IDENIZEN TIES UP WITH CORPORATION BANK

IDenizen Smartware Pvt. Ltd., with its leading education ERP product suite, SmartCampus™, today announced a first-of-its-kind strategic tie-up and co-branding with Corporation Bank. This pioneering partnership brings the power of modern banking and VISA debit cards to students’ financial transactions and to their stakeholders – from management and faculty, to parents.

A key feature of this partnership is that it makes SmartCampus™ card the first ever VISA-branded RFID campus card. This would enable cardholders to carry out their students’ financial transactions from across the country with ease, through Corporation Bank’s 1000+ Branches & ATMs and over the Internet. Being a Visa card, SmartCampus™ cardholders can also access 25000+ other ATMs and 12 lakh+ merchants across India.

SmartCampus™ is a comprehensive product that automates and increases productivity in most campus activities – from admission to fees, library automation to examinations. Over 60000 students already use the SmartCampus™ card to carry out financial transactions related to the above activities, and the IDenizen-Corporation Bank partnership envisages a large number of these students benefiting from the introduction of this new facility.

Commenting on the landmark association with Corporation Bank, Girish Baliga, Founder, MD & CEO, IDenizen, said, ” This is a first-ever tie-up between a educational ERP solution and a bank that will bring the power of modern banking to students’ financial processes. With this, we envisage completely cashless transactions within the campus, easing the lives of both parents and students. An added benefit is that they can use these cards outside campuses that brings a host of value-added facilities”.

Mr. B R Bhat, GM, Corporation Bank, added, “It is great to be associated with SmartCampus™, which is helpful for the students in many ways. Students now have an option to have a savings bank account with us and integrate it with their SmartCampus™ card making their life at the campus more easy and comfortable. Students and their parents will now find it more convenient to have a SmartCampus™ Card with debit card facility than have a stand- alone student account.”

The SmartCampus™ Card with the debit card facility has been successfully tested out in a number of professional colleges in the States of Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh & Gujarat. IDenizen and Corporation Bank are targeting having more than a million student users in the next three years through this partnership.

ABOUT IDENIZEN AND SMARTCAMPUS™

Idenizen Smartware Pvt ltd is a four-year technology solutions provider for the education vertical that has specialized in creating and marketing a smart card-enabled software solution for the education vertical. The SmartCampus™ product is ideally suited for educational institutions and campus management. The product offers an increasingly relevant value proposition to all key stakeholders in the educational institutions and has a seamless, attractive, integrated business model that makes for ease of adoption. Today it is a leader in the sector with nearly 150 installations that directly benefits tens of thousands of students, teaching and non-teaching staff, the management of the institutes and the students’ parents.

Earlier this year, IDenizen received funding of $2.25M from NEA-IndoUS Ventures. The company is utilizing the funds to further its presence in the national market while at the same time enhancing its current suite of products and working on newer innovations, all directed at the educational vertical.

SmartCampus™ has been introduced in a number of colleges with visible improvements in productivity and efficiency of operations. Rich domain understanding and working closely with customers over the years has resulted in the product addressing tedious, error-prone academic activities through seamless automation. The functional areas automated by SmartCampus™ include department administration, staff profile, staff and student attendance, staff payroll, examinations, library management, accounting, student information systems, hostel management etc.

ABOUT CORPORATION BANK

Corporation Bank, a premier public sector bank is in the forefront of providing innovative and tech savvy products and services to its customers. It is the first Public Sector Bank to bring its entire banking operations under Core Banking Solutions [CBS]. Corporation Bank has leveraged technology to provide many ‘firsts’ to its customers like online educational loan for
professional courses, SMS-based Pay-by-Mobile services etc.

It offers many innovative products & services such as International Debit Card, International Credit Card, Internet Banking, SMS Banking, Kiosk Banking, various utility payment facilities etc. The Bank has a large network of over 2000 service outlets in the country. Through CorpBank ATMs apart from withdrawing cash the card holder can avail many other services like transfer funds, recharge of prepaid mobiles, LIC premium payment etc.

It is also the first public sector Bank to offer the Educational Loan Online [CorpVidya]. The Bank has endeavored to launch this unique online facility for the convenience of students who have secured admission to professional courses. This facility will relieve the beneficiary students from spending time and travel with uncertainty in search of funds for their dream project of acquiring a professional qualification. Corporation Bank has been emphasizing that – ‘no deserving student be denied higher education for want of finance in time’. This online request facility with in-principle sanction ensures a hassle-free and timely credit dispensation to the needy students.

In addition to education loan, the Bank also offers value-added products to the students like – CorpByte, to enable students to acquire accessories such as PCs, Laptops, Notebooks etc., essential for furthering their higher studies.

The Bank offers a Savings Bank Account specially designed for the students – Corp New Gen. The student can open an account without any initial deposit and with only a quarterly average balance of Rs. 100 and can enjoy full Bank services. They can enjoy add-on benefits like the Bank’s Debit card, SMS Banking, Internet Banking, Mobile recharge, Railway Ticket booking etc.

