navigating Market Volatility to be a Critical Success Factor: Gartner

Fri, 06 Jan 2012

� According to a recent analysis conducted by global research firm Gartner, navigating the economic and market volatility will be a critical success factor in 2012 for the information technology, CIOs, senior business executives, and leaders. � In 2011, many industries across the world had to cope with a slow-moving economy that challenged them to balance the conflicting imperatives of maintaining costs control and innovation. In 2012, the market, economic, demographic, and technological environments that industries face will force them to be more active in their operations and enterprise practices. Being agile and adopting new business practices will be imperative for survival in 2012. � Cloud computing and social media will continue to provide industries with new avenues for effective customer communication and engagement, thus facilitating increased revenue and sustainable interaction with key customers. � On the other hand, media tablets and other new technologies and advancements in mobile communication are expected to become detrimental for many industries, requiring rapid changes to existing processes and propelling business transformation. � Source: Business Line

Exclusive Communication Network for Government Use Soon

Thu, 05 Jan 2012

� � The Government of India has chalked out a Rs. 450-crore plan to develop and deploy an all-India secure communication network and network-based services (email, Internet-telephony, etc.) that will provide a foolproof infrastructure for telecom and Internet communication exclusively for government use. � It is the Government�s duty to ensure no official communication on the Internet goes out of the country, unless authorized. This is why it wants all such traffic to be routed through the National Internet Exchange of India (NIXI), a government-supported not-for-profit organisation that facilitates exchange of domestic Internet traffic. � Source: The Hindu

ICT Hardware for 4,100 Schools in Kerala

Thu, 05 Jan 2012

� Keltron is soon expected to invite a Rs. 40-crore national-level tender for purchasing computer hardware for more than 4,100 schools in Kerala, under the �ICT in School� scheme of the Government of India. The implementing agency of the programme is the IT@School project of the Government of Kerala. � Keltron will invite tenders for approximately 8,000 laptops, 7,500 desktop computers, 2,500 multimedia projectors, 1,000 UPS (uninterrupted power supply) units, and 1,000 multifunction (print-scan-copy) printers. Each school will be given Rs. 1 lakh-worth equipment. However, this may go up to Rs. 2.5 lakh in the case of government high schools with high student strength. The tender is being called based on the lists sent by various schools. � G. Jayshankar, former Principal of Government Engineering College, Barton Hill, will lead the technical committee which will look into the specifications of hardware and other technicalities. � Source: The Hindu

Technopark to Host Workshop on �Excellence in Higher Education and Technology through ICT and NPTEL Resources� on January 28

Wed, 04 Jan 2012

� On January 28, 2012, Eduworld Sciencenet, Indian Institute of Information Technology and Management � Kerala (IIITM-K) and National Programme on Technology Enhanced Learning (NPTEL) based at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Chennia, will organize a one-day workshop on �Excellence in Higher Education and Technology through ICT and NPTEL Resources� at Technopark Trivandrum. � NPTEL is an initiative of the Ministry of Human Resources Development, Government of India, and enables e-learning through online web and video courses in a number of disciplines including engineering, science, and humanities. Its mission is to enhance the quality of the engineering education in the country by providing free online courseware. � Under NPTEL, more than 320 faculty members in the IITs and IISc have developed content in about 230 courses catering to the undergraduate engineering curriculum. This content is available as Recorded Video Lectures (RVL) and supplementary learning materials for regular engineering college courses in web-accessible format. � The workshop will help the participants share, exchange, and effectively utilize educational resources to reach higher levels of academic excellence. The workshop is targeted at administrators of colleges, universities, research institutions, students, faculty members of colleges and schools, and scientists. � For more details and registration please visit: iiitmk.ac.in. � Source: KeralaITNews

LSG Department to Launch e-filing of Application for Marriage Registration

Wed, 04 Jan 2012

� � Encouraged by the success of the online birth certificate registration and distribution, the LSG Department has decided to extend its online web services. As the first step, it will soon launch the e-filing of the application for common marriage registration, which is expected to bring down the delay in issuing marriage certificates. � The couple should download the application form from the website, which they can then fill and submit. On submitting the form, the couple would be given a register number. On payment of the required fee and citing the register number at the respective local bodies, the applicants will be able complete the registration formalities in just five minutes. In addition to this, the marriage certificates would be ready in three days. � The e-filing is expected to help those local bodies where a large number of marriage registrations take place. In the case of local bodies where there is no heavy rush for registrations, a couple might even get the certificates in hand in 15 minutes. The time taken for data entry in the local bodies is saved and the absence of required data entry officials would not affect the issuing of marriage certificates. Officials can verify the documents with the online form and the registrar can sign the (Form 4) of the application and issue the certificates in two days. � The e-filed form could be filled and edited by the couple even before the wedding. It is only when the couple appear in person and sign before the registrar that the formality is complete. Since the filing part is already done, the couple can complete the formalities in the local body in a few minutes. � The e-filing can be done through Akshaya centres or with the help of Kudumbashree members. � Source: Express Buzz

IT@School�s Hardware Training Programme a Success

Tue, 03 Jan 2012

� � The hardware training programme conducted by IT@School at the training centres in the sub-districts of Ernakulam from December 26 to 31, 2011, was a huge success. 1,410 students from 29 schools participated in the programme and sated their curiosity about the components of a computer. � The students were taught about the hard disc, motherboard, RAM, SMPS, and CD drive. They were also trained on how to connect each of these to the input and output devices such as the keyboard, mouse, monitor, USP, printer, and projector. In addition to this, they were also taught the trouble-shooting techniques and how to install Linux and other software. Booklets were distributed. � Source: Express Buzz

India Post Might Launch More Web-driven Services

Tue, 03 Jan 2012

� � IndiaPost is poised to "e-nable" a bunch of its operations and launch more web based services in 2012. With a view to automating mail sorting, the Department has already undertaken a project to set up Automated Mail Processing Centres (AMPCs) in six major cities. The letter-sorting machines would be able to sort approximately 35,000 articles per hour while the Mixed Mail Sorter would sort approximately 16000 articles in an hour. The Mixed Mail sorting machines would help in faster processing of large size letters flats and packets/ parcels through the use of Optical Character Recognition (OCR) technology. � Automation in mail processing will also help the department modernize its mail network, consolidate the sorting activities, and expedite mail sorting and delivery in cities. � The Department has also undertaken an initiative to put in place a national address database management system with an objective to effectively managing the address database of public/ customers, updating the addresses online, and helping the customers in locating correct addresses and PIN codes. The project has been completed in two metro cities where address data up to street level has been collected and a street directory prepared. � An e-Post office Portal was also commissioned, which provides for the "on time sale of philatelic material" and will enable the customers to transact postal business online and 24x7, using debit/credit cards. � ePost, a hybrid mail service is presently available in 3,998 Post offices, and this has generated quite a bit of income for the Department. � Source: IndiaTechOnline

India to Grow in Animation and Gaming Businesses in 2012

Mon, 02 Jan 2012

� The New Year is expected to witness the restoration of India�s growth in the gaming and animation businesses. The revolutionary winds that stormed the mature game and movie markets of the U.S., Europe, and Japan over three decades will take place in India in a much shorter time, and 2012 will be the inflection point. � Cost-effective smart phones, computing devices, Internet, and social media will fuel the appetite for games, animated content, and consoles among people. Already, people have started consuming such content even on DTH (direct to home) TV platforms. � If the developed markets had moved gradually from coin-operated arcade machines to computer games and consoles to games on handheld devices, Internet games, mobile games, and social games. In India, this is going to happen in one go. � India had its hands in some of the full-length feature films like Tintin, Rango, Puss in Boots, Kung Fu Panda 2, Rio, Cars 2, Happy Feet 2, Smurfs, and Gnomeo & Juliet. India also worked on movies in the Harry Potter, Pirates of the Caribbean, and X-Men series. � India is a lower cost destination for global film studios, and talent too is rapidly improving. The growing domestic market is also spurring animation action. � Many co-production treaties have been signed by leading Indian animation and gaming players like DQ Entertainment, Crest Animation, Technicolor Bangalore, GreenGold, Tata Elxsi, Red Chillies, PrimeFocus, Rhythm & Hues, Anibrains, and Toons Animation with studios and producers in Canada, Britain, America, and many parts of Asia. � Source: Times of India

Kerala IT Wishes You All a Very Happy and Prosperous New Year

Sat, 31 Dec 2011

� � Another year is bidding good-bye, and we are getting ready to welcome a new year. We hope that the new year will bring us more happiness than this year. Kerala IT hopes so too, and wishes everyone a very happy new year. � On this occasion, Kerala IT is proud to tell you that 2011 has been a great year for the IT efforts of the State. In 2011, Kerala witnessed a vast addition to its IT infrastructure. SmartCity became a reality. A number of globally acclaimed companies opened their offices in the state. Delegations from across the world, who visited our IT parks, expressed their wonder at our world-class facilities. � And that is just the tip of the ice-berg. We have chronicled everything that has happened in the last one year in the IT sector of Kerala in our blogs. So, when you get time, go through our blogs, and you can read the most important IT events that 2011 witnessed. � Once more, we wish you a happy new year. �

2011: Indian Telecom�s Biggest Year

Sat, 31 Dec 2011

� As 2011 bids good-bye, it is sure to be embedded in the history of Indian telecom as one of the greatest years. 3G, mobile number portability (MNP), and 175 million new mobile phone subscribers in 10 months, taking the total such base to 881 million, is not a small feat by any measure. � As a result of mobile number portability, 25 million users in the country applied to switch operators while retaining their number, with 2.5 million requests pouring in each month and operators working hard to retain them with tariff cuts and deals and better customer services. � Android, the world's best-selling smartphone platform and backed by Google, has seen a rapid growth in India. BlackBerry still remains a favorite. But Nokia still dominates Indian hearts, thought with stiff competition from Samsung, LG, and many other upcoming brands. � �Akash,� India's $35 tablet launched finally in October 2011 at $60, was another major eye-catcher. It is the world's cheapest tablet, and runs on Android. It has Wi-Fi, two USB, and an SD card slot, and many other features. We will hope to hear/watch the rest of the story in 2012 �. � Indian IT Industry Crosses $100-billion Mark � Overall, 2011 was a very good year for the Indian IT industry too. It recorded its best growth in three years�24 percent in US dollar in 2009-10�crossing the $100 billion in revenues mark for the first time ever, two-third of which is services exports. � While exports grew over 22 percent in the previous financial year in dollar terms, the domestic IT market grew 28 percent. For a thirty-year-old industry, the $100-billion mark is a staggering revenue milestone to cross! � Source: Economic Times

DIT Plans to Deliver 1,000 Services Online Starting April 1

Sat, 31 Dec 2011

� The Department of Information Technology (DIT) under the Ministry of Defense, Government of India, has announced its plans to deliver about 1,000 government services online to citizens, staring April 1, 2012. � This is expected to help the Government of India achieve the goals that were set as part of a $150 million (Rs. 800 crore) long-term World Bank loan approved in March 2011 to support the national e-governance plan. � In addition to this, it will also double the number of services available online to citizens by the end of this fiscal. Services most likely to be offered online include farm updates, commercial taxes, registering on employment exchanges, and municipal services. The Government also has plans to double such services available on mobile phones to 50 by 2012-13. � Source: Livemint

Southern Railway Launches Website for Outstation Sabarimala Pilgrims

Sat, 31 Dec 2011

� � � The website, www.railyatri.in/sabarimala, launched exclusively for the outstation Sabarimala pilgrims by the Southern Railways has turned out to be a huge success. � As the �Mandalakalam� (the Sabarimala pilgrimage season) progresses, it became evident that the website, launched about a month ago, had become an instant hit among the vast number of pilgrims to world-famous shrine of Lord Ayyappa. � The site has been providing details regarding trains passing through and stopping at the near-by stations of Chengannur, Thiruvalla, and Kottayam. � Site statistics show that the majority of the visitors were from the South Indian states, and notably, pilgrims from Tamil Nadu, who have made the maximum use its services. � In the past one week, the site was visited by 21,000 from Tamil Nadu, 8,750 from Karnataka, and 2,000 from Andhra Pradesh. � The website also plotted the train status on a satellite map, which ensured maximum accuracy. � Source: Express Buzz

Kerala Finance Ministry Goes Online

Sat, 31 Dec 2011

� � K.M. Mani, Finance Minister for the State of Kerala and veteran politician, has launched his ministry�s website and a horde of other online initiatives that promise to ensure transparency and improve the efficiency of the various departments under the ministry. � The online initiatives launched include online complaint registration, SMS alert system from Check Posts, e-Appeal, online TDS enrolment, and e-payment of Commercial Tax Department fees. � In his inaugural address, the Minister expressed hope that the website will help the people and the department to address their grievance efficiently. In the second phase, there will be a provision for direct interaction with the Finance Minister through video conferencing. � Source: KeralaITNews

FOSSK4 Identifies e-Waste Management as a New Domain for FOSS

Fri, 30 Dec 2011

� FOSSK4, the fourth international conference on Free and Open Source Software (FOSSK4), which came to a close on Thursday, December 29, 2011, has proposed the application of free software in the development of monitoring, mitigation, and adaptation strategies for climate change. � The multi-national participants of the conference identified e-waste management as a new domain for FOSS. They also adopted a statement emphasizing the role of FOSS in developing solutions for problems affecting the whole of mankind. � The Conference urged governments to include FOSS in their national and regional IT policies and stressed the need for wider adoption of FOSS in all software domains, including the government, industry, business, research, school and college education, social applications, and personal computing. It also called for legal measures to ensure personal and collective freedom, privacy and confidentiality, in addition to highlighting the need for a FOSS-centric curriculum in schools and institutions of higher education. � The conference also urged the Kerala Government to support the International Centre for FOSS (ICFOSS) with flexible governance and administrative structures as well as resources and infrastructure. � Source: The Hindu

C-DAC Assists Ethiopian Revenues and Customs Authority

Fri, 30 Dec 2011

� � Indian Government-run Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC) is now assisting the Ethiopian Revenues and Customs Authority (ERCA) prevent under-invoicing by transforming its valuation methodology into a transaction cost system from a minimum price setting system, thereby enabling it to abide by the World Trade Organization Agreement on Customs Valuation. � The contract worth 3.5-million birr ($203,000) was signed in September. � According to Fedaku Bekele, ERCA�s director of customs valuation, India's Central Board of Excise and Customs is the consultant for the project at no cost to ERCA. ERCA hopes that the new system will help the authority achieve its target of collecting revenue of 70 billion birr ($4 billion). � Source: Economic Times

Draft National Policy on Information Technology, 2011

Fri, 30 Dec 2011

� The Draft National Policy on Information Technology 2011 (NPIT 2011), which seeks to bring the full power of ICT across the country and harness its capability and human resources to facilitate its emergence as the Global Hub and Destination for IT-ITeS Services by 2020, was released on October 7, 2011. � The Policy aims to leverage the power of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) to address the country�s economic and developmental challenges. Its focus is on the deployment of ICT in all sectors of the economy and providing IT solutions to the world, in addition to the application of technology-enabled approaches to overcome developmental challenges in education, health, skill development, financial inclusion, employment generation, and governance to enhance efficiency across the board in the economy. � Source: Press Information Bureau

PSK to Make Passport Procedure Simpler

Fri, 30 Dec 2011

� � Here is some happy news to people who think that the passport procedure is a lengthy and painful one!� The city's first Passport Seva Kendra (PSK), offering a simpler and more transparent passport procedure, will begin its operations at Vazhuthacaud very soon. The new centre will be the 31st of its kind being implemented under the National e-Governance Plan by Indian IT major Tata Consultancy Services (TCS). � According to Tanmoy Chakrabarty, vice-president and head of Government Industry Solutions Unit, TCS, a major feature of the PSK would be that an applicant would know his/her eligibility for passport on his/her visit itself. � An applicant must first log on to www.passportindia.gov.in, register, and submit the application form and documents online. Then, an online appointment can be scheduled with the PSK. At the PSK, a help desk will assist the applicant to recheck the documents, following which a database entry will be made. Following this, the applicant will be assisted in the verification procedures and fee collection. � At the PSK's �A' counters, the applicant's photograph would be taken and a biometric scan done. Then there will be verification by government officials at the �B' and �C' counters. � At the final stage, the applicant will be told whether he would be given a passport or not. A national call centre�reachable at 1800-258-1800�is already operational. � The applicant can also track the progress of his/her application through the portal. � Source: The Hindu

FOSS to Lead the Country Forward

Fri, 30 Dec 2011

� � Addressing the inaugural function of the fourth international conference on Free and Open Source Software (FOSS) at Trivandrum over a videoconferencing network, S.V. Raghavan, Scientific Secretary, Office of the Principal Adviser to the Government of India, has said that the country needs a parallel public distribution system (PDS) in the science and technology sector to disseminate the solutions generated in laboratories, learning centres, universities, and the Indian Institutes of Technology, and use them to solve the problems faced by people. � The common people have enormous expectations from science and technology. They are aware of the possibilities of technology. It is expected that the National Knowledge Network (comprising 1,500 higher educational institutions and 30,000 colleges) and the rollout of the National Optical Fibre Network to villages would open up enormous possibilities. � Technology inputs would benefit the education, health, and agricultural sectors in the country would benefit from technology inputs. FOSS, he said, should be multiplied with passion, not with money and programmes. � In his inaugural address, K.S. Srinivas, Special Secretary, IT, Government of Kerala, said that a developing country like India could not afford to spend millions on purchasing licensed software. This is where FOSS becomes relevant. It offers an opportunity to overcome the backwardness caused by lack of proximity to technology due to resource constraints. � Source: The Hindu

Book SBC Space at Technopark Kollam (SEZ)

Thu, 29 Dec 2011

� � Companies can now book space at the Smart Business Centre in Technopark Kollam. The details are in the table below: � � Other Charges / Details � Rent rate /sq ft : Rs.26.15�� Service Tax : 10.3% O & M Charges : Rs.4/- per sq ft Power/water/A/c� Charges : Actual as per consumption Annual escalation : 5% Security Deposit : 6 months Rent License Period� : 11 Months � The recently-inaugurated Technopark Kollam is a SEZ. A company opening office here needs to register as a Unit with the Development Commissioner, Special Economic Zone, Kochi, via online registration. For booking SBC space at Technopark Kollam,� email your company details with� SBC Module� preference to smartbusinesscentre@technopark.org. � For more details about SEZ, fiscal benefits,� SEZ unit� approval, online� registration, etc., please visit http://www.csez.gov.in , or� contact: �� Development Commissioner Cochin Special Economic Zone (CSEZ) , Ministry of �Commerce & Industry,� Government of India Administrative Building, Kakkanad, Cochin-682 037 Phone: 91-484-2413111/2413234/2413222 Fax: 91-484-2413074 ;�� E-mail: dc@csez.gov.in � Source: Technopark.org

Cyber Crime Police to Have Own Building Soon

Thu, 29 Dec 2011

� � It seems that the Cyber Police in the State will not have to wait longer for an office of its own! The work on the Cyber Crime Police Station at Thycaud is progressing. It is expected to be completed within two to three months. � At present, the Cyber Crime Police Station functions from a single room of the State Crime Records Bureau office at Pattom. An additional storey for the Cyber Crime Police Station is being built at the Intelligence Bureau�s building at Police Training College compound in Thycaud. The full-fledged office of 2,500 square feet is being set up at a cost of one crore. � The Cyber Crime Police Station, which started functioning in 2009, is the apex investigative agency for cyber crimes in the state. � Source: Express Buzz

Usage of Genuine IT to Give "Edge" to Indian Products

Thu, 29 Dec 2011

� According to global IT giant Microsoft, the usage of genuine IT in the manufacturing sector will differentiate and give an edge to Indian products over their competitors'. � Certain U.S. states have prohibited the sale of products that are manufactured and distributed using illegal information technology, with the objective of creating a level playing field for law-abiding manufacturers by obligating the non-compliant manufacturers to show the use of genuine and legal IT before their products can be distributed and sold in certain territories of U.S. � If the Indian manufacturers use genuine IT, then they can easily score over competitors who are using non-genuine IT. � Source: Economic Times

Tata Communications to Make More Use of Cloud Technology

Thu, 29 Dec 2011

� Tata Communications is planning to make more use of cloud technology in order to help clients increase productivity and cut costs on the back of solutions such as Customer Relationship Management (CRM) and e-mail. According to Tata Communications Vice President (SaaS) Mukul Sood, �customers are excited about not just the cost saving but also the efficiency that cloud offers.� � Cloud computing facilitates sharing of technological resources and software and digital information. It operates on a pay-per-use model, helping companies slash costs as they do not have to invest heavily in infrastructure.� � Tata Communications, along with SuccessFactors, has launched a Human Capital Management (HCM) solution as part of its software-as-a-service (SaaS) portfolio, which will help enterprises align their workforces, execute business strategies, identify high and low performers, and increase business productivity. The company also offers a cloud-based solution for global contact centre industry. Intelligent Call Routing (ICR) and Interactive Voice Response (IVR) products offer an integrated solution for routing and distributing calls across multi-geography and multi-site call centres. � The key focus areas for any enterprise include talent retention, a productive workforce, business alignment, and employee development. Providing these solutions on the cloud will help even smaller firms go in for technology without worrying about huge expenditure on infrastructure. � Source: Economic Times

Thinksoft Bags Multi-million RBI Project

Thu, 29 Dec 2011

� � Software testing company Thinksoft Global Services, a software testing company, has won a Rs. 50 million project from the Reserve Bank of India for offering end-to-end user acceptance testing programme. � As per the deal, Thinksoft would be responsible for full project management including test strategy, planning, and execution. It would also provide an automated test pack for RBI using its in-house automation framework. The testing cycles are expected to be completed in a year. � The scope of the core banking solutions testing would cover the automation and integration of the banking operations in all regional offices of the bank. � Source: Economic Times

India to Raise Call Centre Bill Issue with U.S.

Wed, 28 Dec 2011

� India will raise the issue of the United States Call Centre Worker and Consumer Protection Bill with the U.S. administration to protect its trade and investment interests in the U.S. market. � Speaking at a business session organised by the CII, the Indian ambassador to the U.S.,Nirupama Rao, said that the country was in the process of undertaking a detailed impact analysis of the Bill with reference to the scope of its business coverage and the impact it would have on the Indian BPO industry. � The proposed bill seeks to focus on the issues emanating from possible relocation of call centres to overseas markets. India has already conveyed that protectionist barriers in this field tend to be counterproductive in their outcome. � Seven percent of the total global workforce of Indian IT companies works in U.S. centres. Business activities of Indian IT and other service companies and of manufacturing enterprises have not only helped their business expansion globally but also benefitted a cross section of people in several U.S.states. Quoting a study by the Indian Industry Association, Rao said that IT companies from India support approximately 98,000 jobs in the U.S. In creating new jobs, they have sustained a CAGR of 35 per cent in the last five years. In 2006, around 21,774 jobs were created, and this year it� is 97,135. � India's focus on innovation and business-related research and service delivery partnerships of Indian businesses with the U.S. have contributed to increased competitiveness and growth of U.S. companies globally, she added. � Emphasizing the need to expand and diversify India's export basket to the U.S., Rao said that the US offers a strong opportunity for Indian companies to partner with local businesses in research and development of new products and processes relevant for India and the whole world in the fields of engineering, pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, and clean energy. � Indian companies have benefitted greatly from their association with the U.S. economy through trade and two way investments. The Indo-U.S. trade in goods is likely to touch $52-54 billion this year, and another $42 billion in services. � Source: Business Line

State-of-the-art Technologies Need of the Hour

Wed, 28 Dec 2011

� � Inaugurating the Electronics Day on the second day of Vyapaar 2011, Kerala Minister for Power Sri. Aryadan Muhammed, said that technology plays a key role in the sustainable development of the society, and that state-of-the technology was the need of the hour. He pointed out that in the last decade, Kerala has been able to reduce energy transition by more than 50 percent (from 32% to just 15 %) with the help of technology. � Source: TechnoparkToday

ICT Sector to Help India Achieve Climate- Change Goals

Wed, 28 Dec 2011

� According to a new report, the Indian ICT sector can play a significant role in helping the country meet the goals of climate change. While the sector in itself cannot bring about change, it can definitely be a key enabler. � Titled �Sustainable Tomorrow: Harnessing ICT Potential,� the report was brought out by the Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) and the National Association of Software Services Companies (Nasscom) with participation from about 70 public and private stakeholder companies. � The report considers a digital future, and lays a roadmap for how the ICT sector can grow along with contributing to sustainable development. � According to Dr. R.K Pachauri, Director-General, TERI; the sector needed to adapt technology to environmental changes such as natural disasters and heat waves. The sector should reduce its high Carbon emission, and at the same time assist other sectors such as power, roads, water, transport, and the like to use energy-efficient technology. � By 2020, emissions from the ICT sector will make for 2.8 percent of global emissions. India's total e-waste generation is expected to increase to 8,00,000 tonnes by 2012, and the ICT sector accounts for 34 percent of it. � Source: Business Line

IT Giants Consider Health Services the Next Big Money Spinner

Wed, 28 Dec 2011

� It now seems that health services are the next pot-of-gold for IT giants across the world. Let�s see why. � In November 2011, IT major Cognizant Technology Solutions (CTS) announced a multi-year contract with AstraZeneca to deliver biostatistics and medical reporting services. AstraZeneca had also signed an infrastructure outsourcing deal with HCL Technologies recently. And Indian IT major Wipro is already looking at increasing its onsite healthcare capabilities with plans to hire 150 domain experts in countries like Germany, France, Singapore, and Israel by March 2012. � Banking, financial services, and insurance (BFSI) continues to contribute to the bulk of IT companies' revenues. However, about 40% of the top Indian IT firms are significantly looking to expand their businesses in the healthcare vertical. For Cognizant, during the quarter ended September, the healthcare segment grew 42% y-o-y and 11% sequentially, contributing 26% of its global revenues. For Wipro, healthcare and life sciences contribute 10% to its overall revenue. While for TCS, it is about 7% and Infosys around 6%. � According to a recent JP Morgan study, over the next 3-5 years, healthcare as a practice is expected to grow by well over the company average for Indian IT players, emerging as $1-billion plus divisions by revenues. � � Source: Financial Express

International FOSS Conference from Dec 27 to 29

Tue, 27 Dec 2011

� � The fourth International FOSS Conference, Kerala (FOSSK4) will be organized by the International Centre for Free & Open Source Software (ICFOSS) during December 27-29, 2011, at Trivandrum. The conference will be attended by representatives from Africa, Latin America, Europe, and the U.S. in addition to those from India.� The State Minister for Industries, IT, and Urban Affairs, P.K. Kunhalikutty will inaugurate the event on December 27, 2011, at 4 PM. Prof. S.V. Raghavan, Scientific Secretary, Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India, New Delhi, and one of the architects of the National Knowledge Network, will deliver the Keynote address on the theme �Open Source Software as the Basis to Create National Software Assets�, during the inaugural session. The inaugural ceremony will be followed by two days of technical sessions at Technopark Trivandrum. � FOSSK4 is the fourth in the series of Free and Open Source Conferences organized with the support of the Government of Kerala. The previous conferences held in 2001, 2005 and 2008 were huge successes. The conference, organized around the theme of �A Decade of FOSS: Looking back, looking forward�, aims at reviewing the last ten years of FOSS in Kerala, projecting the achievements of Kerala in the FOSS domain, fostering international collaboration with other developing and developed countries, and highlighting Kerala as a destination for FOSS-based activities including R & D and software development for a wide range of domains including e-Governance, business, and social computing. FOSSK4 is organized by ICFOSS and supported by the Software Freedom Law Centre (SFLC), Delhi; Computer Society of India (CSI); and the Institution of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE). � Source: TechnoparkToday

Survey Work Completed for the Kochi Metro Rail Project

Tue, 27 Dec 2011

� � The Ernakulam district administration has completed survey works for broadening the Vyttila-Petta stretch of the road for Kochi Metro Rail project. According to a press release, a meeting of PWD engineers and Revenue department officials had reviewed the draft. � The problems of people in thickly populated areas would be considered.Also, the smooth movement of traffic would be given priority in settling the alignment. � Approval for land acquisition is expected soon at a meeting that will be presided over by Tom Jose, Special Officer, Kochi Metrol Rail Limited. The meeting, which will discuss acquisition procedures, will be led by K.P. Mohandas, Deputy Collector, Land Acquisition. � Source: The Hindu

Kochi to Have GPS-enabled Transport System Soon

Tue, 27 Dec 2011

� � Kerala's commercial hub Kochi is likely to become the first city in India to implement an automated transport system based on global positioning system (GPS), according to a press note issued by the Department of Public Relations. � Kochi's plans to implement the futuristic project are expected to have a definite shape by the end of January 2012. Three technology companies have already come forward to implement the project in collaboration with the district administration. � The GPRS-based transport system is expected to help visitors to identify locations of their interest and their destinations. Once the system is implemented, visitors will be able to access route maps and calculate distances to the spots they want to visit. Vehicle owners can subscribe to the service on an annual or permanent basis. � Implementing the system is expected to cost around Rs. 20 lakh. Private enterprises are expected to join hands with the District administration in implementing it. The system is initially expected to be installed at 10 locations in Kochi. � Source: The Hindu

e-Library Facility for Colleges

Mon, 26 Dec 2011

� � Colleges affiliated to Kannur Univeristy can now access the National Library and Information Services Infrastructure for Scholarly Content (N-LIST) programme launched by the Ahmedabad-based Information and Library Network Centre (INFLIBNET). � Apart from the colleges that come under sections 2(f) and 12(B) of the University Grants Commission (UGC) Act, government-aided and unaided colleges can also utilise the facility. The programme, however, is not available for engineering, nursing and medical, management, pharmacy, and dentistry colleges. � N-LIST allows access to over 3,000 e-journals and 7,500 e-books through a server at INFLIBNET. Colleges can register for the facility at nlist.inflibnet.ac.in/registeronline.php at an annual membership fee for the facility is Rs.5,000. � Source: The Hindu

India Looks Forward to 4G Launch

Mon, 26 Dec 2011

� � If the year 2011 saw the emergence of 3G services as a common household term, the year 2012 is going to better still! The New Year may have something much more exciting: a faster broadband wireless technology that connects people on the go. � Reliance Industries, Bharti Airtel, Aircel, Tikona, and Qualcomm have been reported as working aggressively to launch 4G or fourth generation services. � RIL is expected to launch broadband wireless access services sometime during the new year. Tikona is already� gearing up to launch 4G services with TD LTE (long-term evolution) as its backbone. � The International Telecommunication Union opines that broadband wireless access should be able to deliver download speeds of 100 Mbps to 1 GBPS. However, so far, only a download speed of upto 70 Mbps has been achieved, and that too in lab conditions. On the other hand, current 3G speeds are topped out at 14Mbps downlink and 5.8Mbps uplink. Yet, in India, operators are struggling to offer speeds of even 3Mbps. � According to Sanjay Kapoor, the CEO of Bharti Airtel, the advent of4G technology will further provide an impetus to the adoption of data services. � Kunal Bajaj, Director (India) of Mason, one can expect higher quality video conferencing and speedy video downloads with 4G. Watching high definition movies on the move without buffering will also become a reality. � The wide pipe of wireless data available to the 4G subscriber will also lend itself to downloading large chunks of data, such as large spreadsheets and presentations. However, the success of each operator in this space will heavily depend on the differentiation strategy adopted by them. � Source: Business Line

Indian IT Industry to Create 2-2.5 Lakh Jobs: Kris Gopalakrishnan

Mon, 26 Dec 2011

� � According to Infosys Co-chairman Kris Gopalakrishnan, the IT sector in India is likely create 2-2.5 lakh jobs in the next one year. However, Gopalakrishnan cautioned of an economic uncertainity in the short term. � The medium- to long-term prospects of the industry are bright since technology investment will continue to grow. Also, offshore companies continue to rely on India-based development centres, captive centres, or service providers for support. The critical mass has already been built in India and hence, we can be very optimistic about the prospects for multinational as well as domestic companies based in India. � The year 2011 had witnessed a slowdown in the world economy. Despite this, the Indian IT industry has done reasonably well. While in 2008, the growth percentage came down to a single digit, this time Nasscom has projected a growth of about 16-17%--a very good growth rate given the state of the global economy. � Recent surveys of chief information officers (CIOs) by Citigroup and Forrester say that Infosys will be under more pressure in the months to come than its peers. � The Forrester report that surveyed over 1,000 CIOs found that in the next 12 months, Infosys, which had 105 respondents, would see a 4% fall in client spends.TCS with 111 respondents will see a 23% rise in client spends, Cognizant with 78 respondents will see a 13% rise, Wipro with 94 respondents will see a 13% rise, and HCL Tech with 44 respondents will see a 11% rise. � V Balakrishnan, CFO of Infosys, recently said that the global uncertainty has made it tough to acquire large contracts as client spends will remain slow. He added that clients are cautious about committing to long-term projects and it would be difficult for Infosys to achieve the top end of the 3%-5 % sales growth guidance for October-December and the 17.1-19 .1% sales growth for 2011-12. � Source: Economic Times

Kerala IT Wishes You a Merry Christmas

Sat, 24 Dec 2011

� Another Christmas is here! And techies in IT parks across the State have celebrated the Holy Birth and the festival of universal love in grandeur. Walking the corridors of IT parks, one could hear Christmas carols spreading the message of love--the usually silent and professional atmosphere replaced with fun and laughter...... and SIGHS, guys! SIGHS! You might have guessed it right... Christmas this year is on Sunday! So no extra holiday! �

"Aakash" Creates Ripples All Over the World

Fri, 23 Dec 2011

� � Ever since the online launch of "Aakash," touted as the world's cheapest tablet, it has been receiving massive bookings. Also, the government's programme to expand education through IT has received overwhelming response and appreciations. � The official website of Aakash Tablet--http://www.akashtablet.com-- has reported very heavy traffic. Its manufacturer, Datawind, has put up nearly 30,000 tablets online with a price tag of Rs 2,500, with a delivery period of seven days. � The seven-inch, touch-screen, low-cost tablet, features 256 megabytes of RAM, ARM 11 processor with Android 2.2 operating system, two USB ports, and HD-quality video. � Source: Business Today

IT@School to Conduct Hardware Training for School Students

Fri, 23 Dec 2011

� The IT@School programme will conduct a two-day computer hardware training programme for 25,000 school students from December 26 to 31, 2011. � The training will focus on the basic aspects of computer hardware, software installation, and hardware troubleshooting. � The programme aims at empowering students to help teachers optimise the use of the IT infrastructure in their schools, maintain computers, and rectify faults. � Each sub-district would have at least two training centres, and there would be a maximum of 40 students in one batch. � Each school can send a maximum of 10 students from the high school and higher secondary classes. � Source: The Hindu

67 Acres of Infopark Phase II Get SEZ Nod

Thu, 22 Dec 2011

� � In a meeting of the Board of Approval (BoA) under the Union Ministry of Commerce, 67 acres of land earmarked for the second phase of expansion of Infopark Kochi received SEZ status. This makes it a total of 98 acres of SEZ-notified land--31 acres having received SEZ status in September 2010. � The SEZ status can be extended by acquiring the adjoining area and making fresh applications via usual procedures. A global tender had been floated to select master-plan consultants for the Phase II expansion. � The approval has cleared the way for Infopark to set up a sector- specific IT and IT-Enabled Services Special Economic Zone as part of its second phase of expansion. The ground-readying work for the project is already under way. � Kerala IT offers excellent infrastructure and connectivity, which is being capitalized on. The park will provide the first plug and play BPO facility in the State. It will house domestic parks as well as Special Economic Zones for IT/ITES, and is aimed at creating cost effective infrastructure for the BPO industry. It is envisaged as an IT township with shopping centers, educational institutions, and multiplexes. �

ITC Infotech Plans Development Hubs In Smaller Cities

Wed, 21 Dec 2011

� � IT services company ITC Infotech, a wholly owned subsidiary of ITC Ltd. is planning to set up at least two new development centres in smaller cities in India. � The company, which has centres in major cities like Bangalore, Kolkata, and Pune, is now considering cities such as Chandigarh, Thiruvananthapuram, Guntur, and Kochi as its future sites. At least one out of the two new development centres that are planned is expected to come up next year. � The company, which employs over 5,000 professionals across the world, has decided to set up its new development centres in smaller locations because of the skilled manpower that they offer, not to mention the IT parks. � Source: Business Line

NeGP to Promote IT in Agriculture

Wed, 21 Dec 2011

� The Department of Agriculture and Co-operation, which functions under the Ministry of Agriculture, Government of India, will implement the National e-Governance Plan in Agriculture (NeGP-A) in seven selected states in the country under Phase-I, as part of its efforts to promote e-Governance in agriculture. The project aims at disseminating agriculture-related information to farmers on twelve identified cluster of services through delivery channels such as Common Service Centres, Internet Kiosk, SMSs, and Kisan Call Centres. � The Department of Agriculture and Co-operation has already developed about 80 portals, applications, and websites. The major portals include SeedNet, Department of Agriculture and Cooperation Network (DACNET), AGMARKNET (prices and arrivals in mandis), Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY), Automated Teller Machines (ATMs), NHM (National Horticulture Mission), and National Food Security Mission (NFSM). � Source: KeralaITNews

MobME's R&D Facility Gets DSIR's Approval

Tue, 20 Dec 2011

� � MobME Wireless, a Technopark Trivandrum-based award-winning company, has recently received approval and recognition from the Department of Science and Industrial Research (DSIR), Ministry of Science and Technology, Government of India, for their inhouse Research & Development (R&D) facility. � The first telecom mobile value-added services company to have a full-fledged R&D facility approved by DSIR, MobME aims at continuously innovating and developing state-of-the-art products for the telecommunications industry. � The company received this certification and recognition based on a scheme by DSIR that aims at promoting inhouse R&D facilities in private companies in the country. � Source: Business Line

eTendering System for PMGSY Launched in Kerala

Tue, 20 Dec 2011

� � On December 14, 2011, the State Minister for Rural Development and Registration, K.C. Joseph, launched the e-Tendering system for the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) in Kerala. The e-Submission Tender System of PMGSY e-Tendering enables tenderers to download the Tender Schedule free of cost and then submit the bids online through the PMGSY e-Tender portal. � The States Rural Roads Development Agencies (SRRDA) will maintain and update the e-Tender portal, in coordination with National Rural Roads Development Agency under the Union Ministry of Rural Development. The World Bank and ADB complaint system is designed, developed, and hosted by National Informatics Centre (NIC) on an all-India level. The system is now implemented in 21 States across India including Kerala. � Inaugurating the Kerala-specific portal, the Minister said that the launch of the e-Tendering system will bring in the much needed transparency and speed in the tender process. The online process would make the departments involved more accountable. There will be enhanced visibility and transparency and encourage more contactors to participate in the bidding process which would eventually bring down the cost. � Source: KeralaITNews

