Saturday, May 30, 2009

BWI: Cox and Kings to Give Away 200 Free Holidays to Ireland

Press release from Business Wire India
Source: Cox & Kings (India) Ltd
Saturday, May 30, 2009 01:40 PM IST (08:10 AM GMT)
Editors: General: Consumer interest, Travel & tourism; Business: Advertising, PR & marketing, Hospitality, Travel & tourism
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Cox and Kings to Give Away 200 Free Holidays to Ireland


Mumbai, Maharashtra, India, Saturday, May 30, 2009 -- (Business Wire India) -- Cox and Kings, the 250 year-old travel company invites you to explore Ireland. In its 250th year, Cox and Kings is giving 100 couples an opportunity to visit Ireland, absolutely free. In other words, 200 holidays are yours for the taking.

What's more, you don't even have to book a package to be eligible for this FREE holiday!

All you have to do to win this FREE holiday is to watch our Ireland informercials on TV; SMS `CNK' to 57575 and answer one simple questions on Ireland. Give you name, age, name of the TV channel where you saw the Ireland ads and tell us why you would like to go to Ireland, all in not more than 140 characters.

Speaking on this initiative, Ashutosh Mehere, vice president (Flexihol) Cox and Kings said, "At Cox and Kings, we've always helped people travel, visit different countries and explore newer lands. Ireland is a land of unparalled scenic beauty with diverse yet spectacular landscapes. It has the mystical charms of its ancient past, the unique personality of its towns and villages and the warmth of its people. Add to this, ample shopping, vibrant nightlife, amazing cuisine, famous Irish breweries and you have the makings of a perfect destination."

The promotion is spread over three weeks starting May 29th, 09 and extending to June 18th, 09. In the first week, there are 16 bumper and 16 bonanza holidays to be won. The second weeks sees the same number of holidays to be won, while the third week has 18 bumper and 18 bonanza holidays. Winners will be announced daily.

The Bumper Couple Holidays include return airfare, 4/5 star hotel accommodation with breakfast, sightseeing of Kerry and Kenmare, Inter-city train tickets and airport transfers as per itinerary, while the Bonanza Couple Holidays include 3/4 star hotel accommodation with breakfast, Inter-city train tickets and airport transfers as per itinerary.

So hurry, watch our informercials on select channels and SMS `CNK' on 57575 or for more details and terms and conditions of the quiz and holidays, visit www.coxandkings.com/ireland.

ABOUT COX AND KINGS

Cox and Kings (India) Ltd. is one of the oldest and most reputed travel organisations in India, offering a one-stop shop for the travel needs of all segments of travellers. The brand of Cox and Kings has evolved over a period of 250 years.

It specializes in Destination Management, Excursions and Leisure Travel, MICE, NRI Holidays, Trade Fairs, Car/Coach/Railway Bookings, Foreign Exchange, Business Travel, Private Air charter, Hotel Bookings, Visas/Passport/Medical insurance assistance. We are an Authorised Forex Dealer - category II.

Cox and Kings has won numerous awards and recognition. It has been voted "Number One Brand in India" based on a survey conducted by research agency, TNS and co-funded by Media magazine, ranking it 152 amongst the top 1,000 brands in the Asia Pacific region - Australia, China, India, Japan, Hong Kong, Korea, Malaysia, Singapore, Taiwan and Thailand.

Recently, it has won "Best Domestic Tour Operator" and "Best Visual Advertising Campaign" awarded by Galileo Express Travel World Awards (2008). Mr. Peter Kerkar, Global CEO, Cox and Kings has been honoured with the WTM Global Award 2008 for his remarkable contribution to the travel and tourism industry by the World Travel Market (WTM). Cox and Kings has been voted amongst the Top 10 Tour Operators by Conde Nast Traveller Awards 2008. It won the Best Self Drive Brochure by Tourism New Zealand Asia Awards (2008).

In the past, Cox and Kings has won the CNBC Awaaz award for Most Preferred Travel Operator in 2007 & the Abacus-TAFI awards for the Best Outbound Tour Operator as well as the Best Domestic Tour operator in 2007. Cox and Kings has also won the Government of India's National Tourism Award for Conferences, for seven years & the National Tourism Award for the Best Domestic Operator for three years.

Cox and Kings' registered office is situated in Mumbai, India with 13 branches across India located in Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Chennai, Delhi, Goa, Hyderabad, Jaipur, Kochi, Kolkatta, Mumbai (two offices), Nagpur and Pune. It has 25 fully operational franchisees across the country and will open 25 more franchisees stores by July 2009. The company has a network of 200 GSAs and PSAs and approximately 3,500 agents throughout the country.

Cox and Kings has subsidiaries in USA, UK, Japan, Dubai, Singapore and Australia and international branch offices in Russia and New York. It has representative offices in Spain, South Africa, Italy, France, Sweden, Germany and South America.