AKSHAYA PATRA’S SECOND ‘ZERO TO BILLION’ CONCLAVE TO BE HOSTED AT BHUBANESWAR

In a follow up to its highly successful “Zero to Billion” conclave held in Bangalore in February, the Akshaya Patra foundation, the world’s largest run school meal programme which currently feeds over 9.40 lakh school children across India, will be hosting its second edition of the “Zero to Billion” Conclave in Bhubaneswar. The event will be a congregation of eminent CEOs and leaders from diverse sectors such as corporates, social institutions, philanthropy, art and culture, media and politics to celebrate the foundation’s success. The conclave will be held on August 16, 2008 at Hotel Swosti Plaza, Bhubaneswar, Orissa.

Bhubaneswar, the state capital of Orissa is one of the busiest industrial hub of the large number of Corporate houses and the Foundation wishes to sensitise the think-tank of the society to penetrate the nook and corner of the State. Presently the programme is feeding over 9,40,000 children in over 4,500 government, government aided schools and anganwadis (day care centres) in 14 locations across India on any given day. With the reopening of schools in this academic year, the foundation is presently feeding 35,000 children in Puri and 10,500 children in Nayagarh.

The larger aim of the event is to celebrate the pioneering efforts and dramatic results accomplished by Akshaya Patra in a short span of time, since its inception in 2000. Akshaya Patra would also deliberate a solution to address the social evil of widespread hunger and malnutrition affecting 57 million children in India, and the debilitating effects of lack of schooling and resulting illiteracy.

A list of eminent people from the government and the private sector have confirmed their presence at the conclave which will feature Shri Chandrasekhar Sahu, Union Minister of state for Rural Development, Government of India and Shri Surjya Narayana Patro, Minister of Energy, IT & Culture, Government of Orissa. The key note address will be made by Shri Baijayanta Panda, MP Rajya Sabha, Government of India, Shri Anil Agarwal, Chairman, Vedanta Group and Shri C.R. Pradhan, CMD, Nalco Aluminium Co Ltd, Mr. Gururaj Desh Deshpande, Chairman, Sycamore Networks and Mr T.V. Mohandas Pai, Board Member & Director Human Resources, Infosys Technologies Ltd, are the Co-Chairpersons of the event.

AKSHAYA PATRA FOUNDATION: Unlimited Food for Education

(NATIONAL LEVEL SCHOOL MEAL PROGRAMME)

According to a UNESCO report, around 13.5 million children in the age group of 6-13 years are out of school in India. Despite the trillion-dollar economic growth, a large chunk of India’s younger generation does not have access to schools because of poverty and malnutrition.

To facilitate the education of needy children, The Akshaya Patra Foundation, provides unlimited noon meals in schools in partnership with the Central and respective state governments of India. Currently the program is feeding 9, 40,000 children in over 4,500 government, government aided schools and anganwadis (day care centers) in 14 locations across India on any given day.

They are Bangalore, Hubli-Dharwad, Bellary, Mangalore and Mysore in Karnataka, Anantpur in Andhra Pradesh, Jaipur, Nathdwara and Baran in Rajasthan, Vrindavan in Uttar Pradesh, Puri and Nayagarh in Orissa and Gandhinagar in Gujarat. This is the largest NGO run School Meal program in the world.

IDENIZEN RECEIVES US$ 2.25 MILLION FROM NEA-IndoUS VENTURES

Idenizen Smartware Pvt ltd, established technology solutions provider for the education vertical with its flagship product suite SmartCampus™, has received venture capital funding to the tune of US$ 2.25 million (Rs 9.0 Crore) from NEA-IndoUS Ventures, towards fuelling its pan India growth plans.

Announcing the closure of venture funding, Founder and CEO, Girish Baliga, said the funds would enable SmartCampus™, the comprehensive smart card-enabled software solution, to reach and service educational campuses and institutions nationwide. It would boost Idenizen’s countrywide expansion plans for setting up new branch offices and servicing centers as well as strengthen their market-leading product offerings.

SmartCampus™ integrates all key activities of an institute on to a single, integrated software-enabled platform – from administration to student and faculty activities inclusive of registration, course administration, attendance, library automation, examinations etc. The solution addresses all major stakeholder needs including those of Students, Staff, Parents, Institution and the Management. “This investment would help Idenizen, in its own small way, to play a critical role in taking India’s educational standards to international levels,” Baliga added.

Dr Kumar Shiralagi, Managing Director, NEA-IndoUS Ventures, highlighted Idenizen’s fast track growth and the rich depth and breadth of its product suite and said, “SmartCampus™ is an innovative product tailor-made for efficient campus management. It has enhanced the capabilities and productivity of many colleges and helped them move to an advanced stage of automation. It needs to be taken across the country to each and every campus so that all students and faculty alike can benefit immensely from the convenience and control of activities this solution offers.