Infopark Kochi to Employ 80,000 Within 7 Years

Mon, 19 Dec 2011

� � Infopark Kochi, one of the three major IT hubs of Kerala, is expected to create employment opportunities for more than 80,000 people, which is over five times the number of existing jobs, in the next seven years. � The park, set up in 2004 is now home to 104 IT/ITeS companies in IT complexes spread over 34 lakh sq.ft. According to Gigo Joseph, the veteran CEO of the park, the job opportunities offered by Infopark Kochi will go up from the existing 15,000 to more than 80,000 by 2018. � Infopark Kochi has registered a four-fold growth in software exports during the last five years. Returns through exports had gone up from Rs. 247.05 crore in FY 2007-08� to Rs. 900 crore in the last fiscal year. Moreover, the total built-up space offered by IT buildings went up from 5.30 lakh sq.ft to 34 lakh sq.ft. � 82 acres of land belonging to the first phase of Infopark and 32 acres in the upcoming second phase have received Special Economic Zone (SEZ) status. SEZ notification for 67 acres in the second phase is expected soon. The Cherthala Infopark, a spoke of Infopark Kochi, already has its 60 acres declared as SEZ. � Nearly 67 percent of the existing built-up space of Infopark Kochi was developed with support from co-developers. In the next three years, the built-up space will be increased to 50 lakh sq.ft. This alone would create 40,000 jobs. � Of the 160 acres identified for the second phase development of Infopark in Puthencruz and Kunnathunadu villages, land acquisition formalities of 125 acres have already been completed. The second phase development projects are expected to be completed in the next seven years at an estimated cost of Rs.2,500 crore. On completion of Phase 2, Infopark's total space offered will go up to 80 lakh sq.ft. This will include an IT complex of 12 lakh sq.ft to be set up at a cost of Rs.260 crore during the 12th five year plan. In addition to investments worth Rs.450 crore by the Government of Kerala, developers will contribute Rs.2,050 crore. The development projects have been planned in a manner that will benefit SMEs as well. � At Cherthala Infopark, which was commissioned in January this year, 1,000 jobs were created in the first phase. Apart from land value, an investment of Rs.75 crore was made in the park. � Source: The Hindu

Indian IT Sector Reinvents Itself to Face Stiff Competition

Fri, 16 Dec 2011

� With Philippines replacing India in voice- based Business Process Outsourcing (BPO), the Indian IT sector is gearing up to reinvent itself in order to face stiff competition from countries across the world; its efforts spearheaded by the National Association of Software and Service Companies (NASSCOM). � According to V.K. Mathews, NASSCOM executive council member and Chairman of the IBS Group, cut-throat competition is forcing the domestic IT industry to take a re-examine its approach to business. The changes could include retraining the workforce to maximize output with focus on value-added products and services. � The re-examination comes in the wake of the Business Processing Association of the Philippines (BPAP) recent declaration that its call centre business had grown over 20 percent in 2010, to overtake India. � It has become imperative that IT companies move up the value chain, and provide better services and products by understanding customer needs. India needs an innovative business approach that will not only satisfy the needs of customers but also add value to them. � Source: The Hindu

Flytxt Wins IEEE Cloud Computing Challenge 2011

Thu, 15 Dec 2011

� � Global mobile advertising solutions provider Flytxt has announced that it has won the �2011 IEEE Cloud Computing Challenge�C3� award held in Athens, Greece, as part of the third IEEE International Conference on Cloud Computing Technology and Science (CloudCom 2011). The company, adjudged in the Data Intensive Analytics Application category, was selected for its innovation in Mobile Subscriber Fingerprinting using Big Data Analytics. The Cloud Computing Challenge organized by IEEE aims at stimulating the development of new practical tools and applications in cloud computing. � Prateek Kapadia, CTO, Flytxt, said that the award has reinforced the company�s commitment to excellence and innovation. � Flytxt provides innovative mobile advertising solutions for brands, operators, and advertisers by offering high ROI-interactive campaigns. The solutions offered by Flytxt are designed to engage mobile subscribers in highly relevant brand communication that provides rich brand experiences and high value to subscriber. Through these solutions, Flytxt enables its clients to establish meaningful communication with their audiences, and drive greater brand affinity and conversions. � Source: TechnoparkToday

Nasscom Firm on IT Growth Forecast

Thu, 15 Dec 2011

� NASSCOM has reiterated its growth forecast of 16-18 percent for the IT sector in this fiscal, despite the growing concerns over recession and other economic uncertainty in global markets. � � NASSOM President Som Mittal said that the industry is expected to grow at a rate of 16�18 percent rate, as forecast earlier. � In the first half of the current fiscal, the industry saw a growth of about 17-18 percent. � Software and services export is expected to grow 16-18 percent. It is also expected to bring in revenues of $68-70 billion. � The domestic market is estimated to grow at a rate of 15-17 percent, with revenues totaling an approximate $20 billion. � Mittal, however, added that the industry is maintaining a cautious outlook. � Source: Business Line

Malaysian Delegation Visits Technopark Trivandrum

Wed, 14 Dec 2011

� � On Thursday, December 8, 2011, a 15-member high-level delegation from Sarawak, Malaysia, headed by the State Chief Minister Abdul Taib Bin Mahmud, paid a visit to Technopark Trivandrum. � The visiting team was received by M. Vasudevan, the Senior Manager (Business Development) of Technopark Trivandrum at Park Centre in the campus. � Vasudevan conducted a presentation on Technopark and Kerala IT for the visiting delegation. The delegation was impressed by the facilities in the park, and the Sarawak Chief Minister was reported to have expressed great happiness at the welcome. � The delegation also announced its plans to look into a mutual co-operation between Technopark and Sarawak Government to jointly promote IT industry in Sarawak and Kerala. � The delegation also visited some of the major IT companies in the campus, including UST Global and Infosys. � Source: Express Buzz

NASSCOM to Mentor Kerala�s IT Units

Wed, 14 Dec 2011

� NASSCOM�s Regional Chapter in the State has announced its plans to mentor the IT units in the State so as to promote entrepreneurship in Kerala.� According to V.K. Mathews�the Executive Chairman of the IBS Group, Vice-Chairman of the State Council of the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), and Chairman of GTECH (Group of Technology Companies)�the entrepreneurial ambitions of many a people in the state are nipped in the bud due to a number of reasons�the most prominent being the risk-averse nature of the people coupled and the public resistance to accept failure as the stepping stone to success. � NASSCOM believes that entrepreneurship and mentorship are vital for industry transformation. This is why it has decided to promote entrepreneurship in the Akshaya e-services delivery model. As the first step, NASSCOM would select 50 best of the performing Akshaya units in the State for mentoring, which will help these units to firm up business plans, chart out a course for revenue growth, access technologies, and even arrange finances. This would lead to eventually lead to �better conversions� at the entrepreneurial end. � Source: Business Line

Cherthala BPO Park Houses Three Companies

Tue, 13 Dec 2011

� � Infopark Cherthala has become home to three IT/ITES companies, namely Claysys Technologies, Betrons Info Systems, and Webna Web Solutions. � Touted as the only park solely for BPO companies, Infopark Cherthala has been receiving countless enquiries from ITES companies since its inception, mainly due to the availability of state-of-the-art facilities at very low prices (30 percent less than in Infopark Kochi). � By the end of the year, it is expected that about five companies will have their facilities here. A few more will set up shop soon. As the companies are recruiting locally, there will be employment opportunities for professionals living in and around Cherthala. � With proximity to the major cities of Kochi, Kottayam and Alappuzha, Cherthala offers numerous advantages including easy accessibility, transport facility, accommodation, and local talent pool. � At present, the first phase (1.4 lakh sq. ft) under development at the park can accommodate 500 professionals. When completed fully, it can house about 3,500 people. � Source: Business Line

Intel Plans Healthcare Education Programme in Kerala

Mon, 12 Dec 2011

� Intel's plans to launch the Healthcare Education Programme in Kerala, as part of its "World Ahead" programme, were announced by John Davies, the Vice President of the program at a function in Trivandrum on December 06, 2011. The function was held to celebrate the occasion of one hundred thousand learners completing their training in Intel Learn programme through the Akshaya centers in Kerala. The Intel team also held discussions with Chief Minister Oommen Chandy and the Minister for IT and Industries, P.K. Kunhalikutty on the same day. � Through the Healthcare Education Platform, Intel plans to train one million healthcare workers belonging to developing countries in ICT by the end of 2015. The programme will empower them with technology, education tools, and ICT skills to help accelerate progress toward better health primarily for women and children. The Intel Skoool� Healthcare Education Platform is an anytime-anywhere multi-media content delivery and assessment platform designed to help the need for health education and capacity building of the healthcare workforce. It will have an open access license that is free of cost. � Abhishek Singh, Director, e-Governance, Department of IT, Government of India; A. Shahjahan, Director, Kerala State IT Mission; and Korath V Mathew, Director, Akshaya were present on the occasion. � Source: KeralaITNews

e-Tendering to Ensure Transparent Tendering

Fri, 09 Dec 2011

� Launched on Wednesday, November 7, 2011, the e-tendering of the Public Works Department (PWD) is widely expected to make the tendering system more transparent as well as efficient in Thiruvananthapuram district. � In the first phase of the initiative, the e-tendering web portal, www.etenders.kerala.gov.in, will be used for the publication of tender documents and acceptance of tenders for all works under the Superintending Engineer (South zone) of the PWD. The system would soon be extended to other areas as well. � The process of e-tendering is very simple. Contractors have to just fill in the relevant documents and submit them online using digital signature. The details of the participants in the tendering process will remain confidential until the time of opening of the tender. � e-tendering will also help the PWD save time. As the tendering profile, procedures, and other details are available on the website, the contractors need not visit PWD offices. The details of the tender process will be stored in the website and made available to the public. The Department hopes that this will further ensure transparency. � e-tendering is a programme under the National e-Governance Programme (NeGP) and has been developed using the software developed by the National Informatics Centre (NIC). The PWD has already conducted training sessions for officials and contractors to familiarise them with the new software. There are about 304 registered contractors already listed on the PWD website. � Source: The Hindu

KFC to Conduct Transparent Auctions with e-Sale Portal

Thu, 08 Dec 2011

� � With the launch of its e-Sale portal, the Kerala Financial Corporation (KFC) will be able to auction its acquired assets in a transparent and impartial manner. The portal was inaugurated by the State Finance Minister, K.M. Mani in the capital city of Thiruvananthapuram on November 30, 2011. He also launched the Core Financial Solution project of KFC that was developed as part of computerising the entire office procedures and announced that KFC would become a paperless organization soon. � According to Yogesh Gupta IPS, CMD, KFC, �A person sitting anywhere in the world can participate in the e-tender/e-auction process and make e-payment for EMD as well as final sale price, obviating any need for personal interaction with Corporation's staff eliminating any unhealthy practices. The details of assets for sale are put up on the e-Auction site. A bidder who wishes to bid for the property has to register with KFC and after logging in to the KFC website, can participate in the auction sale. The entire process of posting auctions, bidding and selecting of successful bidder will be done online�. � IT major Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) had developed the core financial solution to fully computerise the loan accounts and automation of office procedures. � Source: KeralaITNews

CM Inaugurates Cycle Club in Technopark Trivandrum

Wed, 07 Dec 2011

� � On Tuesday, December 6, 2011, Kerala Chief Minister Oommen Chandy inaugurated the "Technopark-Allianz Bicycle Club: Why Not Cycle for a Green Initiative" by flagging off 55 cycles in the Allianz colours of blue and white from the "Thejaswini" building of Technopark Trivandrum.� � The "cycle initiative," co-conceptualized by Allianz and Technopark Today, aims at making travel within the park campus easier and reducing parking troubles, pollution, and traffic congestion. It is also an effort to help the employees shake off their sedentary lifestyle. � A Technopark employee can use the cycles for an hourly rental of Rs.2. Five racks with 10-12 cycles each will be placed across the campus for easy access. � Source: The Hindu

IIITM-K to Conduct National Workshop On Medical Image Computing in Technopark

Tue, 06 Dec 2011

� � The Indian Institute of Information Technology and Management - Kerala (IIITM-K) is organising a National Workshop on Medical Image Computing (NWMIC011), along with the Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute of Medical Science and Technology (SCTIMST), in Technopark Trivandrum from December 12 to 16, 2011. The workshop, touted to be the first national level workshop in Medical Image Computing, is sponsored by Department of Science and Technology, Government of India. � Prof. Radhakrishnan, Director, SCTIMST and Prof. Elizabeth Sherly, Director, IIITMK, will inaugurate the workshop on December 12 at the Park Centre in Technopark. It will have technical sessions by Prof. N. R. Jagannathan, AIIMS; Dr. Chebrolu Vanuatu, GE JFW; Dr. Pallavi Ajinepalli, Philips Research Asia; Dr. Sarif Kumar Naik, Philips Research Asia, Bangalore; Prof. Prabhat Munshi, IIT Kanpur; Prof Naren Naik, IIT Kanpur; Prof Amesh R Galigekere, Manipal University; Prof. Joseph Suresh Paul, IIITM-K; and Prof. Alex Pappachen James, IIITM-K. � The workshop is also expected to feature presentations and poster exhibitions by students. � For more information, check out the NWMIC011 website. The last date for registration is December 9, 2011. � Source: KeralaITNews

ITC Infotech To Open Office in Technopark Trivandrum

Mon, 05 Dec 2011

� Global IT services major ITC Infotech, a fully-owned subsidiary of ITC Ltd, will soon open a facility in Technopark Trivandrum. The $7 billion IT company has announced that its new office will be set up over an area of 8,500 sq ft in Technopark�s �Tejaswani� building. � ITC Infotech has its headquarters in Bangalore, India, and wholly owned subsidiaries in the UK and the U.S. It clientele consists of Fortune-listed companies in North America and Europe. � The company offers services in various industry verticals such as banking, finance and insurance, hospitality, manufacturing, travel, transportation and logistics, and life sciences. � Source: Business Line

New CEO for Technopark Trivandrum

Fri, 02 Dec 2011

� � K.G. Girish Babu assumed the office of the Chief Executive Officer of Technopark Trivandrum on December 01, 2011. Before being appointed as the CEO, he was the Managing Director of the Kerala State IT Infrastructure Ltd. (KSITIL). He also held the additional charge of the CEO of UL Cyberpark, Kozhikode. � Girish Babu was the founder CEO of Infopark Kochi and also a member of the formative team of Kerala State IT Mission (KSITM) which was started in 1999. He has also held the offices of the Chief Operating Officer - IT Parks during 2002-03 and the CEO of Infopark, Kochi, during 2002-06. � Girish Babu has taken charge from Mervin Alexander whose tenure ended on November 30, 2011. Alexander, an Indian Postal Service (IPoS) officer, was on deputation with the Government of Kerala. � Source: KeralaITNews

�2011 Global MAKE Award� Goes to Infosys

Thu, 01 Dec 2011

� Indian IT bellwether Infosys has bagged the �Global Most Admired Knowledge Enterprises (MAKE) Award 2011,� instituted by Teleos and the KNOW Network, for its ability to create a culture of learning within the organization. The award is. � This is the eighth time that Infosys is winning this award. In fact, when �Infy� bagged the award for the first time in 2003, it became the first Indian company to win this award. In 2005, the company entered the Global MAKE Hall of Fame. T � Infosys also recently received the �2011 Asian Most Admired Knowledge Enterprises (MAKE) Award.� � Source: KeralaITNews

Roadshow for Technopark Kollam Conducted

Wed, 30 Nov 2011

� � Technopark Trivandrum, along with the park-based Group of Technology Companies (GTech), conducted a roadshow for Technopark Kollam being developed on 40 acres of Special Economic Zone (SEZ) on 40 acres of Special Economic Zone in Kundara on the banks of Lake Ashtamudi, as part of the State�s hub-and-spoke model of expansion. � The roadshow�titled �Technopark-Kollam�Putting Kollam on the Global IT Map,� sought to showcase the completed first phase of the IT building that offers one lakh sq. ft. of built-up space with plug-and-play facilities to investors. When fully complete, the park is expected to provide employment to an estimated around 15,000 professionals. � Technopark Kollam also has the distinction of being the first IT park in the State that will have a mode of water transportation to Kollam city. A boat jetty has been completed. � The estimated cost of developing the IT building is Rs 25 crore. � Source: Business Line

e-District Project to be Replicated All Over State

Wed, 30 Nov 2011

� � Inaugurating the valedictory programme of the Akshaya Day celebrations on Monday, November 28, 2011, the State Minister for Information Technology, P.K. Kunhalikutty, has announced that the KSITM�s e-District project will be replicated all over the State. � � The Government of Kerala will extend all support to strengthen the activities of Akshaya centers and also inspire more people to take up self-employment. It will also ensure a remedy to the problems faced by Akshaya entrepreneurs. � At the function, the Minister also released the Akshaya souvenir. K.S. Srinivasan, Special Secretary, Information Technology; A .Shajahan, Director, Kerala State IT Mission; and over 100 Akshaya entrepreneurs from across the State were present. � The entrepreneurs were awarded for the best e-governance services. � Wayanad and Pathanamthitta teams won the awards for the districts that logged in the highest number of enrolment, per team, for �Aadhar� registration. � The best e-ticketing service award went to S. Sajikumar from Thiruvananthapuram. The best e-pay services award was bagged by Abdul Salam from Malappuram, the online ration card registration award by Rajesh from Kasaragod, the KNRK award by Anand from Kollam, and the e-Grantz service award by Archana from Thiruvananthapuram. � The award for the best e-learning initiatives for Intel learn was given to Jimmi Joseph from Wayanad, and the IGNOU award to Fazeela from Kasaragod. � Source: The Hindu

Flytxt Announces Partnership with Mara-Ison

Wed, 30 Nov 2011

� Technopark Trivandrum-based provider of global advertising solutions, Flytxt, has partnered with Mara-Ison in order to offer its mobile advertisement services throughout Africa. Through this partnership, Flytxt aims at supporting mobile operators, brands, and advertisers in reaching out to their target audience in a continent touted as the world's fastest-growing mobile market and which already has over 600 Million mobile subscribers. � Mara-Ison's network in Africa will enhance Flytxt�s service delivery capabilities that include converting mobile operators' subscriber touch-points into premium ad media opportunities. � Source: KeralaITNews

IBS Retains CMMI Level 5 Tag

Wed, 30 Nov 2011

� � Travel, transportation, and logistics solutions provider IBS Software has successfully managed to retain its Capability Maturity Model Integration (CMMI) Level 5 tag. � The appraisal was conducted by KPMG and included stringent reviews of the processes followed by IBS for software development and service delivery. The announcement regarding IBS maintaining its CMMI Level 5 tag was made by the Software Engineering Institute (SEI) at Carnegie Mellon University. � CMMI Level 5 indicates the highest level of process maturity and reflects an organization�s capability to evolve and implement best practices in the development of products and services through innovative process and technological enhancements. � There are only around 200 organizations all over the world that has achieved this level. � Source: Business Line

UST Global Recognized for CSR Initiatives

Wed, 30 Nov 2011

� � Leading IT firm UST Global has announced that it has been honoured for its corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives. � The company, with its mission statement of �transforming lives,� has development centres in Technopark Trivandrum and Infopark Kochi in Kerala. It is committed to making a real difference and improvement of health and education of women and children. � The company raises funds and organizes volunteers for immunization projects launched and managed by �PATH,� a non-profit organization that creates sustainable and culturally relevant solutions enabling communities worldwide to break longstanding cycles of poor health. � It encourages and supports all UST Global �associates� around the world in being committed to local charitable and non-profit organizations. � The company seeks to transform the small city of Thiruvananthapuram into a major IT centre and make a positive difference in the lives of its citizens through acts of generosity and involvement in the welfare of the local community. � The company supports the cause of education, and is engaged in such work among 2,250 children throughout South India. � Source:� Business Line

Smart City To Get Single SEZ Status Soon

Tue, 29 Nov 2011

� The Government of Kerala and its people are eagerly looking forward to the formal notification of the entire 246 acres of the SmartCity project as SEZ. � The Government of Kerala has filed a letter opting for single SEZ status with the Board of Approval (BoA), Union Ministry of Commerce, Government of India. In the letter, it has specified the character of Special Economic Zone (SEZ) it prefers for the proposed SmartCity Kochi project. � The BoA meeting which took place on Monday,�November 28, 2011, discussed the matter. The issue of the formal gazette notification can be expected soon after. � The last meeting of the BoA held in September had approved SEZ status for the remaining 114 acres as 132 acres had already received the approval in March. The BoA was agreeable to notifying the entire project area either as a single SEZ or multiple SEZ but had asked the State government to formally convey its preference. � Source: The Hindu

Cloud Computing Becomes the New Buzzword

Tue, 29 Nov 2011

� � According to IT experts, cloud computing is here to stay! Having become the latest buzzword in information technology, cloud computing has joined the ranks of terms such as grid computing, utility computing, virtualization, and clustering. � Cloud computing is now looked upon as the next revolution in computing technology. Experts have also identified it as the topmost technology among top 10 strategic technologies. � There are different types of computing services�infrastructure, platform, and software. � A consumer can rent processing power, storage space, network bandwidth, and other fundamental computing resources. Platform as a service, used by software companies, provides ready-to-use platform to directly deploy web-based applications. A web-based email application is an example of software-as-a-service. � The various cloud deployment models include private, community, public, and hybrid. A private cloud infrastructure is owned or leased by a single organization. The community cloud is shared by several organizations and supports a specific community that has shared concerns. Public cloud is owned by a service provider organization which offers cloud services to the general public or to a large industry group. Hybrid cloud is a composition of two or more clouds that remain independent but are bound together by standard or proprietary technology that enables data and application change. � Source: The Hindu

Maratha Light Infantry Brass Band Performs at Technopark Trivandrum

Tue, 29 Nov 2011

� � Maratha Light Infantry Regimental Centre (MLIRC) Brass Band, one of the oldest army bands in India, recently performed for Technopark employees in the campus. � The performance was organized by NCC Directorate (Kerala andLakshadweep) in association with UST Global. The band was led by Band Master Nb Sub B Sannappa. Brigadier C. Sandeep Kumar , Deputy Director General NCC, (Kerala & Lakshadweep) introduced the Band to Technopark employees. � The performance also marked the beginning of three week long annual fest �Rangoli �11�by UST Global, which is planning to organize some high impact, socially relevant, and environment-friendly activities. � Source: TechnoparkToday

Technopark Launches Online Complaint Registration System

Tue, 29 Nov 2011

� � Technopark Trivandrum has put into action an online complaint registration-cum-monitoring system for the companies in the campus. Using this system, companies can submit their questions and complaints to Technopark authorities. The system is integrated in the park�s official website and can be accessed by clicking the �Helpdesk� link provided on the homepage. � Once a question/complaint is submitted, a ticket will be assigned automatically to it, and the user will receive an e-mail/SMS alert. The user can check the status of the question/complaint from the website by providing the e-mail address and ticket number. In addition to this, the user will also receive an alert when his/her complaint gets resolved. The park authorities have made it clear that, from now on, all complaints and service requests will be accepted only through this system. � The new system is expected to help us improve the overall efficiency in the campus.� Companies in Technopark can raise complaints or queries under IT, Finance, Business Development, Administration, and Maintenance. � Source: KeralaITNews

m-Governance on Fast-track

Mon, 28 Nov 2011

� When governments across the world started effectively deploying mobile-based technologies for providing a wide variety of public services, India and its states did not hesitate. � Kerala, a pioneer in m-Governance initiatives in the country, launched �Dr. SMS��an m-health information system for providing information on medical facilities available in the locality of the resident. Goa followed suit, with a mobile governance initiative for issuing alerts for receipt of government applications and complaints and status tracking. Maharashtra came third when it adopted a similar traffic management system through mobile alerts. � An initiative of the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation launched in September 2011 tries to use technology in the cleaning of garbage bins in the city using a mobile phone-based Intelligent Garbage Monitoring System that enables sanitary supervisors to report the status of cleaning of garbage bins through their GPS-enabled mobile phones. Centralized reports as well as those of individual bins can be generated with the system. The map with a GIS interface spans all areas of the city. Managing the number of trips, gathering daily summary of the clearance and, most importantly, reports of the bins that are full but have not been cleared can also be obtained. � When trash is collected, each bin is photographed with a camera phone. The image is loaded on the website, where it is monitored by an administrator in the municipality office. Earlier, the clearing of bins was monitored through information from sanitary supervisors. � Source: The Hindu

NASSCOM Launches BPO Career Guide

Mon, 28 Nov 2011

� NASSCOM has launched a "BPO Career Guide" that is expected to promote jobs in Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) as a career. � The Guide is available on the official websites of NASSCOM and� the NASSCOM Assessment of Competence (NAC). It can be downloaded free of cost. � The BPO Career Guide is expected to remove the common misconceptions regarding BPO jobs as� careers among the masses. � Source: KeralaITNews

TCS Launches "iON" Solution

Mon, 28 Nov 2011

� � Indian IT giant TCS has announced the launch of iON--a fully integrated IT solution for Small and Medium Business (SMB) that would provide best-in-class, on-demand business solutions using the latest in scalable cloud computing technology--in Kerala. � iON uses a pay-per-use business model that helps SMBs leverage world-class technology solutions as a key business differentiator. It also removes the need for SMBs to invest in IT assets or retain scarce IT resources, by providing ERP and business solutions, not to mention basic applications like email, document management, and website services. It will also help SMBs meet all compliance and statutory requirements. � iON has already gained over 250 SMB customers. � Source: Business Line

KSWDC and SPACE to Organize ICT Training for Girls

Sun, 27 Nov 2011

� Realizing the importance of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) in empowering women, the Kerala State Women's Development Corporation (KSWDC), along with the Society for Promotion of Alternative Computing and Employment (SPACE), is planning to organize ICT awareness training for female students and teachers of arts and science colleges in the State. � The pilot project will be implemented in Wayanad, Malappuram, and Kasaragod districts, and will be launched in the first week of December 2011. � The programme would deal with internet security, cyber crimes, and privacy issues in simple terms, not to mention sessions on information sharing, Malayalam computing, and social networking. The programme aims at making girls aware of safe browsing practices, and also creating a team of master trainer teachers in colleges. � Source: The Hindu

Mongolian Delegation Visits Kerala to Study About Akshaya Centres

Sun, 27 Nov 2011

� A team of 17 members representing the Government of Mongolia is in Thiruvananthapuram to study the Akshaya model, as part of an all-India tour to learn about e-governance activities. � The Department of Information Technology (DIT), Government of India; had advised the delegation to visit Akshaya centres and study the model as a one-stop shop for citizen services. The delegation is led by Nyamjav Darja, Deputy Chief, Cabinet Secretariat, Government of Mongolia. Felix Fellmann, Country Director; and Diepak Elmer, Governance Programme Manager of Swiss Co-operation Office of the Embassy of Switzerland; are also members of the delegation. � The delegation met Akshaya Director Korath V. Mathew and team in Thiruvananthapuram, who� explained to them how Akshaya was able to create a strong network of citizen service centres across the State. The team also visited the Akshaya units in the district and witnessed the UID enrolment activities and other services on offer. � Source: The Hindu

European Union to Have Deeper Ties with India

Sun, 27 Nov 2011

� Neelie Kroes, the European Union (EU) Commissioner for Digital Agenda, was in India on a three-day visit beginning Wednesday, November 23, 2011. The visit was aimed at boosting cooperation in the information and communication technology (ICT) sector between India and the EU. � During the visit, she met with India's IT and commerce ministers and representatives of companies such as Ericsson, Alcatel-Lucent, and Nokia Siemens Networks. � Her visit to India came at a time when Free Trade Agreement (FTA) negotiations are happening ahead of the next EU-India summit in February 2012. � Source: Economic Times

TRAI to Be Fully Digital by 2014

Sat, 26 Nov 2011

� � Speaking at a seminar on �The Role of Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) in Protecting Telecom Consumer Interest in India� jointly organized by the Kerala Chamber of Commerce and Industry; Consumers Association, Palakkad; and Civitas Legal Solutions, Kochi; N. Parameswaran, Principal Advisor, CA & IR, TRAI, New Delhi; announced that all analog cable networks will be shifted to digital by 2014, thereby allowing viewers to avail almost 700 channels that are permitted in the country. � TRAI�s mission is to create and nurture an environment that will facilitate the quick growth of India�s telecommunication sector and provide a transparent policy environment. Quality of service, Internet, and tariff are the three areas which TRAI focuses on. There is also scope for improving the quality of service, billing, and grievance redressal. John Mathew, a former judge of the Kerala High Court, was the chief guest at the function. � Source: Business Line

EdServ Mobile Education Apps Now Available on Aircel Mobile

Sat, 26 Nov 2011

� � Leading e-learning education services firm EdServ has announced that �HumThum��its mobile education app�is now available on Aircel mobile. All Aircel mobile users will have access to EdServ�s entire range of education content, including tuition, test prep, academics, and skill development through this app. � Aircel has over 50 million subscribers in the country, and EdServ expects over two million students to access its education content through the app available on their mobile smart phones. � The tie-up with Aircel follows the agreement EdServ signed with Tata Docomo recently for their �Tutor on Mobile� service. � Source: KeralaITNews

Traffic e-Challan Launched

Fri, 25 Nov 2011

� � On Tuesday, November 22, 2011, Kerala Chief Minister Oommen Chandy launched the pilot phase of "traffic e-challan," an initiative of the Kerala Police that will enable the public to pay traffic fines through any branch of the State Bank of Travancore or Akshya centres. � If found successful, the pilot scheme would be extended to other areas as well. The police will analyse feedback from motorists, and fine-tune the scheme before the facility is extended. � A person who gets a traffic ticket should remit the fine at an SBT branch or Akshya centre within 20 days of the receipt of the challan. The bank will levy a nominal service charge in addition to the remitted amount. � The police will use a challan that will be in the triplicate and serially numbered with a 10-digit alpha numeral. The challan will be in a booklet form. Once the offender says he will remit the fine in the bank, the officer will write the amount in all the three challans and hand over two copies to the person. � The official will retain one copy of the challan. At the bank or Akshaya centre, the person will be given a copy once he makes the payment and the other will be retained at the office. If the offender does not remit the money within 20 days, the police will submit a report to the court and a summons will be issued. � Source: The Hindu

Online Advance Queue Booking System for Sabarimala Launched

Fri, 25 Nov 2011

� The State Police Department has launched an online advance queue booking system for Sabarimala darshan that is expected to go a long way in helping pilgrims during the "mandal" season. � The e-queue system will enable a pilgrim who registers at the Kerala Police@Sabarimala site to get preference in the queue for darshan. However, this facility is currently available only for pilgrims carrying an "Irumudikkettu." Also, the Q-coupon does not assure a darshan at Sabarimala. � A pilgrim who registers on qcoupon.keralapolice.gov.in/home.php will be able join the queue at "Nadapanthal."� He will have to fill out a form and upload a scanned passport size photograph (jpg / jpeg format of less than 30 KB size). The Q-Coupon (or print-out generated after registration) and the Identity Card used for registration will have to be produced for Police verification while coming for darshan. � Source: KeralaITNews

Japanese Company Opens Office in Technopark Trivandrum

Thu, 24 Nov 2011

� � CCS Inc�a Japanese company specializing in LED systems�has opened its subsidiary named CCS-ELUX Lighting Engineering Private Limited at the �Leela� building of Technopark Trivandrum. The new facility was inaugurated by Kenji Yoneda, the Director, President, and CEO of CCS Group. � CCS-ELUX is the 246th company in Technopark Trivandrum. � CCS Inc. offers LED lighting that makes optimum use of control, focus, and dissipation technology. The lighting system is widely used in machines and microscopes and for bio-medical and agricultural application. � Source: The Hindu

Japanese Corporate Delegation Visits Technopark

Thu, 24 Nov 2011

� � Tohru Yasuda, Director and President of CCS-ELUX Lighting Engineering (P) Ltd paid a visit to Technopark Trivandrum along with other senior management members of the company. � The delegation was welcomed by Mervin Alexander, the CEO of Technopark. He gave the guests an overview of the various IT initiatives of the Government of Kerala.� M. Vasudevan, Senior Manager (Business Development), Technopark, made a detailed presentation of the activities undertaken by Technopark. � Yasuda is reported to have expressed delight at the park�s infrastructure and services. The CCS Group had opened their new facility in the campus recently. Yasuda said that the company will be looking to construct their own building in the campus. � Source: Technopark.org

Infosys Launches �XBRL Filing Solutions�

Wed, 23 Nov 2011

� Indian IT major Infosys has announced the launch of a solution for Indian companies that will allow them to file financial statements in XBRL (eXtensible Business Reporting Language) format as per the mandate of the Ministry of Corporate Affairs, Government of India. � XBRL Filing solution� is a standalone and �Ready-to-Use� tool which will enable users to convert their excel-based financial information into XBRL format in a few simple steps. It can be easily integrated into a Microsoft Excel format. � XBRL Filing solution� also enables accountants to generate an embedded XBRL report view to review financial statements before filing. XBRL Filing solution� has been developed based upon the taxonomy developed for the existing Schedule VI, as per the existing (non-converged) Accounting Standards notified under the Companies (Accounting Standards) Rules, 2006. � Source: KeralaITNews

Technopark Promotes Bicycles for Intra-campus Travel

Wed, 23 Nov 2011

� In another attempt toward ensuring ecofriendliness, Technopark Trivandrum is all set to launch an initiative to promote bicycles for intra-campus travel. It is expected that the park employees will be able to make use of this facility by the end of this month. � The programme, conceived by Athirup�s bicycle club (abc) and technoparktoday.com, has also ensured the support of Technopark-based Allianz Cornhill, which sponsored over 50 bicycles. � Technopark will provide parking space for the bicycles at four locations in the campus. All the users will be required to register for use at a token price. � Source: Express Buzz

Wrench Solutions Opens Office In Canada

Wed, 23 Nov 2011

� Kochi-based software company Wrench Solutions, which specialises in technology solutions for engineering verticals, has set up shop opened in Toronto, Canada, with an aim of tapping the vast North American engineering sector.The company expects to attain 90 to 100 percent growth in North America alone by 2012�13. � Wrench solutions build and implement solutions for construction and manufacturing sectors. The company has achieved a steady 30 percent annual growth and had a turnover of Rs. 10 crore last year. � Source: Business Line

Rediff Survey Identifies Technopark Trivandrum as the Country�s Most Stunning

Tue, 22 Nov 2011

� � A survey conducted by Rediff.com has selected Technopark Trivandrum as one of the most stunning IT parks in India, in addition to labeling it as the greenest. Technopark CEO Mervin Alexander acknowledged this as a �major recognition� for the park. � Technopark Trivandrum, with a total built-up space of 4 million sq.ft. and spread across ten magnificent IT buildings, houses over 220 companies and 30,000 �ITians.� � The campus, which is known for its greenery, is moving in a greener path with the proposed Tecnopark Bicycle Club and installation of solar lights in the campus. � The other IT Parks featured in this survey include ITPL Bangalore; Electronics City, Bengaluru; Cyber Gateway, Hyderabad; Hitec City, Hyderabad; Cyber Pearl, Hyderabad; and CyberVale IT Park, Chennai. � Source: TechnoparkToday

Consultation Stresses on the Need for Increased Use of ICT

Tue, 22 Nov 2011

� The consultation on �Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) and Climate Change�, jointly organised by the International Centre for Free and Open Source Software (ICFOSS), Centre for Earth Science Studies (CESS), and the International Non-Governmental Co-operation Organisation for Renewable Energy (INGCORE) and held at Technopark Trivandrum,� called for the increased utilization of ICTs in the formulation of a strategy for monitoring, mitigation, and adaptation vis-a-vis the climate change in the State. � The Consultation also proposed steps for an action plan for the State towards using ICTs as a policy instrument in macro planning and technology policy formulation vis-a-vis climate change. � The consultation saw the participation of policymakers, scientists, NGOs, academics, and IT specialists from far and wide. Kerala is extremely vulnerable to climate change from various angles such as sea-level rise, saline water intrusion, rainfall decline, deforestation & land degradation, depletion of fish resources, stress in soil moisture, loss of biodiversity, drinking water depletion, loss of estuarine ecosystems, and susceptibility to natural hazards. � Source: Express Buzz

Technopark Installs Solar Powered Street Lighting System

Mon, 21 Nov 2011

� � On Thursday, November 19, 2011, Sasidhar Srinivas IAS, Secretary for IT, Government of Kerala, inaugurated the first phase of Technopark Trivandrum's first renewable energy system--a Solar-powered street lighting system that is touted as a major step towards the park's efforts to ensure environmental- and eco-friendliness. � The installation of solar lights in the campus will save power to a greater extent.� Another environmental friendly project in the pipeline plans to arrange bicycles for Technopark employees to commute within the campus, thus reducing carbon emissions. � Sixteen street light luminaries complete with Solar Panels and Compact Fluorescent Lamps (CFL) powered by Solar Modules with charge controllers have been installed at a cost of Rs.7.7 lakhs. Jayachandran Associates & Design Engineers are the consultants and Radiant Solar Pvt. Ltd., have completed the installation. � The solar lights installed are as per specifications and standards set by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, Government of India. The CFLs will emit light from the power generated by a solar module of 120W capacity. The energy generated during the day time is stored in specially designed tubular battery for solar application. An electronic charge controller is used to control charging and duty cycle of solar streetlights. The system is provided with automatic ON/OFF function for dusk to dawn operation. The solar panel itself will work as a daylight sensor. When the light incident on the panel falls below a certain lux level, the CFL will be switched on. � Source: TechnoparkToday

Akshaya Entrepreneurs to be Sponsored by NASSCOM

Sun, 20 Nov 2011

� � At the venue of the 9th Akshaya Day celebrations, V.K. Mathews, IBS Chairman and NASSCOM executive council member announced NASSCOM's plans to sponsor some of the best Akshaya entrepreneurs in the State and help them become successful entrepreneurs. � The 9th Akshaya Day celebrations was inaugurated by K.M. Chandrasekhar, Vice-chairman, State Planning Board, at the Institute of Management in Government, on Friday, November 18, 2011. � The decision to nurture and mentor Akshaya entrepreneurs was taken when the NASSCOM executive council meeting was held in September. Team Akshaya has been assigned with the responsibility of identifying the most promising Akshaya entrepreneurs. Akshaya has not only played a key role in minimising the digital divide but also promoting entrepreneurship in the state. � Source: Express Buzz

Ntrois Technologies Opens Office in Technopark

Sun, 20 Nov 2011

� � Trivandrum-based IT solution and service provider Ntrois Technologies has launched operations in Technopark. A, �Abbas, Private Secretary to the State Minister for Industries and IT, inaugurated the new office at the Smart Business Centre in the "Thejaswini" building of Technopark on November 19, 2011. Mervin Alexander, CEO, Technopark launched the official website of Ntrois. � Feroz Manzoor, Managing Director, Ntrois, said that with the commencement of operations at the Technopark office, the organisation has taken a significant step forward. Founded by three IT professionals in 2011, Ntrois Technologies is a technology solutions and service provider for the Hospitality and Event Management Industry. The company offers a wide range of services such as Mobile Application Development, IT consulting, IT outsourcing, Cloud Services, and Event Process Outsourcing. It is engaged in the design, development, and maintenance of a variety of applications across the hospitality industry verticals. � Source: KeralaITNews

NASSCOM Projects IT Industry Growth at 16-18 Percent

Fri, 18 Nov 2011

� According to NASSCOM, the Indian IT industry will grow at a rate of 16-18 percent in FY12 despite the economic uncertainty in the US and European markets. � The U.S. and European region account for over 85 percent of the revenues of the over USD 70 billion Indian IT sector. � Nasscom had in February presented a conservative outlook of 16-18 per cent growth in IT exports in 2011-12 in the wake of the slow economic recovery in the US and uncertainty in the European region. � The growth in software and services export is expected to be 16-18 percent and the sector slated to bring in revenues of USD 68-70 billion. The growth in the domestic market is estimated to be 15-17 per cent, with revenues of about USD 19-20 billion. � Source: Economic Times

Hexaware Wins $250 Million UK Contract

Thu, 17 Nov 2011

� IT firm Hexaware Technologies has bagged a contract worth $250 million (nearly Rs 1,265 crore) from a UK-based client for a period of five years, starting January 1, 2012. Through the contract, touted as the company's single largest, the firm is expected to garner an estimated $60 million worth of incremental business. The additional revenue from this engagement will begin to accrue from the first quarter of 2012. � Under the contract, Hexaware is expected to ramp up the team servicing the client to a peak strength of 800 personnel operating at dedicated global delivery centres. The company will also continue offering services to this customer that will cut across verticals, including enterprise solutions, application management services, and remote infrastructure and testing services. � Over the last four quarters, Hexaware has seen significant growth in Europe business and has added 12 new clients in the region. � The company added 12 new clients across all key focus areas in the third quarter. It had 194 active clients at the end of Q3, 2011. � The clients will be served by a team of 800 personnel from the centres in Chennai, Mumbai, Pune and Mexico and various client locations globally spanning 20 countries in the Americas, Europe and Asia-Pacific. � Source: Business Line

Ayruz Launches Multi-Utility App

Thu, 17 Nov 2011

� � Kochi-based IT firm Ayruz Web Holdings has launched WordZo, its new digital product. WordZo�was launched by Shashi Tharoor, MP, at a function held at the Park Centre in Technopark, Trivandrum, on November 15, 2011. � WordZo is an online e-Book reading and language enhancement application that provides 20,000 books that cover various genres� with the package. A single click on any word will immediately display the meaning of that word. It The context-sensitive dictionary offers the meaning of the word at a double click on the word, and the readers can translate the meaning to any language of their choice. The advantage being, the reader would learn the application of the word as he / she reads the sentence, unlike a dictionary which just provides the meaning but not the usage. Finally, the reader need not keep a track of all the new words and meanings he / she has learnt. They are added to the list of "referred words", which can be read through as and when the reader wants to, thus providing a self-testing environment. This application need not be downloaded or installed on the computer. Being a web-based application, all that a person needs is an internet connection. � Source: KeralaITNews

UST Distributes Tree Saplings to Employees

Wed, 16 Nov 2011

� As part of its CSR initiatives, UST Global conducted a tree sapling distribution programme on November 2, 2011 that turned out to be a huge success. The company distributed more than 1,100 saplings to its employees at its Technopark Trivandrum campus. Present at the event were Mr. Alexander Varghese, Head, Global Operations, UST Global and Mr. Arun Narayanan, Chief Operation Officer, UST Global. � Saplings were collected from the Tropical Botanic Garden and Research Institute Palode, Trivandrum, for distribution. On May 12, the company had distributed 2,500 tree saplings to its employees as part of its "AroundUS" campaign. � Source: Technopark Today

QBurst Sets Up New Development Center at Infopark Thrissur in Koratty

Wed, 16 Nov 2011

� � QBurst, a leading software development firm, has opened its fifth development center in Kerala at Infopark�Thrissur in Koratty. The company, which provides customized end-to-end solutions to a global clientele, also has development centers at Infopark Kochi, Technopark Trivandrum, and Kesavadasapuram in Trivandrum. � QBurst's Koratty office is located in the �Nisagandhi� building. It is now focused on web and mobile application development. As part of its aggressive growth plan, QBurst is all set to expand this development center to offer its complete IT portfolio to its clients. � QBurst also has 10 business and development centres across six countries. Apart from the new office at Koratty, QBurst will open another international development center at Bialystok City, Poland, thereby expanding its European operations. Both the new development centers are expected to play a strategic role in QBurst's roadmap, allowing it to drive business opportunities in the respective regions catering to the growing customer base.