CONTACT DETAILS
Thomas C Thottathil, Head - Corporate Communications, Cox & Kings (India) Ltd, + 91 9820191042, thomasct@coxandkings.com
Praneeta D'Souza, Manager - Corporate Communications, Cox & Kings (India) Ltd, +91 9820958528, praneeta.dsouza@coxandkings.com

KEYWORDS
CONSUMER, TOURISM, MARKETING, HOSPITALITY, TRAVEL

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BWI: SonoSite’s Fourth-Generation Systems- M-Turbo & S Series Drives New Markets of Hand-Carried Ultrasound Systems

Press release from Business Wire India
Source: SonoSite, Inc.
Saturday, May 30, 2009 01:38 PM IST (08:08 AM GMT)
Editors: General: Consumer interest; Business: Business services, Electronic appliances & components, Healthcare, biotechnology & pharmaceutical; Technology; Healthcare
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SonoSite's Fourth-Generation Systems- M-Turbo & S Series Drives New Markets of Hand-Carried Ultrasound Systems
Small Machine Making a Big Impact on Healthcare Delivery by Improving Care and Saving Time and Money

Bangalore, Karnataka, India, Saturday, May 30, 2009 -- (Business Wire India) -- SonoSite India Pvt Ltd, a wholly owned subsidiary of SonoSite, Inc. (Nasdaq: SONO), is the world leader and specialist in hand-carried ultrasound. The company recently introduced its fourth generation systems - M-Turbo® system & S SeriesT ultrasound systems in Karnataka and has received excellent response from newer markets such as Emergency Medicine and Regional Anesthesia. The new M-Turbo and S Series product lines, for use in a full range of clinical applications at the point-of- care, joins SonoSite's portfolio of products which also includes the MicroMaxx® and TITAN® systems.

"Traditionally ultrasound systems were used in Cardiology, Radiology and Gynaecology departments. With SonoSite's new products' design, the company is getting excellent response from clinicians in newer point of care markets such as Regional Anesthesia and Emergency Medicine. These emerging segments are interested in offering a direct ultrasound service for clinical applications where imaging gives immediate answers to specific questions and helps increase patient safety by providing visualization for interventional procedures," said Mr. Pavan Behl, General Manager, SonoSite India Private, Ltd.

"Healthcare Infrastructure is developing rapidly across India. Hence, we feel that the need for more ultrasound units particularly Hand Carried will increase rapidly. The medical fraternity is becoming more and more aware of the advantages of using these systems and the benefits in terms of timely diagnosis leading to faster patient recovery and saving vital lives," added Mr. Behl.

Benefits of SonoSite's Hand-carried Systems to Physicians:

-- Increasing Clinical Productivity - The image resolution of the SonoSite systems is so high that physicians rarely need to subject patients to additional exams involving larger systems. Because the results are available much more quickly, it greatly improves the overall patient care

-- Creating the future of ultrasound - Hand-carried ultrasound is an extension of the physician's eyes, ears, and fingertips

-- The systems are increasingly being used for procedures where physicians need cost-effective, non-radiating imaging in such diverse applications such as real-time trauma assessment in emergency situations, guiding interventional procedures such as biopsies, nerve blocks and surgery, and in the imaging lab for full diagnostic examinations. It is the future of ultrasound

-- Battery Back-up of 4 hours - The importance of a battery backup time of up to 4 hours has a major advantage in many cities in India where the stability of the power supply is limited, the importance of which cannot be overstated

-- 5 year warranty - All M-Turbo, S-Series and MicroMaxx systems carry an unprecedented 5 year Warranty thereby significantly reducing the maintenance costs, which is a major financial benefit to the customer backed up by a strong service support team. Our customer satisfaction continues at a rate of 97% or higher for over 20 medical specialties in 100 countries

-- Training and Education Programs - SonoSite's strength worldwide has been the focus on education and training. We collaborate with leading teaching institutes and hospitals worldwide, to impart training, both onsite as well as online. The company works with education providers across the world to offer medical professionals training on the latest clinical applications of ultrasound. It also offers both standardized and customized modules to support the specific training needs

Benefits of SonoSite's Hand-carried Systems to Patients:

-- Bringing ultrasound to the patient - The systems' mobility eliminates delays, which are associated with the outpatient referral process or moving heavy, cart-based systems across hospital departments to scan patients

-- Improving Patient Safety and Reduce cost of care - The increased accessibility is changing clinical practice, improving patient care and safety and has the potential to reduce healthcare costs through earlier and more rapid diagnosis of diseases and conditions

-- Reducing Risk and complications - The systems allows physicians to see the unseen and, where they previously relied on their knowledge of morbid anatomy. Now with real-time ultrasound imaging, they can perform procedures and see inside the body

About M-Turbo & S-Series

Built with a new Turbo platform, while still weighing less than 4 kg, the powerful M-Turbo system delivers an exponential increase in raw processing power for superior image clarity, seamless connectivity for digital image export, and durability for use in multiple clinical environments and can perform in even the harshest environments.

