According to Mr. Kiran S Nair, Country Leader, Imation India Pvt. Ltd., “We are delighted to appoint Redington India as our national distributor. Apart from metros and big cities, the demand from B&C class cities is on an incessant swell as the rapid development they’ve been witnessing lately has had a positive impact on their technology awareness, education, adoption and usage levels. Since Redington has its presence in all market territories, this tie-up shall be of help as far as our distribution and channel objectives are concerned. We expect service support and supply chain management facilities from our national distributor and Redington India qualifies well on both these aspects.”

“All Imation products owing to their premium quality have decent traction and high acceptance. With our solution centric approach, we at Redington India are determined to further Imation’s reach in the channel and market. For us, it shall be a diversification of our product portfolio for the channel community as well,” said Mr. J.K. Senapati, Head SBU, Redington India.

According to Mr. Brian J. Plummer, Vice President – South Asia, Imation Corporation, “Expanding the channel partner base and further strengthening the network is one of our key agendas this year and we are eager to work with a national distributor that brings not just domain expertise but also a pan-India footprint. We firmly believe that this tie-up shall further boost our business. We look forward to a mutually beneficial relationship with Redington India.”

Imation is also the exclusive licensee of the TDK Life on Record brand, one of the world’s leading recording media brands. Redington India shall sell Imation and TDK Life on Record’s entire range of products including optical storage products like CD-R, CD-RW and DVD; external hard disk drives; flash drives and flash cards; accessories like mouse and headsets; and tape products.

“Today’s announcement underscores Wipro’s dedication to expand its Oracle services practice worldwide and to add new dimensions to our already very strong relationship with Oracle.” said Arup Chakraborti, Global Head Oracle Alliance, Wipro Technologies. “The partnership will help us provide superior value to our customers and foster growth of their business”.

“With OPN Specialized, Customers and Oracle can formally identify Oracle partners and SIs who have invested time and resources to develop significant expertise in Oracle’s products and solutions”, said Andy Bailey, Senior Vice President, Worldwide System Integrator Alliances, Oracle. “Platinum partners are recognized for their expertise in a broad range of products and technology, and receive dedicated support from Oracle. Wipro has proved its expertise and competency in Oracle products with its consistent commitment to support customers.”

Wipro as a Platinum partner and a global system integrator would get an opportunity to work with Oracle on joint solution development and marketing opportunities, and would receive dedicated Oracle support and significant advantages through Oracle University led training.

Most consumers often face voltage fluctuations due to erratic power supply which is one of the main reasons of burning of components in motherboards. Also many Indian cities are situated near the coastline which causes corrosion in motherboards. So implementing the exclusive Burnt and Corrosion Warranty in E.L.I.T.E. 2.0 will address most concerns of customers about their ASUS Motherboards.

Mr. Steve Han – General Manager, Service at ASUS (India) said, “India is a very important market for us and has very distinct needs and issues. By launching E.L.I.T.E. service in July 2010, we took the first step towards ensuring complete customer satisfaction when they bought ASUS motherboards. With the E.L.I.T.E. 2.0, we have now increased the range of cities that will be covered to a total of 798 from the existing 270, thus providing effective service to all customers. The Burnt and Corrosion Warranty for all Motherboards is a first of its kind of service offering for any motherboard vendor in the world and we are extremely pleased to offer it as a part of E.L.I.T.E. 2.0 exclusively for Indian customers. Our existing customers can be rest assured that their Motherboards will be covered within the service if the 3 year warranty period on their motherboards is active. Also the DOA policy of 60 days also remains unchanged.”