Waybeo Develops Free Calling Facility

Tue, 15 Nov 2011

� � Trivandrum Technopark incubated Waybeo is now offering its offering free calling facility for its customers with its innovative product�BounzD. The widget can be attached to websites, blogs or social networking sites so that by clicking the button, the customer can directly interact with the business provider free of cost. � The free direct online interaction is made easy for the clients equipped with a microphone-enabled laptop, PC, or mobile phone with Internet connection. BounzD also has another feature, where the caller can drop in their telephone number so that they will receive a call instantaneously from the business provider. � The beta version of BounzD was released in the first week of April 2011, and was tried among 65 customers. The first version with advanced features was released in August. � �BounzD is available in three packages�bronze, silver, and gold. � BounzD was among the six products from India displayed at the recently-concluded NASSCOM product conclave in Chennai. Waybeo is planning to release Version 2 within three months with several new additions. � Source: Express Buzz

Phykon Solutions Celebrates Fifth Anniversary

Tue, 15 Nov 2011

� Technopark Trivandrum-based BPO firm Phykon Solutions recently celebrated its fifth anniversary at a resort in Kovalam with a host of cultural programmes and corporate games. � Founded in the year 2006, Phykon Solutions has been offering its clients abroad a number of services ranging from Customer support to Accounting and Technical Support. The company's clientele is spread across three continents. Phykon� was recently a part of the Indo-Australian Chamber of Commerce delegation to Australia. It has also teamed up NCH Software, a leader in audio, video, and telephony software headquartered in Australia with offices worldwide, to aggressively pursue a bigger share of the global market. � Source: KeralaITNews

Technopark Ties Up with e-Vendor for e-Waste Management

Mon, 14 Nov 2011

� Technopark Trivandrum has finally come across a success model of e-waste management. It has tied up with a Bangalore-based Central-government approved e-vendor who collects, segregates, and processes the e-waste produced by the companies in the campus. � The wastes are collected every 30 days. The vendor also pays a token amount for the material that they collect. � �Technopark was also keen to spread awareness about the e-waste menace and had recently organised a seminar on the topic. � Source: Express Buzz

State to Implement e-Waste Rules

Sat, 12 Nov 2011

� � The year 2013 will see the implementation of the e-Waste (Management and Handling) Rules-2010, promulgated by the Government of India in the state. � In the first year of implementation of the rules, the Pollution Control Board (PCB) would be conduct an extensive survey to quantify the e-wastes being produced in the state. � As part of generating awareness about e-waste management and handling, the PCB has already organised workshops in Thiruvananthapuram, Kochi, and Kozhikode. � The PCB would later give approval to efficient recyclists. Sufficient care will be taken to identify genuine recyclists. � Source: Express Buzz

TCS Bags Multi-billion Deal from UK-based Pension Firm

Sat, 12 Nov 2011

� � Indian IT major TCS has bagged� a $2.2 billion outsourcing contract from FriendsLife, a UK-based pension firm. The contract, touted to be the second biggest outsourcing deal won by TCS (the first being a $2.8 billion contract signed with CitiGroup), provides a positive forecast for India's technology sector. The contract is also perhaps the largest private sector deal in the UK since 2005. � The deal is based on a model wherein the company will be paid for each insurance transaction and will add another 3.2 million policies to the existing Diligenta platform owned by its UK subsidiary. � With this contract, TCS is expected to manage some eight million policies in UK using the same platform, increasing the company's share of revenues earned without having to hire additional staff. Around 1,900 staff of Friends Life will get transferred to TCS' payroll as part of this transaction. � Domestic brokerage Motilal Oswal, estimates that revenues of Diligenta will increase by 86% from Rs. 772 crore in fiscal 2011 to Rs. 1,444 crore in fiscal 2013. As part of the deal, Diligenta will take on board about 1,900 employees of Friends Life, taking the subsidiary's total UK headcount to about 3,700. � Source: Economic Times

Intelligo Technologies Opens Office in Technopark Trivandrum

Fri, 11 Nov 2011

� � Intelligo Technologies, a promising IT Services company, has started its operations in the Smart Business Centre in� the "Thejaswini" building of Technopark Trivandrum. The new office was inaugurated on Thursday, November 10, 2011, by Dr. K.C. Chandrashekaran Nair, the CFO of Technopark. � Intelligo Technologies was founded in 2006 by a group of seven IT professionals, and today, it is a leading service provider in creating sales-oriented, ROI-driven web- and PC-based enterprise level applications. The company designs, develops, and maintains a variety of applications across verticals including supply chain management, customer relations management, office automation, and infrastructure maintenance for clients. � Source: KeralaITNews

Top 4 IT Firms Makes Record Hiring

Fri, 11 Nov 2011

� � India's top four IT firms seem to be on a recruitment spree. In the quarter ended September this year, TCS, CTS, Wipro, and Infosys have made record employee hiring, though it is the impressive figure of US-based Cognizant Technology Solutions that is currently the hot news in the industry. � Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) still holds the record for being the top recruiter. However, Infosys lost its place to CTS which added an additinal 12,000 employees to its workforce, including 4,000 through the acquisition of CoreLogic during the quarter. Infosys hired 7,738 employees in the last quarter. � CTS and TCS have hired a significant number of college graduates. In fact, Cognizant has made a record number of 1,820 job offers at VIT University, Tamil Nadu, alone. � The slow uptick in the US and in Europe, as evidenced by a drop in jobless claims, appears to be continuing. It is this that is giving Indian IT employers the impetus to continue with their plans. In addition, they have discovered new markets and are basing some of their expectations on these markets. � Source: Business Line

Infopark Kochi Awaits SEZ Status for More Area

Thu, 10 Nov 2011

� Infopark Kochi has applied for Special Economic Zone (SEZ) status for 60 more odd acres of land where it hopes to develop its second phase. The Board of Approvals (BoA) of the Union Ministry of Commerce, Government of India, is likely to consider the application at its next meeting. � The BoA had granted SEZ status to about 31 acres of the 160-odd acres identified for the second phase in Puthencruz and Kunnathunadu villages in September 2010. � In the meantime, land development work on the second phase site is progressing, and everything is going as per plan. Infopark is also looking out for co-developers with experience in IT infrastructure development for developing IT/BPO complexes in the 97 acres of SEZ area. Developers also have options to construct hotels, a convention centre, sports club, and other recreational facilities in the additional 25 acres of non-SEZ area. � Infopark proposes to complete the first building earmarked for software-cum-IT/BPO complex with a built-up space of 4 lakh sq.ft. by March 2013. The IT/BPO complex will have a seating capacity of 4,500. The objective is to complete all the three proposed buildings with an area of about 15 lakh sq.ft in the next seven years. The construction of the second building will be launched by December 2012. � Development of basic infrastructure facilities such as sub-station, internal road system, water intake, treatment and storage, data and communication connectivity, land development, compound wall, guest house, and common food courts have already been taken up so that by the time the first building is ready to be commissioned, the entire park will also be ready with all the necessary amenities. � On completion, Phase II is expected to provide employment to around 80,000-90,000 professionals. The State government has allocated Rs.50 crore towards infrastructure development for the second phase. � Source: The Hindu

IBS Executive Chairman Appointed Member of Technopark Governing Council

Wed, 09 Nov 2011

� � V.K. Mathews, Executive Chairman, IBS Group of Companies, has been appointed a member of the governing council of Technopark Trivandrum by the Government of Kerala. � The governing council is headed by the IT Minister and is Technopark's apex body deciding its policy framework. Among its other members are the Chief Secretary and the Finance Secretary of Kerala. � Source: The Hindu

JMR Infotech to Expand Office Network

Wed, 09 Nov 2011

� � Banking software services provider JMR Infotech, which currently has offices in Kozhikode, Bangalore, and Sharjah, is all set to expand its office network. � Formerly known as Trasset Services Group, JMR will open new offices in Mumbai and Africa in the year 2012. It will also hire 150 personnel in the new year. A majority of the new employees will be based in Kozhikode�the product development and R&D hub of the company. � JMR Infotech is a certified implementation and support partner of Oracle FSS, and had recently diversified their portfolio to include �lead management and loan origination� software for banks. The system comes readily integrated with Oracle and IBM Cognos business intelligence tools and the Flexcube core banking system. However, it can work with any core banking system through generic interfaces as well as with any other standard business intelligence tools. � Source: Business Line

Wipro Among �Top Companies for Leaders�

Tue, 08 Nov 2011

� � Indian IT major Wipro has won a place in HR consulting firm Aon Hewitt's �Top Companies for Leaders� global list for its exposure and challenge that are key to the development of talent; formal and informal mentoring; and good process of top leadership and Board involvement in developing the leadership pipeline. � Source: Business Line

Kerala Tourism Joins Hands with Zapak for Online Promotion

Tue, 08 Nov 2011

� � Kerala Tourism has joined hands with Zapak�a leading gaming company�to initiate an interactive online game that will open up the state�s tourism hot spots to gamers all over the world, and promote its tourism. � The online game will have a hand-drawn map of Kerala with a trail and markings for the most important tourist attractions in the State. The gamer can use various modes of transport to travel through the state�rented cars, tourist buses, rented bikes, or even the traditional boat. � Once the gamer reaches a location, there is also a treasure hunt. He/she has to discover �God�s Own Treasure,� which will be hidden in a temple or church, a historic monument, beach, or national park. � � The gaming initiative is perhaps the first of its kind in the country. In addition to tapping the vibes of the next generation and rousing their interest to explore new tourist spots, the game will also allow gamers to learn about new places and cultures. � � The game also provides a Google Maps location link and information on how to get to a destination, thereby adding a real-time element. � Source: KeralaITNews

Telecom Innovation Hub Hailed

Mon, 07 Nov 2011

� The Telecom Innovation Hub that is expected to start operations in Kochi� the commercial capital of Kerala�by January 2012, has been hailed by some of the big shots in the country�s ICT industry. Kris Gopalakrishnan of Infosys; Som Mittal, the President of NASSCOM; K. Nandakumar, the CEO of Sun-TEC Business Solutions; and Rajan Mathew, the Director General of Cellular Operators Association of India are among those who have welcomed this initiative. � The Hub�a joint venture between the National Science and Technology Entrepreneurship Development Board (NSTEDB), Technopark Trivandrum, and MobME Wireless�is among the first public-private partnership (PPP) initiatives of its kind. � According to Kris Gopalakrishnan, the new hub would be a key milestone in the development of entrepreneurship in Kerala. It will provide the right support ecosystem for start-ups. � Som Mittal said that NASSCOM is optimistic that the Telecom Incubator would help to create global innovators of tomorrow from India. � K. Nandakumar commented that� the Telecom Innovation Hub will �enable more young talents to dream wider and aim higher, especially in technology application areas related to telecom domain� that will drive future growth. � Rajan Mathew said that COAI, along with its members, is looking forward to supporting the new initiative by providing the needed support, mentoring, and encouragement to budding talent. � The Hub aims at incubating 1,000 product start-ups over 10 years and starting the search for a billion dollar company from a college campus by turn of this decade. It will also seek to provide an eco system for start-ups by setting up Telecom Innovation Zones in association with leading companies in the sector. This is expected to bring to the start-ups the latest technology and products before they are released in the open market. The Hub would focus primarily on start-ups from college campuses and would be modelled on technology incubators in the Silicon Valley, USA. � Source: The Hindu

Infopark Kochi Plans Daycare Centre

Mon, 07 Nov 2011

� � By deciding to construct a day-care centre in its campus, Infopark Kochi has once again proved that it is willing to go that extra-mile required to ensure the well-being of its techies. � Working mothers in Infopark Kochi can now stop worrying about finding a good day-care facility for their toddlers or having to leave them back home in the care of nannies they are not so confident about. � A survey conducted among the techies in the park revealed that a majority of young working mothers were having difficulties locating good day-care facilities for their children. � Also, there are several mothers who are not able to breastfeed their babies while at work. The cr�che that will come up in the park will enable the mothers to visit their kids during breaks. � According to Infopark Kochi Chief Executive Officer Gigo Joseph, the employees in the park are keen on a day-care facility that offers international standards. The 3,600 sq. ft. facility that will come up in the campus will have state-of-the-art facilities. It will be for kids between the ages of one and three. Separate facilities will be included for kids belonging to other age groups. � The estimated cost of the building is INR 50 lakhs. Work on the building is expected to be completed in six months. � Source: Express Buzz

e-District Programme in Full Gallop

Sat, 05 Nov 2011

� Kerala�s e-district programme is speeding ahead with a number of programmes up its sleeve. The latest in the news is the launch of online database verification on November 5, 2011. This is expected to speed up application processing. � It so happens that whenever an application is filed online, scanned copies of supporting documents�such as SSLC certificate, ration card, driving license, or passport�are required to be attached for verifying age and other details. However, with the launch of this programme, only the number of the required document will have to be entered. The corresponding department can get all the details, including photograph, by the click of a button. Besides, it will be foolproof. � The e-district programmes launched in Kannur and Palakkad have been very successful. In the pilot phase, 23 services of the Revenue Department were targeted. The number of services will be increased to 43 soon. � The e-district programme is being done in three phases of four districts each. In the next phase, it will be launched in Kasargod, Wayanad, Kozhikode, and Malappuram. The focus will then be on Kottayam, Kollam, Alappuzha, and Pathanamthitta districts. � The programme is expected to be completed within four months. C-DIT is training all the officers for the purpose. A fund of Rs. 5.9 crore has already been released for the purpose. � Source: Express Buzz

GTECH Finds Rich Opportunities in Africa and Latin America

Fri, 04 Nov 2011

� � The Group of Technology Companies (GTECH)�an association of SMEs in Kerala�is now eyeing the vast and hitherto unexplored opportunities in the ICT sectors of African and Latin American countries. � Earlier, GTECH had explored and found new opportunities for Kerala-based SMEs in continental Europe, following which, a GTECH delegation representing 13 SME companies visited Germany and Netherlands recently. The visit turned out to be quite fruitful, according to GTECH office-bearers. � Thanks to GTECH�s pro-active and exploratory visits to European and other countries, the SMEs in Kerala are already being considered a prospective partner for businesses by Scandinavian and Western European countries. GTECH would act as the one-stop destination in Kerala for foreign companies looking for tie-ups with the companies in the state. � A member of the GTECH delegation�Experion�has already closed deals with an Amsterdam-based company and later with the Danish Army for mobility-based solutions. � Source: Business Line

UL Cyberpark�s �Quick Space� Building to be Ready in One Month

Fri, 04 Nov 2011

� � UL Cyberpark�s �Quick Space� building, which will offer incubation facilities for start-up IT companies, is expected to be ready by the first week of December 2011.The 10,000 sq. ft. building has 164 seats in the domestic tariff area of the park, all of which have already been booked. � According to UL Cyberpark officials, many IT companies have expressed interest in setting up units in the first Software Development Building (SDB), which will have a built-up area of 5.08 lakh sq. ft. and is estimated to cost about Rs. 90 crore. � The UL Cyberpark is being established by Uralungal Labour Contract Co-operative Society (ULCCS) on 25.11 acres of land. The park will be developed in two phases and will have a total built-up area of 32 lakh sq. ft. over the next eight years at an expense of Rs 600 crore. The first phase of 14 lakh sq. ft. is expected to be completed in three years. When fully operational, the park is expected to provide direct employment to 20,000 people and indirect job opportunities to 80,000 others. � The master plan of the park has been prepared by Nikken Sekkei of Japan. The park will also have �green� buildings.� � The value of exports from the park is projected at Rs. 144 crore in the first three years of its operation. However, by the tenth year, this figure is expected to be ten times more at Rs. 1,500 crore. � Source: Business Line

Teknokraaft Enters Middle East Market

Thu, 03 Nov 2011

� � Trivandrum-based IT solutions provider Teknokraaft Info Systems has made its first formal entry into the Middle East market with a roadshow conducted in the Kingdom of Bahrain. � The show, which was attended by around 40 travel agents from Bahrain and Saudi Arabia, was conducted in association with Technobay, Teknokraaft�s gulf partner and leading provider of travel accounting and back office systems. � Teknokraaft will also conduct similar road shows in other GCC countries. It will also work together with Technobay to provide a single solution to travel agents that will handle front-end booking as well as back-end accounting and management. Teknokraaft will also start working jointly with Sabre GDS who are the leaders in the Bahrain market. � Source: KeralaITNews

IT@School to Launch Programme for Empower Differentially Abled Students with ICT Skills

Thu, 03 Nov 2011

� Kerala�s prestigious IT@School project is planning to launch a specific ICT training programme for the differently abled students in the state, as part of the state�s �Digital Inclusion� programme. As the first step towards launching the training programme, the training module for teachers has been developed. � The training programme will be developed entirely using �GCompris��a FOSS-based application. IT@School has customized GCompris exclusively for this programme and packed it with activities including different games to help hearing impaired, visually challenged, and orthopaedically handicapped students learn by seeing, hearing, touching, and reading. � Using this software, it is possible to provide specific topics relating to the physical and psychological conditions of individual students. � Source: KeralaITNews

TCS Emerges Winners in Corporate Quiz

Wed, 02 Nov 2011

� Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) has emerged winners in the corporate quiz conducted by FACT Lalitakalakendra in association with Federal Bank. Travancore Cochin Chemicals (TCC) and Binani Zinc Ltd were placed in the second and third positions respectively. � FACT Udyogamandal Club was the venue of the quiz competition. Of the 25 teams that participated in the quiz, six teams qualified for the final. � Mr S. Rajan, General Manager (Marketing), FACT, was the quiz master. Mr P. Muthusamy, Director (Finance) and Mr V. K. Anil, Director (Technical), FACT, gave away prizes to the winners. � Source: Business Line

IBS Acquires Moveo Systems

Wed, 02 Nov 2011

� � IBS Software has acquired Moveo Systems, a Bangalore- based company developing innovative next-generation human interaction solutions for airports and enterprises. The acquisition is expected to improve IBS' airport operations business as well as its enterprise mobility offering. � This is the sixth strategic acquisition of IBS in its 14 year history making it the only single vendor in the world with an IT offering in all business areas of aviation - passenger reservation, airline and airport operations, aircraft maintenance engineering, and cargo management. Prior to this acquisition, IBS had made two acquisitions in Europe in 2002 and 2003, strengthening its capability in airline and airport operations domain and three company acquisitions in the USA in 2006 and 2008, expanding its solution portfolio to cover travel hospitality and aircraft engineering areas. � Moveo Systems specializes in providing passenger relationship and information services to airport customers and users, an area of business interest to IBS. Moveo Systems brings considerable proficiency in enterprise mobility, providing perfect synergy to IBS� existing operations. � Source: KeralaITNews

e-Challan to Enable Traffic Offenders to Pay Penalties via ATMs

Mon, 31 Oct 2011

� � A new system called "e-challan" that would be launched by the second week of November would help people booked on petty charges to pay the penalties via ATM counters. � The police department has already joined hands with the State Bank of Travancore for the implementation of the project. Persons who receive a notice from the police can access the nearest ATM counter to pay the penalty. � People can also pay the penalty through Akshaya Centres.�� At present, the offenders receive a computer-generated notice on which the charge against them is printed along with the photo evidence captured by surveillance cameras. Once the new system is launched, a challan with a unique identifying number code will also be issued. � Source: Express Buzz

TCS Commences Work on Development Centre at Technopark

Mon, 31 Oct 2011

� � Indian IT major Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) has begun the construction of its first development centre in 26 acres of SEZ land in Technopark Trivandrum. � The development centre spans one million sq. ft. and is touted to have a �uniquely designed signature," planned to aesthetically merge with the environment and will have all inbuilt mechanisms to conserve and protect the environment. � With the new building coming up, TCS is expected to add another 8,000 professionals more to its offices in Technopark. The company is already looking for temporary space to commence the operations without waiting for the building to be ready. � The TCS is also likely to start the construction of its global training facility in Technocity in 82 acres, which is touted one of the largest training facilities for any sector in the country. � Source: The Hindu

ICFOSS to Commence R&D Programmes on Android

Sat, 29 Oct 2011

� The International Centre for Free and Open Source Software (ICFOSS) has plans to begin R&D programmes on Android through a composite project awarded to it by the Department of Information Technology (DIT), Government of India. � The DIT project will help ICFOSS create and incubate an internal R & D facility. It will also include the setting up of a Centre of Excellence in smart devices. � The components of the DIT project include supporting Indian language localisation and standardisation of hardware extensions to Android devices. It will also explore 3D gesture-based user Interfaces and create a context-aware framework for Android. � Apart from developing multi-purpose applications on the platform, it will seek to provide policy recommendations for open hardware architecture in view of the rapid obsolescence of these devices. � Four out of the six project components approved are to be implemented by ICFOSS at Technopark Trivandrum, while the other two would be taken up by C-DAC�s facilities in Chennai and Delhi. � Source: Business Line

�Telecom Innovation Hub� Proposed at Technopark Trivandrum

Fri, 28 Oct 2011

� Technopark Trivandrum will soon become home to the country�s first telecom business incubator that will be jointly promoted by the National Science and Technology Entrepreneurship Development Board (NSTEDB), the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India, Technopark Trivandrum, and MobME Wireless. � The Telecom Innovation Hub will be launched by January 2012. It would focus primarily on student start-ups from campuses and would be modelled on technology incubators in Silicon Valley. It aims to incubate at least 1,000 product start-ups over a period of 10 years. � Infosys co-founder and co-chairman, Kris Gopalakrishnan, will be the Chief Mentor of the innovation hub. � The campus of the innovation hub will a have full 4G network and advanced telecom labs and will provide all services including legal, intellectual property, accounting, fully furnished office space, video conference rooms, computers, phone lines, Internet, server space, and virtual office services that are required for a student to start a company even while in college. � The innovation hub will create a vibrant ecosystem for start-ups to create breakthrough technologies for the global telecommunications industry in association with leading companies working in proposed telecom innovation zones. � These zones would bring home the latest technology platforms and products to start-ups in the incubator before they are released in the commercial markets. � Source: Business Line

Kerala IT Companies To Tap Opportunities in Germany

Fri, 28 Oct 2011

� � As part of the �market connect� strategy adopted by the Group of Technology Companies (GTech) to help the SMEs in the state identify new business opportunities, the IT companies in Kerala have made bold attempts to enter the ICT market in Germany that offers unique opportunities for the IT industry in Kerala. Partnerships with German companies are expected to be fruitful in emerging sectors such as clean technology, automobile, health, mobile applications, and life sciences. � A team of business executives representing 12 companies from Technopark Trivandrum and Infopark Kochi is already in Germany for business meetings. The delegation is visiting the cities of Munich, Nuremburg, and Stuttgart. � GTech has also organized a series of networking meetings and business interactions, in partnership with �Invest in Bavaria� under the Bavarian Ministry of Economic Affairs, Infrastructure, Transport, and Technology. � Source: KeralaITNews

eBay India Annual Census: Kerala 12 in e-Commerce Transactions

Thu, 27 Oct 2011

� � The eBay India annual census conducted among the 28 Indian states has placed Kerala 12th in e-commerce transactions. The top five States are Maharashtra, Delhi, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh. � Among the top It hubs in the country are Delhi, closely followed by Mumbai, Bangalore, Jaipur, and Chennai. Kochi and Thriuvananthapuram are at the 19th and 20th places respectively. � Kochi � In Kochi, the top five items bought are: � �� Memory card readers � �� Console games � �� Peelers and slicers � �� Sunglasses � �� Women's perfumes � The top five items sold in Kochi are: � �� Gold plated necklaces � �� Fairness creams � �� Artificial flowers � �� Mangalsutra� � �� Desktop PCs � The top five brands are Nokia, Apple, Canon, Nikon and Reebok. � Thiruvananthapuram � In Thiruvananthapuram, the top five items bought are: � �� Tool kits � �� Men's wallets � �� 1GB RAM � �� Dumbbells � �� Helmets � The top five items sold online are: � �� Web hosting services � �� Flight games � �� West Asian coins � �� Ice-cream machines � �� Insect repellers � The top five brands are Nokia, BlackBerry, HP and Canon. � According to the census report, metros contributed 51 percent of all e-commerce transactions while tier II and III cities 40 percent. Rural India accounted for nine percent of e-commerce transactions. � Sony is the most sought after brand, followed by Nokia, Samsung, Apple, and Reebok. � Source: Business Line

ICFOSS Has New Vision

Thu, 27 Oct 2011

� At its fourth governing body meeting chaired by the State Industries Minister P.K. Kunhalikutty, the International Centre for Free and Open Source Software (ICFOSS) has decided to adopt a revised vision document for its structure and functioning in line with the recommendations of an expert committee chaired by Rahul De (Hewlett-Packard Chair in Quantitative Methods and Information Systems Area, IIM-Bangalore). � The expert committee also included Sebastian Morris (IIM- Ahmedabad), Sunil Mani (Planning Commission Chair, Centre for Development Studies, Thiruvananthapuram), and Soman Nair (Registrar, CDS, Thiruvananthapuram). � The committee concluded that ICFOSS held considerable promise to evolve into a world-class organisation of international stature and repute, dealing with programmes such as academics, R&D in Free and Open Source Software (FOSS), training, certification, outreach, and supporting FOSS-based entrepreneurship and industry. � Source: The Hindu

Suggest an Apt Name for Infopark Phase II, and Win Exciting Prizes

Wed, 26 Oct 2011

� � Infopark Kochi has announced its plans to hold a contest to find an apt name for its Phase II. The contest�aptly titled �Tag the Park��offers a memento and cash prize for the person who suggests the best name for the second phase of Infopark. � The name should be in sync with the master plan for the second phase of Infopark, which aims at creating an atmosphere where technology and ecology are merged. � The names should be sent to info@infoparkkochi.com on or before November 10, 2011. � Source: Business Line

RapidValue Shortlisted Finalist for the 2011 NASSCOM EMERGE 50 Awards

Wed, 26 Oct 2011

Kerala-based RapidValue IT Services (P) Ltd. has been short-listed as a finalist in the �Innovation� category of the NASSCOM EMERGE 50 Awards 2011. � The NASSCOM EMERGE 50 awards aims to highlight the next set of 50 emerging companies with the key objective of building the future companies of the country. � RapidValue is a business and technology solutions firm located in Infopark Kochi, focusing on generating accelerated business value enabled by disruptive technologies like the touch-screen mobile technologies and cloud computing. Their expertise spans the areas of product development, business consulting, project and program management, implementation and support services in cutting edge mobile and cloud computing technologies.

KSRTC to Implement GPS-based Fleet Tracking System in Depots

Wed, 26 Oct 2011

� � As a first step towards total computerization, the Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) has in place an ambitious plan to implement IT-enabled systems including Global Positioning System (GPS)-based Fleet Tracking System on its vehicles and Passenger Information System in its depots all over the state. � According to Alexander K. Luke IAS, CMD, KSRTC, GPS-based IT systems will improve the working and enhance the productivity of the department. In the last four months, KSRTC has been able to reduce its monthly losses from Rs.40 crore to Rs.30 crore. Daily analysis and costing, daily feedback, and the support of employees were the major factors that helped the department achieve this. � Under its new IT implementation plans, KSRTC is planning three major initiatives, such as: � �� GPS-based tracking of buses �� Real-time information on ticket sales �� Passenger Information System � GPS-based tracking will aid other real time applications like fleet monitoring and operations management, information on vehicle fuel management, and passenger information services at bus stops and bus stand/stations. Some of the benefits of GPS-vehicle tracking technology are reduced service response times, reduced fleet related operating costs, increased service related productivity, and extended life of service vehicles. � Passengers will also be able to access SMS-based information about the running of buses on a real time basis. KSRTC had recently introduced m-Governance project which enables passengers to get bus time table through SMS. � Source: KeralaITNews

Flytxt and yuMobile to Join Hands

Tue, 25 Oct 2011

� � Mobile solutions provider Flytxt is joining hands with yuMobile, which will deploy Flytxt's integrated carrier class mobile marketing software platform NEON on its network in Kenya.� � The integration with the Flytxt's Solution to its network will enable yuMobile to offer on-time, contextual, specially-crafted, and relevant promotions to its subscribers. � Source: Express Buzz

Infosys to Invest Rs. 800 Crore in Kerala

Tue, 25 Oct 2011

� � Infosys CEO S.D. Shibulal has announced the company�s plans to invest Rs. 800 crore in Kerala to expand its operations. It expects to generate 10,000 new jobs through this in the next five years. � Infosys, which has two centres in Thiruvananthapuram and provides employment to 2,100 professionals, will recruit 45,000 persons this year in the country. Already, 15,000 individuals have been given the offer letter. � Source: Economic Times

Technopark to Witness Hi-tech Deepavali

Mon, 24 Oct 2011

� � A six-member team of young techies in Technopark Trivandrum has launched a website� malapadakam.com�to help their colleagues celebrate a hassle-free Deepavali and also to save them the trouble of last-minute shopping for fireworks. � A person wishing to buy the firecrackers online can click a window on the website and initiate a toll-free voice over internet protocol (VOIP) communication to the start-up company run by these techies and place an order for firecrackers. The company will pass the order to a licensed firecracker vendor who ensures that it is delivered to the house of the caller. The cash can be paid on delivery. � Engineers Bushair U. Salam, Manudev, Nithun, Shiv Sankar, Bijoy, and Krishnan designed the website. � Source: The Hindu

MSI to attend IMX 2011

Mon, 24 Oct 2011

� � MPulse Software India (MSI), a Joint Venture between InApp (in Technopark Trivandrum) and MPulse Maintenance Software (USA), is all set to attend the second edition of Industrial Maintenance Expo (IMX 2011) that will be held from November 4 to November 6, 2011 at Pune in Maharashtra. � IMX 2011 is jointly organized by the Ministry of Heavy Industries and Public Enterprises (Government of India) and the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), and supported by the Tribology Society of India, Indian Paint Association (IPA), and TWI. � IMX 2011 is a prominent trade event dedicated to the maintenance and repairs segment of engineering and process industry in India. The second edition of IMX 2011 aims at addressing the challenges and needs of the industry with an objective of zero Breakdowns. � MPulse stall will showcase its MPulse CMMS/EAM System and Work Management System at the event. � Source: KeralaITNews

'Oracle India Plans to Hire 3,500 More

Sat, 22 Oct 2011

� � Oracle India has announced its plans to add 3,500 people to its technical and sales teams before May 2012. � Oracle India Managing Director, Sandeep Mathur, said that the recruitment process would use social media such as Twitter, Facebook, Linkedin, YouTube, and the Oracle HR blog. He said that the recruitments would be through referrals, social media, and the company�s own hiring teams. Mathur also clarified that the company does not use the services of vendors for recruitment. � Source: Business Line

SmartCity will be Completed on Time: Says IT Minister

Sat, 22 Oct 2011

� � Inaugurating �Eudaimonia 2011�, a techno-management job fair organised by the Albertian Institute of Management (AIM) on Saturday, October 22, 2011, the Kerala Minister for Information Technology and Urban Affairs, P.K. Kunhalikutty, has said that the SmartCity Kochi project will be completed in a time-bound manner. � He also said that the Government was exploring the various possibilities offered by Information Technology in governance. � Source: The Hindu

Government to Introduce e-Payment in All Local Bodies Soon

Sat, 22 Oct 2011

� Kerala Minister for Information Technology and Urban Affairs, P.K. Kunhalikutty, has said that the Government will initiate steps to introduce e-payment in all local bodies soon. � The Minister also said that the government was keen on extending the reach of e-governance to all sectors in the State. Tata Consultancy Services will set up a global training academy with an investment of Rs.1,000 crore and it will impart training to 15,000 persons at the proposed Technocity in Trivandrum. � Source: The Hindu

German Consul Visits Technopark Trivandrum

Fri, 21 Oct 2011

� � Ingo Karsten, the Consul General of�� Germany, has paid a visit to Technopark Trivandrum. Karsten was received by Technopark CEO Mervin Alexander, who also briefed him on the activities of Technopark. Technopark�s Senior business development manager M Vasudevan made a detailed presentation on Technopark. � Karsten said that he was looking to expand and speed up business co-operation between Germany and Kerala in the areas of renewable energy, waste management, infrastructure development, and Information Technology. He also said that German companies were looking at Tier-II destinations in India, including Thiruvananthapuram, which has established itself as a major IT investment destination.� � Source: Express Buzz

Educational Fests to Go Online

Fri, 21 Oct 2011

� � Kerala�s IT@School has come up with a facility to make all the school-level Science, Mathematics, Social Science, and IT festivals online. The entire educational fest would be made online using event management software. � The online facility would provide the students to form the first-step of enrolling to availing of certificates of the winners. Pre-fair, fair, post-fair are the three modules that are included in the portal� www.schoolsasthrolsavam.in. � Source: Express Buzz

UST Global Emerges Champions in Football Tournament

Thu, 20 Oct 2011

� "Goal", Technopark Trivandrum's premier football tournament has once seen UST Global emerging as the champion. In the finals held on October 15, 2011, UST defeated Tata Elxsi by 3-2 in the penalty shootout after both the teams were tied at 1-1 in regular time. � Jeeth Sasidharan of UST Global was selected the player of the tournament, while the "Golden Boot" award was shared by Govind of Allianz and Sabarish and Ajay of UST Global, who scored five goals each in the tournament. � The Tata Elxsi team won the ladies� penalty shootout conducted for the first time in the history of Goal, was won by the Tata Elxsi team. � Source: Express Buzz

RMESI Opens Another Facility in Technopark

Thu, 20 Oct 2011

� � RM Education Solutions India (RMESI) has opened a new office at the Leela Infopark in Technopark Trivandrum. The new facility,� which is in addition to the company's exisitng offices in "Gayathri", was formally inaugurated by Chris Clements, RMESI's Non-Resident MD, on October 17, 2011. � The new office will have a capacity of 217, making RMESI's total employee strength in the country to 750. � RMESI, the offshore development centre of RM Plc. UK, was established in 2003 at Technopark Trivandrum to provide software development and support services to the RM Group worldwide. � Source: KeralaITNews

Infopark Cherthala Creates Stirs in the IT Industry

Wed, 19 Oct 2011

� � Infopark Cherthala, one of the three spokes of Infopark Kochi, has evoked overwhelming response from the information technology industry in the State. � The first IT building in the park with a built-up space of 2.50 lakh sq.ft has been completed. Already, three companies have acquired 7,000 sq.ft of space in it. According to sources, another IT company of international repute has inspected the park and expressed full satisfaction with the facilities available. � The building, which has come up on nine acres of SEZ-notified land, offers both warm shell and plug-and-play facilities depending on the needs of companies. The first building, when fully occupied, is expected to create at least 2,000 jobs. � Source: The Hindu