The S Series product line also integrates SonoSite's powerful Turbo platform and has superior processing power, image quality and a simplified and customized user interface. It is the industry's first ultrasound system designed to be ceiling or wall mounted to conserve space and can be used on a stand. The S Series tools are available in specialized configurations to address the specific needs of various clinical specialities. The suite of products includes the S-FASTT for emergency medicine physicians, the S-NerveT for anesthesiologists, the S-CathT for interventionalists, the S-ICUT for intensivists and the S-MSKT for musculoskeletal specialists.

"SonoSite products are known for their exceptional performance, durability, ease of use, and cost-effectiveness in a lightweight design weighing less than 4 kg.," said Mr. Behl.

About SonoSite

SonoSite, Inc. (www.sonosite.com) is the innovator and world leader in hand-carried ultrasound. Headquartered near Seattle, the company is represented by ten subsidiaries and a global distribution network in over 100 countries. SonoSite's small, lightweight systems are expanding the use of ultrasound across the clinical spectrum by cost-effectively bringing high performance ultrasound to the point of patient care. The company employs over 700 people worldwide.


CONTACT DETAILS
Tanvi Sharma, Positive Communications, +91 9871058649, tanvi@positiveindia.biz

KEYWORDS
CONSUMER, BUSINESS SERVICES, ELECTRONICS, HEALTHCARE, TECHNOLOGY, HEALTHCARE

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BWI: PayByCash® Introduces PayByCash Code™ Option to Customers and Online Retailers in 180 Countries

Press release from Business Wire India
Source: PlaySpan India Pvt Ltd
Saturday, May 30, 2009 12:59 PM IST (07:29 AM GMT)
Editors: General: Consumer interest, Entertainment; Business: Advertising, PR & marketing, Banking & financial services, Information technology; Technology
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PayByCash® Introduces PayByCash CodeT Option to Customers and Online Retailers in 180 Countries
Online Merchants Can Now Easily Accept the World's Popular Non-Credit-Card Payment Options Through their Existing Credit Card Gateway

Mumbai, Maharashtra, India, Saturday, May 30, 2009 -- (Business Wire India) -- PayByCash®, a subsidiary of PlaySpanT, today announced the availability of the PayByCash CodeT, the most accessible pre-paid product for consumers in 180 countries. PayByCash's revolutionary new product provides consumers with a streamlined way to make Internet purchases. Using a PayByCash Code is similar to using a credit-card but without the activation hassles that make store-purchased prepaid cards challenging for many consumer demographics.

"The great benefit for online retailers is that they can now effortlessly tap into a huge new pool of consumers who previously were unable to complete online purchases," said Kevin Higgins, President of PayByCash. "We've removed the need for merchants to modify their ecommerce systems in order to accept various countries' popular payment methods, especially those used by credit-constrained or unbanked consumers." "Furthermore, with the ongoing credit crunch, PayByCash Codes enable merchants to remain accessible to consumers who are losing access to their credit cards."

Higgins continued, "This program is revolutionary in that it bundles PayByCash's unrivaled international payment processing capability, its online experience, and the convenience of a credit-card checkout, with acceptance that's so easy that many merchants could literally begin accepting PayByCash Codes in less than a day. That means a potential immediate revenue lift of 5 to15% or more with almost zero effort."

An enormous number of consumers who don't use credit cards because they are unbanked or live in the many countries where cash payment methods remain highly popular can now enjoy the value and convenience of international Internet shopping. In addition, this means online merchants have just been given easy access to the hugely lucrative but tough-to-reach global teen and college demographics. It also means merchants can safely accept PayByCash Codes from parts of the world where they would normally decline a conventional credit card transaction due to the risk of payment fraud. With this product's unveiling, PayByCash becomes the first processor to provide access to the world's most popular non-bank-based payment methods to merchants whose systems only accept major credit cards.

According to a recent New York Times article, "Every major credit card issuer has been approving fewer new applicants, reining in credit lines and canceling unused accounts. And Meredith A. Whitney, a prominent banking analyst, expects credit card lenders to cut the lines of credit they extend to borrowers by a total of $2.7 trillion through 2010. That is equivalent to a 57 percent reduction in the credit they made available two years ago at the height of the boom." PayByCash Codes make these and the estimated more than a billion people globally who lack bank accounts or who don't have access to credit cards more accessible to online merchants.