Mr. Vinay Shetty – Country Head, Component Business, ASUS (India) added, “Our E.L.I.T.E. Service received an overwhelming response from our partners and they also gave us the feedback that ASUS, needed to reach out to more and more remote locations. As such the bigger and better E.L.I.T.E. 2.0 Service will cover the servicing and repair of ASUS Motherboards for customers whose shops are more than 30 kms. away from our existing service centers, thus effectively servicing customers who are located in 798 cities and remote locations for no extra charge. By bundling in the Burnt and Corrosion Warranty for all Motherboards, we attempted to make lives of consumers easier and reinstate our commitment in providing world class services for our customers and partners. We will continue taking path breaking initiatives to ensure that ASUS remains the most trusted and best selling motherboard by continuously innovating to set the level of products and services a notch higher than the entire industry.”

Inside Intel, the company has elevated the priority of security to be on par with its strategic focus areas in energy-efficient performance and Internet connectivity.

McAfee, which has enjoyed double-digit, year-over-year growth and nearly 80 percent gross margins last year, will become a wholly-owned subsidiary of Intel, reporting into Intel’s Software and Services Group. The group is managed by Renée James, Intel senior vice president, and general manager of the group.

“With the rapid expansion of growth across a vast array of Internet-connected devices, more and more of the elements of our lives have moved online,” said Paul Otellini, Intel president and CEO. “In the past, energy-efficient performance and connectivity have defined computing requirements. Looking forward, security will join those as a third pillar of what people demand from all computing experiences.

“The addition of McAfee products and technologies into the Intel computing portfolio brings us incredibly talented people with a track record of delivering security innovations, products and services that the industry and consumers trust to make connecting to the Internet safer and more secure,” Otellini added.

“Hardware-enhanced security will lead to breakthroughs in effectively countering the increasingly sophisticated threats of today and tomorrow,” said James. “This acquisition is consistent with our software and services strategy to deliver an outstanding computing experience in fast-growing business areas, especially around the move to wireless mobility.”

“McAfee is the next step in this strategy, and the right security partner for us,” she added. “Our current work together has impressive prospects, and we look forward to introducing a product from our strategic partnership next year.”

“The cyber threat landscape has changed dramatically over the past few years, with millions of new threats appearing every month,” said Dave DeWalt, president and CEO of McAfee. “We believe this acquisition will result in our ability to deliver a safer, more secure and trusted Internet-enabled device experience.”

McAfee, based in Santa Clara and founded in 1987, is the world’s largest dedicated security technology company with approximately $2 billion in revenue in 2009. With approximately 6,100 employees, McAfee’s products and technologies deliver secure solutions and services to consumers, enterprises and governments around the world and include a strong sales force that works with a variety of customers.

The company has a suite of software-related security solutions, including end-point and networking products and services that are focused on helping to ensure Internet-connected devices and networks are protected from malicious content, phony requests and unsecured transactions and communications. Among others, products include McAfee Total Protection™, McAfee Antivirus, McAfee Internet Security, McAfee Firewall, McAfee IPS as well as an expanding line of products targeting mobile devices such as smartphones.

Intel has made a series of recent and successful software acquisitions to pursue a deliberate strategy focused on leading companies in their industry delivering software that takes advantage of silicon. These include gaming, visual computing, embedded device and machine software and now security.

Home to two of the most innovative labs and research in the high-tech industry, Intel and McAfee will also jointly explore future product concepts to further strengthen security in the cloud network and myriad of computers and devices people use in their everyday lives.

On a GAAP basis, Intel expects the combination to be slightly dilutive to earnings in the first year of operations and approximately flat in the second year. On a non-GAAP basis, excluding a one-time write down of deferred revenue when the transaction closes and amortization of acquired intangibles, Intel expects the combination to be slightly accretive in the first year and improve beyond that.

Intel was advised by Goldman Sachs & Co. and Morrison & Foerster LLP. McAfee was advised by Morgan Stanley & Co. Inc. and Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati, P.C.

Another feature provided by this application is that the user can access the phone book on the mobile to send messages. One can also save mobile phone contacts on 160by2.com as a memory back-up.

Speaking on the occasion Mr. Vivek Sachdev, General Manager Product Division, Wynn Telecom Ltd, said, ”Wynncom makes life simpler by cutting down the requirement  to browse the internet from your phone by introducing this unique feature of having a direct access to 160by2.com in just one click. This application in Wynncom mobiles bridges distances and helps stay connected and affordable.”