“Today all the forward thinking education institutions are willing to invest in technology to deliver to their end-customers: the students, faculty and the administration. Idenizen is building on this momentum and is easily set to achieve its goals for the future,” Baliga added whiling pointing out that the venture funding comes at a time when Idenizen has already made its mark across numerous institutions (“SmartCampuses”) by offering a wide range of solutions through SmartCampus™, that has rich product development experience behind the solution.

The company has charted plans to expand aggressively across the country, by setting up new offices, increasing sales and operations depth and forging strategic partnerships to successfully cater to the large market opportunity. The company also plans to improve upon their current product offerings and is designing the next-generation SmartCampus™ experience.

About IDenizen and SmartCampus™

Idenizen Smartware Pvt ltd is a four-year technology solutions provider for the education vertical that has specialized in creating and marketing a smart card-enabled software package for the education vertical. The SmartCampus™ product is ideally suited for educational institution and campus management. The product offers an increasingly relevant value proposition to all key stakeholders in the educational institutions and has a seamless, attractive, integrated business model that makes for ease of adoption. Today it is a leader in the sector with nearly 100 installations that directly benefits tens of thousands of students, teaching and non-teaching staff, the management of the institutes and the students’ parents.

SmartCampus™ has been introduced in a number of colleges with visible improvements in productivity and efficiency of operations. Rich domain understanding and working closely with customers over the years has resulted in the product addressing tedious, error-prone academic activities through seamless automation. The functional areas automated by SmartCampus™ include department administration, staff profile, staff and student attendance, staff payroll, examinations, library management, accounting, student information systems, hostel management etc.

About NEA-IndoUS Ventures

NEA-IndoUS Ventures is a venture capital firm based out of Bangalore, India and Silicon Valley US. The firm is dedicated to creating technology and technology enabled innovative companies out of India that serve both the Indian and the global markets. The firm invests in early and mid-stage companies. The firm’s partners have the unique experience and expertise to nurture entrepreneurs and actively help the development and scaling of promising companies. In addition, a significant partner in this fund is New Enterprise Associates (NEA) who is a sponsor and active advisor. This network of collective relationships and experience is an invaluable asset to entrepreneurs and portfolio companies. For additional information, visit www.neaiuv.com

Wipro records 43% YoY growth in Revenues

Wipro Limited today announced its results approved by the Board of Directors for the quarter ended June 30, 2008.

Highlights of the Results

· Wipro Limited Revenue increased by 43% Year on Year (YoY) to Rs. 59.67 billion (Rs. 5,967 Crores); Profit After Tax (PAT) grew by 25% YoY to Rs. 9.08 billion (Rs. 908 Crores).

· IT Services Revenue in dollar terms was $1067 million, a sequential growth of 3.5% and YoY growth of 37%. In rupee terms, Revenue stood at Rs. 44.05 billion (Rs. 4,405 Crores), a YoY growth of 39%.

· Profit Before Interest & Tax (PBIT) for IT Services segment was Rs. 9.19 billion, a growth of 37% YoY.

· Wipro won the SAP Pinnacle Award for thought leadership around enterprise SOA.

· IT Services added 31 new clients during the quarter.

· IT Products business recorded a 44% YoY growth in Revenues and 7% YoY growth in PBIT.

· Wipro Consumer Care and Lighting business Revenue grew 119% YoY and PBIT grew 100% YoY.

Performance for the quarter ended June 30, 2008 and Outlook for quarter ending September 30, 2008

Azim Premji, Chairman of Wipro, commenting on the results said – “We have had another satisfying quarter. Revenues from our IT Services were $1,067 million for the quarter, ahead of our guidance of $1,060 million. In the backdrop of significant economic uncertainty, our Financial Services and Retail businesses demonstrated their resilience. We had strong growth in our differentiated Service lines like Testing, TIS and BPO. Our strategy of focusing on MEGA/GAMA accounts is delivering results with top customers growing ahead of company average. We improved on several of operational parameters during the quarter.

Given the environment, we remain cautious in the near-term. Looking ahead, for the quarter ending September 2008, we expect our Revenue from our IT Services business to be approximately $1089 million.”

Suresh Senapaty, Chief Financial Officer of Wipro, said –

“During the quarter ended June 2008, we were able to sustain margins in spite of Restricted Stock Units grants. Rate Realization and Utilization improved sequentially by 300 basis points and 50 basis points respectively. We have won 7 multi-year multi-million dollar deals and added 31 new customers during the quarter. We added another customer to our $100 million customer list.”

Wipro Limited

Revenues for the quarter ended June 30, 2008, were Rs. 59.67 billion, representing a 43% increase YoY. Profit after Tax for the quarter was Rs. 9.08 billion, an increase of 25% YoY.