About PayByCash®

PayByCash® has empowered non-credit card customers and the Internet businesses that want to reach them since 1998. PayByCash offers more than 80 payment methods, providing merchants with global reach and reduced fraud risk. PayByCash also distributes another pre-paid card, the Ultimate Game Card®, the multiplayer game industry's best known pre-paid card. The Ultimate Game Card can be used by young demographics to pay for access to hundreds of online adventure games. It's distributed in over 27,000 stores in North America, as well as in other markets worldwide.

For more information about PayByCash, visit http://www.paybycash.com.

PlaySpanT is the leader in monetization solutions for over 1,000 online games, virtual worlds, and social networks. PlaySpan's patent-pending in-game virtual goods commerce and micropayment platform enables game publishers and developers to generate new revenues, acquire new users, and extend the loyalty of existing users.

Social network payment solutions are available through Spare Change©. Acquired by PlaySpan in April 2009, Spare Change is the first and leading payments platform designed specifically for social networks. Featured on over 700 applications, across Facebook, MySpace, and Bebo, Spare Change empowers developers to successfully monetize their applications through micro payments. The Spare Change platform enables users to make safe, convenient, and friendly 1-click purchases through a variety of funding sources.

PlaySpan is headquartered in Silicon Valley with offices in Charlottesville, Virginia, Cincinnati, Ohio, and Mumbai. Investors include Easton Capital, Menlo Ventures, STIC and Novel TMT Ventures. The company has recently won the 2009 OnHollywood Category Award for Best Gaming Company.

For more information about PlaySpan, visit http://corp.playspan.com

For more information about Spare Change visit: www.sparechangepayments.com


CONTACT DETAILS
Vinayak Rao, PlaySpan India Pvt Ltd, +91 9820045958, Vinayak.rao@playspan.com

KEYWORDS
CONSUMER, ENTERTAINMENT, MARKETING, BANKING, IT, TECHNOLOGY

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BWI: Avaya Announces New Initiatives for Mid-Size Contact Center Market

Press release from Business Wire India
Source: Avaya GlobalConnect
Saturday, May 30, 2009 10:00 AM IST (04:30 AM GMT)
Editors: General: Consumer interest; Business: Advertising, PR & marketing, Business services, Information technology; Technology
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Avaya Announces New Initiatives for Mid-Size Contact Center Market
Company Acquires Agile Software NZ Limited, New Avaya Contact Center Express 4.0 Solution Launches with Greater Functionality and Streamlined Simplicity

Basking Ridge, New Jersey, United States, Saturday, May 30, 2009 -- (Business Wire India) -- Avaya Inc. today announced new initiatives related to its flagship contact center solution for mid-size businesses - Avaya Contact Center Express - that enable organizations to deploy the sophisticated customer service capabilities of larger businesses in a simplified, fully-integrated and more cost-effective way.

Avaya, a leader in business communications applications, systems and services, acquired Agile Software NZ Limited, the developer of the Avaya Contact Center Express solution. With this agreement, Avaya gains full ownership of Avaya Contact Center Express, which will help enable the company and its partners to accelerate their growth in the mid-market space.

Avaya also released Avaya Contact Center Express 4.0, the latest version of its mid-market contact center solution. This new release provides users with a host of advanced multimedia, reporting and self-service capabilities designed to enhance customer service and agent productivity for mid-size companies or divisions of large organizations.

Mid-size companies face a unique set of customer service challenges since they have a fraction of the agents, administrators and budgets of larger businesses - yet may still require a more sophisticated set of features and services. Avaya's acquisition of Agile Software will help the mid-size customers of Avaya Contact Center Express overcome these challenges and improve contact center operations through a fully-integrated solution delivering more capabilities, easier installation, and a simplified migration path.

"Our acquisition of Agile Software - and the evolution of Avaya Contact Center Express - reinforces our strong commitment to the mid-market contact center space," said Anthony Bartolo, general manager, Integrated Office and Contact Center Communications. "Combining the expertise of Agile Software and Avaya will enable us to deliver more new and innovative solutions to our mid-market customers."

New Avaya Contact Center Express 4.0 Capabilities

The "out of the box" Avaya Contact Center Express solution provides mid-size businesses with features such as a unified desktop display, advanced multimedia tools, and integration to leading CRM software including Microsoft DynamicsT CRM. The solution is powered by Avaya AuraT Communication Manager, the company's voice and video telephony software delivering next-generation business communications.