Messaging is one of the most used VAS services in India; Today SMS consumes a major portion of mobile bills and this facility will certainly help Wynncom mobile users to save a reasonable portion of their mobile bill Mr. Vivek Sachdev further added.

160by2 intends to extend its services shortly to rest of the Middle-East nations including Bahrain, Yemen, Qatar and Oman. With a large number of Indian expats residing in these nations, 160by2.com will be the perfect platform for their near and dear ones in India to stay connected.

Commenting on the tie-up with Wynncom Mobiles, Mr. Satyakalyan Yerramsetti, CEO-160by2.com said, “We are extremely happy with our tie-up with Wynncom mobiles and hope this partnership will take mobile messaging to the next level. 160by2.com will upgrade this application from time to time in order to serve all Wynncom mobile users better.’’

Ranked among the top 100 most visited sites in India , and among the top 10 most visited WAP sites in India , 160by2 also provides bulk messaging platform enabling business and promotional users to connect with their associates and target customers in a cost effective manner.

Qualified partners will receive a number of program benefits, including dedicated pre-sales support, access to seed units and proof-of-concept labs, opportunities for special accreditation, and dedicated lead assignments. In addition, qualified partners will have the ability to progressively apply their specializations to their overall rebate scheme to receive greater monetary rewards. This is in keeping with the core tenet of the APN program to continuously drive partner profitability through key program elements such as low- to no-cost training, flexible use of Marketing Development Funds (MDF), and deals and leads registration.

“Partners are under more pressure to demonstrate inherent value to their customers than ever before,” said Chris Ilg, program director of the Infrastructure Channels Practice at IDC. “Certification-based specializations really help partners bolster their in-house capabilities and knowledge base, while providing customers with the assurance that they’re receiving top-notch guidance and expertise for their IT needs.”

As increasing numbers of end customers begin to fully embrace the evolution toward highly virtualized, services-on-demand computing environments, the network becomes the critical component for the secure, reliable and efficient delivery of data. This growing emphasis on the network is driving the need for highly specialized networking expertise—from overarching network design and architecture to application optimization technologies. Brocade developed these new specializations to equip partners with the necessary skills and knowledge to become a trusted IT advisor and to support partners in their quest to drive deeper levels of customer engagement.

“The addition of these new specializations to the Brocade APN program aligns with our commitment to support our partners as they help their customers migrate to new networking technologies to future-proof their networks,” said Barbara Spicek, vice president of Worldwide Channels at Brocade. “Brocade is dedicated to the continual development of APN program elements that bring value and additional revenue opportunities to partners. These specializations will help partners to differentiate themselves in an exceedingly competitive business environment and enable them to become and remain trusted IT advisors to their customers.”

“Our new Brocade One unifying network architecture and strategy has been very well received by our channel partners across Asia Pacific. These channel partners play an instrumental role in helping us realize the Brocade One vision in the region,” said Charlie Foo, director for channel sales at Brocade. “New training and certification programs designed to educate on the new converged fabric technologies will be rolled out to about 30 percent of existing partners in Asia Pacific in the initial phase.”

As part of the alliance:
- Nokia will be the exclusive, global provider of Yahoo!’s maps and navigation services, integrating Ovi Maps across Yahoo! properties, branded as “powered by Ovi.”
- Yahoo! will become the exclusive, global provider of Nokia’s Ovi Mail and Ovi Chat services branded as “Ovi Mail / Ovi Chat powered by Yahoo!”
- Nokia and Yahoo! plan to work on ID federation between their services, beginning by making it easy for people to use their Ovi user IDs across select Yahoo! properties to easily access  the online content and services they need.