Work on Kalamassery Special Economic Zone to Begin Soon

Tue, 18 Oct 2011

� � Work on the proposed Kalamassery Special Economic Zone, also known as the �Cyber City�, is expected to take off soon now that the State government has approved its master plan and granted all requisite approvals. � According to K.V. John, the Chief Executive Officer of Cyber City, No Objection Certificates (NOCs) from the aviation authorities and the Naval Armament Depot (NAD) for the SEZ�s high-rise buildings are the only things pending. However, the clearances are expected shortly. � Once the NOCs are received, campaigns targeting major IT companies would be launched to attract investments. � Housing Development and Infrastructure Limited, the promoter of the project, has already made deposits in excess of Rs.1 crore for clearance from the fire department and the Pollution Control Board. � Promoters hope to complete the first phase of 20 lakh sq.ft. within two years from the start of the work with an estimated investment of Rs. 500 crore. The first phase alone is expected to generate around 20,000 employment opportunities in the IT/ITeS sector of the State. � The project will be completed in three phases spread over seven years at an investment of Rs. 2,000 crore. When completed, it will provide built-up space of 1 crore sq.ft generating 65,000 direct employments and more than a lakh indirect jobs. � Source: The Hindu

Harland Financial Solutions to Open Office in Technopark Trivandrum

Tue, 18 Oct 2011

� � The new office of HFS Software India Pvt. Ltd. at the Leela Infopark building in Technopark Trivandrum will be formally inaugurated on Wednesday, October 19, 2011. HFS Software India currently employs 50 people in its Thiruvananthapuram office. � HFS Software India Pvt. Ltd. is a subsidiary of the US-based Harland Financial Solutions Inc.�a leading supplier of software and services to financial institutions and a major player in core systems, business intelligence, branch automation, payment processing, enterprise content management, lending solutions, risk management, compliance, financial accounting, mortgage solutions, and self-service solutions. The company is an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Harland Clarke Holdings Corp., which also owns Harland Clarke Corp. and Scantron Corporation. � Source: KeralaITNews

Infopark Kochi Wants Co-developers for Phase II

Mon, 17 Oct 2011

� � One of the three major IT hubs in the state and home to global IT giants�Infopark Kochi�is looking out for internationally reputed co-developers for its prestigious Phase II expansion. � It has already invited request for proposals (RFP) from companies for the development of the second phase proposed on 160-odd acres in Puthencruz and Kunnathunadu villages as a green township on the banks of River Kadamprayar. � According to Infopark CEO Gigo Joseph, the park is looking for co-developers with experience in IT infrastructure development for developing IT/BPO complexes in the 97 acres of SEZ, real estate developers, and also IT companies with vast employee strength who wish to develop their campus in the second phase of Infopark. Developers also have the options to construct hotels, convention centre, sports club, and other recreational facilities in the additional 25 acres of non-SEZ area. � The park CEO also said that the development work of the second phase was moving at a fast pace. The earth filling for the first building was already underway. East Cost Constructions & Industries Ltd. has been awarded the contract to build the first IT building. � Development of basic infrastructure facilities such as substation, internal road system, water intake, treatment and storage, data and communication connectivity, land development, compound wall, guest house, and common food courts has already been taken up. It is hoped that the entire park will have all the necessary amenities by the time the first building is ready to be commissioned. � The total area has been classified into SEZ, commercial, and non-SEZ for development. The domestic park in the new phase is aimed at creating cost-effective infrastructure for the IT/BPO industry. It will have state-of-the-art facilities including shopping arcades, town centre plaza, convention centre, women's hostel, guest house, facilities for rest and recreation, and boat club. � On completion, the park is expected to provide generate about 90,000 employment opportunities. The Government of Kerala has allocated Rs.50 crore towards infrastructure development for the second phase. � The master plan creates an urban framework for development by integrating the site, built-up space, and landscape. � Source: The Hindu

CIMAT Ties Up with Technopark Company

Mon, 17 Oct 2011

� The Co-operative Institute of Management and Technology (CIMAT) is all set to start a premium, advanced training in Integrated IT and Geographical Information Systems (GIS) that will give students exposure to a wide range of IT skills and also offer a complete GIS curriculum as standard for all modules. � CIMAT has already tied up with Technopark Trivandrum-based Geotrans Technologies Ltd., a GIS company, for the course curriculum, faculty, and software. The idea of the joint venture is to bring in the best of facilities, faculties, and course materials on to one platform and offer the students an unmatched package. � This is supposed to be the first of its kind integrated programme in Kerala that will give students exposure to a wide range of IT skills and also offer a complete GIS curriculum as standard for all modules. � �The programme will be open for admission from Monday, October 1, 2011.� MCA, engineering, and science graduates can apply for admission to the programme. The first batch will have twenty-five students. � �A geographic information system (GIS) integrates hardware, software, and data for capturing, managing, analyzing, and displaying all forms oSf geographically referenced information. � GIS allows viewing, understanding, questioning, interpreting, and visualizing data in many ways that reveal relationships, patterns, and trends in the form of maps, globes, reports, and charts. � Source: Express Buzz

NeST Teams Up with U.S. Varsity to Provide Advanced IT Courses in Kerala

Mon, 17 Oct 2011

� NeST Cyber Campus�the IT division of� the NeST group�has entered into an agreement with the New Jersey Institute of Technology, U.S., to provide advanced IT courses in Kerala through the company�s campuses in Thiruvananthapuram and Kochi. � According to N. Jahangir, the Managing Director of NeST Group, the courses will be in software project management, advanced professional and technical communication, enterprise architecture and integration, and network management and security. Each course, intended to develop skills in global services and software development services, will run for 45 hours, with classroom study typically encompassing three hours a week over 15 weeks. � Source: The Hindu

Women�s Commission Institutes SMS Facility for Complaint Registration

Sun, 16 Oct 2011

� � � � � � � � � � The Kerala Women�s Commission has instituted an SMS facility that will enable women to register their complaints with the commission and seek information about various facilities of the Commission via their cell phones. � The facility was inaugurated by the Kerala Chief Minister Oommen Chandy on Tuesday, October 11, 2011, who said that it would give more confidence to the women in the state. � By sending SMS to 537252, women can register their complaints with the Commission. � The CM also assured the public that the Government will take all necessary steps to improve the working of the Women�s commission in the State. All cases of atrocities against women will be taken seriously. The Government has already introduced a programme��Thuvalsparsam��for the welfare of women and children. � To register complaints, SMS should be sent to 537252 in a specific format. For example, in case of harassment by husband, complaint must be sent in the format Vanitha< >comp< >harassment by husband. The technical support for the facility is provided by the National Informatics Centre (NIC). � Source: Express Buzz

IT Minister Says KSITM in for Major Revamp

Sat, 15 Oct 2011

� The State Minister for Industries, IT, and Urban Affairs, P.K. Kunhalikutty, has informed the Kerala Legislative Assembly of the Kerala Government�s plan to completely restructure and revamp the Kerala State Information Technology Mission (KSTIM). � The Government would review some of the KSITM projects such as the Centre for Advanced Training in Free and Open Source Software (CATFOSS), the International Centre for Free and Open Source Software (ICFOSS), the Computer Emergency Response Team - Kerala (CERT-K), and various IT finishing schools and take a decision on their continuity. � Source: KeralaITNews

Mobatia and Waybeo in 2011 Red Herring Top 100 Asia Award Finals

Sat, 15 Oct 2011

� � Technopark Trivandrum-based Mobatia Technology and Waybeo Technology Solutions are among the finalists for the Red Herring Top 100 Asia award for promising technology companies from the Asian region. � The finalists are invited to present their winning strategies at the Red Herring Asia Forum in Hong Kong from October 17�19, 2011. The Top 100 winners will be announced at a special awards ceremony on the evening of October 19 at the event. � According to Alex Vieux, Publisher and Chairman of Red Herring, Mobatia and Waybeo �show great promise�, and therefore, the two companies �deserve to be among the finalists�. � Source: KeralaITNews

Kreara Solutions to Launch Pilot Model of �Electronic Medical Record� System

Sat, 15 Oct 2011

� � Technopark Trivandrum-based Kreara Solutions is all set to launch a six-month pilot model of the cloud-based Electronic Medical Record (EMR) system that would set out primary healthcare centres, medical colleges, laboratories, and private hospitals looped in a computerized environment in which patient data would move seamlessly to and from a central data server that can be accessed at regulated points of access. � It has been proves that EMR improves efficiency by as much as six per cent annually, which is a path-breaking statistic in the healthcare industry. � The pilot model is part of the proposed EMR for the State Government in association with the Department of Health, National Rural Health Mission, and the Kerala State IT Mission (KSITM). Currently, most of the systems that capture health records stay in the form of unrelated data centres and the Government does not have any effective mechanism to consolidate this data into a State data centre. EMR is expected to solve this drawback and enable the State to ideally consolidate data from public hospitals, private hospitals, laboratories, and even medical stores. � EMR software also dispenses with the need for traditional storage media such as paper or film, thus greatly reducing the cost associated with maintaining records. These can also be updated regularly with ease and effortlessly transferred to both affiliates and third-party healthcare facilities for reference purposes. � Source: Business Line

�Aakash� Launched

Sat, 15 Oct 2011

� � On October 5, 2011, the Union Minister for Human Resources Development, Kapil Sibal, launched �Aakash�, India�s low cost tablet device expected to eliminate digital illiteracy. The device was also distributed among 500 children on the occasion. � In 2009, the National Mission on Education through Information and Communication Technology (NME-ICT) decided to task IIT-Jodhpur with the job of procuring and testing a low cost tablet device based on the design and specifications that the Mission�s team had finalized. IIT-Rajasthan followed an open tender process to ensure complete transparency and a level playing field. � On July 22, 2010, the Minister unveiled a device that was expected to cost around US$ 35. The lowest bidder quoted an ex-factory price of US$ 37.98 which was close to the cost mentioned by the Human Resource Ministry. This cost comprised the cost of components and materials, as well as manufacturing expenses. The final landed price of $ 49.98/unit (which translated to Rs.2,276 at the time of the order) including taxes, levies, and charges like freight and insurance, servicing, and documentation. The landed price also includes one-year free replacement warranty from the manufacturer � This price does not include any subsidy from the Government and has been arrived at following a commercial tender process. The Government will also be providing price subsidy to the students on the price indicated in the earlier paragraph. The device will be distributed to students through the institutions at which they are studying. � The development of this device was done at Hyderabad by DataWind, a company with R&D facility in Canada and listed in UK. Currently, the tab uses around 35 percent of its components from South Korea, 25 percent from China, 16 from the US, 16 percent from India, and 8 percent from the rest of the world. � �Aakash� is meant for students across India. Using this device, and the connectivity also provided by the Mission, learners will be able to access the �Sakshat� portal and other educational web-sites. � Source: KeralaITNews

The Draft of the National IT Policy Announced

Fri, 14 Oct 2011

� The draft of the national IT policy�announced by the Union Minister for Communications and IT, Kapil Sibal, on Friday, October 7, 2011� looks promising with a number of measures including fiscal policies to attract IT investments in smaller cities and incentives for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to drive technology adoption. � The framework also proposes to build R&D infrastructure and test-facilities for the development of emerging technologies such as cloud computing and GIS (Geographic Information Systems), in addition to �requisite policy changes� and a �stable tax regime� to make India a preferred destination for IT and BPO companies. � The draft, now open for public consultation, is expected to be finalized by December 2011, along with two other policies for telecom and electronics. The IT policy aims at increasing the revenue from the IT and BPO industry from the current $88 billion to $300 billion by 2020, and raising the export turnover to $200 billion from the current $59 billion. It also targets the creation of 10 million skilled tech hands by 2020. � It, however, does not spell out the incentives, sops, or measures that will be rolled out to achieve these targets. � The other plans include ensuring that there is at least one e-literate individual in every household, setting up Centres of Excellence in institutes of higher learning to produce at least 3,000 PhDs in ICT by 2020, and implementing a framework for placing data in the public domain for use and value addition. � The draft policy also talks of making India a global hub for language technologies and mandating public procurement through the electronic mode across Departments within a fixed time. � Source: Business Line

IBS Ties-up with Aer Lingus

Fri, 14 Oct 2011

� � Trivandrum Technopark-based IBS Software Services has entered into an agreement with Ireland's national airline, Aer Lingus, to supply software for crew management. � IBS� Manpower Management (MPM) solution will help Aer Lingus plan cost-effective and efficient operations of its fleet with an optimal level of properly trained cockpit and cabin crew. � Aer Lingus, which is celebrating its 75th anniversary this year, operates scheduled flights to 75 destinations across 22 countries. It is the first airline in Europe to opt for the MPM solution launched last year. � IBS developed MPM with inputs from four global airlines � Air Astana, �easyJet' Airlines, Malaysia Airlines, and Qatar Airways. � Source: The Hindu

Neologix Solutions to Launch Operation in the Middle East

Thu, 13 Oct 2011

� � � Technopark Trivandrum-based Neologix Software Solutions India will launch its UAE operations at the Dubai Hamariya Free Zone on October 12, 2011. The company�s new office in Dubai will be inaugurated by Dr. Rashid Al Leem, Director General, Hamariya Free Zone Authority (HZFA) in the presence of Saud Al Mazrouee, Deputy Director, Commercial Affairs, HFZA; Mervin Alexander, CEO, Technopark; Gigo Joseph, CEO, Infopark; and K.G. Girish Babu, MD, KSITL. � Earlier this year, HFZA and Technopark Trivandrum had signed a Memorandum of Understanding to create a basis for cooperation and collaboration for the advancement of entrepreneurship in IT Sector in both geographies through the mutual sharing of knowledge, experience, and best practices. Neologix is the first company to setup its operations in Hamariya Free Zone, based on the MoU. � The company�s Hamariya office will initially be functioning as a Business Development and Consultancy Division. � Source: KeralaITNews

MobME, Innoz, and Flytxt Among NASSCOM Top 50

Thu, 13 Oct 2011

� MobME Wireless, Innoz Technologies, and Flytxt�three companies based in Technopark Trivandrum�are on the list of the top 50 emerging IT companies in the country for the year 2011 published by the National Association of Software and Services Companies (NASSCOM). � MobME Wireless and Flytxt have been included in the list for the �Emerge Innovation� category while Innoz Technologies is listed in the �Emerge Start-ups� category. � NASSCOM EMERGE Leaders Awards is an initiative started exclusively for emerging/start-up IT companies to showcase their unique value proposition and create a distinct niche for them. � The NASSCOM Emergeout Forum serves as a platform for the Indian SME segment to share experiences, ally with critical projects, and even focus on partnerships to cater to customer demands. It acts as a catalyst for the growth of emerging and start-up companies. � The NASSCOM Emergeout Conclave is a series of conferences held across cities in India, starting with Chennai and Delhi every year. � Source: The Hindu

Astro-Vision Wins Google Chrome Challenge Contest

Thu, 13 Oct 2011

� � Kochi-based provider of Vedic astrology services, Astro-Vision Futuretech, has announced that their newly launched Chrome App has won the Google Chrome Challenge Contest organized by the publishers of Digit magazine. � The Astro-Vision Hindu Calendar is an interactive app which provides personalised daily horoscopes as well as precise regional calendar details like star, �thithi�, �raahu kaal�, auspicious time, sun rise time, and sun set time for the entire year. The regional calendar details and personalised horoscope predictions are available for more than 30,000 cities all over the world. The app can be installed from the Google Chrome webstore. Users have the option to view general predictions based on their Sun signs or access personalised predictions based on their horoscopes by providing their birth details. It also includes a highly interactive Daily Panchang and options of different regional Hindu calendars for the year. � Source: KeralaITNews

Kerala IT Team @ GITEX 2011

Wed, 12 Oct 2011

� � Kerala IT is making a concerted effort to showcase itself as an investor-friendly IT destination at the Gulf Information Technology Exhibition (GITEX) Technology Week that began in Dubai on October 9, 2011. The Kerala IT Pavilion at GITEX 2011 was inaugurated by Sultan Malek Al Malek, MD, Dubai Internet City. � One of the largest and most important ICT events around the globe, GITEX delivers a leading platform for industry innovation and an impressive track record of attracting the biggest names in the IT sector, connecting over 3,500 domestic and international IT vendors with more than 136,000 ICT professionals. � Kerala IT is represented by Mervin Alexander, CEO, Technopark; Gigo Joseph, CEO, Infopark; and K.G. Girish Babu, MD, Kerala State IT Infrastructure Ltd. (KSITL). Apart from marketing the existing and forthcoming IT Parks in the state, the team is also showcasing the �Emerging Kerala� event planned for April 19�21, 2012. � Source: KeralaITNews

TECOM Regards Pavilion Inauguration a Milestone

Wed, 12 Oct 2011

� � Talking to the press after the launch of the SmartCity pavilion work, TECOM Investments Group CEO Abdullatif Almulla said that he regarded it as a milestone in the history of the project. � He also said that the construction of the first phase will start immediately after the work on the pavilion is completed. The work on the first phase is expected to end in 20 months. TECOM is very much committed to the project and has set apart teams both in Dubai and Kochi to ensure that the project moves ahead as per the schedule. � Dr. Baju George, the Managing Director of SmartCity, said the concept master plan would be ready within a month. The plan will give an idea about the location of the first building. A detailed master plan will be ready by the second quarter of next year. � Source: The Hindu

Principal Commercial Officer of US Consulate Visits Technopark

Tue, 11 Oct 2011

� � On October 7, 2011, Technopark Trivandrum welcomed James Golsen, who recently took charge as the Principal Commercial Officer at the US Consulat in Chennai. � Golsen held interactions with the heads of various companies in the park and visited the offices of UST Global and Toonz. During the interactions, he explained and clarified on various incentives for investment and for facilitation of US visas. � He also gave an assurance to Technopark companies on special incentives and also said that Kerala will be added as a destination for visiting US business delegations. � Technopark Trivandrum CEO Mervin Alexander conducted a presentation on Kerala as an IT destination and its prospects. The Technopark CEO also said that the park was looking forward to the visit of the new US Consulate General in Chennai, Jennifer A. McIntyre, in December. � Source: Express Buzz

IT Minister Says SmartCity will be Completed in Five Years

Tue, 11 Oct 2011

� The State Minister for Information Technology, P.K. Kunhalikutty has announced that the prestigious SmartCity Kochi project will be completed in five years� time. � The Minister, who is also the Chairman of the project, said that a number of campaigns including road shows for attracting investments to SmartCity would start immediately. The Government has also asked Additional Chief Secretary T. Balakrishnan to put together a roadmap for investment campaigns. � He assured the public that the government is fully committed to the project and will provide full support to the promoters. � On completion, SmartCity is expected to create 90,000 jobs. � Source: The Hindu

GTech Hails Draft National IT policy

Tue, 11 Oct 2011

� The Group of Technology companies (GTech) has hailed the recommendations of the draft national IT policy released in New Delhi on Friday, October 7, 2011. � Anoop P. Ambika, Secretary, GTech has said that the draft IT policy is �a welcome step in the right direction�. The thrust of the policy to promote the IT Industry in tier 2 and tier 3 cities will enhance the economic prosperity of states like Kerala and boost their efforts to emerge as competitive IT/ITES destinations. � The policy suggestion to provide fiscal benefits to small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and start-up ventures is also beneficial to the IT industry in the State. � Source: The Hindu

SmartCity Pavilion Inaugurated; Phase I to be Operational in Two Years

Mon, 10 Oct 2011

� � Inaugurating the work on the SmartCity pavilion at the project site at Edachira near Kakkanad on Saturday, October 8, 2011, Kerala Chief Minister Oommen Chandy said the first phase of the proposed SmartCity Kochi project will be operational within two years. � The work on the pavilion would be completed within 14 weeks. Once it is completed, the work on the first phase of the project will start immediately and it is expected to be completed within 20 months. � The CM also stressed on the need to complete the project in a time-bound manner and pledged the support of his government and the people to the promoters. � The State IT Minister P.K. Kunjalikkutty, Public Works Minister V.K. Ibrahim Kunju, S. Sharma MLA, TECOM Investments Group CEO Abdullatif Almulla, and Additional Chief Secretary T. Balakrishnan were some of the dignitaries present at the function. � Source: The Hindu

Technopark-based ARS Software Engineering Showcases Traffic Solutions at Delhi Expo

Mon, 10 Oct 2011

� � Trivandrum Technopark-based ARS Software engineering and its traffic management and safety solutions came under the spotlight at the �Intertraffic India 2011,� an exhibition on traffic and transportation held in New Delhi recently. � The products showcased by the company that specializes in Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS) attracted the attention of several delegates. � The exhibition, organized for the first time in India, focused on how roads could be made safer to bring down the number of traffic casualties from the current 1,20,000 a year using latest ITS technologies. � Source: The Hindu

SmartCity Kochi: Construction Work Begins

Mon, 10 Oct 2011

� � On October 8, 2011, the construction work of the Rs 2,000-crore SmartCity Kochi project began with the inauguration of the 6,000 square feet pavilion by the State Chief Minister Oommen Chandy. � The first phase of SmartCity Kochi is expected to be completed in two years. The initial phase alone is expected to generate about 7,000 employment opportunities in the State. � The joint venture project would be implemented with Dubai-based Tecom as the promoter. � The work on the pavilion will be completed in�fourteen weeks. The first stage of construction of various other buildings will be taken after this and completed in 20 months. The entire work of the project is expected to be completed in five years. � At the inaugural ceremony, the CM said that the SmartCity project is �not merely an IT project, but a major initiative that could create substantial employment and nurture Kerala�s economy to the next level of growth�. The project will also help boost the State�s image as an investor-friendly place. � Marketing and road shows to attract companies to SmartCity would begin as early as December 2011. The road shows would start in Bangalore and will be held in all major cities in the country. � Abdullatif Al Mulla, Group CEO of Tecom Investments, has expressed confidence that the project will attract foreign direct investments. According to him, SmartCity Kochi is a very �vital� project that will bring in more talent to the State. � Mulla also said that a sum of Rs. 2,000 crores has been set apart for the project and that finance would not be a constraint. � Source: Business Line

IKM Launches Double Entry Accounting Using "Sankhya" Software in Panchayats

Sat, 08 Oct 2011

� � Information Kerala Mission (IKM) has launched Accrual-based Double Entry Accounting in the grama panchayat offices in the State using the �Saankhya� Software. The software system, developed by IKM, was inaugurated by the Minister for Panchayats, Dr. M.K. Muneer on October 3, 2011. � The software equips even the average employee to prepare the financial reports and without having to depend on accounting professionals. It also records all financial transactions in real time and is exclusively customised for urban local bodies and panchayats. � The system does not demand in-depth accounting knowledge and works in integration with the other IKM applications like Sanchaya, Sulekha, Soochika, Sevana CR, Sevena Pensions, Sthapana, Sugama, Sanketham, etc. � Source: KeralaITNews

IT has Changed Thiruvananthapuram: IIM-K Survey

Sat, 08 Oct 2011

� � A recent survey by an IIM-K (Indian Institute of Management-Kozhikode) team has found that Technopark Trivandrum� has not only improved the overall quality of life in the region, but has also led to the rise in inter-caste marriages and maximum change in spoken language. � 76.30 percent of the survey participants feel that Technopark has led to a steady rise in the inter-caste marriages in Thiruvananthapuram. It� has also directly led to a spurt in the number of people visiting cinema theatres and festivals. � �About 80 percent of the respondents feel that the development of the IT industry leads to social benefits. � Technopark also ensured that� there was no need for the people there to relocate in search of better jobs in the IT sector.� � Almost 80 percent of the employees believe that the IT Industry contributes to the economic development of the country. 69 percent believe that IT does have an impact on the envrionment. However, 38 percent feel that IT does not pose any hazards to the health of the people. � 43.48 per cent of the respondents do not feel the need for trade unions in the sector, while 34.78 percent feel that it is advisable. � The survey also found that the people in the region, including those employed in Technopark, prefer English medium and CBSE schools for their children.�� Source: Express Buzz

Infopark SEZ at Cherthala Invites IT Companies

Fri, 07 Oct 2011

� � Launch Offer: Only Rs.19 per sq.ft. � Encouraged by its success as a much-preferred IT destination in the country and the increase in demand from major IT/ITeS companies, Infoparks Kerala is spreading its reach across Kerala by adopting the Hub and Spoke model--with Kochi as the �Hub� and the �Spokes� at Koratty and Cherthala, both of which are within a reach of 45 minutes from Kochi. � Infopark Cherthala, with an IT building of 2,40,000 sq.ft is nearing completion. Out of the 66 acres of total land area earmarked for the project, 60 acres are being developed as a SEZ (Special Economic Zone) that will offer state-of-the-art infrastructure and cost advantage to the IT companies setting up shop there. � So, if you are a company looking for the best amenities at very low infrastructure, Infopark Cherthala is your destination.� � The Cherthala Advantage � Best data connectivity � Uninterrupted power at subsidised rate Centralized location with easy connectivity with major districts � Tier II facilities at Tier III costs � Availability of vast talent pool � Proximity to major tourist destinations � Work/Play environment in a natural setting SEZ status, with benefits such as tax-free environment � Exemptions from duties and commercial levies Hassle-free procedures like single-window clearance � Single floor plate of 55,000 Sq.ft. � Infopark Township Benefits � Conference Hall � Bank ATM facilities � Cafeteria � Dining Hall � Entertainment avenues � Information centre � Centralized air-conditioning � Fire protection � 100% power backup � Energy efficient lighting � 24-hour maintenance � Support and security � 15 MVA power received at 110 KV and distributed at 11 KV � Facility for common water treatment plant � Connectivity � Air: via Cochin International Airport Limited, Nedumabassery, which is only 50 Km from Cherthala Infopark. � Rail: Express Rail connectivity linking major cities in Kerala. � � Road: Cherthala is well connected with other IT parks in the state through excellent network of Roads and National Highways. � Distance from Major Towns/Cities � Kochi � 30 Km � Vaikkom � 15 Km � �Alappuzha � 22 Km � Nedumbassery � 50 Km � �Kumarakom � 18 Km � Cherthala Railway Station- 7 Km � What's on Offer? � Total Area: 66 Acres, six plots of 5 acres each for IT/ITES companies and co-developers, and 9 acres for commercial applications, have been earmarked for long-term leasing. � Plug and Play Basis: Truly facilitated office spaces, ready to occupy. � Warm Shell Basis: Basic Facilitation, with customisation benefits. � Added Benefits � Working women's hostel, with 170 rooms, that can accommodate upto 300 women � Day care facility for children at Women�s Hostel Guest House with upto 20 rooms. � The HR Advantage � Major engineering colleges nearby � Talent pool of English speaking personnel � High density of Science and Technology manpower.

Kochi to Host International Security and Hacking Conference

Thu, 06 Oct 2011

� Kochi is all set to host an International Security and Hacking Conference named "c0c0n 2011" on October 7 and 8, 2011. The event is organized as part of the International Information Security Day by the Information Security Research Association, along with Matriux Security Community.� The Pre-Con Workshop will be held on October 6. Various technical, non-technical, and community events will be organised as part of the programme. This is the second edition of c0c0n (pronounced cocoon). � The annual information security event will feature 25 sessions in two days across two tracks. There are 14 Pre-Con Workshops, 7 New Security Tools Releases, and 3 new exploit releases planned as part of the event. c0c0n is aimed at providing a platform to discuss, showcase, educate, understand, and spread awareness on the latest trends in information, cyber, and hi-tech crimes. � For more details on the event, check out the event home page. � Source: KeralaITNews

Infopark Phase II: Creating an Opportunity to Partner with Green IT Township @ Kochi

Wed, 05 Oct 2011

� � With the Phase I of Infopark Kochi scripting its success story of becoming one of the most favorite IT destinations in the country for IT majors like TCS, WIPRO, Cognizant, Arbitron, OPI Global, and ACS Xerox, it is heading towards the next phase (Phase II) with an expanse of 160 acres of SEZ and non-SEZ development, on a waterfront township coming up in the city with a total built-up area of 8 million sq.ft, that will create employment opportunities for over 85,000 eligible candidates. � The park is designed as an eco-friendly green park, with high energy-saving measures and least carbon emissions. On completion of this phase, the location Kakkanad at Kochi will emerge as a big IT township which includes branded hotels, convention centres, shopping malls, residential apartments, multiplexes, etc. The expected investment is 3000 crores and this phase is envisaged as a PPP model (Public Private Partnership). The phase I has been developed in a similar model and the private players like L&T Techpark, Leela Infopark, and Brigade Group were the partners. � Phase II opens up an excellent opportunity for reputed companies to associate with Infopark for developing IT infrastructure. The advantages of Tier II locations in the emerging economy of India will act as a catalyst that for Kochi in becoming one of the biggest IT player in the coming years. � Companies interested in partnering with Phase II of Infopark may mail Infopark Kochi at info@infoparkkochi.com or call @ 0484-2415217/18. �

Aegis to Set Up Shop in Kerala

Wed, 05 Oct 2011

� � The picturesque and serene campus of Technopark Trivandrum, along with its state-of-the-art IT infrastructure and amenities, continues to win the hearts of many a global business leader�the latest in the list being Aparup Sengupta, MD and Global CEO, Aegis�a leading BPO company in the world. � Immediately after the Executive Council meeting of NASSCOM held at the IBS campus in Technopark, Mr. Sengupta announced Aegis� intentions to start BPO operations in Kerala. � Aegis is wholly owned by the Essar Group, a US$16 billion conglomerate, and has more than 50,000 employees across 50 locations worldwide. � The centre will come up in Trivandrum and would employee about 10,000 resources. � Source: KeralaITNews

SmartCity Board Decides to Set Up Pavilion at Site

Tue, 04 Oct 2011

� A SmartCity Board of Directors meeting held in Thiruvanathapuram on Friday, September 30, 2011, has decided to launch the work on a pavilion at the project site in Kochi on October 8. At the meeting, the Board also decided to enhance the paid-up capital from Rs.120 crore to Rs.195 crore. � The proposed pavilion will have a built-up space of 6,000 sq. ft. and will serve as a marketing-cum-sales facility. The work on the pavilion is expected to be completed in 16 weeks. � The Board of Directors will meet again on October 8 in the presence of Kerala Chief Minister Oommen Chandy. � It was recently that the Union Commerce Ministry decided to grant a single Special Economic Zone status to the entire 246 acres of the SmartCity project area. The SEZ notification will be issued once the State government sends a letter to the Board of Approval. � The master plan for SmartCity would be discussed at the next board meeting. � Source: The Hindu

NIIT Announces Launch of ICT-Enabled Solutions for Tomorrow�s Schools

Tue, 04 Oct 2011

� NIIT has announced the launch of avant-garde ICT-enabled solutions for the schools of tomorrow in Thiruvananthapuram, under the aegis of �NIIT NGuru�� a holistic range of learning solutions that makes the process of teaching and learning simpler, more effective, and enjoyable for both teachers and students. � It is also an integrated and comprehensive teaching, learning, and education resource planning solution for schools designed to addresses the needs of all key stakeholders. � The NIIT NGuru suite consists of interactive classrooms�an end-to-end teaching learning solution for classrooms that uses elements of interactivity, automation, and web links library. � The mathematics laboratory comes with Geometer's Sketchpad software, multiple teaching and learning aids such as technology applications, videos, manipulative, measuring instruments, and theme-based ambience. � The IT Wizard equips the students with core computer knowledge and IT skills while Quick School provides an Education Resource Planning solution for school management. � The Mobile Science Lab is a portable computerized science laboratory that enables students to correlate scientific concepts taught in the class to real life. � Designed as per the recommendations of National Curriculum Framework-2005, NIIT NGuru Interactive Classrooms integrate the teaching, learning, assessment, and analysis processes through optimization of technology. � Source: Business Line

NASSCOM Hails Technopark Trivandrum

Mon, 03 Oct 2011

� � The NASSCOM executive council members who visited Technopark Trivandrum, one of the finest IT parks in the country, were awed by its state-of-the-art facilities, picturesque campus, and magnificence. � After visiting the park, three NASSCOM executive council members, including Aparup Sengupta, MD and Global CEO of Aegis, expressed interest in opening ventures in the state. � NASSCOM president Som Mittal said that the State should generate facilities to attract IT professionals from other state.� There must be better educational institutions, better connectivity, and better recreational facilities. � NASSCOM�s newly-inaugurated office in Technopark Trivandrum is also its eighth office in the country and arguably its first non-metro office.� Sujith Unni is the in-charge of NASSCOM regional chapter. � Source: TechnoparkToday

Intel to Help IT@School Further Smart School Project

Mon, 03 Oct 2011

� � Intel will help Kerala Government�s IT@School Project accelerate its Smart School project�an e-learning programme in five districts across the State.� � Through its �World Ahead� programme, Intel will donate 625 Intel Classmate Laptops to cover six Government schools in the districts of Thiruvananthapuram, Idukki, Ernakulam, Palakkad, and Malappuram. The programme, which will be lauched on October 4, 2011, in Thiruvananthapuram is expected to further the ICT-enabled education in the State. � The Government schools selected for the deployment are Cotton Hill (Trivandrum), South Ezhippuram (Ernakulam), Poomala (Idukki), Moyans (Palakkad), Karuvarakundu, and Tirurangadi (Malappuram). � Intel�s Classmate PC, which is in the form of a Netbook, has an Atom N465 processor, 1GB RAM, and 160 GB HDD. Storage carts with facility to keep as many as 40 Classmate Laptops securely (per cart) and also to charge these many equipments simultaneously would also be provided to the schools. � Source: KeralaITNews

NASSCOM reiterates 16-18% growth estimate in IT sector

Sat, 01 Oct 2011

� The National Association of Software and Service Companies (NASSCOM) has reiterated that it expects the IT sector to grow at 16-18 percent annually. � NASSCOM also announced the setting up of a regional chapter in the State. � The Executive Council members of NASSCOM also voiced the opinion that the current situation cannot be referred to as �recession�. The situation can be described as �uncertain�, as the private sector in the US was still doing very well. �Uncertain� times also call for belt tightening, which will lead to US and European companies looking to offshore work even more. � According to NASSCOM, there is no reason to doubt the resilience of the IT industry. This is supported by ample proof. In 1990, software exports amounted to $1 billion. This was followed by a decade described as the �golden age� when, during 1990-2000, the exports figure jumped to $8.2 billion. The subsequent decade, which has just passed, witnessed a growth nine times over to $75 billion. In doing so, it survived the 9/11 tragedy, the Mumbai terrorist attack aftermath, and the year 2008 recession. � Furthermore, the BPO sector in India still enjoys the cost advantage and continues to attract customers. � Source: Business Line

NASSCOM Sets Up Office in Technopark Trivandrum

Fri, 30 Sep 2011

� � The National Association of Software and Services Companies (NASSCOM) has opened its first office in Kerala at the Park Centre in Technopark Trivandrum. The office was inaugurated by Som Mittal, President of Nasscom in the presence of the Chairman, Vice-Chairman, and Executive Council members. � Earlier, the Nasscom Executive Council meeting was held at the IBS campus in Technopark. This is the first time that Kerala has hosted a Nasscom Executive Council meeting. � The meeting discussed high-priority issues such as global protectionism, building an ecosystem for emerging� companies� and� start-ups,� creating� a� partnership� with� the� government� for� e-governance,� building opportunities� in new markets,� focusing on� talent development, and enhancing data security and privacy. � The meeting also identified� Nasscom's priorities for the year, which are, spanning across� talent development, creating a vibrant SME ecosystem in the country, re-branding the industry to showcase the transformation imperative, aligning with the government agenda on inclusive growth, and building emerging opportunities defined by the Perspective 2020 vision. � Source: KeralaITNews

DST Lockheed Martin India Innovation Programme Signs 50 Business deals

Fri, 30 Sep 2011

� � The Department of Science and Technology (DST) - Lockheed Martin India Innovation Growth Programme (IIGP) has announced 50 business deals between the IIGP winners and industry partners at the Technology Expo held in Thiruvananthapuram. A Compendium of Technologies was also released. 19 winners showcased their technological innovations as part of the expo. There are two TBI-incubated companies from Technopark Trivandrum in the list of 50-Artin Dynamics and Light Logics. � The IIGP is an Indo-US initiative to promote technological growth in the country. The Programme is equally funded by Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India and Lockheed Martin Corporation, and was developed with the assistance of the Indo-US Science and Technology Forum, IC2 Institute at the University of Texas, and FICCI. � Source: KeralaITNews

�Text-to-Speech� Software to Help Visually Challenged

Fri, 30 Sep 2011

� On Thursday, September 22, 2011, Union Minister of State for Communications and IT Sachin Pilot released the �Text-to-Speech' (TTS) software for six Indian languages that will help convert text into human voice. � The software, available in Hindi, Bengali, Marathi, Tamil, Malayalam, and Telugu, will be available free of cost. It will help people with visual impairments or reading disabilities to listen to written works on a computer or a mobile device. � TTS is compatible with both Linux and Windows-based systems. When it is integrated with a screen reader, it will enable visually-challenged users to interpret and perform computer operations with audio interface. � TTS, funded by the Department of IT, is the result of participative design between Indian Institute of Technology-Madras, IIT-Delhi, Punjabi University, and the visually impaired. � The software is expected to go a long way in making the government plan for all-inclusive growth a possibility. � Source: The Hindu

HCL Tech Signs Deal with Deutsche Bank for Application Support

Fri, 30 Sep 2011

� In its tenth year of strategic business relationship with Deutsche Bank, Indian IT major HCL Technologies has signed a five-year application support transformation deal worth millions with the bank�s capital markets arm. � �The transformational programme involves the management of key banking applications that are the backbone to Deutsche Bank's critical businesses. The service factory delivery model implemented by HCL aims at enhancing productivity, driven by transparent Service Level Agreements and performance metrics. � Deutsche�s new deal with HCL is viewed as the bank�s attempt to move away from a traditional applications support model to process-driven services governed by global standards such as Information Technology Infrastructure Library and LEAN. � Source: Business Line

CTS Acquires Zaffera LLC�s Assets

Thu, 29 Sep 2011

� � IT major Cognizant announced that it has acquired the assets of Zaffera LLC, retail consulting and software development firm, for an undisclosed amount. � The acquisition is expected to help Cognizant expand its ability to provide industry-focused SAP consulting and software solutions to major retailers. It would also strengthen the company�s ability to help retailers address these challenges and seize new opportunities created by multi-channel retailing. � Source: Business Line

Ramco Systems to Strengthen Presence in Kerala

Thu, 29 Sep 2011

� � Through its concerted efforts at tapping shipping, logistics, manufacturing, hospitality and real-estate sectors, in addition to offering specialised ERP solutions for 11 industries and customers across 60 verticals, Ramco Systems is looking to strengthen its presence in Kerala. � Ramco has been increasingly growing its footprint in the cloud-based ERP market in India with its Ramco On Demand ERP (RODE). RODE is the first full-fledged ERP delivered on the cloud. There is a growing market for Cloud-based solutions from small and medium enterprises. The cloud is a scalable and flexible model which helps organizations to achieve their business goals with the latest technology without having to spend a fortune on an ERP product. � Source: Business Line