New capabilities of Avaya Contact Center Express 4.0 include:

-- Enhanced Reporting: Enhanced multimedia performance reporting on real-time and historical activity in a contact center environment. Voice reporting is also added to existing e-mail and IM reporting, enabling companies to gain the robust reporting required for top-tier customer service. Users can choose from a range of standard reports or use custom reporting tools to create reports tailored to their specific needs

-- Speech Self-Service Improvements: Integration with Avaya Voice Portal - the award-winning platform for automated voice, speech self-service and video customer care - provides seamless self and assisted service offerings

-- More Automated Features: More automated capabilities used by large contact centers are extended to the mid-market space. For example, a "Customer Requested Callback" feature lets customers who cannot hold on the line to request a callback, automatically scheduling a return call from an agent

Free & Clear Uses Avaya Contact Center Express For Personalized Service

Avaya Contact Center Express has been installed by many companies worldwide, including Seattle, WA.-based Free & Clear©, Inc., the healthy behaviors company. Free & Clear had specific needs to address in creating a customer service operation that among other activities, could help patients quit tobacco use by scheduling "quit smoking" dates and providing supportive counseling via the phone. Avaya Contact Center Express provided an integrated platform for inbound and outbound customer service that easily evolves as Free & Clear grows.

"Avaya's mid-size solution is ideal for our current and future needs," said Leif Haslund, telecom manager at Free & Clear. "It provides an effective way to deliver personalized, professional treatment to customers across 18 states. We currently have 2 contact centers with more than 300 agents, and as we expand, we're confident Avaya Contact Center Express will help us do so with ease and agility."

About Avaya

Avaya is the leader in the contact center market based on total agent shipments worldwide (Gartner, Inc. market share measurements for 2008). For more information on Avaya and its full portfolio of contact center solutions, visit: www.avaya.com.

Avaya is a global leader in enterprise communications systems. The company provides unified communications, contact centers, and related services directly and through its channel partners to leading businesses and organizations around the world. Enterprises of all sizes depend on Avaya for state-of-the-art communications that improve efficiency, collaboration, customer service and competitiveness.


CONTACT DETAILS
Jonathan Varman, Avaya GlobalConnect, 908-953-6432, varman@avaya.com

KEYWORDS
CONSUMER, MARKETING, BUSINESS SERVICES, IT, TECHNOLOGY, AVAYAGCL.NS

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Friday, May 29, 2009

BWI: Auditors Report Points out Anomalies in GHCL Accounts

Press release from Business Wire India
Source: GHCL Forum
Friday, May 29, 2009 06:35 PM IST (01:05 PM GMT)
Editors: General: Consumer interest, Economy, Law & justice; Business: Accounting & management consultancy services, Banking & financial services, Business services, Chemicals, Financial Analyst, Stock exchanges
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Auditors Report Points out Anomalies in GHCL Accounts
GHCL Forum stands Vindicated; Demands Promoter Dismissal

New Delhi, Delhi, India, Friday, May 29, 2009 -- (Business Wire India) -- GHCL minority shareholders who had come together under the banner of GHCL Forum stand vindicated today as the auditors of GHCL Ltd. (Gujarat Heavy Chemicals Ltd), Jayantilal Thakkar & Co, has pointed out the anomalies present in accounts submitted by GHCL. The auditors vide their limited review report has said that GHCL had not made provisions worth more than Rs. 1000 crores and have also not made provision for diminution and advances to subsidiaries.

Consequent to this, the company's net worth gets negative by an overwhelming Rs. 400 crores. The fact sheet had been on GHCL Forum website www.ghclforum.org.

Mr. Ashish Begwani, the Convener of GHCL Forum said, "The auditors report has vindicated our stand and this is the first victory for GHCL Forum in the pursuit of its objectives. We renew our demand for the dismissal of promoters and instituting a new and capable board."

The auditors report indicates that the corresponding quarter's and annual results are not comparable due to reclassification of foreign operations as non-integral operations amounting to a difference of Rs. 5,430 lakhs. The auditors have also pointed out that they have not made a provision for the diminution in the value of investment of Rs. 13,385 lakhs to the subsidiary companies.

Mr. Begwani says, "The auditors report also states that the board of GHCL has given an in-principle approval for financial restructuring. We are worried that the company has taken the decision because it's on way to bankruptcy stemming from the vested interest of its promoter Mr. Sanjay Dalmia and complete mismanagement in operations."

"The auditors report is curiously silent on the bogus profit of Rs. 239 crores shown by GHCL while the company was actually in losses. A further loss of Rs. 53 crores which the company had loaned for share buy from open market, has not been reflected yet. This is yet another instance of violation by the company as the company can't finance to buy its shares and consequently the company has to bear the loss, this is clear case where auditors conniving with promoters," he added.

Through GHCL Forum the shareholders want to assert their power as owners of the company to influence its behaviour. The shareholders are requesting the Ministry of Corporate Affairs' Serious Frauds Investigation Office (SFIO) to look into company's business immediately because of a fear that GHCL will go the Satyam way if the motives and actions of promoters are not checked immediately.

It is important to note that only those disclosures are made, which GHCL forum has claimed, based on information available on public domain, there is not a single instance where the company has come out with confessions.