“Delivering great user experiences — both online and on your mobile – is what this alliance is all about,” said Olli-Pekka Kallasvuo, CEO, Nokia. “We’re enabling millions of Yahoo! customers in key markets including North America to discover the unique capabilities that Ovi Maps brings. Similarly, Yahoo!’s online expertise will bring exciting mail and messaging enhancements to millions of Ovi Mail customers across almost every country around the world, many of whom will have their first Internet experience on their mobile.”

“What a combination,” said Carol Bartz, CEO, Yahoo!. “We’re excited to expand the reach of our best-in-class Mail and Messenger services, bringing personalized experiences to more people across the mobile web, particularly in emerging markets where we are seeding the next generation of Yahoo! users. At the same time, we believe Nokia’s strength and continued investment in maps and navigation will greatly enhance our existing products, enabling us to focus on areas that are core to our business.”

Together, Yahoo! and Nokia will continue to deliver compelling Internet experiences that address the core needs of consumers, developers, operators and advertisers. The companies will utilize their respective global distribution advantages and brand recognition across consumer audiences.

Select, co-branded service offerings are expected to become available from the second half of 2010, with global availability expected in 2011.

Nokia is the world’s largest mobile device manufacturer, with hundreds of millions of devices sold each year and a leader in digital mapping, with continuing investment and innovation focused on developing comprehensive digital mapping and navigation services, now covering 77 countries in 46 languages. With more than 600 million users of Yahoo!-branded sites per month, Yahoo! is a global Internet powerhouse, a one-stop web destination enabling consumers to enjoy their online life anywhere and everywhere – all customized for their interests. As one of the leading Internet brands, Yahoo! is focused on growing its audience by providing seamless web experiences across PC and mobile devices.

“This breakthrough search alliance means Yahoo! can focus even more on our own innovative search experience,” said Yahoo! Chief Executive Officer Carol Bartz. “Yahoo! gets to do what we do best: combine our science and technology with compelling content to build personally relevant online experiences for our users and customers.”

Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer concurred with Bartz’s assessment. “Although we are just at the beginning of this process, we have reached an exciting milestone,” Ballmer said. “I believe that together, Microsoft and Yahoo! will promote more choice, better value and greater innovation to our customers as well as to advertisers and publishers.”

Consumer Search Experience

Under terms of the agreement, which was announced in late July 2009, Microsoft will provide Yahoo! with the same search result listings available through Bing, and Yahoo! will innovate around those listings by integrating rich Yahoo! content, enhanced listings with conveniently organized information about key topics, and tools to tailor the experience for Yahoo! users.

Yahoo! will focus on providing a compelling and innovative search experience that allows people to find and explore the things, people and sites that matter most to them. While Microsoft will provide the underlying platform, both companies will continue to create different, compelling and evolving experiences, competing for audience, engagement and clicks.

Transition Timeline

Yahoo! and Microsoft will work with advertisers, publishers and developers on a customized plan designed to make the transition as efficient and seamless as possible. Both companies will begin working closely with most partners well in advance of their planned transition to the Microsoft platform and will communicate important information to partners about the transition periodically via phone, email, webinars and a newly created website at www.searchalliance.com.

The companies will begin the transition of algorithmic search and have set a goal of completing that effort in at least the United States by the end of 2010. The companies also hope to make significant progress transitioning U.S. advertisers and publishers prior to the 2010 holiday season, but may wait until 2011 if they determine that the transition will be more effective after the holiday season. All global customers and partners are expected to be transitioned by early 2012.

Customer Relationships

Once the transition is in place, Yahoo! and Microsoft will each represent and provide customer support to different advertiser segments. Yahoo!’s sales team will exclusively represent and support high volume advertisers, SEO and SEM agencies, and resellers and their clients. Microsoft will represent and support self-service advertisers.

Regulatory Summary

Although the transaction previously was cleared by regulators in Australia, Brazil and Canada, the terms of the agreement required clearance by U.S. and European regulators before it could commence. Meanwhile, Microsoft and Yahoo! continue to work with regulators in Korea, Taiwan, and Japan to ensure that they have all relevant information necessary to evaluate the transaction before the deal commences in those specific jurisdictions.