IT Services

IT Services business reported Revenues of Rs. 44.04 billion for the quarter ended June 30, 2008, representing an increase of 39% YoY and PBIT of Rs. 9.19 billion, representing an increase of 37% YoY. Operating Income to Revenue for the quarter was 20.9%.

We had 95,675 employees as of June 30, 2008, which includes 74,838 employees in our IT business unit and 20,837 employees in our BPO business unit.

We added 31 new clients during the quarter, of which 4 were Global 500 or Fortune 1000 companies.

Wipro is helping a Large European Energy Equipment Manufacturer in their next generation application

management initiative. This engagement will cover business solutions supporting the North American division of the customer, including Manufacturing, Sales and Services, Finance and Control, Product management and Marketing. As part of the engagement, Wipro will provide the customer with real-time information on the performance and health of the IT application platform and improve the overall operational efficiency.

A Worldwide leader in the manufacture of high-quality audio and electronic products chose Wipro for providing end to end management of its IT Infrastructure across Americas, Europe and Asia Pacific. This multi million dollar engagement spans 7 years.

Wipro was chosen as the Key strategic partner by a Global Apparel & Footwear manufacturer for a wide spread of their application landscape. Some of them involve holistic support for their critical global systems in the B2B space, Sales order capture, all supporting transactions and its associated reporting needs, which form a part of the customer’s strategic visioning and internal development of their robust sales systems.

A Global integrated Steel major has engaged Wipro as the system integration partner for transforming its core manufacturing execution business solution. Wipro will program manage this initiative to implement consolidated and simplified business processes targeted towards inventory reduction. The program will entail redesign of the shop floor process including Planning & Scheduling and Production Execution along with IT application rationalization.

Wipro is designing and deploying a solution to enable supply chain visibility for a large automotive Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM). This solution is designed to bring in a unified global process for tracking vehicles once they leave the factory on intercontinental transport till they reach the dealers. These applications are scalable for the future growing needs of the OEM and planned to be deployed across geographies.

In the transportation Industry group, Wipro won a large deal from one of the leading Mail & Express company in Europe. This is a multi-million dollar 5 year deal consisting of SAP Finance and Procurement Support , SAP HR Rollout & Support and SAP FSCM implementation Rollout.

Wipro is also providing Global Support for SAP applications for a Leading Alcoholic Beverages company deploying the Flexible Delivery Model. This has enabled faster ramp up and ramp down as per business demand, wider shift coverage, better service levels, and higher productivity gain for the customer at an optimized cost.

Wipro Arabia won a large multi-million dollar turnkey IT Solutions and Infrastructure Services project from a leading Govt. owned technology institute based in the Middle East. Other key wins in the Indian market for the quarter include a 10 year Total Outsourcing Contract with a large realty company, a comprehensive SAP implementation suite at a large public sector enterprise, an end-to-end Data Warehousing Implementation at a large PSU Bank and Infrastructure Integration & Management contracts from a large Retail chain.

IT Services business accounted for 74% of Revenue and 90% of PBIT for the Quarter ended June 30, 2008.

Applied Innovation

As a part of its effort for continuous Innovation in delivery, Wipro has invested in outcome based models and we are seeing increased customer interest. This result based model has inherent benefits like improvement in service levels and end-user experience. FlexDelivery is one such model for managing enterprise applications and we now have six clients using this model out which three were added in the last quarter.

We launched Cigma (Center for Integrated Global Management of Applications), offering a 360 degree Services capability for managing the application landscape of an enterprise spread across the globe. This service offers the unique capability of providing an outcome based model based on SLA’s (service level agreements) as well as BLA’s (business level agreements) to customers. Cigma is currently made available to clients in the manufacturing space.

Taking the message of Applied Innovation further, Wipro pioneered Innovative Green practices to hold a global carbon neutral event-“Mandala”. Mandala is a global customer forum where Wipro’s customers, thought leaders and senior management meet to debate, exchange ideas and share best practices in key areas that will shape the future of the global industry. Wipro also announced its membership in The Green Grid, a global consortium dedicated to advancing energy efficiency in data centers and business computing ecosystems.

Awards and Recognition:

Wipro won the SAP Pinnacle Award for thought leadership around enterprise SOA. This global award

recognizes partners who make exemplary contribution to SAP’s ecosystem.

This quarter, Wipro was also recognized by Emerson Rosemount as top IT partner for Continuous Improvement in the areas of Quality, Speed, Flexibility, Service, Technology, and Cost. Wipro is the only IT Services Company till date that has been recognized by Emerson.

Wipro was awarded the Top Network Integrator award for the fourth consecutive year by Voice and Data, and was also ranked as the best APAC partner by Netapp.

Wipro has won the Partner of the year award from IBM and the Fastest growing Solution Partner award for Asia Pacific from Packeteer.

