It stands for technology that helps an organisation to place its applications and data on the Internet.
But the fear of less-than-normal rain hitting rural demand continues to haunt the industry.
IT majors like IBM, Sun Microsystems and Red Hat have shot letters to industry bodies -- Nasscom (for software) and MAIT (for hardware) -- and the department of information technology, protesting over the inclusion of clauses which allow for 'multiple standards' and 'royalty on software' versus a 'single' standard and 'free' software.
Tech Mahindra considered a couple of options -- keep the Satyam name or replace it entirely. But research said Satyam still reflected critical strengths that were recognised and valued by customers. "By combining it with the well-known and highly-regarded Mahindra name, we are able to convey a stronger message more credibly: that Mahindra Satyam has the resources, talent and resolve to ensure a steady performance," says T Hari, its the marketing and communications head.
The Indian foods industry is at an inflection point, believe major fast moving consumer goods companies.
Hindustan Unilever has many firsts to its credit. Now, it adds one more. India's largest fast-moving consumer goods company has found a new way of keeping in touch with its employees -- present and former.
The IT Amendment Act, 2008, if notified, will give the government blanket power to block news portals and other sites for 'offensive' content.
The Airtel Net PC is a plug-and-play online computer, inclusive of a 15-inch LCD monitor, keyboard, mouse and Nivio companion (which enables the PC to connect to a backend Linux-run server for storage and applications) and priced at Rs 7,999 exclusively for Airtel broadband customers.
The Godrej group is revising its investment plans and revisiting its growth targets for the current financial year, as well as for the next five years, in anticipating of a higher GDP growth rate now that the Congress-led United Progressive Alliance government is firmly in the saddle for a second term at the Centre.
Even as large fast moving consumer goods companies like Hindustan Unilever and ITC struggle with their volume growth, mid-tier FMCG companies like Godrej Consumer Products, Marico, Dabur and Nestle have reported strong spurts in volumes as they focus on inorganic growth and rural markets, according to industry experts.
Already, top leisure properties like Leela Kempenski, Goa; Park Hyatt Goa Resort and Spa; Radisson Resort & Spa, Alibaug; Royal Orchid, Goa and Mysore; and Club Mahindra Varca Beach Resort, Goa, are enjoying a near sell-out. Most hoteliers are maintaining their room rates, while some are throwing in joint packages involving discount coupons. Some have reduced room rates by 15-20 per cent.
Prominent luxury hotel groups like JW Mariott, Royal Orchid, Taj and Intercontinental are using the Indian Premier League (IPL) cricket tournament to offer promotional food and beverage (F&B) packages to lure more customers in a sluggish economy.
On a week's visit to India to plan for business in 2009 and also to attend the wedding of India chairman Arvind Sharma's daughter, Tom Bernardin, chairman and chief executive officer, Leo Burnett Worldwide, announced changes in its global leadership council for a tighter integration of Asia Pacific with the Chicago headquarters.
Market regulator Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) is understood to be contemplating legal action against P S Saminathan, managing director and one of the promoters of Pyramid Saimira Theatre (PSTL), and Nirmal N Kotecha, another promoter of the company.
Wipro sees a silver lining in Q1; others say recovery by 2009-end.
Among the minority who are relieved at the rising heat are consumer durables' companies and retailers. Air conditioner (AC) sales are picking up in anticipation of a hot summer.
The jury is still out on whether Tech Mahindra should retain the Satyam name. Srinivasan Swamy, CMD, R K Swamy BBDO, says. "Brand Satyam took a beating for only one reason -- accounting irregularities by its erstwhile chairman. The employees were not even aware of the fraud. The company's core values and foundation have not been impacted." The task for the new management, he believes, is to retain its clients and people and the brand image would get resurrected.
Google allows users to phone a toll-free number and make a query. The 'voice search' uses a combination of automated voice recognition engine and operators to provide this facility. To make the service faster and better, Google is also experimenting with voice recognition technology, which will ensure 24-hour support. Currently, the automated system offers results in English, but the operator-driven system offers results in only Hindi and Telugu.
The company, which has liquid detergent brands like Ezee and liquid cleaning agent brands like Godrej Dish Wash Liquid and Kiwi Kleen, is looking at companies that have good brands and distribution networks, largely in household care (detergents, cleaning agents segment) and haircare, with focus on colours and hair dyes. "Given the right opportunity, the company will spend around $100 million (Rs 5 billion)," said a source close to the development.
McDonald's, for instance, plans to invest Rs 120-150 crore (Rs 1.2-Rs 1.5 billion) for expansion in the current year. It will add 40 new outlets across India (it has 155) and open 40 kiosks, dessert and beverage service counters. Says Vikram Bakshi, managing director (north and east)" "We will maintain 30-35 per cent growth rate this year as well."
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