Having this evidence of wrong doings and continued daring of the promoters, the GHCL Forum hope that some day, some body will wake up and whip up the errant promoters and the entire board of GHCL.


CONTACT DETAILS
T. Anand Mahesh, Mavcomm Consulting Pvt. Ltd., +91 9350266285, anand@mavcommconsulting.com

KEYWORDS
CONSUMER, ECONOMY, LAW, CONSULTANCY SERVICES, BANKING, BUSINESS SERVICES, CHEMICALS, Financial Analyst, STOCK EXCHANGES

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BWI: ESPN STAR Sports and Endemol Launch an Interactive Cricket Quiz Show –‘Stumped’

Press release from Business Wire India
Source: ESPN STAR Sports
Friday, May 29, 2009 04:40 PM IST (11:10 AM GMT)
Editors: General: Consumer interest, Entertainment, Sports; Business: Advertising, PR & marketing, Business services, Media & entertainment, Sports
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ESPN STAR Sports and Endemol Launch an Interactive Cricket Quiz Show -'Stumped'
Quiz Show to Leverage High Decibel Noise Around ICC World Twenty20

New Delhi, Delhi, India, Friday, May 29, 2009 -- (Business Wire India) -- ESPN STAR Sports, Asia's leading sports broadcaster, will launch an interactive quiz show titled 'Stumped' starting June 01, 2009. Produced by leading production house - Endemol, 'Stumped' will be telecast on STAR Cricket every day of the week. This is the first time that sports channel is telecasting a LIVE interactive quiz. This hour long show will hosted by Indian model and television anchor Shonali Nagrani.

With a live format that entails a high level of viewer interactivity, the viewer/ cricket fan sitting at home is given the chance to play and win incredible prizes. The show will also have representation from Cricket stars as well as celebrities giving chance to Cricket fans to have an interaction on live television.

According to RC Venkateish, Managing Director, ESPN Software India Pvt. Ltd., "There is a huge interest for an interactive Cricket based quiz show which allows fans to test their knowledge of the game while at the same time giving them an opportunity to win interesting prizes. Stumped is an attempt to fulfil this need. This show is also an extension of the live programming line-up during ICC World Twenty20."

We have already aired the show between 11 to 24th May with Wasim Akram as the Celebrity Guest to gauge the initial feedback. The response has been overwhelming from cricket lovers across the nation and we expect that the participation levels will be higher during the ICC World Twenty20."

On this occasion Mr. Deepak Dhar, Managing Director, Endemol says "India being one of the largest cricket loving nation, our venture into the sports entertainment arena with Stumped has been a planned one. At Endemol, our aim is to expand our expertise from being known as a non- fiction provider into various other genres. After a successful entry into fiction, the sports foray was a gradual yet determined progression. With the success of our sports entertainment production Stumped - we reinstate Endemol's position as a leading, multi-format, multi-genre content creator."

Former Pakistan Captain Wasim Akram, celebrity guest on Stumped said, "It is a unique program as the fans can interact live, answer live and win jackpots. In a country which has a Cricket expert in every house, the concept of Stumped will surely be lapped up. The initial 2 weeks were very exciting as despite almost no advertising we received innumerable calls from across the country."

Shonali, the host of show said, "I am glad to have been given the opportunity to host this spectacular show. The live interactive sessions are quite challenging but I love every moment of it."

Format of the show

In studio contestants go through two or three rounds of quizzing to compete for the money prize at stake. Between In-studio rounds, the host announces puzzles and quiz games that viewers at home can participate and win prizes. The viewers need to call a mobile number to participate in the games and contests. Stumped is fast and live and the winners are declared in the show itself. The host also covers an update on the happenings in the cricket world.

Stumped gives viewers a chance to keep themselves abreast with what's happening in the world of cricket and at the same time helps them win a host of prizes. Stumped is the ultimate TV destination for the cricket fan which offers an array of exciting games such as list game, clip game, grid game, name the teams, mixed up player, team player, spot the ball and many more. Stay tuned to STAR Cricket as the fever continues even in the month of June with the second season starting on 1st June 2009!

To view the Schedule of STUMPED live on STAR Cricket and the photographs, please click on the links given below:

Schedule of STUMPED live on STAR Cricket

Wasim Akram during STUMPED shoot

Wasin Akram & Shonali Nagrani during the shoot of STUMPED
For picture(s)/data to illustrate this release click below:

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CONTACT DETAILS
Sameer Bajaj, Sr. Manager - Corporate Communications, ESPN Software India Pvt. Ltd., +91 9811222700, sameerb@espnstar.co.in
Aparna Srivastava, IPAN, +91 9811234594, aparna.srivastava@ipan.com

KEYWORDS
CONSUMER, ENTERTAINMENT, SPORTS, MARKETING, BUSINESS SERVICES, MEDIA

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BWI: Biocon Launches BASALOG - Long Lasting Basal Insulin for Type 1 & Type 2 Diabetics