IT Products

For the quarter ended June 30, 2008, IT Products business recorded Revenues of Rs.7.5 billion, representing a growth of 44% YoY. PBIT grew by 7% YoY to Rs. 249 million. Operating Income to Revenue for the quarter was 3.3%.

IT Products business accounted for 12.5% of the Revenue and 2% of the PBIT for the quarter ended June 30, 2008.

Consumer Care & Lighting

For the quarter ended June 30, 2008, our Consumer Care and Lighting business recorded Revenues of Rs. 5.13 billion, a growth of 119% YoY and PBIT of Rs. 609 million, a growth of 100% YoY.

PBIT to Revenue was 11.9% for the quarter.

Consumer Care & Lighting business accounted for 9% of the Revenue and 6% of the PBIT for the quarter ended June 30, 2008.

Wipro Limited

For the quarter ended June 30, 2008, the Return on capital Employed in IT business was 41% and Consumer Care & Lighting business was 14%. At the Company level, the Return on Capital Employed was 25%, lower due to inclusion of cash and cash equivalents of Rs. 56 billion in Capital Employed (33% of Capital Employed).

For Wipro Limited, Profit after Tax computed in accordance with US GAAP for the quarter ended June 30, 2008, was Rs. 8.14 billion. The net difference between Profits computed in accordance with Indian GAAP and US GAAP is primarily due to different Revenue recognition standards, income taxes, amortization of intangible assets, differences in accounting treatment for hedge accounting for foreign currency loan and related currency swaps and India fringe benefit tax.

For Wipro Limited, Non-US GAAP adjusted Profit after Tax for the quarter ended June 30 2008, was Rs. 8.85 billion. The net difference between Profits computed in accordance with Indian GAAP and Non-US GAAP adjusted is primarily due to different Revenue recognition standards, income taxes, and amortization of intangible assets. IT Services segment’s Revenues were Rs. 43.93 billion for the quarter ended June 30, 2008, under US GAAP.

The difference of Rs. 112 million is primarily attributable to difference in accounting standards under Indian GAAP and US GAAP.

On April 18, 2008, the Company announced changes to the management structure of IT Business and

appointed Joint CEO’s to head the IT business. Consequent to this re -organization, the Company identified IT Services and IT Products as the reportable segments relating to the IT businesses. There is no change in the reportable segments for other businesses. Segment information in respect of earlier period has been revised to conform to the presentation as per new reportable segments.

Quarterly Conference call

We will hold conference calls today at 11:45 a.m. Indian Standard Time (2:15 a.m. US Eastern Time) and at 5:45 p.m. Indian Standard Time (8:15 a.m. US Eastern Time) to discuss our performance for the quarter and answer questions sent to email ID: rajendra.shreemal@wipro.com. An audio recording of the management discussions and the question and answer session will be available online and will be accessible in the Investor Relations section of our website at www.wipro.com.

About Wipro Limited

Wipro provides comprehensive IT solutions and services, including systems integration, information systems outsourcing, package implementation, software application development and maintenance, and research and development services to corporations globally. Wipro Limited is the first PCMM Level 5 and SEI CMM Level 5 certified IT Services company globally. Wipro’s IT Services business was assessed at Level 5 for CMMI V 1.2 across Offshore and Onsite development centers.

In the Indian market, Wipro is a leader in providing IT solutions and services for the corporate segment in India offering system integration, network integration, software solutions and IT services. Wipro also has a profitable presence in niche market segments of infrastructure engineering, and consumer products & lighting. In the Asia Pacific and Middle East markets, Wipro provides IT solutions and services for global corporations.

Wipro’s ADS are listed on the New York Stock Exchange, and our equity shares are listed in India on the Stock Exchange – Mumbai, and the National Stock Exchange. For more information, please visit our websites at

www.wipro.com, www.wiprocorporate.com and www.wipro.in

US GAAP financials on website

Condensed financial statements of Wipro Limited computed under the US GAAP along with individual business segment reports are available in the Investor Relations section at www.wipro.com.

IDS SOFTWARES STRENGTHENS OMAN PRESENCE WITH VISION IT SOLUTIONS

IDS Software Pvt. Ltd. (IDS), global leader in providing integrated IT solutions for hospitality industry, has reinforced its presence in Oman by partnering with Vision IT, an IT solutions & Infrastructure Company in the region for its sales and first line of support in the country. With the Sultanate of Oman being promoted aggressively as the tourism destination for GCC countries, this association will boost IDS’ presence in the Middle East which already has formidable presence in places such as UAE, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Bahrain.

 

Oman has the best natural resources for attracting leisure tourism and numerous projects are being sanctioned by the government every quarter. The country is seeing 5, 4 & 3 star and Service Apartment projects being sanctioned a plenty by the government. IDS already service few renowned clients such as Al Nahda Resort, Ramee Guestline Hotel and Beirut Restaurant to name a few.