SunTec Signs Agreement with Nordea

Thu, 29 Sep 2011

� � Trivandrum-based software solutions provider SunTec has announced their signing an agreement with Nordea, Northern Europe�s top financial services group, to deploy their flagship product�Transaction Business Management System for Finance (TBMS-F) product suite. � TBMS-F is built around the concept of Relationship-based Pricing pioneered by SunTec. The platform will enable Nordea to offer flexible pricing schemes and convergent invoices to their customers. � Source: KeralaITNews

Amrita University Launches Free Online Tuition for College Students

Wed, 28 Sep 2011

� The Amrita University is pioneering a free online education initiative for college students, named Free All India Tuition Programme. The programme is supported by the National Mission on Education through Information Communication Technology under the Union Ministry of Human Resource Development, Government of India. � The programme�was launched on September 27, 2011, at a function�organised at Amritapuri to celebrate the 58th birthday of Mata Amritanandamayi. The pilot programme would cover Kerala and later extended to other States. � Source: The Hindu

Geo-tourism Application to Provide Information on Wayanad

Wed, 28 Sep 2011

� � A new geo-tourism application using the GIS (Geographic Information System) technology and developed by Kozhikode-based Mapview Geographical Solutions is sure to prove a boon to people touring Wayanad. � �The application can be accessed through the portal tour.mapview.in using a web browser. The portal provides information regarding tourist spots, hospitals, clinics, restaurants, entertainment centres, offices, business centres, places of worship, police stations, bus stops, taxi stands, and the like. It also provides details on weather, culture, and environmental aspects. � Mapview is currently working on developing a mobile application of the portal, and also� preparing a database to launch a similar web portal of Kozhikode. The company has done similar projects for the Ministry of Education and Ministry of Transport, Saudi Arabia. � The State Tourism Minister A.P. Anilkumar will officially launch the portal at a function to be held in Wayanad on November 5, 2011. � Source: Express Buzz

Waybeo and Verizon Business Signs Agreement for Voice and Data transfer

Wed, 28 Sep 2011

� � Technopark Trivandrum-based Waybeo Technology Solutions and Verizon Business have signed a global service agreement to support BounzD��Waybeo's award-winning business communication tool, in the global market. � Verizon Business offers advanced IP communications and IT products and services including managed services, and security, mobility, collaboration, and professional services. It will support BounzD� for its global customers. The Verizon IP solutions support and agreement will be executed between Waybeo Technology Solutions, London division and Verizon Business. � Beginning next week, BounzD��s customers can enjoy Verizon interconnectivity for better communication with customers. � Waybeo Technology Solutions, a Technopark TBI incubated company, was founded by a group of young entrepreneurs in 2009. BounzD� is a new generation business communication platform that helps enterprises to communicate with its online customers via the Internet. The company opened its subsidiary in the United Kingdom in March this year. � Source: KeralaITNews

SunTec Launches New Product

Tue, 27 Sep 2011

� � Trivandrum-based software solutions provider SunTec has launched a new product named �Business Value Monitor�, which is an extension to SunTec�s flagship Relationship-based Pricing Platform, TBMS-F. The new product is an interactive dashboard that enables banks to gain fine-grained visibility on their business performance in terms of revenue and profitability. � The Business Value Monitor is built on SunTec�s decade-long implementation experience in the pricing and billing space. While the product empowers management with real-time business insights on their fingertips to make informed decisions, it remains completely non-intrusive to the bank�s existing process flows. � The dashboard will provide users with a drilled-down view of revenue and profitability across products, channels and customers/segments. It will also provide consolidated information on customer value generation, product profitability, and channel usage across the enterprise in simple graphical formats. � Source: KeralaITNews

Nasscom Executive Council to meet in Thiruvananthapuram

Tue, 27 Sep 2011

� The National Association of Software and Services Companies (Nasscom) will host its day-long Executive Council Meet at the IBS campus in Technopark Trivandrum on Thursday, September 29, 2011. � This is the first time that the Executive Council is holding its meeting in Kerala. The day-long meeting will be held at the IBS campus in Technopark. � The Executive Council is the highest decision-making body of the association. The Council members include Rajendra Singh Pawar, Chairman, NIIT; N. Chandrasekaran, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director, TCS; T.K. Kurien, Chief Executive Officer, Wipro; Avinash Vashistha, Chairman and Country Managing Director, Accenture; R. Chandrasekaran, President and Managing Director, Cognizant Technology; Bhaskar Pramanik, Chairman, Microsoft India; Sudip Banerjee, Chief Executive Officer, L&T Infotech; Ganesh Lakshminarayanan, President, Dell India; Neelam Dhawan, Managing Director, Hewlett-Packard India; Arun Seth, Chairman, BT India; Krishnakumar Natarajan, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director, MindTree; and V.K. Mathew, Executive Chairman, IBS Group. � A meeting with the Chief Minister, the IT Minister, and senior officials of the State Government has been arranged for Friday. The meeting is critical to attracting more IT investments to the State. � A two-hour interactive session between some of the Nasscom Executive Council Members and students of select engineering and management institutes in the State will also be held at the Mar Baselios College of Engineering and Technology on Friday. � Source: Business Line

C-STED to Introduce e-Trade

Tue, 27 Sep 2011

� � The Centre for Science and Technology Entrepreneurship Development (C-STED) is planning to introduce e-trade to promote the various products made by women living in government welfare homes in the State. Currently, the small-scale units offer 35 products under the banner of �Oruma�. Most of them produce cotton bags, garments, artificial flowers, umbrellas, stationery, and fancy articles. � According to C-STED officials, initiatives will also be taken to form a consortium with a common facility centre for giving a professional touch to the marketing of the products. A proposal in this regard, prepared under the guidance of the National Institute of Technology students, will be submitted to the Social Welfare Department by the end of the month. � The launch of e-trade will enable bulk purchase of the products online, using credit cards. �Oruma� is also planning to win ISI certification for the products. A common mode of packing and a common trademark too will be introduced to bring in total professionalism. � 23 small-scale units of �Oruma� are now operating in various parts of the State. With the expansion of the units to Idukki and Wayanad, the network of �Oruma� will cover all districts of the State. � The revenue generated from the trade will directly go to the bank accounts of the women living in the welfare homes. � Source: The Hindu

Session on "Kerala Economy: Growth, Structure, Strength , and Weakness" to be held on September 28

Tue, 27 Sep 2011

� � � � � � � � � � � � � The� TiE Kerala Monthly Meeting will be held on Wednesday, 28th Sep� 11 at IMA House, Kaloor, Kochi from 06:30PM to 08:30PM. The highlight of the evening will be an Interactive Session with Dr. K. K. George, Chairman, Centre for Socio-economic and Environmental Studies, on �Kerala Economy: Growth, Structure, Strength , and Weakness with Special Focus on Entrepreneurship Development�. The event will be followed by a �networking dinner�. � About the Presentation � The course of economic development of the State of Kerala is closely related to its location, climate, and topography.� In a way, Kerala�s unique pattern of development and its population profile are products of its history as much as of its geography.� The location of the region on the Arabian Sea coast permitted trading and cultural relations with outside world.� Entrepreneurship development experience of Kerala is often portrayed as a paradox of social development despite economic stagnation or slow growth of its economy.� � The presentation by Dr. K. K. George and subsequent discussions on �Kerala Economy: Growth, Structure, Strength and Weakness with Special Focus on Entrepreneurial Development� will be based on a paper of the same title authored by him. � Dr. George will track the course of economic development of Kerala right from early historic period till date and highlight various phases viz the initial Steady Growth of the 50s after the State was formed, followed by a prolonged Slack Period (till 1986-87) and the Turnaround of early 90s after Globalization. The discussions will highlight the following:- � (a)�� Evolution of Kerala Economy-� �A Historical Perspective� � (b)�� Characteristics of the Economy and the Social Changes in State Income and Employment. � (c)�� Weaknesses like Unemployment, Over Dependence on External Markets, Degradation of the Environment, etc. � (d)�� Potential for Faster Economic Growth � (e)�� Need for change in the Mindset of the People, Government, Political Parties, Civil Society, and the Media � � About the Speaker � Dr. KK George is the Founder Chairman of Centre for Socio-economic and Environmental Studies.� � A Post Graduate in Economics, Dr. George started his career in 1963 as a Lecturer in Economics at Catholicate College, Pathanamthitta, for a short period. Later, he joined the State Bank of India as an Executive and worked for 15 years at the Senior Management level.� � He was �Reader� at School of Management Studies, CUSAT from 1979-84.�� After completing his PhD in Economics in 1984, he was elevated as Professor, School of Management Studies, CUSAT, and served the institution till 2000 which included a two year stint as its Director during 1998-99.� Dr. George was later appointed as Emeritus Fellow, All India Council for Technical Education from 2000-2002.� � Dr. George had held several eminent academic positions like Member, Research and Development Council, Kannur University; Member of the Syndicate and Senate, CUSAT; Member, Executive Committee and the Board of Governors, Institute for Management in Government, Government of Kerala; Chairman, Board of Studies in Business and Industrial Management, CUAST; Chairman, Board of Studies in Vocational Subjects, University of Kerala; and Chairman, Institute of Small Enterprises and Development, Cochin and Trustee, Indian Institute of Industrial Relations, Cochin. � He has also held various other honorary positions like Member, Board of Advisers, Kerala State Planning Board; Member, Expenditure Commission, Government of Kerala; Nominee of the Reserve Bank of India on the Board of Directors of Federal Bank Ltd; Public Representative on the Board of Directors of the Cochin Stock Exchange; etc. � He was a visiting Fellow of St. Mary�s University, Halifax Canada; Senior Fulbright Fellow at University of Maryland and Centre for Federalism, Temple University, USA; and Visiting Fellow, Centre for Development Studies, Trivandrum. � He has successfully undertaken several consultancy assignments in India and abroad like Public Financial Specialist for PDP Australia Pty Ltd; Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Netherlands; UNIDO in Vienna to design an SME Information Network in India, etc.� He has several years of research experience in conducting operations-oriented research in the State Bank of India and in guiding Research in academic institutions like CUSAT, CDS, CSES, etc. � He has authored and published several Books and Monographs on subjects related to Economic Development, Federal Financial Relations, etc.� Besides, Dr. George has published large number of papers in journals on Kerala�s Development, Education, Federal and State Finances, Banking and Finance, etc.�� A Few Facts about Tie Kerala � The Indus Entrepreneurs (TiE) is a global not-for-profit organization focused on promoting entrepreneurship. TiE helps budding entrepreneurs by way of advice, guidance and assistance from successful and experienced professionals and entrepreneurs from different industries. � Charter Members, TiE Kerala: Mr. John K Paul(President), Mr. AV George, Mr. Murali Gopalan, Mr. Shivdas� B Menon, Mr. C. Balagopal, Mr. S. R. Nair, Mr. Jose Dominic, Mr. Rajiv Vasudevan, Mr. Navas M Meeran, Mr. Kochouseph Chittilappilly, Mrs. Achamma Joseph, Mr. C. J. George, Mr. Ravi. D. C., Mr. P. George Varghese, Mr. T.R. Raghulal, Mr. Damodar Avanoor, Mr. George Alexander Muthoot, Mr. Hari Krishnan Nair, Mr. K. A. Joseph, Mr. N. Radhakrishnan Nair, Mr. Alex Thomas, Mr. John Chacko Neroth, Mr. Roy I Varghese, Mr. MSA Kumar, Mr. V. K. Mathews, Mr. M. Arun Kumar, Mr. Narayan Ramachandran, Mr. NandaKumar, Mr. George Paul, Mr. G. Vijayaraghavan, Mr. Kurian Abraham, Mr. N. R. Panicker, Mr. Matthew Andrews, M. K. Koshy, Mr. Umang Patodia, Mr. Sanjaya Mariwala, Mr. Ronnie Cherian, Mr. Aju Jacob, Mr. Ajay George Varghese, Mr. C. P. Mammen, Mr. Sam Santhosh, Dr. Najeeb Zackeria, Mr. S. Gopakumar and WgCdr K. Chandrasekhar (Executive Director). � Registration � Registration for participation can be made at the venue or preferably by sending a mail to tiekerala@yahoo.com. Entrepreneurs/Professionals who are not members of TiE Kerala are also welcome. Registration Fee�� :�� Rs. 400/- for TiE Kerala Members � �� Rs. 600/- for Non-members � ��Rs. 300/- for Students �

Work of the First Building in Infopark Phase-II to Begin Soon

Mon, 26 Sep 2011

� � The Board of Governors, Infoparks Kerala, has approved the award of work for the first IT and BPO complex of Infopark Phase-II. The construction work will start soon. � The foundation stone for the IT and BPO complex was laid in February this year. The building will have a total area of 4 lakh sq.ft. and will house over 4000 professionals. The project, with an estimated cost of Rs. 80 crore, is expected to be functional in 15 months. Chennai-based Pithavadian and Partners are the architects and detailed engineering consultant for the project. � Infopark phase-II is being developed on 160 acres of land at the Kunnathunadu and Puthencruz villages. The domestic park in the new phase is aimed at creating cost-effective infrastructure for the BPO industry. � On completion, the park is expected to generate 80,000-90,000 employment opportunities. The state government has allocated Rs. 50 crore towards infrastructure development schemes for Phase II. � The master plan undertaken by Cannon design USA, envisages a green IT township on the banks of Kadambrayar River. It will have state-of-the-art facilities, including shopping arcades, town centre plaza, convention centre, women�s hostel, guest house, and facilities for rest and recreation. � Source: Express Buzz

Infopark Launches Helpline for Job Seekers

Mon, 26 Sep 2011

� � Infopark Kochi has launched a help line number that would enable job seekers to call and find out� about the companies in the park and the genuineness of the advertisements for jobs and training made by any company in the park through various media. � The decision to set up a help line was taken when Infopark received complaints about companies conducting interviews promising employment post-training in Infopark and collecting money. � Those who wish to enquire about the companies can contact 0484-2415217 and dial (Extn 110) and ask for Assistant Manager (Marketing). � People can use the helpline to check on the companies in Infopark Koratty and Cherthala also. � Source: The Hindu

NIIST and Incubated Company to Develop New Casting Software

Mon, 26 Sep 2011

� The National Institute for Interdisciplinary Science and Technology (NIIST), Thiruvananthapuram, an affiliate laboratory of the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), and 3D Foundry Tech (3DFT), an IIT(B)-incubated company, have joined hands to develop an advanced software for the metal casting industry. � A new module named �FLOW+' will incorporate the �solver' of the virtual casting software developed at NIIST. � The solver can perform coupled simulation of metal flow and solidification, enabling visualisation of mould filling sequence, changes in casting temperature and solidification rate. This helps in predicting casting defects such as �cold shut' and shrinkage porosity without shop-floor trials, saving valuable time, energy and other costs. � FLOW+ will be a new module provided by AutoCAST-X, currently the most popular casting software in India with about 60 licensed users in academia and industry. � AutoCAST-X is based on a geometric reasoning engine developed at IIT-Bombay, allowing semi-automatic design, 3D modelling and analysis of casting elements like cores, feeders, and gating channels. The software is currently maintained and marketed by 3DFT. � Source: Business Line

e-File Tracking to Enhance Transparency

Mon, 26 Sep 2011

� On October 2, 2011, the district panchayat of Ernakulam will become one of the first local bodies to introduce electronic file tracking system as part of enhancing transparency in governance. � The e-file tracking system would enable the public to keep track of their complaints and applications electronically while being updated about the steps being taken on them at each stage. � The public will also be able to know the staff who is handling the file and how long it has stayed in one department. � Source: The Hindu

Indian IT Companies to Showcase Products at Abu Dhabi Internet Show

Sat, 24 Sep 2011

� Indian IT companies will exhibit their wares at the India Pavilion during the 2011 Internet Show to be held in Abu Dhabi on September 27-28, 2011. � The Electronics and Computer Software Export Promotion Council (ESC), India�s IT trade facilitation body, will put up an Indian Pavilion to help Indian IT companies penetrate into the expanding IT market in the Gulf, particularly in Abu Dhabi. � The ESC has been participating in the Internet Show regularly and the exhibiting companies have reported a high level of satisfaction in terms of the business they have generated from taking part. � The IT products that would be on display at the India Pavilion would be from areas as diverse as open source software development in PHP and ROR, search engine optimisation (SEO), ready shopping cart, rental sites and CRM products, ShopNetwork and MFit applications, web applications, social media integration, search engine marketing, social media optimisation, Web 2.0, e-commerce and payments, content management systems, information security, audit and compliance, risk assessment, short messaging services, and iPhone apps. � Source: Business Line

Students Give ICT Lessons to Parents

Sat, 24 Sep 2011

� � Students of KPES High School, Kayakkodi, near Koyilandy, in Kozhikode district, donned the role of teachers as part of an ICT project aimed at making parents aware of the latest developments in the field of ICT and free software. � The ICT project was inaugurated at the school by the State Minister for Agriculture K.P. Mohanan on Free Software Day on September 17, 2011. � The school had conducted an awareness campaign for the parents on the subject earlier. According to the school authorities, nearly 85 percent of the parents participated in the campaign. � The school authorities are also planning to make the parents of the school students computer literate by conducting further training programmes for them. � Source: The Hindu

India Innovation Growth Programme 2011 Technology Expo on September 29

Fri, 23 Sep 2011

� � A Technology Expo of the DST-Lockheed Martin India Innovation Growth Programme will be held in Thiruvananthapuram on September 29, 2011. � The event is a unique opportunity for entrepreneurs and innovators to mutually benefit and drive the industry forward. The India Innovation Growth Programme is an Indo-US initiative to promote technological growth in the country. � The Programme is equally funded by Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India and Lockheed Martin Corporation, and was developed with the assistance of the Indo-US Science and Technology Forum, IC2 Institute at the University of Texas, and FICCI. The overall goal is to accelerate the launch of Indian early-stage technologies into the global marketplace. � The Technopark Technology Business Incubation Centre (T-TBIC) will showcase about 40 success stories from TBI at the Technology Expo. To know more about the India Innovation Growth Programme 2011, mail ficci@channel-technologies.com. � Source: KeralaITNews

TCS Inter-school IT Quiz on October 7

Fri, 23 Sep 2011

� The Kochi edition of TCS IT Wiz�the country�s biggest inter-school IT quiz�will be held on October 7 at the Gokulam Convention Centre. � The quiz programme is open to all Kerala school students studying in class 8-12 . There is no entry fee. � Institutions can send multiple teams of two members each. � Applications have to be sent through the respective institutions on or before October 5 to TCS IT Wiz Coordinator, Tata Consultancy Services, Tejomaya, L&T Tech Park Ltd, Infopark Campus, Kusumagiri PO, Kakkanad, Kochi. � Schools can also register online this year. For details, visit www.tcsitwiz.com � Source: Business Line

TUV Nord Selects Kriti LIMS for Indian Laboratory Business Process Management

Thu, 22 Sep 2011

� TUV India Pvt ltd a subsidiary of TUV Nord Germany has selected Kriti LIMS , a web based Laboratory Information Management System, a product developed and implemented by Kritisoft, a software firm based at Trivandrum. � The solution is being implemented at the advanced Laboratory set up at Pune. CRM , e-Certificate distribution, Materials Management , Online test requisition and LIMS modules. The solution will be integrated with SAP of TUV. �

From Being the �God�s Own Country� to �Investors� Own Destination�

Thu, 22 Sep 2011

� � Keralites are not likely to forget the successful launch of the �God�s Own Country� campaign that placed the State as one of the most preferred tourist destinations in the world. Inspired by its success, the State is now planning for the launch of another campaign aimed at positioning the state as an attractive investment destination. In fact, the Government of Kerala has already decided to go in for the �Emerging Kerala� branding to make it the �Investors� Own Destination�. � The main objective of the new campaign is to position the State as an investor-friendly destination and to transform it into a major business hub. As part of this brand building exercise, the Government has announced its plans to conduct a biennial Mega Investor Meet in the State, under the same name. � The first such event, �Emerging Kerala 2012� will be held on April 10 and 20, 2012, at Kochi. The logo for the event was launched by the Chief Minister of Kerala, Oommen Chandy in Thiruvananthapuram. � The CM remarked that the event would be �an excellent chance for Kerala to showcase the opportunities available here to the world�. The Minister for Industries, IT, and Urban Affairs, P.K. Kunhalikutty said that the government is all for a business development framework that will enable Kerala to emerge as an attractive investment destination. � A committee consisting of the Chief Minister, ministers, and senior officials of the State reviewed the progress of the campaign. Project Committees headed by Ministers will be formed for finalising policies and projects, identifying priority areas, preparing project profiles, and initiating discussions with prospective entrepreneurs with respect to each Department. � Source: KeralaITNews

BoA Grants SEZ Approval for SmartCity Kochi

Wed, 21 Sep 2011

� � The Board of Approval (BoA) under the Department of Commerce, Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India, has granted Special Economic Zone (SEZ) status approval for 114 acres of land out of the total 246 acres of the proposed SmartCity Kochi project. In March 2011, the Central Government had issued a notification granting SEZ status for 132 acres of land. The decision on approval for the remaining 114 acres was deferred due to the election model code of conduct. � The project will be notified as SEZ once the requisite documents are submitted and the formalities completed. � The Board of Approval is a 19-member inter-ministerial body that deals with Special Economic Zone-related matters in the country. � Source: KeralaITNews

Union Ministry of Human Resource Development Lauds IT@School Initiative

Tue, 20 Sep 2011

� Kerala�s IT@School programme has received a pat on the back from the Union Ministry of Human Resource Development, Government of India, for conducting training in Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) for visually challenged teachers. � In a letter to the State General Education Secretary, dated September 12, 2011, the Human Resource Department Secretary Anshu Vaish, has called it �a welcome step towards inclusion.� � The letter also says that �It is an example to other State governments, in the field of inclusion of differently abled persons. Kerala is the first State to have organised such a programme�. � The training for 238 visually challenged teachers in word processing, typing, transfer of data using CDs and pen drives, sound recording, and the use of operating systems and the Internet concluded on August 5, 2011, and a formal declaration to this effect was made on the day by Education Minister P.K. Abdu Rabb. � IT@School is now planning to offer similar training to all visually challenged students in the State's schools on a cluster-basis. � Source: The Hindu

Gartner Predicts India�s Green IT Expenditure to Reach $70 b by 2015

Tue, 20 Sep 2011

� Research firm Gartner has predicted India�s spending on green IT and sustainability initiatives to double and touch $70 billion in 2015, in its report titled �Hype Cycle for Green IT and Sustainability in India, 2011�. The report says that the spending on green IT and sustainability initiatives was $35 billion in 2010. � �Green IT� and �sustainability initiatives� might still be buzzw0rds for some companies; but the vast majority has already started thinking seriously about them. The time is not far away when they will emerge as top priorities for businesses, investors, policy makers, and technology professionals across industries in India. � There is absolutely no doubt that India�s information and communication technology (ICT) industry will be an early adopter of green IT and sustainability solutions, as the country is one of the fastest-growing markets in terms of IT hardware and communications infrastructure consumption. � In addition, the banking and financial services, hospitality, manufacturing (such as automobiles), pharmaceuticals, and other industries that have significant exposure to export markets, will also make an early jump on to the green IT and sustainability bandwagon in India. � Source: Business Line

HYSITRON Launches Operations in Technopark Trivandrum

Tue, 20 Sep 2011

� � Hysitron Nanotechnology India (P) Limited, a 100% subsidiary of Hysitron Inc., the world�s leading provider of nano-mechanical test instruments for standard laboratory environment, has opened its state-of-the-art India Research and Development Centre in the Thejaswini Building of Technopark Trivandrum. � The centre was formally inaugurated by Thomas J Wyrobek, President of the Company. Mervin Alexander, CEO, Technopark, M. Vasudevan, Senior Manager (Business Development), and Dr. S. A. Syed Asif, Director (R and D), Hysitron Inc., were among those present at the ceremony. � Source: Technopark.org

�Hadoop� to Put an End to Unnecessary Information Online

Mon, 19 Sep 2011

� Are you a social networker who gets sick of those unnecessary and boring promos that appear on the homepage of your Facebook, LinkedIn, or similar social networking accounts? � Have you spent more time than you can remember trying to get rid of those irritating SMSs on dating, friendship, and predictions on your mobile phone? � And, have you nearly given up? � Well, here is good news! You now have �Hadoop�?a software capable of managing terabytes of data and provide the user with only what he or she is interested in. � Hadoop technology ensures that the right messages reach the right person. Be it images, tweets, photos or adding friends, everything is monitored by Hadoop. Hadoop automatically reads character patterns from a Facebook or similar profile and uploads suitable "recommendations��, or simply, ads. � Through this, users are provided with recommendations that will suit their preferences through the way they access various applications. It ensures that the software works by tracing only patterns, thereby assuring the user 100 percent privacy. When Hadoop reaches its full swing, in future, it would ease the efforts of advertisers to search for suitable customers. � Source: Express Buzz

Kinfra Film & Video Park Offers Incubation for Animation Start-ups

Mon, 19 Sep 2011

� � The Kinfra Film and Video Park (KFVP), a fully owned subsidiary company of Kerala Industrial Infrastructure Development Corporation (Kinfra) aimed at developing industrial infrastructure in the State, is offering incubation support for start-ups in the Entertainment and Animation industry. � KFVP�s incubation centre can accommodate four units and comes with a 3-seat facility. It also offers a common discussion room inside the animation building, a conference hall, and a business centre. The centre will charge only a very nominal user fee for its state-of-the-art facilities. � The Kinfra Film and Video Park aims to give infrastructure support to the film industry by providing an ideal centre for screen content development and offers all modern amenities for the film industry and filmmakers. It is aiming at some major investments from entertainment conglomerates around the world and convincing them to set up units in Kerala. KFVP also has plans to establish an International Animation School in the campus as part of its second phase of development.�� Source: KeralaITNews

C-Dit Plans to Offer Courses through Akshaya Centres

Mon, 19 Sep 2011

� The Centre for Development of Imaging�Technology (C-Dit) has announced its plans to join hands with Akshaya to open more computer education centres in the state and provide students from even the rural areas of the state access to high-level IT courses.. � At present, Akshaya offers a number of courses in association with the Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) and Intel through its centres in the state. � In the beginning of its association with C-Dit, Akshaya will offer six IT courses through its selected centres across the State. � �However, a final decision in this regard is yet to be taken. � Source: Express Buzz

Oracle Development Centre Inaugurated in Technopark Trivandrum

Sat, 17 Sep 2011

� � On September 14, 2011, the State Minister for Industries, IT, and Urban Affairs, P.K Kunhalikutty, inaugurated Oracle�s new development centre at the Leela Infopark Building in Technopark Trivandrum.� Inaugurating the facility, the Minister thanked Oracle for choosing Technopark and offered the Government�s complete support for the project. � Oracle has acquired 36,000 sq. ft. space in Leela for the first phase development. The facility will have a seating capacity of 500. � Source: Technopark.org

Zebra Technologies and IBS Partner to Provide End-to-End Safety and Logistics Planning Solution to Oil and Gas Industry

Sat, 17 Sep 2011

� Zebra Technologies Corporation and IBS have announced a partnership to provide the oil and gas industry with an end-to-end solution for real-time tracking and management of personnel and logistics. As a result, customers will secure real-time location of personnel, automated process counts, and improved speed and accuracy in muster or evacuation events. � The partnership makes the Personnel Safety Solution (PSS) from Zebra Technologies the preferred technology to be utilized with IBS� iLogistics, a comprehensive personnel-on-board (POB) solution that controls planning, scheduling, and tracking the deployment of personnel for the upstream oil and gas industry. Zebra�s Personnel Safety Solution, which offers real-time visibility into the location and identification of personnel within the oil and gas production environment, improves safety practices and incident prevention. When used in tandem with iLogistics, real-time visibility is extended from the oil and gas production facility itself to also include logistical in-transit moves to and from off-shore facilities. � IBS and Zebra are already providing oil and gas customers with the integrated PSS and iLogistics solution. Those organizations now have an automated process for counting and reconciling personnel in muster zones, allowing for a quicker identification and location of missing personnel and the elimination of human error. This improved personnel visibility and management can equate to reduced non-compliance fines, increased safety, better incident reporting, and faster evacuation management as well as a significant reduction in incident reconstruction and reporting costs. � Source: TechnoparkToday

Forum for Progressive Artists and Writers to Conduct Two-day Workshop on IT

Sat, 17 Sep 2011

� On September 20 and 21, 2011, the Forum for Progressive Artists and Writers will conduct a two-day workshop on Information Technology in collaboration with the Swathanthra Vignana Janathipathya Sakhyam at the �Kalagramam� at Karakulam. � Former education minister M.A. Baby will inaugurate the workshop.� Dr. B. Ekbal will deliver the first lecture on the progressive nature of Information Technology. � On the following days, the workshop, will discuss the various aspects of IT. � Source: Express Buzz

Near-3D Maps of Thiruvananthapuram Available on the Internet

Fri, 16 Sep 2011

� Thanks to Google Earth and Google Maps, higher resolution maps are now available for several parts of Kerala online. Near-three dimensional views are available for areas north of Vanchiyoor and Government Ayurveda College in Thiruvananthapuram city. � On the west coast of Thiruvananthapuram, they cover areas from Vettukadu to Puthenthope. On the east of Thiruvananthapuram, they reach out up to Nettayam and cover Menamkulam, Chempazhanthy, Mannanthala, and Karakulam. � Maps which are nearly three dimensional are also available for several parts of Kollam district, including Kollam city and Kottarakara. Higher resolution maps have also been introduced for areas surrounding Kozhikode airport, Ponnani, Kottayam, Cherthala, and Mararikulam. Kochi and Kannur are also mapped in detail. High resolution images are integrated with lower resolution maps for rest of Kerala. � Source: The Hindu

Gamers Meet-up at Kochi on September 17

Fri, 16 Sep 2011

� � On September 17, 2011, leading game development companies Csharks and IndiaGames will host a Gamers Meet-up at Kochi. The event, the first of its kind for gamers from Kerala, is open to everyone who loves computer games and wants to share his or her experiences and other information about games and game platforms. � According to Eldhose P Mathew, MD and CEO of Csharks Games and Solutions, the event targets casual, hardcore, and professional gamers and will focus on platforms like mobile, online, and console gamers. This is an opportunity for the gamers in India to take part in discussions about the games and game industry, and meet gamers offline and do what they can do for the betterment of games. They can also gain information about the latest games and exchange games. � Source: KeralaITNews

IDRBT Signs MoU with ISACA

Thu, 15 Sep 2011

� The Institute for Development and Research in Banking Technology (IDRBT) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with IT governance body ISACA to undertake joint initiatives in the areas of IT Governance, Information Systems Audit, information security, information systems risk management, and others. � The MoU intends to create and develop resources that will assist stakeholders in understanding and implementing best practices in the above-cited areas. � Source: Business Line

Infosys Signs 3-Year Agreement with Singapore Management University

Thu, 15 Sep 2011

� � � � � � Indian IT major Infosys has signed a three-year agreement with Singapore Management University (SMU) to develop training programme content for Infosys employees as well as case studies and learning labs for SMU's Bachelor of Science (IS Management) and Master of IT in Business degree programmes. Infosys and Singapore Management University will also jointly conduct seminars and tutorials. � The new partnership is expected to open up new areas of cooperation between academia and the IT industry to enhance the reach of quality education. � Source: Business Line

JPEC Launches Operations in Infopark Kochi

Thu, 15 Sep 2011

� Jayathe Petrotech Engineers and Consultants (P) Limited (JPEC), an engineering consultancy with operations in Middle East, North Africa, and India, has launched its engineering division at Infopark Kochi. � The new facility, set up in 6900 sq.ft. of �smart space� in the �Athulya� building of Infopark Kochi, was inaugurated by John Minu Mathew, Executive Director, BPCL Kochi Refinery. � The Kochi office will provide design and engineering consultancy services to JPEC�s global clients. � The inaugural function was attended by Infopark officials, senior officials and employees of Jayathe Petrotech, and CEOs of other companies of the park. � Source: Express Buzz

German-Indian Business Center (GIBC) to Organize Seminar in India - "Success@European exhibitions"

Wed, 14 Sep 2011

� Exhibitions, no matter how large or small their scope is, are venues for information sharing and extending one�s network. They have played an important part in connecting the whole world, even if the format or the ways the visitors come in have changed. Today, the exhibitors approach fairs with a new frame of mind and want to ensure success and ROI. With this philosophy in focus, the German Indian Business Centre, GIBC, Hannover is� giving an opportunity for Indian firms to plan, prepare and attend these world-class fairs organized in Europe by various trade organizations and fairs � GIBC, after years of monitoring the growth and dynamics of Indian companies that have participated in the past fairs, have come forward with a seminar, to be conducted in India, to share their findings with the firms. This is a great opportunity provided by GIBC to the Indian firms to prepare effectively for the mega exhibition season coming up in March. They plan on conducting a 1-day seminar in the major metropolitan cities viz, New Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore and Chennai, during the week of 31.10.2011 to 04.11.2011. � The seminar will be focusing on the success factors, Target, Planning, Checklist, Organization, Marketing, Follow-up and also general information about the market, standards and legal aspects of European markets. For this brilliant opportunity, GIBC charges a variable cost ranging between 125 Euros (per attendant, for a minimum of 20 attendants), to 60 Euros per attendant (minimum of 40 attendants) based on the venue and number of attendants. � P.S. Please confirm your interest in attending this seminar vie email to Wolfgang.Hoeltgen@GIBC-Hannover.org, along with name, company, and the city you are interested in attending, and a detailed agenda will be mailed to you. � Contact Person : Wolfgang Hoeltgen Phone�� +49 511 9825281 Phone India �+91 9712530415 Wolfgang.Hoeltgen@GIBC-Hannover.org �

ICFOSS Launches First Open Access Journal

Wed, 14 Sep 2011

� � On Monday, September 12, 2011, the International Centre for Free and Open Source Software (ICFOSS) launched its Open Access Journal, �Journal of Free Software and Free Knowledge� (JFSFK)?the first journal in FOSS and related domains internationally. � The journal was launched by Dr. Ramachandran Thekkedath, Vice Chancellor, Cochin University of Science and Technology (CUSAT). � JFSFK can be accessed at http://icfoss.org/ojs/. The launch was attended by over 50 participants from academia, research community, students, NGOs, and representatives of the IT Industry. � Source: Express Buzz

MVD to Launch e-Payment Facility Soon

Tue, 13 Sep 2011

� As part of streamlining its delivery of services, the State�s Motor Vehicle Department (MVD) is planning to introduce e-payment facility. � The proposal is now awaiting the approval of the Finance Ministry. Once the government gives the approval, a trial run will be conducted before activating the link given in the website of the department. � The ground work including the integration of the servers of the participating banks, treasury, and the MVD has been completed with the assistance of the National Informatics Centre (NIC). Once a citizen remits online the amount for a particular service and the treasury department sends an acknowledgment of its receipt to the Motor Vehicles Department, the designated department officials will stamp digital signatures, completing the delivery of the service. � Initially, the e-payment facility will be restricted to a limited number of services. However, all 24 services of the MVD will be brought under the e-payment net gradually. � Source: The Hindu

Insight to be Extended Across the State

Mon, 12 Sep 2011

� At a review meeting of Insight? a Kerala Government initiative that aims at empowering the differently abled through ICT (Information and Communication Technology) tools?held on September 7, 2011, Kerala Chief Minister Oommen Chandy gave a directive that the programme will soon be extended throughout the State. The meeting was attended by Industries and IT Minister, P. K. Kunhalikutty and A, Shajahan IAS, Director, KSTIM. � The Kerala State IT Mission (KSITM) has been asked to prepare a project report for the state-wide implementation of the scheme. Insight is a joint initiative of KSITM and SPACE (Society for Promotion of Alternative Computing and Employment). KSITM provides the financial support for the project and SPACE provides the technical and managerial assistance. � Source: KeralaITNews

Oracle Development Centre in Technopark to be Inaugurated on September 14

Sun, 11 Sep 2011

� � The State Minister for Industries and IT, P. K. Kunhalikutty will formally inaugurate Oracle�s new development centre at the Leela Infopark building in Technopark Trivandrum on September 14, 2011. Earlier, Oracle had an informal start in Kerala in June, when they started their operations from the Park Centre in Technopark. � Oracle India signed the lease agreement with the Leela Group in April 2011 in the presence of the then Kerala Chief Minister V. S. Achuthanandan, The agreement for the 36,000 sq.ft. (one floor) space at the Leela Infopark, signed for a period of nine years, also features an option for Oracle to opt for two more additional floors within a year. While Oracle is starting with about 100 resources, the said space can seat about 350 - 400 people. � Oracle is the first major US IT company to start operations in Kerala. � Source: KeralaITNews

DIT Expects 11 States to Adopt e-Payment Gateway by March 2012

Sat, 10 Sep 2011

� The Department of Information Technology, Government of India, expects that eleven states in the country will adopt the e-Payment Gateway by March, 2012.The e-Payment Gateway is a single payment facility for e-governance services and will enable the collection of fees for licences and other chargeable services over the Internet. The Government of India will launch the facility by March next year. � The DIT is done with proof of concept with Maharashtra and is ready with standard guidelines to replicate the whole process throughout the country. National Securities Depository Limited (NSDL) has been selected for this service. � About 20 services, including those provided by both the central and state governments, will be linked to the payment platform in the next two to three months, enabling citizens to make online payments and do away with the need to visit government offices. � The idea behind the common platform is to ease the selection of technology vendors for states and reduce the processes and costs involved in it. Chhattisgarh, Maharashtra, and Goa will are expected to be among the early adopters of this platform. � The technology provider for this platform, National Securities Depository Limited (NSDL), will be paid on the basis of each transaction made. A minimum of one crore transactions is expected to take place every year through this platform. The government has signed a revenue gap funding agreement with NSDL, according to which, if the number of transactions in a year is less than a crore, the government will compensate NSDL for the lower volumes on the basis of the commission promised. However, if the number of transactions through the platform touches the one crore-mark, the government will not have to pay any amount to NSDL. � Source: Economic Times

IKM Launches Local Self Government-centric Web Initiatives

Thu, 08 Sep 2011

� As part of the UDF Government�s 100-day programme in Kerala, Dr. M. K. Muneer, the State Minister for Panchayats and Social Welfare, has inaugurated a host of web initiatives of the Government of Kerala�s flagship e-Governance programme in Local Government Institutions, including the State level helpdesk (0471-2579779), Sevana Social Welfare Pension website (welfarepension.lsgkerala.gov.in), and Sthapana for Panchayat Employees Provident Fund website (kpepf.lsgkerala.gov.in). These were developed by Information Kerala Mission (IKM). � The revamped IKM website (infokerala.org) was also inaugurated by the Minister at the IKM headquarters in Thiruvananthapuram on September 05, 2011. The helpdesk can be used for technical assistance regarding different software applications developed by IKM as well as for clarification of doubts. � Speaking at the function, the Minister said that the e-governance initiatives will improve the quality of services provided by Local Self Government institutions to the citizens and also the welfare of the people working in them. � 977 Grama Panchayats, 152 Block Panchayats, 60 Municipalities, and five Corporations across Kerala have been supplied with the necessary hardware, networking equipment ,and application software for implementing these e-governance programmes. The system would be extended to all Panchayats during this financial year � The other online services developed by IKM for Local Self Government (LSG) Department are Sthapana for Municipal Employees Provident Fund (kmpecpf.lsgkerala.gov.in), Local Self Government Department Portal (lsgkerala.gov.in), Sevana Civil Registration for Birth, Death, and� Marriage Registration (cr.lsgkerala.gov.in), Sulekha Plan Monitoring for Plan Details of LSGI's (sulekhaweb.lsgkerala.gov.in), Sanchaya Property Tax and e-Payment (tax.lsgkerala.gov.in), Geographic Information System based Cadastral Maps (gis.lsgkerala.gov.in), Soochika File Tracking (filetracking.lsgkerala.gov.in), and Government Orders, Circulars, and Gazette Notifications (go.lsgkerala.gov.in). � Source: KeralaITNews