Press release from Business Wire India
Source: Biocon Limited
Friday, May 29, 2009 03:24 PM IST (09:54 AM GMT)
Editors: General: Consumer interest; Business: Advertising, PR & marketing, Business services, Healthcare, biotechnology & pharmaceutical; Healthcare
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Biocon Launches BASALOG - Long Lasting Basal Insulin for Type 1 & Type 2 Diabetics


Bangalore, Karnataka, India, Friday, May 29, 2009 -- (Business Wire India) -- Biocon Limited, India's pioneering biotechnology company, today announced the launch of BASALOG a long acting (24 hours) peak less human insulin analogue, Glargine. The product is now available in India in 10 ml and 3 ml vials.

"Diabetes is a debilitating disease that is pervading global populations like a pandemic with India at its epicenter. Biocon is committed to developing affordable Insulin based therapies to manage this disease burden. Basalog, a peak less long acting Insulin analog, augments the efficacy of Recombinant Human Insulin and it is our endeavour to play a key role in combating Diabetes the world over." said Kiran Mazumdar Shaw, Chairman and Managing Director, Biocon.

BASALOG (Glargine) is a significant advance in diabetic treatment which is effective for 24 Hrs while continuing to maintain the basal level of insulin required throughout the period thus helping to control glucose levels in the blood, especially Fasting Plasma Glucose (FPG). The key advantage of this product is that it replaces other long acting insulins that do not act for 24 hours, therefore diminishing the discomfort of multiple insulin shots and the possibility of developing hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). Hence, BASALOG offers better glucose control with the compliance of a single shot.

Rakesh Bamzai, President Marketing, Biocon, added, "Biocon's research efforts over the years have yielded many important bio-therapeutics for Diabetes and other life threatening diseases. Glargine is truly a life changing drug for Diabetes management that has been delivered from our R&D pipeline which will be an enormous boon to diabetic patients in India. What is even more important is the affordable pricing which Biocon brings to the Indian market which will provide greater access to such a vital drug."

In a diabetic patient, glucose control is determined by checking the PPG (Post Prandial Glucose), FPG (Fasting Plasma Glucose) and HbA1c. HbA1c is a diagnostic test to ascertain the patient's blood glucose control for a 3 month period. The HbA1c in a normal individual ranges between 4 to 6%. In a diabetic, HbA1c of less than 7% is considered as effective control and hence the target in a diabetic is to achieve HbA1c of less than 7%. Every 1% reduction in HbA1c leads to 20% reduction in mortality. Basalog is"Just one shot a day" basal insulin for effective HbA1c control.

Currently ADA'09 (American Diabetes Association) guidelines support Oral (tablets like metformin) + Basal therapy (Glargine) as an early regimen for diabetics in order to achieve better glucose control. Many doctors avoid prescribing insulin due to the uncertainty of resulting hypoglycemia and non-compliance of patients who avoid insulin due to the trauma of multiple injections. Glargine diminishes the incidences of hypoglycemia as it acts for 24 hrs with a single shot. It is believed that treatment with long acting insulin analogues like Glargine will allow better metabolic control, thereby resulting in a better quality of life & treatment satisfaction. It is also believed that disease progression is significantly slowed down with fewer advanced diabetic complications such as retinopathy, neuropathy, nephropathy and cardiac complications like hypertension, myocardial infarction or stroke.

New Glucometer - Breeze 2: To be introduced soon

Biocon has tied up with Bayer for their latest technology Glucometer, 'Breeze 2' which allows a more convenient system of glucose monitoring. This new Glucometer has been designed to incorporate a cartridge of 10 strips which needs to be loaded just once. Patients can therefore test themselves frequently with ease, avoiding periodic insertion of individual strips and thereby ensure better compliance in terms of blood glucose checks.

About Biocon Limited

Established in 1978, Biocon Limited is one of India's premier biotechnology companies. Together with its group companies. Biocon forms a fully integrated biotechnology enterprise, specializing in biopharmaceuticals, custom research and clinical research which deliver products and solutions to partners and customers across the globe. Biocon launched the world's first recombinant human insulin, INSUGENâ in November 2004 using Pichia expression and India's first indigenously produced monoclonal antibody BIOMAb-EGFRTM.

A leading US trade publication, Med Ad News, in its 2007/08 listings has ranked Biocon 20th amongst the leading biotechnology companies in the world and the 7th largest Biotech employer in the world. Biocon recently received the 2009 BioSingapore Asia Pacific Biotechnology Award for Best Listed Company.

Focusing on unmet medical needs in cancer, diabetes and inflammatory diseases, Biocon offers novel therapies on a platform of affordable innovation. Biocon's strategic licensing partnerships provide market penetration and global access to deliver breakthrough therapeutics to millions of patients the world over.