 

Vision IT Solutions is a part of the reputed and diversified North Ocean Enterprises LLC group of companies operating in the Sultanate of Oman. Vision IT Solutions offers end-to-end solutions and services which revolve around the industry standard such as hardware systems, software systems, networking, security and data capture. The company exercises a strong presence in Muscat, Sohar, Nizwa, and Salalah. After Saudi Arabia, where IDS has a similar and successful arrangement with Hussain A.W Al Moallam Cont., IDS is confident that the tie-up with Vision will open up vistas of opportunities for its hospitality products!

 

 

Mr. Rajesh. P. Yadav, General Manager, Sales, IDS Software Pvt. Ltd. said, “Vision IT solutions not only bring its experience but good IT infrastructure systems to the region. They have a good support service system in place and we are taking this opportunity to introduce our products and penetrate the Oman market. This tie-up is further strengthening our vision of expanding into 40 countries from the current 20, by the end of FY 2008-2009.” 

“IDS is one of the pioneers in Hospitality Solutions, there is lot of push from the Oman government to promote tourism here and we feel that our tie-up with IDS would be a beneficial one for both companies since we have the local presence in Muscat and can deliver best Hospitality solutions supported by prompt onsite services to customers in Oman,” commented Mr. Ashfaque Ahmed, General Manager, Vision IT Solutions.

 

   ABOUT IDS SOFTWARES PVT LTD

 

IDS Softwares Pvt Ltd is a global leader in integrated IT solutions for the Hospitality industry. The company, for over twenty years, has been designing, developing, marketing and maintaining a comprehensive range of information management systems enabling businesses of varied sizes, including hotels, restaurants, clubs and resorts. With Regional Sales and Support offices spread across the globe, the company has more than 1300 clients in over 20 countries.

IDS market its hospitality software product under the umbrella brand ‘Fortune Suite of integrated solutions.’ The products address multiple aspects of the industry such as, Property Management Products, Restaurant Management Products; Web based Products (Central Reservation Systems) and Business and Service enhancement Products. The company’s Global R&D Center at Bangalore, India, offers support to its customers 24×7x365. IDS Softwares’ clients include Best Western, Club Mahindra Holidays, Emirates Concorde, ETA Star group – Middle East, Fortune Park Group, Holiday Inn Hotels & Resorts, Ramada Worldwide, Ramee Group of Hotels, Royal Orchid Hotels, Sarovar Group, The Ffort Radisson etc.  

    Website: www.idsfortune.com

 

 

About Vision IT Solutions

 

Vision IT is a leading Information Technology company providing services to verticals, like Government, Banking, Education, Corporate Organisations, Oil companies, Telcos. We are focused on delivering high-quality products and services in many critical domains including technology solutions implementation, customized application development, hardware infrastructure, product deployment & training, complete network solutions and IT consultancy. Our core solutions and services include Knowledge Management, Systems Management, Asset Life Cycle Management, Hospitality, Backup & Recovery Solutions, Security Services, IT Support services.

JHOTELS RESORTS LAUNCHED IN CITY BY MALDIVES MINISTER

Bangalore, July 2008: Giving a boost to the city’s global status, J Hotels & Resorts at Maldives, has launched its four prime properties, offering host of travel and tourism services. J Hotels & Resorts has properties which have distinct personalities, but all with the sophistication and class that you can identify with, we are the perfect destination for you – just choose to your tastes.

With this launch Connoisseur Conference and Leisure Consultants Pvt. Ltd, and Akqua Sun Holidays India Pvt. Ltd leading tour operators and travel service providers in India, also announced their merger. “The city has immense potential to become a tourism hub for all Indian Ocean countries,” declared while addressing the media.

Talking to the media Mr.Mahmood Shaugee, Minister for Tourism and Aviation added, “Maldives has been a favourite tourism destination for many Indians. We also have a plethora of Bollywood producers queuing up to shoot their movies here.   With the new international airport in place, Bangalore has the opportunity to be the gateway of India for the small states of Indian Ocean countries. It has the potential to be the hub of travel trade in India. The formation of J Hotels & Resorts will add to the prospects of Maldives as it will to India and Bangalore. Professional hospitality services providers are important to the business and I am sure, leisure and corporate travels will benefit hugely from their services.”  

Speaking about J Hotels, Mr. B A Rahim, Director Akqua Sun Holidays India Pvt. Ltd. said, “We have the combined expertise and exposure to give the very best to all our clients and customers. Tourism industry in India is growing with an average of 110% plus and we are confident of taking Bangalore to get a larger share of this pie.”

 

The promoters are looking at exploiting corporate tourism apart from the regular leisure travellers. With Connoisseur and Akqua providing a one stop solution with a host of services, the merger is seen by many as a blessing for today’s harried tourists and travellers.

Presently Connoisseur and Akqua Sun have offices in Bangalore, Chennai, Mumbai, Hyderabad and New Delhi.