TECOM SmartCity Investments Expected to Exceed Rs. 2,000 Crores

Thu, 08 Sep 2011

� � It is now expected that Tecom�s investments in the proposed SmartCity Kochi project will exceed Rs.2,000 crores. This is about Rs.500 crores more than what was previously projected. � According to Tecom, the project�s initial investment was estimated at Rs.1,500 crores to be spent on building the infrastructure. However, the project, which was given a ten year deadline, has now been slashed to five and half years. � The second Project Monitoring Committee meeting of the SmartCity Kochi project was held in Dubai on August 21, 2011. The meeting reviewed the progress of the project, set the timeline for the first year's activities, and allotted the required funds for the same. � The work on SmartCity Pavilion, which will showcase the various advanced technological advancement of SmartCity, and the offices for the Administrative and Project Management team, will begin on September 29, 2011. The work on the headquarter building will commence on November 19, 2011. � According to Dr. Baju George, MD, SmartCity Kochi, the project will have a built-up area of 8.8 million sq. ft. with about 20�25 buildings. � The project is expected to create about 25,000 direct jobs in its first three to four years and a total of 90,000 jobs on completion. The Kerala Government has 16 percent stake in the project. � Source: KeralaITNews

Minister Promises All Facilities for IT Entrepreneurs

Wed, 07 Sep 2011

� Inaugurating the second Malabar Pravasi Divas conference organised by the Malabar Pravasi Co-ordination Council, the State Minister for�Industries, P. K.� Kunhalikutty, said that the government will provide all facilities to the entrepreneurs in the IT sector in the state. � The Minister also said that a number of Malayalee expatriates are willing to invest in the state. The government policy is to provide full support to the investors. � He further urged the expatriates to invest more in the IT sector. He also said that the government will examine the activities of various agencies in the state that are dealing with Non Resident Keralites (NRKs). � Source: Express Buzz

Technopark Trivandrum Welcomes Netherlands� Consul General

Wed, 07 Sep 2011

� � On September 1, 2011, Technopark Trivandrum played host to Marijke A Van Drunnen Littel�the Consul General of the Kingdom of Netherlands at Mumbai. � Mervin Alexander, the Chief Executive Officer of Technopark and M. Vasudevan, Senior Business Development Manager� made a presentation� to the Consul General and her team explaining the profile of IT firms in the park and the future plans for Kerala IT. � The Consul General also visited to some of the IT companies in the park campus, including UST Global, Experion Technologies, and IBS Software Services. She assured all assistance from the Netherlands Government for the Technopark delegation visiting Netherlands in October 2011. � The Consul General had earlier called on the Chief Minister of Kerala. � Source: Technopark.org

Flytxt Announces Second Edition of Big Data Workshop on �Harnessing Hadoop�

Tue, 06 Sep 2011

� � Flytxt has announced the second edition of the �Developer to Developer Big Data Workshop� on �Harnessing Hadoop for Big Data� on September 13, 2011 at the Park Centre in Technopark Trivandrum. The first edition of the workshop�the first of its kind on Hadoop�was held earlier this year in March. � This workshop is a key for technocrats exploring options to develop Hadoop-based applications or even adopt platforms like recommendation engine to suit their business scenario. The session will cover all aspects related to recommendation engines, and practical perspectives along with demo and insights into Hadoop clusters for building telcograde applications. � Flytxt is probably the only company in Technopark to work extensively on the Hadoop Ecosytem. The company has set up a Hadoop Developer Forum in Kerala. � Entry is free for this limited seats event but with prior registration.�Click here�to check out the programme schedule and to register. � Source: KeralaITNews

Kerala Considers ICT Academy

Mon, 05 Sep 2011

� The State Government is considering setting up an ICT Academy on a Public Private Participation (PPP) model, which will be similar to the ICT Academy in Tamil Nadu (ICTAT)�a joint initiative of the Government of India, the Government of Tamil Nadu, and the CII, along with the participation of companies such as CTS and TCS, that aims at making students industry-ready and immediately employable in the ICT industry. � Kerala Chief Minister Oommen Chandy has already requested Lakshmi Narayanan, the Vice Chairman of Cognizant Technology Solutions (CTS), to explore the possibility of setting up the academy in the State. The CTS VP had visited the CM at his office in Secretariat during his visit to Thiruvananthapuram to address a meeting of the GTech Leadership Forum on September 02, 2011. The CM also asked GTech to coordinate the initiative and submit a proposal in this regard. � Source: KeralaITNews

KSEB Rolls Out SMS-based Complaint Registration Service

Sat, 03 Sep 2011

� � On September 01, 2011, the State Minister for Power, Aryadan Mohammed, inaugurated the state-wide roll out of KSEB�s SMS-based complaint registration service for power supply interruption. � KSEB is using the m-Governance short code platform developed by the Kerala State IT Mission (KSITM) for this service. � The Minister said that the SMS facility will open up an additional method to address complaint registration. People usually grumble that nobody picks up the phone or the number is always busy at KSEB, when you want to complaint if there is no power. However, consumers should note that, as of now, this SMS service deals with only power supply interruption complaints. � Consumers will have to send the SMS to 537252 with the four digit code of their section and their Consumer number in the format: �KSEB Section Code Consumer No.�. The next Electricity Bill will have details about the SMS format and the Section Codes. KSEB hopes to attend to the complaint within three hours and the consumer will get an SMS when the complaint has been rectified. The SMS will be charged at Rs.2 for BSNL subscribers and Rs.3 for others. In case the consumer is not happy with the service, he or she can call the toll free number 155333 for further assistance. � Source: KeralaITNews

KSRTC Launches m-Governance Project

Sat, 03 Sep 2011

� � The �State Minister for Transport, V.S. Sivakumar, inaugurated the m-Governance project and the first phase of the Total Computerisation Programme of KSRTC at Thiruvananthapuram. � The m-Governance project is part of the UDF Government�s 100-day programme. This service is expected to go a long way in helping KSRTC passengers. � The Minister also inaugurated the �Infowheels� bus�a mobile computer lab equipped with the latest computers and Internet connectivity for training KSRTC employees. � KSRTC is using the m-Governance short code platform developed by the Kerala State IT Mission for the SMS service. Travellers will have to send the SMS to 537252 in the format, �KSRTC Start Depot Code End Depot Code�. They will get a list of 20 buses with their timings on that route. This service is now available for selected Fast Passenger, Super Fast, Delux, and AC services only. � Under the Total Computerisation Programme, all Depots and Workshops of KSRTC have been linked to the Central Office in Thiruvananthapuram. Keltron is the implementing agency for this project. � Source: KeralaITNews

CM Inaugurates 24 Hour Public Grievance Redressal Cell Call Centre

Fri, 02 Sep 2011

� � On September 1, 2011, the Kerala Chief Minister inaugurated the 24-hour Public Grievance Redressal Cell call centre at his office in the presence of his ministerial colleagues, members of the Legislative Assembly, and senior officials as part of the 100-day programme. � At the inaugural ceremony, the CM said that the call centre is a step towards the goal of ensuring that the grievances of the people will not be left unattended. Every possible effort will be made to resolve the sufferings of the people. � If in any case a complaint remains unresolved, then the petitioner will be informed why his complaint cannot be resolved.� The Government has ensured full support from all the officials for the successful functioning of the call centre. � The first petition that came up was of the son of C.S. Suresh Kumar a KSRTC driver who died while on duty of cardiac arrest. Though he died driving, his act of courage saved the life of people in the bus as he applied the brakes in time. The file regarding the recommendation for Jeevan Raksha Pathak for Suresh Kumar was pending. This complaint was taken up and the CM has directed the GAD secretary to complete the formalities and forward the recommendation to the Central Government today itself. � The second petition was regarding A.C. Smitha who went missing in 2006 in Dubai in just two days after reaching there with her husband. Until now, no progress has taken place regarding the complaint lodged with police. CM has directed the DGP to hand over the case to Crime Branch. � The call centre can be accessed on 1076- toll free number, for BSNL customers. Those using other services will have to dial 1800 425 1076 for accessing the service. People calling from abroad have to fix the code 0471 before the too free number. � The call centre is in addition to the existing provisions to lodge complaints with the CM�s Office. � Source: KeralaCM.gov.in

Minister Inaugurates Online Programme of the State Registration Department

Fri, 02 Sep 2011

� On Thursday, September 1, 2011, the Minister for Food, Civil Supplies, and Registration, T.M. Jacob, inaugurated the online programme of the State Registration Department, which is the first step towards total computerisation of the department. The function was presided over by K Muraleedharan, MLA, on the premises of the Sub-Registrar office at Muttada. � Application for the encumbrance certificate, copy of the title-deed, and special marriage will be accepted online as per the project. Forms for registration of charitable societies and partnership firms will also be accepted online. � The Minister said that the online facility will be introduced in 310 Sub-Registrar offices in the State in a time-bound manner. The online facility had been introduced in such a way that jobs of document writers were not affected in any way. � Source: The Hindu

IT Companies Increasingly Rely on Employee Referrals for Hiring

Wed, 31 Aug 2011

� IT firms are relying more and more on employee referral programmes for filling vacancies. in fact, experts believe that employee referrals account for about 25-30 percent of hiring in the IT/ITeS sector. � Employee reference bonus is paid to existing staff members for every successful hire based on their recommendation. Employee referral programmes are beneficial to companies as well, as they benefit in terms of savings on costs associated with the search process. � Infosys meets almost 30 percent of its lateral talent acquisition through an employee referral programme, according to Infosys BPO Vice-President and HR Head, Raghavendra K. � According to iGATE Patni Associate Vice-President (Global Recruitment), Mahesh Guru, iGate hired 24 percent of its employees through the referral programme last year. � Employees usually source candidates through social networking sites such as LinkedIn, SiliconIndia, TooStep, and TechGig. � Employee referral programmes, however, are not limited to IT/ITeS companies. Today, companies in almost all sectors have some form of employee referral programme in place. � Source: Business Line

AID to Monitor and Follow Up Assurances

Mon, 29 Aug 2011

� � The National Informatics Centre-Kerala, in consultation with the Kerala State IT Mission, has developed an automated Assurance Implementation Desk (AID) that will digitally monitor and follow up the assurances given by the Ministers on the floor of the Legislative Assembly. The AID, set to turn operational shortly, will also facilitate online status report on assurances and action taken on them at each level. � The AID aims at enhancing the overall efficiency of the system by ensuring the effective and timely implementation of the assurances given by the Ministers on the floor of the House. The application is ready and servers have been installed at the State Data Centre. � Once this project goes live, it will facilitate faster online preparation of assurances, quicker and efficient distribution of assurances as against manual distribution, prompt acknowledgement, easier access to data for the designated users through their user ID and password, and intimation through e-mail alerts to all stakeholders. � Provision will be made for the designated official of the department concerned to give online approval and forward the Assurance Reply to QS using the digital signature technology. � Source: The Hindu

ICFOSS Holds Consultation Session on the Future of FOSS in India

Mon, 29 Aug 2011

� � Technopark Trivandrum-based International Centre for Free and Open Source Software (ICFOSS) recently held a consultation session��Future Directions of FOSS in India��in the park campus, to establish future directions for use and promotion of FOSS in India. � The consultation session, held as part of the 10th anniversary celebrations of Free and Open Source Software (FOSS) in India, is the first of a series of similar sessions that build on Kerala�s early lead in FOSS initiatives and serve to consolidate and leverage the lead with international initiatives. � The session was attended by representatives from different governmental organisations such as National Informatics Centre (NIC), C-DAC, Kerala State IT Mission (KSITM), Indian Institute of Information Technology and Management�Kerala (IIITM�K), IT@School, FOSS Community groups, NGOs such as Swatantra Malayalam Computing, Society For Promotion of Alternative Computing and Employment (SPACE), the student community, FOSS-based business enterprises such as Zyxware and Zesty Beanz, and professional societies such as the Computer Society of India (CSI) and Institute of Electrical & Electronics Engineers (IEEE). The participants of the consultation outlined their vision for the future of FOSS in their respective domains, highlighting gaps and limitations to be resolved, and making suggestions on the way ahead. � Recently, a FOSS Visioning Expert Committee was set up to help prepare the roadmap for ICFOSS. � Source: KeralaITNews

Green Technology Centres Launched

Mon, 29 Aug 2011

� The State Minister for Panchayats, M K Muneer, inaugurated Green Technology Centres (GTC) in selected grama panchayats of Kerala. � These GTCs would be a source of information on the latest developments in green technologies, and would showcase green technology devices and maintain a workshop to repair the various green technology devices. � The launch of these centres is expected to mark the beginning of a massive change in the state. The idea of GTCs was conceived by a team of scientists under C T S Nair, who formerly headed the Kerala State Council for Science, Technology, and Environment (KSCSTE).� � In the backdrop of major climate changes across the world, Green Technology is becoming more and more relevant. Therefore, it is important that the GTCs become functional as soon as possible. The GTCs are important for the Green management of the state�s resources, especially technology intervention to improve energy efficiency and enhance sustainability. Once the pilot projects are fully implemented in the selected panchayats and their functioning evaluated, the project will be replicated in almost all the panchayats in the state. � The GTCs would also launch a campaign for the adoption of green technologies and address the needs of locally important industries such as coir processing and furniture production among many others and promote the adoption of more energy efficient and environment friendly technologies. The state Agriculture Department, the Kerala Agricultural University, and the Kerala Biodiversity Board will provide the necessary guidance and support for the GTC with regard to popularisation of organic farming. � Source: Express Buzz

ICE FOSS 11 Inaugurated

Sun, 28 Aug 2011

� � K Anwar Sadath, the Executive Director of IT@ School, inaugurated �ICE FOSS 11� �the Free and Open Source Software meet�organised by the Computer Science Department, FISAT Engineering College, Angamaly. � �Mr. Sadath said that state-of-the-art open source digital resources are developed and used in the education sector in India. Kerala is a role model to others in this regard. By using open source software, the State has been able to save Rs. 15 crore. During the Onam holidays, 10,000 students in the state will join IT Mission to make animation movies with open source software. � �FISAT chairman P V Mathew presided over the function.� An exhibition of academic projects developed by students using Open Source Software was held in connection with the event and evaluated by an expert team from TCS, Kochi. The two-day event includes technical talks by experts on Open Source Software, workshops, and discussions. � Source: Express Buzz

CM�s Office to Launch �Public Grievance Redressal Cell� Call Centre on September 1

Sat, 27 Aug 2011

� As part of the UDF Government�s 100-day Programme, a �Public Grievance Redressal Cell� Call Centre will be launched in the office of the Kerala Chief Minister at the Secretariat in Thiruvananthapuram on September 1, 2011. � The call centre would enable people to register their grievances and complaints directly to the Chief Minister�s Office either by telephone or through email. The call centre would function 24x7 and can be accessed on 1076. � The Chief Minister�s website also has a Citizen Corner where people can register complaints or submit a petition. There are other provisions like Vision 2030 Idea Box for giving suggestions and ideas to address issues regarding development of the State. There is a separate facility for Citizen Journalism for bringing issues or other information to the CM�s notice. � Citizens can also lodge their grievances related to any department in Government of Kerala through the online complaint monitoring system of CM�s Public Grievance Redressal Cell (cmcc.kerala.gov.in). The grievance would be forwarded to the concerned authorities for needful action. � Source: KeralaITNews

Kochi Gets Cloud Campus

Sat, 27 Aug 2011

� NIIT Chief Operating Officer P Rajendran and Vice-president Unnikrishnan K Raghavan launched �Cloud Campus��a programme that allows the students to learn through the cloud-learning methodology�in Kochi. � By accessing the Cloud Campus network, a student can learn the subjects at his own pace. The use of cloud platform ensures higher mobility for students who can procure the industry-endorsed curriculum, even on the move, and equip themselves with a skill set that employers value. � �NIIT Cloud Campus offers three courses in the cloud campus� GNIIT, GNIIT for engineering students, and post-graduate programme in IT (PGPIT). Each student will be provided with a netbook, a well-designed digital courseware, and a fully paid data card. � Source: Express Buzz

CM Inaugurates Traffic and Security Surveillance System

Sat, 27 Aug 2011

� � Inaugurating the Traffic and Security Surveillance system introduced by Kerala Police at the Cantonment Police Station in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala Chief Minister Oommen Chandy said that the Government would provide all facilities to the Police and Motor Vehicle Departments to enforce traffic rules effectively in the state. � At the inauguration, City Police Commissioner Manoj Abraham said the police has also proposed a police station exclusively for Technopark Trivandrum. � By September, all major junctions, bus stops, roads, and shopping localities in Thiruvananthapuram would come under the non-stop surveillance of police security cameras. The communications wing of the Kerala State Electronics Development Corporation (KELTRON) would implement the project. � KELTRON will install 192 surveillance cameras in the city to help the police prevent crime and regulate traffic better. The security cameras were of high quality, tamper proof, possessed night vision capability, and captured images in colour. They would be linked to the Police Control Room through a secure fibre optic network. Control room operators could pan, tilt, or zoom the cameras at will.� The auto focus cameras could track and capture fast moving objects with �exceptional clarity� up to a distance of 500 m at night, including the registration numbers of vehicles. � Source:� The Hindu & Keralacm.gov.in

IT@School Aims at Guinness Record

Sat, 27 Aug 2011

� � The State Government�s IT@School Project is aiming to make it to the Guinness Book of World Records through a jumbo exercise in providing animation movie-making training to more than 10,069 students across the State. � The training programme, which will start from September 5, 2011, will be held for four days in 349 centres in the State simultaneously. The programme will be inaugurated by the State Education Minister P K Abdu Rabb at the IT@School District Resource Centre in Malappuram. � IT@School has already registered with the Guinness Book of World Records as this might be the first instance in the world when such a large number of students was being trained in animation simultaneously. � For more details on the training programme, visit www.itschool.gov.in. � Source: Express Buzz

ACIS Achieves CMMI Success

Fri, 26 Aug 2011

� The Application Development and Maintenance division of ACIS and Allianz Insurance UK was jointly assessed at Maturity Level 5 of SEI CMMI Dev V1.3, using the assessment methodology SCAMPI A V1.3. � With this ACIS has become: � The first company in the world to be successfully assessed using SCAMPI A v 1.3 method, and � Eighth in the world to be successfully assessed at Level 5 using CMMI Dev v 1.3 Model. � Based in Technopark Trivandrum, ACIS was established in 2003, as an offshore captive IT/ITES centre for Allianz Insurance UK. Today, the company employs more than 1000 people and provides services to Allianz Group Companies across Europe, US, and Asia Pacific. � Source: Technopark.org

NASSCOM BPO Summit 2011 Held at Gurgaon

Fri, 26 Aug 2011

� � NASSCOM BPO Summit 2011 (August 22 - 24, 2011) organised at Gurgaon this year was a huge success and saw the enthusiastic participation of major national and international companies� including Mckinsey & Co., KPMG, CRISIL, PwC, Genpact, Fedex,� TCS, Infosys, iGate, IBM, WNS, Wipro, HCL, EXL, Cognizant, NIIT Accenture, Hinduja Global Solutions, and Facebook. � A team of IT veterans from Kerala also participated in the Summit. Technopark Trivandrum was represented by Mr. Mervin Alexander, CEO, and Mr. M Vasudevan, Senior Manager (Business Development), while Mr. Gigo Joseph, CEO, and Mr. Arun Rajeevan, Assitant Manager (Marketing) represented the Infoparks at the event. Mr. Benny Mathew from RMESI also attended the conference. As a part of the event, the team from Kerala met CEOs of a number of BPO companies and discussed the opportunities in Kerala. � At the Summit, NASSCOM expressed confidence about its projection that the IT industry in India will continue to be on the growth trajectory of 16-18 percent during 2011-12 fiscal even as the industry maintains a cautious outlook due to the economic uncertainty in U.S. and Europe. According to NASSCOM, customers "are looking at expanding into geographies and bringing newer solutions to the market." � While the IT industry was cautious on new developments, NASSCOM was encouraging and helping Indian IT industry to find newer markets for their products and not to remain over-dependant on the U.S. and the European markets that account for over 85 percent of the revenues of the $70 billion Indian IT sector. � Earlier this year, NASSCOM had presented a conservative outlook of 16-18 percent growth in IT exports in 2011-12 in the wake of the slow economic recovery in the U.S. and uncertainty in the European region. The software and services sector is slated to bring in revenues of $68-70 billion. The growth in the domestic market is estimated to be 15-17 percent, with revenues of about $19-20 billion. � Speaking on "Business Process Excellence: Accelerating Value Creation", John M Luttz, GM (Global Process Services), IBM, said that cost reduction is no more the only influencer for BPO growth. Understanding the client domain to add value is the key success factor for growing BPO business in India. Low cost has moved out as a hygiene factor. � Shore is no longer relevant. Work is no longer going to one single place, though India continues to occupy 55 percent of the global BPO outsourcing market. BPO will continue to grow as people�s business, with India�s population as the advantage driving talent availability. � In the second session, "Destination India: Breaking Myths and Perceptions", Keshav Murugesh, Group CEO, WNS Global Services, expressed optimism about the BPO growth in India.� Double dip is expected to put more pressure on companies to outsource even more to survive. Global BPO outsourcing market is expected to grow by another 20 percent. The very fact that IT companies hammered during the last stock market crash and BPO survived is a clear example of strong fundamentals in BPO the market. � Vikram Talwar, Chairman of EXL Services, was very confident about India�s growth. India has no competition in the long run. The country has projected IT-BPO growth of $220 billion, which is five times the current growth. However, the current training from universities was not inadequate and required companies to provide complex training for employees in the BPO sector � Raman Roy, Chairman and MD, Quatro, mentioned that the BPO market sandpit is large enough for everyone to enter. However, each has to figure out a niche area. The opportunities are limited by imagination and everyone should try to leverage the local strength by going "global". He also called for a holistic infrastructure development that is needed for a new location to grow. He also mentioned that factors that were critical 20 years ago are all considered hygiene now. �

NIIT Introduces NGuru Math Lab at Anchal School

Fri, 26 Aug 2011

� NIIT has introduced the NIIT NGuru Math Lab and NIIT MindChampions' Academy at the Sabarigiri Residential School, Anchal, in Kollam district. � The Math Lab was inaugurated by Baby John, Minister for Labour, at a function held at Anchal on Wednesday, August 24, 2011. � The NGuru Math Lab enables school students to learn and explore mathematical concepts and verify mathematical facts and theorems using multiple teaching and learning aids. � NIIT MindChampions' Academy encourages students to take up chess to aid development of young minds. Studies have shown that chess improves faculties of concentration and diligence, helping students perform better academically. It is a joint initiative by Grand Master Viswanathan Anand and NIIT. Established in 2002, the academy has fostered over 11,000 chess clubs with more than one million students as its members in schools across India � Source: Business Line

Kerala Police Goes Online

Fri, 26 Aug 2011

� � In an effort to make the process of using the RTI Act hassle-free for the citizens, Kerala Police has shifted to the online mode to accept queries based on the Right to Information (RTI) Act, thereby becoming one of the first departments in the state to do so. With this facility, the citizens can now submit their RTI applications through email without going to the police stations. � The application form can be downloaded from the website and the query based on the RTI Act can be sent via email. The requisite fees can be sent to the police official concerned through a money order. � However, the practice of accepting the fees for the RTI application online has not yet started. � The application form can be downloaded from the site in both English and Malayalam. All information regarding the appellate authority and the state information officers are updated on the site to aid the public. � Source: Express Buzz

Gartner Predicts 6.3% Growth in Worldwide BPO Market

Thu, 25 Aug 2011

� According to a research report from Gartner, the global BPO market will grow by 6.3 percent in 2011 and five percent in 2012, thanks to the mixed outlook for BPO in developed economies. � The reports also predicts an increase in transaction volume, especially in payroll, recruiting, accounts payable, customer data analytics, and knowledge process outsourcing activities. The US is the largest and most established market for BPO. � Gartner estimates that North America's BPO market will grow 3.8 percent in 2011, while Japan's BPO market (expressed in yen) will decrease 0.9 per cent in 2011. The impact of the March 2011 earthquake is expected to be prolonged, and analysts expect this will impair growth in the BPO market. In continental Europe, the challenges of overcoming language requirements, labour laws and trade unions, and a lack of labour arbitrage benefits, still limit adoption of many types of BPO. � Source: Business Line

Mobile Internet Users to Touch 46 Million by September 2011

Thu, 25 Aug 2011

� � � � � � � � � � � According to a report published by the Internet and Mobile Association of India (IMAI) and IMRB, a market research firm,� the number of people who use their mobile phones to access the Internet will be 46 million in September 2011. In June 2011, the number of mobile Internet users stood at 40 million, of whom 30 million were "active users". � According the report, online news sites are the most frequently accessed, followed by e-mail, chat, and social networking sites. � The report said that consumers pay an average of Rs. 389 per month to access Internet services. This is good news for operators struggling with the declining Average Revenue Per User (ARPU). Operators get less than Rs. 100 a month from a subscriber at present. � Source: Business Line

Seaview Celebrates 15th Anniversary in Technopark

Thu, 25 Aug 2011

� � Technopark Trivandrum-based SeaView Support has completed 15 successful years of operations in the park campus. � One of the first companies to begin operations in Technopark Trivandrum, Seaview has witnessed tremendous growth over the years and now operates from its own building in "Padmanabham". � Seaview's sister concerns are RevenueMed and DeviceDriven, both of which have offices in the park. � Source: Technoparktoday

Videocon to Invest Rs.200 Crore to Set Up Electronics Complex in Kerala

Wed, 24 Aug 2011

� � Videocon Group has announced its plans to set up a world-class electronic manufacturing unit in Kerala at a cost of Rs.200 crores. � Videocon will reveal further details regarding the proposed unit, including its location, after discussions with the Department of Industries and Commerce. The Electronics Complex would manufacture consumer electronics and provide employment to about 1,000 people. � Videocon recently completed 25 years of successful operations in Kerala. As part of its Corporate Social Responsibility project, the company donated 25 ambulances to the local government hospitals and 100 LCD televisions to government schools. � Source: KeralaITNews

Computer Training to Be Made Mandatory in Lower and Upper Primary Schools

Wed, 24 Aug 2011

� � Kerala Education Minister P.K. Abdu Rabb has announced that computer education would be made compulsory in the lower and upper primary schools in the State. As part of the plan, broadband connections would be extended to 9,355 government schools. � Source: The Hindu

Work on SmartCity to Commence in September

Tue, 23 Aug 2011

� � A high-level meeting of the Dubai Government Project Monitoring Committee that took place on August 21, 2011, has decided to begin the work on SmartCity on September 29, 2011. � At the meeting, the Committee also allocated sufficient funds for the first year's construction work. � The work on a �SmartCity Pavilion' would begin on September 29 while the construction of the company's headquarters will start on November 19. � The meeting was chaired by Ahmed Humaid Al Thayar, the Chairman of TECOM. Two other senior officials of TECOM, Abdul Latif Al-Mulla and Adnan Chiwani, also attended the meeting apart from SmartCity Kochi's Managing Director Baiju George, National Bank of Dubai CEO Suresh Kumar, M.A. Yusufali. � Source: The Hindu

Narayana Murthy Assumes Role as Infosys� Chairman Emeritus

Mon, 22 Aug 2011

� � � � � � � � � Infosys� Chief Mentor and Chairman, N.R. Narayana Murthy, has bid good-bye to the company after thirty years of service. He will now assume the role of the company�s Chairman Emeritus. � Narayana Murthy co-founded the company in Pune with six others in 1981. � In his half-hour speech at the farewell function organized at the company, Murthy advised the young blood in the company to work hard, lead by example, shun ego, and take sound decisions. � Source: The Hindu

e-Service Bill Not Likely to be Placed Before Current Session of Parliament

Mon, 22 Aug 2011

� It seems unlikely that the Electronic Delivery of Services Bill 2011, hailed as a milestone in the e-governance initiatives of the country and reckoned as important as the Right to Information Act, will be placed before the Parliament during its current session due to the numerous upcoming holidays. � The final draft of the Bill will be presented to the Cabinet Secretariat next week for being placed before the Union Cabinet. � The Bill provides for the �electronic delivery of public services by the government to all persons to enhance transparency, efficiency, accountability, accessibility, and reliability in delivery of such services.� � It defines electronic delivery as �the delivery of services through the electronic mode, including the receipt of forms and applications, issue or grant of any license, permit, certificate, sanction, or approval and the receipt or payment of money.� � The Bill mandates every government and public authority to �deliver all public services through electronic mode within five years.� Within six months of the enactment of the law, public authorities will have to publish the list of public services to be delivered through the electronic mode, the date by which each such service shall be made available, the manner of delivery of such services, and their service levels. � A Central Electronic Service Delivery Commission, on the lines of the Central Information Commission, will be set up at the Centre to monitor the implementation of the law. There will be a State Electronic Service Delivery Commission in all States. � Source: The Hindu

KSEB Launches SMS Facility to Register Complaints

Sun, 21 Aug 2011

� � � � � � � � � The Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) has introduced an SMS facility that enables electricity consumers to register complaints regarding power failure via text messages. � The SMS facility was launched Thiruvananthapuram district on Friday, August 19, 2011. Electricity consumers across the State will be able to make use of the facility by the end of August, 2011. � To register a complaint, the consumer has to send his/her consumer number and section office code by SMS to the number 537252. The server at the KSEB headquarters would immediately SMS a reply acknowledging the registration of the complaint. The complaint would simultaneously flash on a computer at the section office concerned of the KSEB. The information would reach the mobile phone of an officer specifically in charge of attending to the complaints. � On setting the complaint right, the officer would deliver an SMS over the computer at the section office, passing on the information. � Source: The Hindu

IDEAS to be Implemented Soon

Sun, 21 Aug 2011

� � Kerala Chief Minister, Oommen Chandy, has announced the State Government�s plans to implement IDEAS (Information and Data Exchange Advanced System)�a file tracking system�across all the departments. � The CM said that the implementation of this system would ensure tracking of files and petitions online. This would mean that a petitioner does not have to come back to the Secretariat to know the status of his/her petition. � IDEAS, developed by the National Informatics Centre (NIC), Kerala, and supported by the Kerala State IT Mission, is currently used in the offices of 12 Ministers and 28 Administrative Departments in the Government Secretariat under the Secretariat Internet Communication System. This system has also been implemented in the Office of the Transport Commissioner, Office of the Director of Technical Education, Legislative Assembly (Niyamasabha), and the Kerala State Planning Board. � IDEAS is an advanced file information system built on Free and Open Source Software (FOSS). It is a web-based file tracking system that records details of the documents that come into a government office, like petitions received from citizens, or �Tapals� received as communications from other offices. Officers can use the web interface to record or query information of the petitions, tapals, or files within their offices using Internet or the government's own State Wide Area Network (KSWAN). Citizens and officers alike can obtain online information about the movement of files. There is also a provision for SMS that reverts with status of a petition or file against its reference number. � Click Here to access IDEAS online. � Source: KeralaITNews

Enumerators to Use Tablet PCs for �BPL and Caste Census�

Sat, 20 Aug 2011

� � Enumerators will use Tablet PCs for recording the economic and caste status of households in the �BPL and Caste Census� to be carried out in Kerala in December 2011. � About 20,000 Tablet PCs manufactured by Bharat Electronics limited (BEL), Bangalore, will be acquired by the LSGI Department with financial aid from the Ministry of Rural Development, Government of India. � It is estimated that 50,000 enumerators will collect economic and caste data from over 75 lakh households across the State. Each enumerator will use the Tablet PC to record answers to 36 questions. Instead of ticking the boxes in a printed questionnaire as has been done so far, the answers will be punched into the tablets. � The information will be uploaded to a server at the census centres. Transferring of data soon after collection will help pre-empt chances of manipulation of data by the enumerator. Since the enumeration will be carried out in a staggered way, 20,000 tables would be sufficient for use by the 50,000 enumerators. � Technical support for the data collection will be provided by the Indian Telephone Industries Limited. An ITI-trained technician will accompany each enumerator to help him/her record the data and to attend to the device if it malfunctions. The government has entered into an agreement with the ITI in this regard. � The enumerators are expected to record the answers given by the head of the household or other members and not to alter or correct the answers. However, it will be the responsibility of the enumerators to verify the data if they are absolutely false. They can counter-check with neighbours or panchayat members or other persons of standing in the neighbourhood. � Since the information sought is of sensitive nature as far as the households are concerned, the enumerators, who will be given intensive training, will have to use tact. Enumerators will be barred from hurting the caste or religious sensibilities of the residents. Once the data-taking at a household ends, the enumerator will issue an acknowledgement receipt. � Source: The Hindu

Accel Animation to Expand Operations

Sat, 20 Aug 2011

� � AccelTransmatic, a media services company, has announced that its animation division, Accel Animation Studios, will set up additional facilities for 200 animators in its facility at the Dhrisya building in KINFRA Animation SEZ Complex, Kazhakoottam, Trivandrum. � The additional facilities are part of its initiatives to undertake all 2D and 3D animation content development work at its facility in Thiruvananthapuram. All visual effects jobs would be taken up at its studio in Chennai. � The company has decided to merge Ushus Technologies, its software division, with Accel Frontline Limited. The money raised through the sale of the software division will be ploughed back to expand the media and animation development operations at KINFRA Film and Video Park. � It has also started preliminary work on setting up a state-of-the-art research and development (R and D) centre for media and animation on its two-acre campus at the KINFRA Film and Video Park. � Source: Business Line

Kerala to Introduce Online Single Window Clearance System Soon

Sat, 20 Aug 2011

� Kerala will soon introduce an online single window clearance system for various industrial projects to avoid delay and attract more investors. � The single window clearance system introduced in the state in the year 2000 was unsuccessful. Therefore the government is also planning amendment to the existing system. � The amendment will be along the lines of the Gujarat Model, which enables an entrepreneur to start a project without objection from any other institutions once it is cleared by the Clearance Board. � The process for introducing the online clearance system had already begun. All the departments will be linked to the system and it is expected to be operational by mid-September this year. � The online registration will be monitored on a daily basis by the KSIDC. If there is a delay in completing the formalities, alerts will be given to the officials concerned/department. � Efforts are also on to make a tie-up with a mobile company to send the alerts. The entrepreneur who submits his application online will be intimated if more documents are needed for getting the clearance. � This will be a transparent system in which all the departments will be liable for providing the clearance without any delay. � Even if an application is rejected by any department, it will be reviewed by an apex committee, which will look into all aspects and sanction legally viable projects. � After the amendment to the single window clearance system, the decision taken by the Clearance Board, represented by all department heads, will be final and cannot be objected by other organisations, institutions, or local bodies. � Source: Express Buzz

CM Says IT Sector Will Soon Be on Fast Track

Sat, 20 Aug 2011

� � Speaking at an interactive session with IIM-Kozhikode students, Kerala Chief Minister Oommen Chandy said that the State's IT sector would soon be on a fast track of development. � The CM also admitted that the State's IT sector had not made much progress in recent years. Kerala's share of total IT exports from the country is only one percent. However, plans are in place to increase this considerably. � The development of the IT sector would open up more opportunities for IT professionals. They will no longer have to seek employment in foreign countries. The State government had already set in motion programmes to attract global companies to SmartCity in Kochi. It would help reduce the drain of IT talent from the State. � Source: The Hindu

Tata Elxsi Appoints Nick Talbot as Global Design Head of ID Division

Fri, 19 Aug 2011

� � Tata Elxsi has appointed design veteran Nick Talbot as the Global Design Head of its Industrial Design (ID) division. � Talbot, an alumnus of the Royal College of Art, London, holds a Master's degree in Transportation Design and has over 20 years of design experience. He is a recipient of the prestigious Giugiaro Award for Transportation Innovation. � At Tata Elxsi, Talbot will� be responsible for all the design initiatives of the company, including innovation-driven initiatives for customers and supporting them with new product creation, development, and delivery. He will also be responsible for IP portfolio creation within Tata Elxsi � Source: KeralaITNews

IT@School Organises ICT Training for Parents

Wed, 17 Aug 2011

� Beginning August 20, IT@School will hold a training programme for parents of school children as part of its efforts to ensure the participation of parents in the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) initiatives in schools. � The State Education Minister P K Abdu Rabb will inaugurate the introductory session on August 20 at the Government Higher Secondary School, Tirurangadi.The training would include sessions on operating systems, word processing, e-mail, CD writing, Malayalam computing, and using the Internet. � Schools can organise the initial orientation session on any day between August 20 and September 13. � During this session, parents would be made aware of ICT-based learning, the activities of the IT Clubs at schools, IT melas, the VICTERS channel, and about cyber security. � A special video programme on IT-related activities would be screened at all high schools. Progressive training in FOSS-based ICT tools would be given to interested parents starting September 17. � The training would be organised in batches and in such a manner that it does not disrupt the normal functioning of schools. � A documentary on ICT training for parents would be telecast on the VICTERS channel on August 19 and 20 at 4 PM. � Source: The Hindu

CM Launches VISL Website

Wed, 17 Aug 2011

� � On Tuesday, August 16, 2011, Kerala Chief Minister Oommen Chandy launched the website of Vizhinjam International Seaport Ltd. (VISL). � The website, http://vizhinjamport.in/, will provide increased transparency along with details about the construction of the project. It includes pictures of the site, project outline, study reports, and details regarding the progress of the project, ownership, extent, category, and price of the land acquired for the project. � Source: The Hindu

Infopark CEO Calls for Holistic Development of Kochi

Sun, 14 Aug 2011

� Speaking at one-day seminar organised by the CUSAT School of Management Studies on Friday, August 12, 2011, Infopark Kochi CEO, Gigo Joseph called for the holistic development of the city in order to transform it into a world-class business hub. � Mr. Joseph said that the city is currently on an expansion spree. Many major projects are coming up, and these include the Vallarpadam Transshipment Terminal, Metro Rail, SmartCity, Infopark, etc. However, to leverage this growth, it is essential that we focus on the holistic development of the city � The seminar on �Kochi: The Booming Business Hub�Challenges and Opportunities�, also saw animated discussions analysing the growth potential of the city's economy in the face of social, demographic, and ecological challenges. It also emphasized on the need to formulate strategies to combat the diverse problems to ensure orderly development in the region. � Source: The Hindu