Through its partnership with Opengate, Ultimate Game Card will be available in more than 1,000 South Africa retail stores. Anton Maybery, Chief Executive Officer of Opengate commented: “We are excited that our distribution agreement with PlaySpan enables us to offer South African consumers direct access to PlaySpan’s extensive range of online games, virtual worlds, and social networks. We are confident that having immediate access to online entertainment will appeal to a broad spectrum of South Africa’s online population.”

Philip Cooper, Head of New Business Development for Opengate added: “Online gaming is still fairly new in South Africa due to the relative dominance of console and PC based games. Together with PlaySpan Inc., Opengate aims to create a sustainable online gaming market in South Africa by focusing on marketing and selling categories of games that will appeal to early adopters – tech savvy tweens, teens and young adults – a market that we believe has enormous growth potential and is ready to be tapped.”

PlaySpan has also partnered with the largest retail network of Game Cafes/Internet Cafes in Taiwan, which includes distribution to more than 5,000 retail locations and hundreds of Internet cafes. Taiwan is fast becoming one of the top 5 countries on Facebook and UGC is one of the best forms of payment for Taiwanese gamers for Facebook and other online games.

According to expert forecasts, revenue from Taiwan’s online game industry was around $350 million for 2009, while the free-to-play games market there has steadily matured, recently surpassing annual revenues derived from console games. In South Africa, developers face hurdles such as high distribution costs, which PlaySpan’s Ultimate Game Card helps them to overcome.

“All of these countries present monetization challenges for game developers and publishers,” said Karl Mehta, Founder & CEO of PlaySpan. “Our entrance into these new markets significantly expands our reach and enables our partners to generate new revenue streams while introducing their premium content to new customer bases. This significant expansion further solidifies our position as the global leader in enabling microtransactions and digital goods ecommerce.”

Through UltimatePay™, which provides over 85 payment methods in 180 countries, and Ultimate Game Card, PlaySpan has delivered rapid worldwide distribution to both large and small merchants and developers. The company continues to make strides and aggressively expand its global reach by working with the world’s largest international resellers who have distribution networks that link them directly with largest retail stores and Internet Cafés in their countries.

Expansion of Kaspersky Lab’s partner network in India is part of the Company’s plans to increase its presence in the country’s market generally. Registration of the Kaspersky Lab India local office in December of this year was the first step in this direction.

Alexander Gnatusin, Director, Channel, SA – Kaspersky Lab said, “Our business and corporate sectors remain under development by our tried and trusted partner, Zoom Technologies. When it comes to retail market development, Kaspersky Lab is happy to be associated with Sakri IT Solutions Pvt. Ltd. for the North and West of India. This will come into effect as of  01 Jan 2010. We look forward to a long and successful association with them.”

Over the last 2 to 3 years, Kaspersky Lab has received an enormous amount of requests from companies keen to form retail partnerships in the area. However, after a thorough analysis of the potential candidates, Pune-based Sakri IT Solutions Pvt. Ltd came out on top.

Alexander continued “There are 3 main factors that contribute strongly to our Company’s strength: high-level technologies and products, an international team of recognized experts & our partner network. Developing a partner ecosystem is one of our main focuses and we  pay tremendous attention to the so-called ‘localability’ of our products and services”.

In addition to the standard benefits of being a Kaspersky Lab partner, the Company’s Indian partners will also benefit from some of the best training available in the world, as well as pan-Indian support. Kaspersky Lab’s trainers will be visiting Kaspersky Lab’s Indian office and providing a number of training sessions for new, local staff and also for Kaspersky Lab’s channel partners. Kaspersky Lab firmly believes that providing a strong system of support is the only effective way to achieve good levels of understanding among their customers and future clients.

Kaspersky Lab aims to provide customers with reliable protection against all forms of IT threat.  This in turn consolidates Kaspersky Lab’s position in the market and helps Kaspersky Lab and its partners to grow both bigger and more successful.