About Connoisseur Conference and Leisure Consultants:

Are professional conference, event and leisure tour organizer in India. Since its inception in 1999 ‘Connoisseur’ has provided a complete planning service for corporates across various cities in India. Their services include complete conference organization and facilitation. This encompasses destination management, hotel contracts and special pricing, delegate accommodation, surface handling, event management, speaker requirements, F&B, delegate registration, on-site management, conference dinners, pre and post tours.

They take care of every detail, to make the conference develop, grow and succeed with dynamic thinking, intricate planning and professional teamwork.

Connoisseur also adds a lot of boost to our tourism Industry by handling various foreign travel to India.

About Akqua Sun Group:

Akqua Sun Group is a one stop travel organisation providing exceptional travel services within India as well to Maldives , Sri Lanka , Dubai , Egypt , South Africa and Mauritius . They have branch offices in Ahmedabad, Goa, Mauritius , Sri Lanka , Maldives , Hong Kong and Russia .

Akshaya Patra meals for Delhi`s hunger free compaign – “Aap Ki Rasoi”

The Akshaya Patra Foundation, which currently operates the world’s largest school meal program across six states, will provide food for the destitute and the needy at “Aap ki Rasoi” centre at Karolbagh. Honorable chief Minister Sheila Dikshit inaugurated this centre, which is part of the hunger free campaign being run by the Delhi Government earlier in the day today.

 

The Hunger Free Campaign is an innovative initiative under the Bhagidari scheme of the Delhi Government which intends to ensure at least one full time meal to the homeless and the destitute. Akshaya Patra which provides healthy and hygienic food for the past eight years to over 8.5 lakh children will feed 300 destitute populace of Delhi from this newly inaugurated location at Raigarpura, Karolbagh in Central Delhi.

 

The ambitious scheme of opening a series of such Aap Ki Rasoi has taken off with seven centres already functional and serving their purpose. More are on the anvil as Akshaya Patra Foundation, in co-ordination and aegis of the Delhi Government which encourages and involves the private & corporate sector to be a part of the social upliftment efforts. It is acting as the nodal agency to bring in a series of corporates, NGOs and private sector companies to lend a hand to the unfortunate and needy.

 

The latest centre, at Raigarpura in Karolbagh is sponsored by the Taj Group Of Hotels. The Hunger Free Campaign began at 1 pm today with the Inauguration of the centre by the Chief Minister of Delhi Smt. Sheila Dikshit.

 

Meals would be served to the poor and needy on a regular basis between 12 noon to 3 pm.

 

 “It’s a very good example for public private partnership for the country’s development which will take us way ahead”, opined Smt Dikshit. Suvyekta Narasimhan Das, Project in-charge, The Akshaya Patra Foundation, Mathura said “If we want the country to be developed then it is very important that every one has sufficient to eat and this is only a small step from our side in this regard.”

With Akshaya Patra Foundation playing a positive and catalyst role, the Delhi Government is eliciting a favorable response to adopt many sites for similar purpose.

 

 

 

MANIPAL HOSPITAL AND ROTARY INTERNATIONAL TO PROVIDE A NEW LIFE FOR 40 NEEDY CHILDREN

In one of the biggest ever Community and Matching Grant Projects, Manipal Hospital Bangalore and Rotary International (RI) have come together to facilitate the heart surgery of 40 underprivileged children suffering from Congenital Heart Disease (CHD). So far the hospital has already conducted 16 operations successfully.

Through this noble venture, children whose parents would have been hard pressed to seek medical attention on their own now have wide smiles on their faces as their children get back to a normal life. Among the 17 children are Mithun, (7) from Mangalore who was constantly racked by weakness and fever. He came to know of the scheme that helped children like him through a local Rotary representative. Today, he is a happy kid who has started playing his favorite game, cricket.

The parents of Jaipratap (2), from Salem, were worried that their son was always sick. “He was always having cold and fever, little did we know that he had a problem with his hear,” said his father Jaikumar. He is now back at home, looking forward to a fulfilling life. Mohammed Shahid (5) came to know of his heart condition from a check up done at school. Now after his operation he is eager to get back to playing marbles with his friends.

In another case Manjesh (10), son of farm laborers from Shimoga came to know about his ailment 5 years ago and went through myriad hospitals to no avail. Says his mother, Nagamma, “God has gifted him back to us through Manipal Hospital.”

Hemant (10) from Mandya was born with a hole in his heart and remained perennially weak, turning breathless and blue constantly, his parents Manjesh and Shobha had little to look forward to. Doctors recommended surgery but that was beyond their means. Help finally came in the form Manipal Hospital and RI. Shantakumar, also from Mandya, suffered from a heart disease that left him tired very quickly, affecting his normal life, more importantly his studies. After his surgery, he is back home leading a normal healthy life.