RIAB Launches Online Monitoring Site for PSUs

Sun, 14 Aug 2011

� � The Restructuring and Internal Audit Board (RIAB) under the Department of Industries and Commerce, Government of Kerala, has launched a portal for monitoring online, the daily, weekly, and monthly performance of the 44 Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) in Kerala. � K Padmakumar, Secretary, RIAB, said that the Daily Reporting Performance Report is based on a daily reporting format made online on the RIAB�s website to report certain key financial performance indicators. The Heads of Finance of PSUs are responsible for entering the daily information. For those units under PSUs which keep independent accounts, the responsibility is with the Unit Heads. � The Weekly Reporting Performance Report is based on a weekly reporting format on technical key performance indicators. This will be implemented beginning mid-August 2011. The Monthly Reporting Performance Report is based on monthly performance reporting based on financial key performance indicators. The parameters have to be entered by the 10th of every month and the expenditure reporting will be on actuals and not on budgeted amounts. � The performance reporting portals will be password-protected and accessible only by the MD or the Head of Finance at the company level, to avoid redundancies in data / information exchange. The consolidated reports (weekly and monthly) will be sent to the Industries Minister and the Industries Secretary. � Source: KeralaITNews

Geojit Comtrade Launches India�s First Mobile Trading Platform in Commodities Market

Sun, 14 Aug 2011

� � On Sunday, August 14, 2011, Kochi-based Geojit Comtrade has launched �Flip Me�, the country's first mobile trading platform in the commodities market. The Union Minister of State for Consumer Affairs, Food, and Public Distribution, Prof. K V Thomas, inaugurated the application. � ��Flip Me�, developed by Geojit Technologies, will enable customers to execute orders with the commodity exchange, assess the market depth, position with the ledger balance, and do a host of other activities. The application is said to have been designed in such a way that the service will be accessible on a large variety of handsets ranging from simple Java-enabled ones to advanced smart phones. � Geojit is the first commodities broking house to receive permission from the National Multi Commodity Exchange (NMCE) and the National Commodities & Derivatives Exchange (NCDEX) to start mobile trading. � Source: �KeralaITNews

Cloud Computing Should be Popularised: IT Minister

Sat, 13 Aug 2011

� � Speaking at a seminar on �The Transformational Impact of Cloud Computing on Businesses� organised by the Kerala Chamber of Commerce and Industry, in association with NASSCOM and Microsoft SMB Centre, on Friday, August 12, 2011, the State Minister for Industries and IT, P.K. Kunhalikutty, said that the usage of IT as a tool will provide a solution to several problems in many sectors. � The Minister pointed out that IT is capable of making services cost-effective, and the latest trends in the sector, such as cloud computing, should be made familiar to common man. � Source: The Hindu

RUTRONIX to Bridge Digital Divide in State

Sat, 13 Aug 2011

� � Launching the concept of model campus for low cost computer-based education on Wednesday, August 10, 2011, Co-operation, Khadi, and Village Industries Minister, C N Balakrishnan, said that the concept would help bridge the digital divide between the rural and urban areas in the state. � RUTRONIX, which has been engaged in offering IT courses to students at a low cost for the last five years, will take the concept forward and to computer centres across the state. � Model campuses, where more students would be able to learn computers at a low cost, would be established in these computer centres. � Source: Express Buzz�

State�s IT Sector Confident of Dealing with Recession

Fri, 12 Aug 2011

� � Gigo Joseph, CEO, Infopark Kochi, has expressed confidence in the capability of the State�s IT industry to withstand another financial recession. � In an interview with Indian Express, Mr. Joseph, however, pointed out that it might be too early to say anything about the impact of the U S downgrade on the IT sector. He also said that the companies were well aware of making arrangements in the event of any crisis. � Most of the IT companies seem to share the same opinion as that of the CEO. They do not see any immediate threat to their business�and are quite confident of keeping up with the business demands. � Source: Express Buzz

CM Inaugurates Fire and Rescue Station in Technopark Campus

Fri, 12 Aug 2011

� � On Thursday, August 11, 2011, Kerala Chief Minister Oommen Chandy inaugurated the new Fire and Rescue Services station in the campus of Technopark Trivandrum. The state Minister for Information and Technology, P K Kunhalikutty, presided over the function. This is the 100th Fire and Rescue Station in the State. � Currently, the station functions at the Gayathri building in Technopark. The Fire Force has also acquired 60 cents of land for a permanent fire station. The station will have 20 personnel, including 12 firemen, three drivers, a mechanic, station officer, additional station officer, lower division clerk, and a live-in servant. The station is equipped with state-of-the-art fire-fighting and rescue equipment, including two water tenders, inflatable power lights, chain saws, and breathing apparatus. In addition to attending to emergency calls inside the campus, the station will also provide their services to places that come in a 10-km radius of the park. � Trivandrum Mayor K Chandrika and Kazhakkoottom MLA M A Vahid also attended the function. � Source: Expess Buzz

Kerala Should Broaden FOSS Initiatives

Thu, 11 Aug 2011

� A conference on �Future Directions of FOSS in India�, organized by the International Centre for Free and Open Source Software (ICFOSS) as part of the 10th anniversary celebrations of FOSS in India on Tuesday, August 9, 2011, emphasized the need to broaden FOSS initiatives in the state. � The first of a series of similar sessions that seek to build on the State's early lead in FOSS initiatives and leverage it with international initiatives, �Future Directions of FOSS in India� was opened by Satish Babu, Director, ICFOSS, who said that a FOSS Visioning Expert Committee had been set up to help prepare the road map for ICFOSS. � All the speakers at the seminar called for the broadening of FOSS initiatives in the state. � Source: The Hindu

Software Industry Interactive Meet Held at Technopark

Thu, 11 Aug 2011

� On August 5, 2011, the Board of Apprenticeship Training (BOAT), Chennai, along with Technopark Trivandrum, Directorate of Technical Education, Kerala, and Directorate of Vocational Higher Secondary Education, Kerala held a "Software Industry Interactive Meet� in the park to discuss the benefits of its Graduate, Technician & Technician (Vocational) Apprenticeship Training scheme to the state�s software industry. � The meeting was presided over by K.V. Rajendran, GM (Technical), Technopark Trivandrum. A. Ayyakkannu, Director, Board of Apprenticeship Training (SR), Chennai gave a brief presentation about their web portal. V.Krubha Shankar, Director, Board of Apprenticeship Training (SR), Chennai gave a presentation about the relevance of the BOAT to the software industry in Kerala. The meeting was felicitated by Dr. J. Letha, Director of Technical Education, and Johny K John, Director of Vocational Higher Secondary Education, Kerala.� � Representatives of software companies also shared their opinions about the utility and effectiveness of the scheme and further discussed on strengthening the scheme. � Source: Technopark.org

Chief Minister Inaugurates MVD's Intelligent Enforcement Automation system

Thu, 11 Aug 2011

� � On August 9, 2011, Kerala Chief Minister Oommen Chandy launched the Motor Vehicle Department�s Intelligent Enforcement Automation System for Thiruvananthapuram, Kochi, and Kozhikode cities. � The Rs.5 crore project will enable the automatic capturing of traffic offences that will be streamed to the control room at Trans Towers in Trivandrum and the offices of Deputy Transport Commissioners in Kochi and Kozhikode. � The high capacity surveillance cameras installed at various junctions across the city will record traffic offences along with the registration number of the vehicle. The MVD inspectors and officials have been given PDAs (handheld devices) which can connect remotely to the RTO database server, to verify the authenticity of the vehicle records and driving licence and also to generate electronic challans. The MVIs can also check on previous traffic violations and penalties. � In the first phase, Kowdiar and Overbridge junctions have been covered in Thiruvananthapuram phase and 15 PDAs have been issued. In the next phase, 12 junctions including Technopark junction (Kazhakuttam) will be covered and 60 PDAs will be given. The project, funded by the Department of IT, Govt. of India, was conceptualised by the Kerala State IT Mission. � Source: KeralaITNews

Experion Technologies to Increase Headcount

Wed, 10 Aug 2011

� � Technopark Trivandrum-based mobile solutions and IT services provider Experion Technologies India has announced its plans to increase the number of employees to 200 this fiscal year. The company recently opened a development centre at Infopark Kochi too. � Experion began as a small offshore services arm for its European promoters. It later became a mobile products company. � The company has legal entities and customers in the US, Switzerland, Germany, Netherlands, and Australia. It has grown from being a 10-people company just three years ago to one with a headcount of 135 personnel. It is planning to add another sixty-five by the end of this financial year. � Experion has a very innovative product called FieldMax that runs on ordinary GPRS mobile phones for automating the sales force of FMCG, pharmaceutical, and distribution companies. Experion is making plans to roll out this product nationally. � Apart from the product suite, it also undertakes mobile software development services in all major platforms like the iPhone, Blackberry, Android, etc. for its overseas clients. Recently, Experion entered the Nordic market by signing significant contracts in the mobile application space. � Source: KeralaITNews

NASSCOM Emerge Forum to be Held on August 12

Tue, 09 Aug 2011

� � The 12th session of the NASSCOM Emerge Forum, jointly organized by NASSCOM and the Kerala Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI), will be held from 3:30 PM to 5:30 PM on Friday, August 12, 2011, at the Chamber Hall, KCCI, Chamber Corner, Shanmugham Road, Kochi. The seminar will be on �The Transformational Impact of Cloud Computing on Businesses.�� Who Can Attend? � CEOs and senior management personnel Entrepreneurs Technology Folks � Registration � This session will be free-of-cost. To attend, please send your confirmations latest by August 11, 2011, to Mr. Senthil at chennai@nasscom.in� with the following requisite: � Name: Designation: Company Name: Contact No: Email Id: � Programme � 1530 hrs�1600 hrs�� : Registration & Networking, Hi�Tea � 1600 hrs�1610 hrs�� : Welcome Address & Introduction of the Speaker ��by Mr. Deepak Aswani, ��Chairman, KCCI � 1610 hrs�1620 hrs�� : Quick Introduction by the participants � 1620 hrs�1700 hrs�� : Presentation by Mr. George Vettath, �� MD & CEO, Kallos Solutions (P) Ltd � 1700 hrs�1720 hrs�� : Q&A � 1720 hrs�1730 hrs:�� Vote of Thanks & Conclusion �

Kochi-based Firm Receives Microsoft Nomination to "President's Club"

Tue, 09 Aug 2011

� � Microsoft has nominated Team Frontline Limited, a Kochi-based enterprise solutions provider, to its prestigious President�s Club, a group comprising of only the top five percent of its enterprise solution partners across the world. � Team Frontline is the only company in Kerala to receive this recognition for its efforts to speed up the growth of enterprise solutions in Kerala by supplying and�implementing Microsoft ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) and CRM (Customer Relationship Management) solutions to many leading corporates. � Source: Express Buzz

Infopark Invites Proposals for Running Guest House at Kakkanad, Kochi

Mon, 08 Aug 2011

� � Infopark Kochi invites competitive sealed tenders in 2 bid system (Part-1 & Part-11) from competent entities for running a guest house at the park campus near Kakkanad in Kochi. The terms and conditions are detailed in the �Request For Proposal� (RFP). � The 25, 000 sq.ft. guest house consists of twenty guest rooms complimented with a business meeting place, indoor recreation area, dining place, kitchen, driver�s room, etc. It has four suits and sixteen double rooms. The entrance lobby consists of a double height atrium with two glazed elevators overlooking an indoor lobby. � Proposals are invited from agencies with experience and good financial background to operate the guest house for five years and at par with a 4-star hotel by bringing in remaining items like water coolers in dining hall, deep freezer for kitchen, kitchen equipment, crockery and cutlery, soft furnishings, television, set up box, etc. The assets provided by Infopark shall be returned to Infopark in good condition at the end of the contract period or when the contract is terminated, whichever is earlier. � The tender forms will be issued till August 12, 2011 4 pm. The last date and time for receipt of tender is August 19, 2011, 3.30 pm. The technical bid will be opened at 4pm the same day. The tender document will cost Rs 3000 + VAT @ 4.04% and the Earnest Money Deposit is Rs. one lakh. � For more details, click here

International Security and Hacking Conference Calls for Speakers

Mon, 08 Aug 2011

� � The organizers of c0c0n, the annual two-day International Security and Hacking Conference, are looking for papers on a host of topics under various domains. The conference to be held on October 7 and 8, 2011, is organised by the Information Security Research Association along with Matriux Security Community, as part of the Information Security Day. � According to the organisers, c0c0n aims at providing a platform to discuss, showcase, educate, understand, and spread awareness on the latest trends in information, cyber, and hi-tech crimes. It also aims to provide a platform for various corporate and government organizations, including investigation agencies, academia, and research organizations to work together so as to ensure and enhance cyber safety. � The last day for submitting papers will be August 14, 2011. The list of speakers will be published online on August 31. For more details, visit the c0c0n�website. � Source: KeralaITNews

State Trains Visually Challenged Teachers in ICT

Sun, 07 Aug 2011

� In a five-day programme aimed at ensuring the inclusion of the differentially-abled in the IT initiatives of the state, the�IT@School�programme of the Department of Education, Government of Kerala, has imparted training in Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) to 238 visually challenged teachers in Kerala. The programme came to an end on Friday, August 5, 2011. � � The five-day programme, conducted across the State at IT@School project offices, was totally based on ORCA, a free software. � According to Anvar Sadath, Executive Director, IT@School, the training started with a familiarisation module where the teacher got acquainted with the keyboard and gradually learnt the basics of operating system, word processing, folder creation, data transfer using CD/pen drive, navigation using shortcut keys, audio and video players, sound recording, and Internet. � According to Mr. Sadath, the training for visually-challenged teachers in FOSS platform has multi-dimensional significance. Most of the screen-reading softwares currently available in market are priced at an average cost of Rs.40, 000 and have stringent sharing restrictions. The FOSS-based ORCA software not only allows the user to modify and customize the application but also enables him to share the application without restrictions. � IT@School has provided ORCA to all schools for the benefit of differentially-abled teachers and students. � By empowering differentially-abled teachers and students in ICT skills, IT@School hopes to facilitate total ICT-enabled education in the state. � Source: The Hindu

Virtual Classroom Facility to be Formally Launched in Government School

Sat, 06 Aug 2011

� � The Government Higher Secondary School, Chorode, near Vadakara, has effectively introduced virtual-classroom facility at the school, the formal inauguration of which will take place on Monday, August 8, 2011. Two years ago, the school was in the limelight for being the first Wi-Fi-enabled government school in the state.� � Steven Herder, Professor in Internet-based Teaching (IBT) from Japan, will launch the facility through video conferencing. The school, which has two broadband Internet connections provided by�IT@School�in collaboration with BSNL, has already held many online interactive sessions on trial basis, engaging eminent teachers from various parts of the world. It will soon switch over to the VPN Broadband network of BSNL, sponsored by IT@School. � �According to the school authorities, Director of Public Instruction (DPI), Muhammed Hanish and Executive Director of�IT@School�Project, Anwar Sadath are also expected online from Thiruvananthapuram for the inaugural function. IT experts from different places, including Mijo Thomas from London and V.V. Haseeb from Kannur, are also expected to offer online facilitation. � Source: The Hindu

One Lakh Enrolments for UID Number

Sat, 06 Aug 2011

� � In Kerala, nearly one lakh people have enrolled for the UID number under the �Aadhaar� scheme. The Corporation of Thiruvananthapuram alone accounts for about 30 percent of the enrolments while the rural areas account for close to 65,000 sign-ups. � In Kerala, the State Government is the UID Registrar and the IT Mission the nodal agency. Three other agencies�Akshaya, KELTRON, and�IT@School��have been appointed to perform the�enrolment. While Akshaya has been assigned the rural areas, KELTRON and IT@School are the implementation agencies for urban areas and schools respectively. � In every panchayat, Akshaya has two centres. There are 2,000 such centres in the State. The forms for enrolment are distributed through ward members. Enrolment has begun in the districts of Pathanamthitta, Ernakulam, Wayanad, Kasargod, and Malappuram also. � Corporations and municipalities are covered under the urban area. It was in June this� year that Keltron launched the enrolment in Thiruvananthapuram Corporation. � �IT@School takes care of monitoring the UID process in schools through school management software. Students from Standard 8 to Plus-Two come under the process. They are given a unique code comprising the school code and admission number in this regard. � Source: Express Buzz

Thought Ripples Introduces Web Service to Catch Truants

Sat, 06 Aug 2011

� � Thought Ripples has come up with �Gurusparsh�, a web-application service for parents that will help them ensure that their children reach school and attend classes regularly. � The service will be offered free of cost to schools interested in utilising it. It could be used by teachers who have registered in it to send SMS alerts to parents in case their children are found absent in classes. � Source: The Hindu

Zayan Infotech to Organise Seminar for IT Students

Fri, 05 Aug 2011

� � On Saturday, August 6, 2011, IT infrastructure company Zayan Infotech will organise �Techmeet�� a seminar for engineering, MCA, and M Sc (IT) students that will focus on �New trends in Information Technology� and �Open source in Application Development�. � The seminar is expected to help the participants improve their knowledge of new developments in the industry. � Source: KeralaITNews

Cordiant to Set Up Information Technology Research Park

Fri, 05 Aug 2011

� � Cordiant Technologies, based in Kochi, will set up an Information Technology Research Park in Thiruvaniyur. � Cordiant has already acquired 7.5 acres for the purpose. The Information Technology Research Park would feature the Cordiant Innovation Centre (Incubation Space) for young entrepreneurs and also a turn-key lab space for industry peers. An integral part of the Cordiant IT Research Park would be industry-specific Finishing Schools set up in partnership with other companies and industry associations. � The total investment of the project is expected to be around Rs 150 crore. The development will take place in phases, the first of which is expected to be completed in 2012. � Source: Business Line

Computerised Voting System for School Parliamentary Elections Launched

Thu, 04 Aug 2011

� On Thursday, August 4, 2011, A. Pradeepkumar, MLA, inaugurated a computerised system for school parliament elections at the Government Upper Primary School, Bilathikulam. � The school parliamentary election would be held by using �E-vote@school�, software jointly developed by a group of Akshaya workers in the district and a teacher of the school. � The e-voting system, being implemented as a pilot project in the district, will be expanded to all other government and aided schools in the State from the next academic year. Akshaya centres in the respective area will give the lead for the implementation of the project. � Source: The Hindu

Kerala Government Rolls Out New IT Policy

Thu, 04 Aug 2011

� � The Government of Kerala has introduced a new IT policy that is expected to provide comprehensive support for the development of the IT sector in the State. � The new IT policy aims at: � ��Creating a knowledge-based economy in Kerala with global opportunities. � ��Developing �IT@Kerala� as the most preferred IT/ITeS investment destination in the�country. � ��Attracting investments in the ICT sector. � The government will simplify labour laws to suit the needs of IT/ITeS companies and help them overcome the barriers pertaining to employment in the industry. All IT/ITeS companies will be granted permission to have 24x7 operations. � Emphasis will be given on the development of state-of-the-art civil infrastructure such as roads between IT hubs, cities, and airports on a continuous basis. � An Integrated Government Call Centre (IGCC) will be set up to enable citizens to interact with the government for accessing various�services and to lodge complaints. It will act as a centralised help desk that provides citizens with guidance/information regarding the various services and schemes of the government. Public-private-partnership investments in establishing IT schools will also be encouraged. � � The government will establish a Government-Industry-Academia task force to identify knowledge partners to develop new curriculum for the IT students. � Initiatives will also be taken for fostering strategic collaboration with other countries for bringing the best in e-governance and establishing bi/multinational funds for R&D and fostering innovation in product ideas. � In order to increase the participation of the local people in contributing local specific information to the web and to promote the use of Malayalam language, the government will give priority to development of technologies for enabling Malayalam and promoting the same while delivering government services online. � Source: Express Buzz

Top 200 IT Companies in India Log Combined Revenue of $84 bn

Wed, 03 Aug 2011

� According to the annual research findings on the Indian IT industry by Dataquest, the top 200 IT companies in the country logged combined revenue of $84 billion (Rs 384,250 crore) to achieve an average growth rate of 25 percent in FY 2011. This is the highest in the last four years. � The top 20 IT companies in India together posted revenue of $54 billion (Rs 247,808 crore) in 2010-11. � According to the study, the top five Indian IT companies in 2010-11 were TCS (Rs 33,112 crore), Infosys (Rs 25,997 crore), Wipro (Rs 24,899 crore), HP (Rs 23,227 crore), and Cognizant (Rs 21,393 crore). IBM came sixth with revenue of Rs 14,132 crore. � Source: Economic Times

79 New IT Companies Registered in Kerala During Q1

Wed, 03 Aug 2011

� � � � � � � � � According to a communique from the Registrar of Companies, Kerala and Lakshadweep, 79 new companies in IT and related fields were newly registered in the state during the first quarter of FY 2011-12. � During the period from April 2011 to June 2011, 679 new companies were registered in Kerala with a total capital base of Rs.132.77 crores. Out of these, only 10 are public companies. The capital base of private companies amount to Rs.120.22 crores. 47 of these companies have an investment of Rs.50 lakhs or more. � Source: KeralaITNews

TCS to Set Up Global Academy in Technocity

Tue, 02 Aug 2011

� � Indian IT major TCS has signed a MoU with the Government of Kerala Government for setting up a handful of high-investment facilities in the State. � TCS will invest Rs 1,000 crore to set up its global training academy at Technocity in Trivandrum. � The MoU also involves the establishment of Special Economic Zones for software development at Technopark Thiruvananthapuram and Infopark Kochi. � The MoU was signed by T. Balakrishnan, Additional Chief Secretary (Industries and IT), and N. Chandrashekharan, CEO & MD, TCS, in the presence of Chief Minister Oommen Chandy during the golden jubilee celebrations of the Kerala State Industrial Development Centre (KSIDC) held in Kochi on July 30, 2011. � In December 2010, Technopark Trivandrum had leased 82 acres of land to TCS to set up the global training academy. � Source: The Hindu

Registration for Aadhaar Inaugurated in Palakkad

Tue, 02 Aug 2011

� � On Monday, August 1, 2011, Palakkad District Collector K.V. Mohan Kumar inaugurated the district-level registration of "Aadhaar" at the Palakkad Head Post Office. � People can register their names for the Unique Identification card along with identification and address proof with select post offices. � The biometric and demographic information can also be filed at the post offices. � The service will be available in select post offices in the district. � Source: The Hindu

Excise Minister Inaugurates UID Project in Ernakulam

Tue, 02 Aug 2011

� The State Minister for Excise, K. Babu, inaugurated the district-level roll-out of the UID project in Ernakulam on Monday, August 1, 2011. The Minister said that the government was planning to give the Unique Identification Number (UID) under "Aadhaar" to all residents by March 2012. He also called for the time-bound completion of the project. � Kerala is ranked 24th among the States in the country in terms of UID enrollments. The project would be very beneficial to people, especially the poor. It will alleviate the hardship of carrying multiple cards and making innumerable visits to government offices. Biometric features will rule out impersonation as well. � Source: The Hindu

State to Provide Online Coaching to 1 Lakh Teachers

Mon, 01 Aug 2011

� As part of its online Help Desk Programme, Sarva Siksha Abhiyan (SSA), in association with it@school and Kerala Mahila Samakhya�Society, will provide online coaching to over one lakh teachers in the state. � SSA started the Help Desk Program when there was a spurt in cases of drug abuse and�sexual abuse among children. Students can call the Help Desk at any time for assistance. A �Consolation Box� will also be installed at the schools.� � The first phase of the coaching will be held on August 2,3,4,8, and 9. Teachers and parents can directly participate in the coaching through the 14 satellite interactive terminals in the state. � Source: Express Buzz

HCLT to Recruit 3000 Freshers in the New Quarter

Sun, 31 Jul 2011

� � HCL Technologies (HCLT) has announced its plans to hire about 3,000 fresher in the July-September quarter. It had hired 3,000 people in the last quarter as well. � The move to hire more people, coupled with wage hikes, will have an impact of about 300 basis points on the first quarter numbers of HCLT. In fact, the company expects the September quarter margins to drop 300 basis points, of which, about 250 bps would be on account of wage hikes and the remaining 50 bps on new hires. The company hopes to recover from the drop in its margins in the next three quarters. � The company, which follows a July-June fiscal, has given a 12-14 percent wage hike for its India staff, and 2-3 percent for its staff abroad. The wage hikes are effective July 1. � The company is also planning a capital expenditure of USD 230 million in FY'12. � Source: Economic Times

Infopark to Have Police Station Soon

Sun, 31 Jul 2011

� � Kerala Chief Minister Oommen Chandy announced that Infopark Kochi campus will soon have a police station. � He also said that efforts to rectify the complaints about the shortage of hands at the Cyber Cell will be taken soon. � Source: The Hindu

New Software Tool for the Disabled

Sat, 30 Jul 2011

� On Thursday, July 28, 2011, the State Minister of Industries and IT, P.K. Kunhalikutty, launched �Swaram�� a Malayalam Text-to-Speech System (TTS) assistive free software application that will allow the visually challenged to tap into the immense resources of written works in Malayalam. � The Minister said that the government would extend all support for such open software development projects. � Designed by �Insight,� �Swaram� is integrated software which uses Ubuntu, a Linux-based operating system. The software is also helpful in sending e-mails and short programming. � The institute is also developing various other assistive technologies to empower the differently abled using Information and Communication Technology. � Source: The Hindu

State Government to Include 12 More Districts in the e-District Initiative

Sat, 30 Jul 2011

� As part of the National e-Governance Plan that proposes to deliver around 50 services online at the district-level for citizens, twelve more districts in the State will be included in the e-district initiative. At present, the project covers only Kannur and Palakkad districts in Kerala. � The State Revenue Minister, Thiruvanchoor Radhakrishnan, also announced the decision to computerise all the panchayats under the Mission Mode Project (MMP) and renovate Revenue offices in all districts. � Source: Express Buzz

TCS to Start Global Training Academy at Thiruvananthapuram

Sat, 30 Jul 2011

� The Government of Kerala will sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with TCS to start TCS Global Training Academy at Thiruvananthapuram. � The MoU will be signed during the Chief Minister�s visit to Kochi for the Golden Jubilee celebrations of Kerala State Industrial Development Corporation (KSIDC), at Le Meridien in Kochi on Saturday. � Oommen Chandy will inaugurate the celebrations and present the Award of Excellence to 50 entrepreneurs. � P K Kunhalikutty, the State Minister for Industries, IT, and Urban Affairs, and T K A Nair, Advisor to the Prime Minister will attend the function. � Source: Express Buzz

FOSS Completes a Decade in Kerala

Fri, 29 Jul 2011

� � P. K. Kunhalikutty, the State Minister for Industries and IT, inaugurated the 10th annual celebrations of Free and Open Source Software (FOSS) in India. The first FOSS initiative in the country was the �Freedom First!� conference held in Kerala in July 2001. � The Minister also released the anniversary poster in the presence to kick off a six-month-long (July-December 2011) retrospective on the significant progress made by FOSS in the State. � The first programme in the 6-month-long anniversary celebrations is the advanced training on GNU/R, a powerful statistical analysis tool that is rapidly finding acceptance in the industry. Other programmes include a workshop on future directions in FOSS (August 9), launch of an open access Journal of FOSS (September), a workshop on Blender (September 16 and 17), programmes for students, a workshop on �Transitioning to FOSS' for NGOs, and a workshop on �ICT and Climate Change� in November. � The celebrations will conclude with the Third International Conference in the Series on Free Software, Free Society, scheduled for the last week of December 2011. � In addition to making use of FOSS in many e-government projects, the Government of Kerala has also founded the International Centre for FOSS (ICFOSS) aimed at FOSS-based academic, research and technology-based activities. � Source: Business Line

Infosys CEO Says the World is Focused on India�s Talent Pool

Fri, 29 Jul 2011

� � � � � � � � � � According to S. Gopalakrishnan (Infosys CEO and MD), the rest of the world is focused on the opportunities being thrown open by India's large market and talent pool. In fact, India is now among the most-sought-after countries in terms of talent and market potential. �Kris� was speaking at a reception accorded to him in his native town of Ramapuram. � The increased accessibility to the Internet has made available a wide range of knowledge from a single source and also enlightened the present generation about a wide range of career and job opportunities. � The country was not part of the Industrial Revolution; but at present, it is in the midst of the information revolution. Some of the most important companies that currently influence the youth all belong to the field of information technology. The research and development wings of most of these companies have been established in India. � Source: The Hindu

Website to Make Government Procedural Information Simpler

Fri, 29 Jul 2011

� The website www.wikifyindia.com is a website that promises of information on all government procedures in India. The website was co-founded by class mates Anish Chandy and Sohel Bohra as �a call to the government to make governance more participative and transparent. � Sohel and Anish found that lack of correct procedural information was a major problem that people face while interacting with the government. So they decided to collate this information and make it easily available to the masses. However, due to the sheer volume of information, it would not be possible for a few people to collect it and put it up on a website, and hence, they opted for the Wikipedia model. However, the website clearly spells out that it is not related to Wikipedia. � Anyone can contribute content to the website, making information available to all. This site is managed by KWID Foundation, a non-profit organisation that uses technology to create social impact at the grassroot level. � Source: The Hindu

KSITM Wins mBillionth South Asian Award 2011

Thu, 28 Jul 2011

� � � � � � � � � � � � � The Kerala State Information Technology Mission (KSITM)'s m-governance project has won it the "mBillionth South Asian Award 2011," in the mobile governance category. � KSITM Coordinator Sabarish K received the award at a function in New Delhi on July 23, 2011. � KSITM was chosen for the award from over 200 nominations from eight South Asian countries for "designing and setting up a comprehensive mobile service delivery platform for integrating mobiles in State-wide governance applications and services of the Kerala government, which facilitated swift and seamless roll out of over 50 mobile governance services." � Earlier, the project had recieved the recommendation of the World Bank that hailed it as the best-suited and replicable model for developing nations on account of its cost-effectiveness and efficiency. � The mBillionth Award is instituted by the Digital Empowerment Foundation and supported by the Department of Information Technology, New Delhi, and the National Internet Exchange of India. It is conceived as a dedicated platform to explore the latent potential of mobile and telecom sectors across South Asian countries. � Source: The Hindu

Narayana Murthy Says India's IT Sector Could be Worth $300b in 10 Years

Thu, 28 Jul 2011

� � � � � � � � � � � � According to N.R. Narayana Murthy, Chairman and Chief Mentor, Infosys Ltd, the IT sector in India might be worth $300 billion in the next 10 years, provided meritocracy prevailed and the next stage of expansion covered the Tier I and II cities and towns. � A recent McKinsey report had cited the huge potential of the IT sector. But the government must reduce frictions in policies. Even now, many countries see India as a place where policies and judgments take a long time to come. � The Indian IT sector continues to be cost-effective and was still giving customers value for money. � Source: Business Line

e-Waste Collection Centre Mooted

Wed, 27 Jul 2011

� � If the Kerala State Pollution Control Board (PCB) approves a proposal submitted by Kerala Enviro Infrastructure Ltd., which runs the Common Hazardous Waste Treatment, Storage, and Disposal facility at Ambalamedu, Kochi, it might put an end to the pressing issue of e-waste management that the State is facing today. � Kerala Enviro Infrastructure has proposed a collection centre for electronic and electrical waste generated across the State. As of now, there is no entity with the capacity to handle the entire volume of e-waste generated in the State. � The facility at Ambalamedu has a 2,000 sq.m. storage facility for hazardous wastes. A portion of it could be converted into an e-waste collection centre with additional facilities as per the specifications. � The proposal was to collect the e-waste and send it to recognised reprocessing centres in the neighbouring States, as recycling of e-waste was a costly affair requiring investment running into crores. � According to a notification issued by the Department of Information Technology in September 2010, there are only 16 recognised e-waste reprocessing centres across the country with environmentally sound management facilities. � Kerala Enviro Infrastructure Ltd. has simultaneously entered into discussions with reprocessing centres in the neighbouring States. Such centres operate in Chennai, Bangalore, and Hyderabad. � Transportation of e-waste from the points of generation to the collection centre will be the responsibility of the operator. � Source: The Hindu

Tech Top-2011 to Begin on Friday

Wed, 27 Jul 2011

� � On July 29 and 30, 2011, Technopark Trivandrum will host the sixth edition of Tech Top-2011, a two-day innovation competition aimed at identifying budding technocrats, for engineering students across the country. Former ISRO Chairman, G Madhavan Nair, will inaugurate the event at 9:30 AM on Friday, July 29, at Travancore Hall in Technopark. � Tech Top will provide an opportunity for students to display and demonstrate their product prototypes. The best project will win the "Degree C Award" with prize money of one lakh. Also, all the projects selected after final screening will be eligible for incubation support from Technopark Trivandrum. � This year, 216 teams from 14 states participated in the preliminary round, out of which 58 teams were selected for the second round. From this, 19 teams were shortlisted to demonstrate their projects in the two-day event. � Source: Express Buzz

Minister Launches Metro Website

Wed, 27 Jul 2011

� � On Tuesday, July 26, 2011, the State Electricity Minister, Aryadan Mohammed, who also holds charge of railways, dedicated the website www.kochimetro.org for the proposed Kochi Metro Rail project at a function held in his office. � All information related to the Kochi Metro project will be available on the site. � Source: The Hindu

Minister Inaugurates National Workshop on Advanced IT

Tue, 26 Jul 2011

� � On July 19, 2011, A. P. Anil Kumar, the State Minister for Welfare of Scheduled Castes and Backward Classes, inaugurated a national workshop organised by Cyber Sri, at the Fourth Estate Hall in Press Club. � The Minister said that Cyber Sri, an initiative of C-DIT, has played a major role in providing technical training to the youth and enabling them to find good careers. � This was especially true in the case of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes. � The workshop on "Advanced Information Technologies" dealt with various topics related to software development, 3D animation, embedded systems, and other technologies. � Source: Express Buzz

Testhouse Sets Up Office in Technopark Trivandrum

Tue, 26 Jul 2011

� � Testhouse, a London-based software testing and QA service provider, has shifted its India office to the Technopark Trivandrum campus. � Located in the M-Squared building, this office will be responsible for Testhouse's activities in India and the Middle-East. It will also serve as the offshore arm for the global operations of Testhouse, which has operations in North America, Central and Southern Europe, Asia-Pacific, and the Middle East. � Testhouse's new facility in Technopark was inaugurated by Mike Nithavrianakis, Deputy High Commissioner at the British Deputy High commission, on Monday, July 25, 2011. � Source: Business Line

TECOM to Set Up SmartCity Model Projects in Europe and Asia

Tue, 26 Jul 2011

� � TECOM is planning to set up projects along the lines of SmartCity Kochi in European and Asian countries. � After the success of its SmartCity Malta project, TECOM has been receiving a number of invitations from many countries, including China, to set up its future projects there. � The vision of the SmartCity project is to create a global network of self sustained business townships to foster the knowledge economy. With a minimum investment outlay of $300 million, SmartCity Malta will transform Malta into a state-of-the-art Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and Media business community based on the successful clusters of Dubai Internet City, Dubai Media City, and Dubai Knowledge Village. � Once completed, SmartCity Kochi will be one of the largest business parks in India and generate more than 90,000 jobs. � Source: Express Buzz

IT/ITeS Sectors Witness High Attrition Rates

Tue, 26 Jul 2011

� � According to a study conducted by MyHiringClub.com, the IT and ITeS sectors in the country have witnessed a high attrition rate of 23 percent in the first quarter of the year. � The banking and financial services sector saw an attrition rate of 18 percent. The healthcare sector faced an attrition rate of 12 percent while the FMCG and automobiles and manufacturing sectors saw an 11 percent attrition rate. � Major reasons for switching jobs include pay packages (21 percent), career growth (16 percent), dissatisfaction with supervisors (15 percent), and work pressure (14 per cent). � Attrition rate was the highest among employees with experience of upto five years (39 percent). It was 27 percent among those with 5-10 years of experience, and 22 percent in the 10-15 years� experience bracket.Senior-level employees (with more than 15 years' experience) had a very low attrition rate of 15 per cent. � Source: Business Line

Distribution of Aadhaar UID Cards to Begin in August

Mon, 25 Jul 2011

� � On August 1, 2011, the State Excise Minister, K Babu, will inaugurate the district-level distribution of the Unique Identity (UID) card. � The Aadhaar UID monitoring committee has decided to begin the card distribution in Thrikkakara municipality and to complete the registration of the card in a time-bound manner. � The registration process will be conducted by Kudumbashree, Asha workers, and Anganwadi teachers. The committee expects to conduct 700 registrations daily. � The form for the registration of Aadhaar UID card will be available at the Akshaya centres in Thrikkakara municipality from July 23. To avoid rush in the centres, date and time for taking photos and finger prints will be noted in the form � For getting the UID card, people must bring ration card, voter's card, PAN card, driving license, pass book of the bank account, or passport with them. � Those who do not have any identification can apply for the UID card by getting authentication letter from the panchayat members. � Source: Express Buzz

UST Global Launches Online MBA Course for Staff

Mon, 25 Jul 2011

� � UST Global has launched an online MBA program aimed at developing the management capability of its IT workforce. � The MBA program is customised for the modern age IT professional, and powered by Max Value Univ� in partnership with the Bharathiar University. � As an extension of the program, deserving students from various institutions in the State will be provided an opportunity to earn an MBA degree fully sponsored by UST Global. � The programme was inaugurated on June 21, 2011, at Technopark Trivandrum in the presence of IIM Ranchi Director M.J. Xavier, author Anita Nair, and P.V. John, who holds the national record for being the most professionally qualified individual in the country. � A symposium on "Corporate Responses to Management Learning" was held after the inaugural session. � Source: The Hindu

Ten Indian IT Firms to Participate in UAE Internet Show

Mon, 25 Jul 2011

� About ten Indian IT companies are expected to participate in the 2011 Internet Show that will be held in Abu Dhabi on September 27 and 28. � The Electronics and Computer Software Export Promotion Council (ESC), the largest electronics and IT trade facilitation body in the country, is making efforts to enhance the participation of Indian companies in the show. � The event will provide the participant companies opportunities for scouting the booming Middle East market. � The IT products on exhibition at the India Pavilion will cover diverse areas such as open source software development in PHP and ROR, Search Engine Optimisation (SEO), Ready Shopping Cart, rental sites and CRM products for sale, ShopNetwork and MFit applications, and web applications. � In addition, products will be available for social media integration, search engine marketing, social media optimisation, Web 2.0, e-commerce and payments, content management systems, information security, audit and compliance, risk assessment, SMS messaging services, iPhone app development, and online media. � Source: Business Line

Excise Minister Plans Live Webcast of Office

Sun, 24 Jul 2011

� The State Excise Minister, K. Babu, has also decided to webcast his office. The live webcast of the office of the Chief Minister of Kerala is already available online. � Directions have already been given to the Centre For Development of Imaging Technology (C-DIT) to make the necessary arrangements for webcasting the minister's office. � Source: The Hindu