Announcing the successful completion of the surgery on the 17 children, Manipal Hospital & Rotary International briefed the media on the various ailments that these children suffered from and how the surgeries would now infuse new life and change their destiny forever. “It gives us untold joy to see these children back on their feet, and we are happy that a total of 40 children will benefit from the Matching Grant Project,” said Mr. OP Khanna, who spearheaded the project.

“More than 1,50,000 children are born with congenital heart disease, every year in India. The sad state of affairs is that only about 5,000 manage to get treated mostly with sponsorships and government aid. There are a large number of children with serious heart diseases in India who can be given a new lease of life with timely heart surgery,” said Dr. Prasad Krishnan, of Cardiothoracic & Vascular Surgery at Manipal Hospital. Dr. Krishnan, along with paediatric cardiologists – Dr. Sreekanth Raghavan and Dr. Ravi Narayan – treated the patients. “We are happy that the Paediatric Cardiology team has been able to bring smiles back to the faces of the children and their parents,” said Dr. Krishnan.

Mr. Rajendra Rai, Rotary Governor District 3190 informed the gathering, “India is now in the middle of a CHD epidemic with over 10% of urban Indians having CHD. About 50% of all heart attacks among Asian Indian men occur under the age of 55 and 25% under the age of 40, unheard of in any other population,”

Thanks to the efforts of RI and Manipal Hospital, and the medical talents of the Paediatric Cardiac team of doctors, these 40 children will now have a new lease of life.

RECORD NUMBER OF STUDENTS FROM BASE MAKE IT TO IIT

Bangalore: BASE, the premier educational training organization providing quality training for IIT-JEE, AIEEE, AIPMT, CET and COMEDK has reported that a record number of 62 students have excelled in the IIT entrance exams. More than 50% of the students who qualified from Karnataka are from the classroom program at BASE. The institute has 42 in top 100 AIEEE state ranks, and 3 of them in the top 10. Recently the Institution felicitated the top achievers

 

Padamshree Dr. K.N. Shankara, Former Director, ISRO Satellite Centre gave away the mementoes to the students and advised them to “carve a niche and decide upon a blueprint in life and work towards it to achieve.”

 

Prof. Rangarajan, Former Chairman, Dept. of Mathematics, IISc opined, “Getting into IITs is only a stepping stone. Students should stick to core disciplines, without deviating into marketing, finance, or other areas. Core technology in basic sciences is important and that research is vital for the progress of the world. Show commitment to build the nation and leave a lasting impression on this world”.

 

Speaking on the occasion, Mr Vallish, Head Projects, BASE, said that, “We are happy that this year we have sent 62 students into IIT – highest number in Karnataka: 42 of our students are in top 100 AIEEE state ranks, 3 in top 10. We are also adding more programmes this year onwards which will benefit, reach and build strong base in the children”.

 

About BASE

 

Established in 1991, BASE is a premier educational services company with training centres in Bangalore and Mysore. Started by a prominent team of academics, BASE’s mission is to mould meritorious students into true winners. Apart from providing training services, BASE also offers academic support to a large number of institutions across Karnataka.

CENTUM ELECTRONICS SUPPORTS AKSHAYA PATRA

Centum Electronics Limited, leading designer and manufacturer of hi-tech electronic subsystems, modules and components, has pledged support to Akshaya Patra, the world’s largest school meal program which currently feeds over 8.05 lakh children across the country every day.  Under this pledge, the company will sponsor the mid-day meals for 1,447 kids in seven government schools, for the next three years. The total cost for this noble deed will be Rs 17.5 lakh every year and the cumulative expenditure will be Rs 52 lakh

 

The public-private enterprise of Akshaya Patra which runs this mammoth school meal program is aided by central and state governments and private corporations. Commenting on the addition of one of major corporate sponsor to its growing list of stakeholders, Shri Madhu Pandita Das said, “To continue to feed the 8.5 lakh children everyday and also to reach its goal of feeding over a million children everyday by 2010, the foundation is very much dependent upon corporate participation in a big way. We are very grateful to Centum Electronics and to Mr.  Apparao Maliavarapu, founder and managing director of Centum Electronics, for having been magnanimous in lending a hand to our efforts,”

 

“We are happy to support Akshaya Patra which is doing noble work for the welfare of the state and the people. Ours is a small gesture which we hope will prompt many others to do the same. It is important for India to fight illiteracy and hunger as we cannot call ourselves developed unless we can feed and educate all our children,” said Mr Apparao Maliavarapu, who is himself hold a Master’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering from Dal Tech University in Canada was also a Ford Foundation scholar.  He has played a instrumental role in taking his company to the forefront and is today recognised as a leading authority in the industry.

 

Featured in the 500 most valuable companies in India recently, Centum Electronics Limited Centum is one of the largest manufacturers and exporters of electronics products. The organisation is a vertically integrated company with capabilities in design, engineering and manufacturing.  The company designs and manufactures products for telecommunications, automotive, industrial and defense and aerospace markets.  Centum has received many quality and export awards from major industry bodies and the state and central governments.