Hexaware Secures $177 Million Contract

Sun, 24 Jul 2011

� � IT and BPO firm Hexaware Technologies has secured a $177 million contract with a leading US company over a five-year term. � Through this contract, Hexaware expects a potential $100 million worth incremental business while extending existing business worth another $77 million in five years. � As part of the engagement, Hexaware will offer services to the US company across several horizontals including enterprise solutions, business intelligence / business analytics, quality assurance and testing services, business process outsourcing, and application management services. � Source: The Hindu

BSNL Kerala Circle Launches WiMax Services

Sat, 23 Jul 2011

� � The Kerala Circle of BSNL has launched WiMax (Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access), the 4th generation wireless broadband (IEEE 802.16e) services, in 450 locations in the State. � Customers are offered unlimited usage of broadband, up to 2 Mbps using WiMax customer premises equipment for Rs.750 a month. Other limited plans with same band width were also on offer. More details on the tariff could be obtained from www.keralatelecom.com. � Source: The Hindu

Minister Says IT Policy Will be Introduced Soon

Sat, 23 Jul 2011

� � � In his inaugural address at the one-day symposium on "Smarter Villages 2015-IT as a Cottage Industry" at the Cochin University of Science and Technology (CUSAT), the State Minister for Industries and Information Technology, P.K. Kunhalikutty, the government is planning to set up call centres in villages across Kerala. � Villages in the state have got English-speaking graduates, whose communication skills could be improved professional training. Companies in Infopark Kochi and Technopark Trivandrum have programmes aimed at improving their soft skills. � The Minister also said that the government will introduce its IT policy soon. New projects will be launched as part of the development of the State's IT sector. Details of the IT policy will be made available on the government web site. All stakeholders can share their opinions about the policy. � The Minister said that skill development will hold a prominent position in the IT policy of the State. He said that Kerala was far ahead of other States in broadband connectivity penetration. The Akshaya centres established during the previous UDF regime had boosted growth in villages. � Source: The Hindu

CafIT to Hold Panel Discussion on IT as a Business tool

Sat, 23 Jul 2011

� On August 29, 2011, the CafiT (Calicut Forum for IT) will hold a panel discussion for small Information Technology (IT) companies "to look at opportunities around the India growth story." � The programme aims at helping start-ups, business owners, sales and marketing managers, and management students. Experts in various fields will speak at the programme. � Today, product companies in India have a number of opportunities to leverage on the country's growth. � Nishi Ranjan (Arbitron Kozhikode); George Ninan (Tech27); Sheje Chungath (Sesame Software); Anwar (Aufait Technologies); Leepesh Parat (Zestybeans); Sainu Aibdeen (Cybrosys ), and Ajay (Sweans Technologies) are some of the IT and management experts expected to speak at the programme. � Source: The Hindu

New Software to Check Cyber Crime to be Installed in Cafes

Fri, 22 Jul 2011

� "CLINCK Cyber Caf� Manager," a security package developed by Ideacts Innovations, will be installed in cyber cafes to check cyber crime. The server installed at the cafes would store the data transferred, and the identity of users. � The new software would help in accounting, terminal management, and user data storage, providing a convenient environment for users. Caf� owners would also be able to provide information about users to law enforcement agencies. � The software would be installed in cafes in a week. Users would have to provide photo identity, name, address, mobile number, and user ID before using the Internet. � Source: The Hindu

Kozhikode Cyberpark to Begin Operations in a Year

Fri, 22 Jul 2011

� � According to the Chief Executive Officer of Cyberpark Kozhikode, Binu A Pazhoor,the work on the first IT building of Cyberpark, Kozhikode will begin soon. � The work on the building, entrusted with Hyderabad-based Krr Infrastructure Private Limited, will begin in ten days. The company is expected to complete the work in the next 14 months. � The building has been designed in two sections. This means that it can be opened for operations as soon one section is completed. When completed, the building will have a built-up space of 1.70 lakh sq.ft. and generate about 1,700 jobs. � Meanwhile, construction of a 10,000 sq ft-building that will include the Cyberpark office will be completed in about two months. � About Rs.70 crore will be spent on these two buildings during the 2011-12 financial year. � The idea is to have a built-up space of 3 million sq.ft. in another four to five years generating about 70,000 direct jobs and another one lakh jobs indirectly. � Estimate for the main access road and bridges for connectivity has been approved by the board of Cyberpark and tenders will be invited towards the end of this month. � The Board of Approval under the Union Ministry of Commerce has already notified 25 of the 43 acres of Cyberpark as Special Economic Zone for developing IT/ITES infrastructure. � Source: The Hindu

A-VIEW Wins Best Innovation in Open and Distance Learning Award

Fri, 22 Jul 2011

� � Amrita University�s e-learning platform A-VIEW (Amrita Virtual Interactive E-Learning World) has won the jury award for Best Innovation in Open and Distance Learning under Higher Education category at the World Education Summit - 2011 held last week in New Delhi. � Prof. Kamal Bijlani, Director, Amrita E-Learning Research Lab, Kollam received the award from Prof. V N Rajasekharan Pillai, Vice- chancellor, Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU), Kris Srikanth, Chairman, Selection Committee of BCCI, and Dr. Ravi Gupta, Editor-in-Chief, Digital Learning Magazine. � The event was organised by IGNOU in association with the Centre of Science Development and Media Studies (CSDMS) and Elets Technomedia. � The World Education Awards have been instituted with the aim of felicitating and acknowledging unique and innovative initiatives in the field of education globally. � Source: KeralaITNews

Natana Launches Cancer Awareness Foundation

Thu, 21 Jul 2011

� � The Technopark cultural club NATANA, along with Kerala Club (Detroit) and Mukesh Foundation,launched the Cancer Awareness Foundation on July 20, 2011, at 7 PM at the Travancore Hall in the� Parkcenter of Technopark. � The Kerala Club is a non-profit, non-political, and non-religious organization with a mission to practice and promote the Indian heritage in South East. � Popular Malayalam film actor Mukesh started the Mukesh Foundation with an aim to strive towards providing a better life to people in need; better medical care, better education, and employment opportunities. � Source: TechnoparkToday

BSNL Launches Net Telephony Services

Thu, 21 Jul 2011

� On July 18, 2011, BSNL launched Net telephony services in partnership with Sai InfoSystem (India) Ltd. � BSNL's Voice and Video Over Internet Protocol (VVOIP) technology uses the packet switching technology and makes communication possible over the Internet. Voice and video signals are converted into data packets and sent to the destination, where the data packets are again converted back to voice and video, respectively. � With this service, BSNL customers can make audio and video calls on any landline, mobile, or IP phone anywhere in the world except India, provided both the caller and receiver have video phone equipment. If video phone equipment is available at only one end, then the subscriber can make voice calls. � Within India, customers can make only IP to IP calls within BSNL network for which they� will have to attach an adaptor to their existing landline phone. � The service will cost 40 paise per minute for audio calls and Rs. 2 a minute for video calls within the country. International calls charges using VVOIP service will vary according to the country. � For example, a call to US will cost Rs 1.20 a minute. Calls to a landline phone in the UK will cost Rs 1.20 and Rs 7.20 to a mobile phone. In addition, subscribers have to pay monthly fee of Rs 150. � Source: Business Line

KSEB to Launch SMS Facility to Fix Power Supply

Thu, 21 Jul 2011

� � � � � � � � � The Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) has plans to introduce an SMS facility in August for its consumers to lodge complaints regarding interrupted power supply. � A unique ten-digit number will be finalised for texting the complaints from all over the state. � The IT wing of the KSEB will execute the project. � Once the project is launched,a complaint texted by a consumer from anywhere in the state will be received in the KSEB server in Thiruvananthapuram. After the complaint is registered, a docket number will be sent to the consumer.The complaint will then be automatically forwarded to the corresponding KSEB section office, alerting them to rectify the problems immediately. � Source: Express Buzz

SIEP Launches Phase 1 of Online Encyclopaedia on the State

Wed, 20 Jul 2011

� � On July 15, 2011, The State Institute of Encyclopaedic Publications (SIEP), famous for its authoritative encyclopaedias or "Sarvavijnanakosham," launched the first phase of an online encyclopaedia on Kerala, called "Kerala Vijnanakosham." � The Chief Minister of Kerala, Oommen Chandy, inaugurated the work on the "Knowledge Web Repository," which involves the development of a content management software, and a digital object identifier (DOI) named "Kairali." The research project has been approved by the Department of Information Technology, Government of India, and is expected to be completed by November 2012. � The SIEP is associating with a city-based agency, "Space," for the project. Once completed, the SIEP expects it to be the first of its kind in the country and a useful development for repositories in other Indian languages. � "Kerala Vijnanakosham" can be accessed via�www.sarva.gov.in. � Source: Express Buzz

TCS Becomes the First Indian Company to Have Over 2 Lakh Employees

Wed, 20 Jul 2011

� Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) has become the first Indian software services company to have more than two lakh employees. � TCS now has an active staff strength of 2,02,190 after making a net addition of 3,576 employees during the first quarter of the year 2011-12. � The gross hiring for the first quarter was 11,988 and attrition was 14.8 percent. � For the second quarter, TCS has plans to hire up to 20,000 employees. � About half of this would be campus recruits who already have offer letters while the remaining would be lateral or experienced hands. Lateral hiring had accounted for about 75 percent of the company's overall hiring in the last quarter. � Source: Business Line

C-DAC to Expand Operations to New Facility

Tue, 19 Jul 2011

� � The Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC) will expand its operations to a new Technopark facility that will be operational within six months. The facility will be housed in a building with 160,000 sq ft built-up area. � The building has been designed on the green building concept and will have state-of-the-art infrastructure required for carrying out research and development activities in emerging strategic and industrial high technology areas. � Shashi Tharoor, MP, had visited C-DAC last week and addressed the employees. The MP stressed the need for affordable technologies and urged C-DAC scientists and engineers to work towards developing innovative and affordable technologies that will help India grow as a major power in the research and development sector. � Source: Express Buzz

IT MNCs Hire More Non-engineers

Tue, 19 Jul 2011

� In what is definitely very good news for many, IT companies like TCS, Cognizant, ITC Infotech, and HCL have their doors open to non-engineers. Wipro, the first to hire non-engineers about five years ago, is also increasing its intake of non-engineers. � Many companies have now started differentiating the job of a software engineer into several roles like testing, technical support, and even coding and programming that can easily be performed by non-engineers. � For example, TCS announced hiring of science and commerce graduates from this year, ITC Infotech says 20 percent of its tech hires will be non-engineers, and Wipro will have about 35-40 percent of the new hires from the non-engineering stream. � Selection is based on academic excellence; logical, quantitative, and verbal skills; and direct interviews. � Source: Business Line

Manappuram Finance Signs IT Services Deal with IBM

Mon, 18 Jul 2011

� � Manappuram Finance, a Kerala-based private finance company, has signed a 10-year, multi-million dollar IT services deal with IBM to transform its IT systems so as to support its aggressive growth plan. � The agreement would ensure that Manappuram delivers superior customer service in a highly commoditised market. � IBM will build and manage the entire IT infrastructure for Manappuram Finance and deliver application transformation benefits through the implementation of leading business solutions in Finance, Human Resource Management, Business Intelligence Collaboration tools, and Document Management.� � The agreement with IBM was the result of Manappuram Finance's strategic decision to strengthen its IT system to speed up its go-to-market time, enhance productivity, and increase efficiency, resulting in competitive advantage. � IBM's relationship with Manappuram started in 2009, when it engaged IBM for an IT strategy project to support their rapid growth plans. IBM had then helped Manappuram identify and address gaps in their business processes and IT systems, risks (and how to mitigate them), areas for operational efficiency, and business process transformation. � Source: Economic Times

TCS to Hire 20,000 in Q2

Mon, 18 Jul 2011

� � � � � � � � � � � � Indian IT major Tata Consultancy Services�(TCS) has plans to hire as many as 20,000 people this quarter, according to its CEO, N Chandrasekharan.� � TCS also expects an improvement in its profit margins, as western clients look to increase spending on information technology to cut costs and boost efficiency.� � The company is chasing 12 large deals in the United States, UK, and Europe, not to mention the additional deals in emerging markets.� � It added 24 new clients in its first quarter, helping it post a forecast-beating 28-percent rise in net profit. It also added 3,576 net staff in the April-June quarter.� � TCS posted 26.7 per cent rise in its net profit at Rs. 2,415 crore for the first quarter of FY 2011-12. The revenue grew by 31.4 per cent to Rs 10,797 crore for the period under review.� � However, the company had posted Rs 2,623 crore profit in the last quarter of the previous fiscal. � Source: Economic Times

TCS' Net Profit Increases 27 Percent in Q1

Mon, 18 Jul 2011

� Indian IT major TCS has reported a net profit growth of 26.7 percent at Rs. 2,415 for the first quarter of the year 2011-12. � Revenues increased 31.4 percent at Rs.10,797 crore. Operating profit grew 25.6 per cent at Rs.2,820 crore, and operating margins were 26.1 per cent. The company declared an interim dividend of Rs.3 per share. � The company's operating profit margin declined from the previous quarter by 214 basis points. This was attributed to one of the highest wage hikes given by the company at an average of 12-14 percent. The impact due to this was 251 basis points during the quarter. During the period, the company added 24 new clients and the number of clients in the category of $50 million plus increased from 27 to 33. The company has applied for 411 patents including 69 applied for during the quarter. Till date, the company has been granted 68 patents. � In terms of human resources, TCS continued to hire to support business growth. Lateral hiring accounted for 75 percent of total hiring in the first quarter. � There was a total gross addition of 11,988 people (net of 3,576) taking the total employee strength to 2.02 lakh. In the second quarter, the company expects to hire 17,000-20,000. � Source: The Hindu

NIIT Enters into Strategic Partnership with US Firm

Mon, 18 Jul 2011

� NIIT Technologies announced that it has entered into a joint venture with Morris Communications, a private media company headquartered in Augusta, Georgia, USA. � According to the agreement between the two companies, NIIT would provide integrated IT and BPO services to Morris Communications for an aggregate amount of $85 million. NIIT will have the controlling interest in the strategic partnership. Morris will transfer its key assets including IT infrastructure, people, and application landscape, to the joint venture. � Source: The Hindu

Akshaya All Set for UID Project Roll-out by Month-end

Sat, 16 Jul 2011

� � Akshaya is planning a state-wide roll-out of the Unique Identification (UID) project by the end of July 2011. � On June 4, the Kerala Government had issued an order for the state-wide implementation of UID. The project is under way in Alappuzha, Thiruvananthapuram, Pathanamthitta, and Malappuram. About 35,000 enrolments have been completed under the project so far. � Akshaya, Keltron, and IT@School are the enrolment agencies for the implementation of the project in the State. 400 Akshaya entrepreneurs have become certified UID operators and are ready to undertake enrolment operations. They have undergone two weeks' training and passed the certifying examination conducted by Sify, the certifying and testing agency appointed by the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI). � Another 1,000 entrepreneurs are currently undergoing training. � Once the new operators are pressed into action, Akshaya hopes to increase the enrolment rate from about 1,500 to nearly 10,000 enrolments a day by the end of the month. However, the target is 50,000 to one lakh enrolments a day. � Currently, Akshaya is managing with 60 state-of-the-art biometric devices required for enrolment under the UID project. It will have another 200 machines by the end of the month. � Certified Akshaya entrepreneurs are required to invest nearly Rs.1.5 lakh for the package, including the biometric device. � Source: The Hindu

Nozione Group Sets Up Shop in Technopark Trivandrum

Fri, 15 Jul 2011

� � Nozione Group has started operations from Technopark Trivandrum. It has set up its new venture, �Nozione Info Solutions Pvt. Ltd� that focuses on Software Development and application development for iPhone, Android, and Blackberry, in A2 module of the Periyar building in the park. The new office was inaugurated on July 8, 2011, M A Vaheed, MLA. � Source: Technopark.org

Infosys to Hire 12,000 People in Q2

Thu, 14 Jul 2011

� � � � � � IT giant Infosys is all set to add 12,000 more people to its existing taskforce of over 1.33 lakh employees. The company is continuing with its yearly target of 45,000 people. � In the beginning of the current financial year, Infosys had announced plans to hire about 45,000 people. Of this, about 26,000 offers have already been made in college campuses across the country. � During the first quarter of the financial year, over 7,000 employees had left Infosys and its subsidiaries. � While the company and its subsidiaries hired 9,922 employees (gross), the net addition stood at 2,740 for the quarter. � Source: Business Line

Amrita�s A-VIEW-aided IITOnline Workshops Receive Excellent Response

Wed, 13 Jul 2011

� IIT-Mumbai's online workshops conducted with the help of the e-learning platform, Amrita Virtual Interactive E-Learning World (A-VIEW), have been receiving very good response. � According to a press release by the Amrita E-Learning Research Lab at Vallikkavu in Kollam, IIT-Mumbai has been conducting the workshops to enhance the skills of teachers and to effectively address the issue of shortage of qualified teachers, especially in rural areas. � IIT has joined hands with the Amrita University for effective online teaching. A 10-day national teacher training for college teachers workshop was concluded on July 8. � More than a 1,000 teachers specialised in Electronics from all over the country had assembled at 38 remote centres for the workshop. � In the �Ask a Question� pilot programme, the students and the experts get connected online once a week by using A-VIEW. Any college student in India can ask questions on electronics, and these questions will be answered online by the senior faculty from the IIT, Mumbai. � Source: KeralaITNews

Indian firms planning aggressive hiring

Wed, 13 Jul 2011

� � According to a study conducted by MyHiringClub.com, Indian companies will hire aggressively for the remaining part of the current fiscal, with the IT industry expected to offer the strongest hiring prospects. � 52 percent of the employers who took part in the survey plan to hire new employees from July through March, 2012. � 32 percent of employers plan to increase their recruitment in the July-September quarter. � 42 per cent of the survey participants said that they plan to� increase the headcount in the third quarter. � During the June quarter, recruitment by the IT sector grew by 32 percent, followed by the fast moving consumer goods (FMCG) sector at 21 per cent. Healthcare and banking and financial services posted a 19 percent growth in hiring, while hiring in automobiles and manufacturing and telecom sectors increased by 14 percent and 12 percent, respectively. � The survey was conducted among 786 hiring managers and 1,426 recruitment consultants between May and June. � Source: Express Buzz

BSNL Targets 40,000 GPON Customers in Kerala

Tue, 12 Jul 2011

� � Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) is targeting 40,000 Fibre to the Home (FTTH) customers this fiscal year. Of the 40,000, 16,000 will be from Kochi. � BSNL will also provide the advanced Gigabit Passive Optical Network (GPON) customer service in Thiruvananthapuram and Kochi. 100 GPON connections have already been given at Kochi. � Voice, Data and Video services would also be available simultaneously, besides services like Internet Telephony (VOIP) and video conferencing. � Source: Business Line

GTech Welcomes State Budget 2011-12

Mon, 11 Jul 2011

� The Group of Technology companies in Kerala (GTech), has welcomed the State Government's "industry-focused and balanced" financial budget. It also appreciated the Kerala Government's proposal to invest in IT and related infrastructure in Thiruvananthapuram, Kochi, and Kozhikode. � GTech welcomed the Finance Minister�s mentioning issues such as making the state garbage free, self-employment and entrepreneurship programme, pension for marginal farmers over 60 years of age, and health insurance for all school-going children. The Government has made significant fund allocations for the development of the state capital and development of industrial parks. Specific projects have been mentioned and budgets allocated against each. � The organising of the investor meet �Emerging Kerala� event would be a significant step in creating a platform for attracting investments into the state. GTech also hailed the proposal of the government to create a high-impact "Brand Kerala Campaign"� that would enable the state and the industry to come together to showcase Kerala as an important investment destination in the country. � Source: KeralaITNews

RMESI Lends Helping Hand to Government School

Mon, 11 Jul 2011

� As part of its School Welfare Programme, Trivandrum Technopark-based RM Education Solutions India (RMESI) distributed school uniforms and shoes to all the students of the Government Lower Primary School at Karichar near Kaniyapuram in Thiruvananthapuram. � The Principal and the staff of the school extended their sincere gratitude to RMESI for selecting their school for this programme. � Since 2007, RMESI has been supporting local schools under its School Welfare Programme. Earlier this year, RMESI had donated medical equipments for the health dispensary of the Cotton Hill Girls High School under the same scheme. � Source: KeralaITNews

Aptara Plans Expansion of eLearning Operations in India

Sat, 09 Jul 2011

� � Aptara, a digital content solutions provider headquartered in the US, has announced a significant expansion of its eLearning operations across India. � The company has plans to grow by fifty percent over the next two years and expand across Pune,Trivandrum, and New Delhi. It will add more than 300 new positions to its eLearning division, including that of instructional designers, programmers, graphic designers, multimedia specialists, and application developers. � As part of its expansion plans, Aptara is also opening a new office in SP InfoCity, Pune. � When the expansion is complete, Aptara's eLearning division will have team members in its offices in New Delhi, Technopark Trivandrum, and Pune. � Source: TechnoparkToday

AccelTransmatic Opens Office in Infopark Kochi

Fri, 08 Jul 2011

� � AccelTransmatic, a Chennai-based software and media services company and a part of the Rs. 500 crore Accel group, has opened its new software development centre in the L&T SEZ at Infopark Kochi. This is its second facility in Kerala, the first being in Technopark Trivandrum. � The new facility is part of Accel's plans to expand geographically, attract talent, and create state-of-the-art work environment for its employees and quality offerings to clients. � The software division of AccelTransmatic, Ushus Technologies, was founded in 2000 in Thiruvanathapuram. � Source: Economic Times

Global Gaming Spending to Reach $112 bn by 2015

Thu, 07 Jul 2011

� According to research firm Gartner, the global spending on the gaming ecosystem (gaming hardware, software, mobile, and PC games) will touch $ 112 bn by 2015, as against the current $ 67 bn, with major technology and business model transitions driving the growth of the industry. The spending is expected to exceed $ 74 bn in 2011. � Of this, gaming hardware and online gaming are expected to reach $ 27.35 bn and $ 28.29 bn respectively by the end of 2015. � It is expected that gaming software will contribute $ 44.7 bn in 2011 and continue to dominate the overall gaming market in the next five years. � Within the gaming software market, mobile gaming is expected to experience the largest growth with its share expanding from 15 percent in 2010 to 20 percent in 2015. � Source: Economic Times

KSEB to Launch Online Payment of Electricity Bills

Wed, 06 Jul 2011

� The Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) is all ready to launch an online payment facility for electricity bills. � The State Minister for Electricity, Aryadan Mohammed, will launch the online payment facility on July 06, 2011. � In its first phase, KSEB will offer this facility to High Tension and Extra High Tension (HT/EHT) customers. Regular domestic (LT) consumers will have to wait for some more time to avail this facility. � With the launch of the e-payment system, all HT/EHT consumers can pay their electricity bills through net banking and debit/credit cards. KSEB has tied up with IDBI Bank for the e-Payment Gateway facility. � Consumers can view online and take printouts of payment history details, pending bills, and service connection details like contract demand, security deposit, billing address, etc. They can also view their consumption analysis - detailed graphical analysis of power consumption based on various parameters like KVA, KWH, KVAR, etc. The consumers can avail the online services through the KSEB website. Consumers can also register their mobile numbers to receive SMS alerts regarding bill amount, due date, disconnection date, etc. � Source: KeralaITNews

Kerala IT Invites Applications from SMEs to Participate in GITEX 2011

Tue, 05 Jul 2011

� � The GITEX Technology Week, held at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre (DICEC) every year, is considered the gateway to one of the world�s fastest emerging and investment-ready information and communication technology (ICT) markets--the Middle East. � This year, the GITEX Technology Week will be held from October 9, 2011, to October 13, 2011. � Kerala IT has invited applications from companies interested in participating in GITEX. The main objective of this initiative is to promote small to medium enterprises (SMEs) operating from within Kerala and to enhance their business opportunities�and product visiblity. � To know more details or register for GITEX, click here.

KSITM Wins Global Awards

Tue, 05 Jul 2011

� The Kerala State IT Mission (KSITM) has won the Computer World Honors Programme Laureate Awards in two categories, namely economic opportunity and health. � The awards, instituted by the International Data Group (IDG), are given to �men, women, organisations, and institutions around the world, whose visionary applications of information technology promote positive social, economic and educational change.� � The Director of KSITM, Ishita Roy IAS received the awards. � IDG, headquartered in Boston, USA, is the largest technology media and research organisation in the world. � The KSITM won the award in the health category for its "Dr. SMS" project that provides health-related through SMS to citizens who are in urgent need of locating the nearest health facility in the shortest time. � The award in the economic opportunity category was for "the utilisation of mobile technology innovatively to create, improve, and inclusively deliver public service with better transparency, accountability, and reach, thereby catalysing economic development in Kerala." � Source: The Hindu

C-DAC Signs MoU with NAI to Develop Software for Preservation of Government Records

Mon, 04 Jul 2011

� The Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC) has signed an MoU with the National Archives of India (NAI), New Delhi, for the development of an applicable software to preserve the electronic public records generated through the e-governance initiatives of the central government.� � This MoU has been signed as part of the "Centre of Excellence for Digital Preservation" project sanctioned by the Department of Information Technology, MCIT , Government of India. It will be handled by the Human-Centred Design and Computing (HCDC) Group of C-DAC, which specialises in digital preservation and archival. � As part of the project, C-DAC and NAI have jointly set up a Centre for Excellence for Digital Preservation (CEDP) to create a machinery to archive the electronic public records of the government.� � This project, after completion of its first three year phase, is expected to benefit common people with an enhanced accessibility and retrieval of public records, and also help those who seek information under the RTI act. � Source: Economic Times

Minister Says New IT Policy Draft will be Published Next Week

Mon, 04 Jul 2011

� The State Minister for Industries and Information Technology, P K Kunhalikutty, has announced that the draft of Kerala's new IT policy will be published next week. The Minister said that the draft has been finalised and can be published as early as July 4, 2011. � The Minister also asked all the IT players to study the draft proposal thoroughly and come out with positive comments. � As part of the 100 day programme of the new UDF Government, the Chief Minister Oommen Chandy had announced a new IT policy for the State. � V K Mathews, President, GTech, and Chairman, IBS, voiced the expectations of the IT industry from the new government. He emphasized the need for government support to the IT industry in Kerala in terms of rental freeze, incentives for job creation, and supply of power/ utilities at preferential rates. GTech has also asked for industry representation in the Policy Implementation Boards of Technopark Trivandrum; Infopark Kochi, and Cyberpark Kozhikode. � He also called for the relaxation in policy norms which would enable SMEs in Kerala to bid for Kerala Government�s e-Governance projects. This would be good for the government and the companies. � Source: KeralaITNews

Live Webcasting of the CM's Office Launched

Sat, 02 Jul 2011

� � A live webcasting of the Kerala CM's office launched on July 1, 2011, has made it possible for citizens to see online what is happening in the Chief Minister's official chamber and his office at the Secretariat in Thiruvananthapuram. � The official website of the Chief Minister (http://www.keralacm.gov.in/) was also launched the same day. As part of the 100 day programme of the UDF Government, the Chief Minister had announced a number of e-governance initiatives including live webcasting from his office to increase transparency in governance. � During 2004-06, in his previous tenure as Kerala�s Chief Minister, Oommen Chandy had initiated live webcasting from his office but it was discontinued when the LDF came into power in 2006 and V S Achuthanandan became the CM. � Source: KeralaITNews�

Smartphone App for Women�s Security Launched

Fri, 01 Jul 2011

� A Kochi-based start-up company has launched a smartphone application for women's security. It is MindHelix Technologies that has launched "Sentinel," a free application that can send instant alerts in case of danger. � Sentinel works in multiple scenarios even without triggering an alert manually. A forced power off on the phone or an improper exit of application will also trigger an alert. Prolonged signal loss will also cause a failsafe alert SMS and email to be sent from the company�s server. � The mobile application will send the location and other details to close friends or family. It can send email and SMS alerts to multiple pre-configured numbers. The alerts consist of the last-known location, direction of travel, and details like mode of transport and vehicle number that the traveller can enter. The application can run on smart phones with Android, Blackberry, Symbian, iPhone, and Java operating systems, and can be downloaded free of cost from the company�s website. � Source: KeralaITNews

Board of Directors Approves Second Phase Development of Infopark Kochi

Thu, 30 Jun 2011

� � A recent meeting of the board of directors of Infopark Kochi has waved the green flag to the development of the second phase of the park. � The new campus would be�spread over 160 acres of land in Kunnathunadu and Puthencruz villages in Kochi. � T Balakrishnan, Additional Chief Secretary-in-charge of Information Technology, Industries and Commerce, presided over the meeting. Alkesh Sharma, Managing Director, Kerala State Industrial Development Corporation, S Ramnath, Managing Director, Kerala Infrastructure Development Corporation, and Gigo Joseph, CEO, Info Park, also attended the board meeting. � The approval would enable Infopark to set up a sector-specific IT and ITES SEZ as part of its second phase expansion. Once it is fully operational, the second phase would generate about 80,000 jobs. � Of the 160 acres of land identified for the second phase, the acquisition of 130 acres has already been completed. The acquisition of the remaining 30 acres would be completed soon. � The second phase expansion would be completed in three phases. A BPO complex, software development block, and a convention centre would be set up initially. � The total area of the second phase would come around 8 million sq ft and the total cost is estimated to be about Rs. 2,500 crore, of which, Infopark would invest Rs. 475 crore in the next three years. A Kochi-based construction company has been entrusted with the land development works. � Source: Business Line

Kerala Legislative Assembly Question Hour Goes Online

Thu, 30 Jun 2011

� All the questions and answers from the Question Hour in the Kerala Legislative Assembly have gone online. � The question and answers from June 27, 2010 onwards are accessible on �Niyamasabha.org�, the official website of Kerala State Legislative Assembly. The first session of the 13th Kerala Legislative Assembly started on June 24. � The complete script of questions asked during the Question Hour and their answers will be uploaded on the Niyamasabha website the same day. Although there is a provision for 30 starred questions every day, because of the time constrains, only a few are asked. But a large number of un-starred questions are entertained and usually, the Ministers give written reply to them. Both starred and un-starred questions and their complete answers will be put on the site. � There are also plans for complete live webcast of the proceedings of the house on the Niyamasabha website. The initiative of uploading question answers is a move in this direction. This is expected to augment the transparency of the house proceedings while increasing the accountability of the elected members and their performance in the Legislative Assembly. � Source: KeralaITNews

Wayanad District Administration Introduces e�Hajar

Thu, 30 Jun 2011

� The Wayanad district administration will soon introduce an e-attendance system called "e-Hajar" at the collectorate to keep tabs on latecomers. A trial run of the system is at present going on at the collectorate. � The software was developed and implemented by the district administration with technical assistance of the National Informatics Centre. � Once the system is implemented, all officials at the collectorate would be required to log in to the computer network on reaching the office with a password and an identity code. Three late entries would be treated as one casual leave. � The system would also provide an opportunity to the officials to monitoring the staff movement at the collectorate. � The attendance details would be displayed at a kiosk set up in front of the collectorate, which would help the public to know whether the official they wanted to meet was present. � The authorities are also trying to integrate the movement register of the collectorate with the system to ensure physical presence of officials during office hours. Once the movement register is attached to the network, each department head will be directed to enter the arrival and departure time of his subordinates in the computer during office hours. A random checking will be made to ensure physical presence of officials. � Handing over the secret ID and password to another person would be treated as a criminal as well as cyber offence punishable as per the Kerala Civil Services (Classification, Control and Appeal) Rule 1960. � The system would be extended to taluk offices and village offices at a later stage. � Source: The Hindu

Cyberpark Kozhikode Gets Final SEZ Notification

Wed, 29 Jun 2011

� � Cyberpark Kozhikode has received the final Special Economic Zone (SEZ) notification from the Ministry of Commerce, Government of India. � Cyberpark� will come up on a total of 43 acres of land. The Union Ministry's notification covers 25 acres, which will be known as the IT/ITES Special Economic Zone. � It is estimated that the park would become completely operational in 2015, and generate about 70,000 direct job opportunities and more than one lakh indirect employment opportunities. � The park would feature eco-friendly buildings with energy-efficient layouts and interiors, fully furnished incubators to support start-up small and medium enterprises, banks, ATMs, food courts, day care facilities, reprography centres, rain harvesting facilities, and an in-house water purification plant. � Source: Business Line

Technopark Trivandrum Sets Up Helpline

Wed, 29 Jun 2011

� � Technopark Trivandrum has set up a helpline that will aid job seekers verify the credentials of firms that advertise for jobs through various media. This decision has come into effect after receiving frequent complaints of companies conducting job interviews assuring employment in Technopark Trivandrum and collecting money promising jobs. � Those who wish to find out about a firm's credentials can call Abhilash D S, Officer (HR & Admin), Park Centre, Technopark, at 0471-2700222. � Source: Express Buzz

GTech Welcomes SmartCity Deal

Wed, 29 Jun 2011

� � The Group of Technology Companies (GTech) in Kerala has welcomed the agreement reached between the Kerala Government and TECOM to speed up the implementation of the SmartCity project in Kochi. � According to GTech, the agreement would enhance the viability of the SmartCity project as well as promote the general services sector. The opening of the SmartCity office and is scheduled for no later than August 31 and commencement of work by October 31. � The government's decision to convert SmartCity into an industrial township under the Special Economic Zone of the Government of India would provide an enabling ecosystem for the growth of IT and general services activities in the State. GTech complimented the State government for taking steps to implement the project. It also expressed confidence that this would send out a positive signal to potential investors. � Source: The Hindu

P C Thomas Classes Partners with OzTern for Online Entrance Programmes

Wed, 29 Jun 2011

� P C Thomas Classes, South India's leading entrance coaching centre, has tied up with OzTern Technology, a Technopark Trivandrum-based provider of cloud computing solutions and services, to launch the online version of their entrance preparation programmes through EntranceWisdom.com. � EntranceWisdom.com is a web-based learning management system that will impart high-quality entrance test preparation training to students who wish to prepare for the entrance exams in India. � The site will help enhance the learning capabilities of the candidates and also familiarize them with the most fundamental concepts. Students can purchase Entrance preparation packages online at cost-effective rates. � The online programme was launched by James Joseph, Director - Executive Engagement, Microsoft earlier this week in Kochi at a function attended by Rajanish Menon, Director - Business Strategy & Operations, Microsoft, Prof. P C Thomas, Saiju V Stella, Chief Executive, , OzTern and Manoj Sankar, Director - Business Initiatives, OzTern. � Source: KeralaITNews

SmartCity Agreement Provides for Additional Land

Wed, 29 Jun 2011

� � It seems that the Kerala government's decision to allocate four more acres of land for the Smart City project in Kochi is well within the provisions of the original framework agreement. � According to Dr. Baju George, MD of SmartCity (India), the agreement provided for allocating about 167 acres for the project in the future in addition to land for a four-track road connecting two blocks. � As per the framework agreement, 70 percent of the proposed built-up area of 88 lakh sq.ft. should be utilised for IT and ITES. � Even though the Central SEZ Act provides for utilising the project land for IT and commercial purposes in the ratio of 50:50, it would not have much bearing on SmartCity Kochi owing to the provisions. � Source: The Hindu

Kerala Can Become India's New Silicon Valley

Wed, 29 Jun 2011

� � According to Gigo Joseph, CEO of Infopark Kochi, Kerala has the potential to become the next "Silicon Valley" of India. � The lack of space coupled with congestion in India's leading IT hubs has presented Kerala with the unique opportunity to market itself as an alternative investment destination for IT and IT-enabled services companies. � The relatively new preference among IT companies for Tier 2 and Tier 3 locations will also turn advantageous for Kerala. � By 2015, Kerala is expected to have 200,000 direct job opportunities in IT and related industries, with Infopark Kochi expected to create more than 100,000 jobs. � Source: Economic Times

Nandan Nilekani Plans to Create an "Apple or Google-like" Ecosystem for Aadhaar

Tue, 28 Jun 2011

� � Nandan Nilekani is set on ensuring that "Aadhaar"- the unique number given to every Indian- translates into better citizen services. By opening up the core architecture forming Aadhaar database for third party developers, Nilekani plans to create an 'Apple or Google-like' ecosystem, wherein hundreds of user-friendly applications will help citizens and service providers tap into the real potential of a citizen database. � On Thursday, June 23, 2011, Nilekani opened the "Aadhaar" platform for thousands of software developers to build applications linking these unique identity numbers with different services. By linking the UID number with services offered by mobile phone companies, ration shops and banks, the government plans to deliver citizen utilities faster and better. � The government launched an application programming interface (API), which will allow developers write applications that can work with Aadhaar. These developers will earn money for every transaction conducted using their applications. � For Aadhaar to solve the identity crisis for millions of Indians, hundreds of applications will need to connect it with service providers across government departments and private sector firms. For instance, research firms and experts reckon that nearly 500 million Indians are out of the banking system and more than half of India's farmers do not have access to credit from formal banks. � Source: Economic Times

Dr. Baju George is SmartCity Kochi MD

Tue, 28 Jun 2011

� Dr. Baju George has taken charge as the Managing Director of SmartCity Kochi. Dr. George, who was holding the position of Project Director- Real Estate at Dubai International Financial Centre Authority, was earlier in charge of SmartCity Kochi when the project was floated, in his capacity as the Director of Projects at Tecom Investments. � Dr. George started his career a lawyer at the Kollam District Court. He has been in Dubai since 1996. Over the years, he has developed expertise in the areas of property, project, and legal management. He will be based in Kochi in his new position as SmartCity MD. � Source: KeralaITNews

KPMG takes a peep at the way forward for Kerala

Tue, 28 Jun 2011

� � Kerala has over the last five years maintained a higher GDP than the national average of 7.4 percent, which has made KPMG envision it as the next corporate hub in a panel discussion under the broad theme of �Kerala - The Way Forward� that it held to explore opportunities for sustainable economic growth in the state. � According to Russell Parera, CEO, KPMG (India), Kerala has the potential to become a favourable investment destination if it becomes more "investor friendly." The SME sector will be a key contributor to Kerala's growth in the coming years. � T Balakrishnan IAS, Addl. Chief Secretary, Industries Department, Government of Kerala said that Kerala could be the richest State in India if it focused on retail, commerce and services. � V K Mathews, Executive Chairman, IBS Group observed that Kerala went backwards in the last ten years compared to other states with little focus on investment, meaningful job creation and infrastructure. He said the IT industry offered enormous growth options with little impact on the environment. He added that the State needs to address the perception issue to attract investment. � C Balagopal, MD, Terumo Penpol, voiced the opinion that the future on Kerala was in decentralised manufacturing with a focus on value added products. There was a need to pursue a development agenda focusing on basic inf � Mervin Alexander, CEO, Technopark; Binu Sankar, CEO, GTech; Alexander Varghese, Country Head, UST Global; Rakesh Gupta, COO, ACIS; and E M Najeeb, MD, ATE were among the host of senior management executives from various sectors like IT, Hospitality, Real Estate who were present at the interactive session. � Source: KeralaITNews