Visit us at www.biocon.com

About Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes

Type 1 diabetes is a serious autoimmune condition, in which the body attacks its own insulin producing cells and is characterised by a sudden and dramatic onset, usually in youth. Without enough insulin, glucose builds up in the bloodstream instead of going into the cells. The body is unable to use this glucose for energy despite high levels in the bloodstream. This leads to increased hunger.

In addition, the high levels of glucose in the blood causes increased urination. This leads to excessive thirst. Within 5 - 10 years, the insulin-producing beta cells of the pancreas are completely destroyed and the body cannot longer produce insulin. Type 1 diabetes can occur at any age. Many patients, however, are diagnosed after age 20.The exact cause is unknown. Genetics, viruses, and autoimmune problems may play a role. People with type 1 diabetes can't make their own insulin and hence they must take insulin every day. Insulin is usually injected under the skin. In some cases, a pump delivers the insulin continuously.

Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of diabetes. Person with Diabetes Type 2 diabetes has one or both of the two problems:

1. Not enough insulin is being produced.

2. The insulin is not working properly - this is known as insulin resistance.

The vast majority of patients who develop Type 2 diabetes are overweight and unfit,. This type of diabetes tends to appear later on in life. Of late, there have been more and more cases of people in their 20s developing Type 2 diabetes, but it is still relatively uncommon.


CONTACT DETAILS
Paula Sengupta, Biocon Limited, +91 (80) 28082808, paula.sengupta@biocon.com

KEYWORDS
CONSUMER, MARKETING, BUSINESS SERVICES, HEALTHCARE, HEALTHCARE, BIOCON.NS

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Thursday, May 28, 2009

BWI: Banknet Organizes 5th Annual Summit of Bank CTOs & CXOs

Press release from Business Wire India
Source: Banknet India
Thursday, May 28, 2009 07:04 PM IST (01:34 PM GMT)
Editors: General: Consumer interest; Business: Advertising, PR & marketing, Banking & financial services, Business services, Financial Analyst, Information technology, Media & entertainment, Telecommunications; Technology
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Banknet Organizes 5th Annual Summit of Bank CTOs & CXOs


Mumbai, Maharashtra, India, Thursday, May 28, 2009 -- (Business Wire India) -- Banknet is organizing its Annual CTO-CXO Summit on 5th June 2009 at Hyatt Regency, Mumbai. In its Fifth Year, Banknet Summit will bring together on one platform C-level Executives from BFSI and IT-ITES sector. The theme of the Summit is "Aligning IT to Effectively Manage Current Crisis."

C-level Executives from the following banks are invited to speak at the summit:- State Bank of India, Bank of India, Central Bank of India, Union Bank of India, IDBI Bank, ICICI Bank, HDFC Bank, Axis Bank, Kotak Mahindra Bank, IndusInd Bank, Yes Bank, Development Credit Bank, Barclays Bank, Standard Chartered Bank, Citizen Credit Cooperative Bank, Shamrao Vithal Co-Operative Bank. In addition top executives from major IT companies will also address the summit.

Banknet's CTO-CXO Summit'09 will feature an exclusive "Round Table Session" where C level executives of major banks, FI's will have an in-depth discussion on role of technology in providing effective solutions to banks in managing downturn and how to build business despite the slowdown and operate efficiently.

Summit will have focused discussions on the "Top Priorities for Banks in 2009" in Four Focused Sessions:

- Risk Management & Compliance
- Mobile Banking & Payments
- Cyber Security & Frauds
- Business Intelligence, CRM, and Data Mining

Sessions will feature presentations, panel discussions & interactive Q&A. In order to enable one to one interaction amongst the participants the Summit will end with a "Speed Networking Session".

Partners/ Associates Companies for the Summit are IBM, Safenet India, Verisign, Ramco Systems, Teradata Corporation, Transline India Business Solutions and Alpha Plus Technologies. The Summit has been endorsed by - EU Chambers of Commerce.

For any queries you can mail us at conference@banknetindia.com or visit http://www.banknetindia.com/cxo09.htm.

For more information on Banknet India, please visit: www.banknetindia.com.


CONTACT DETAILS
Khushbu Joshi, Banknet India, +91 (22) 67102091, conference@banknetindia.com

KEYWORDS
CONSUMER, MARKETING, BANKING, BUSINESS SERVICES, Financial Analyst, IT, MEDIA, TELECOMMUNICATIONS, TECHNOLOGY

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BWI: Revolutionary Mobile Service ‘RedChery’ hits India

Press release from Business Wire India
Source: AJ Square Consultancy Private Limited (AJSCPL)
Thursday, May 28, 2009 06:43 PM IST (01:13 PM GMT)
Editors: General: Consumer interest; Business: Accounting & management consultancy services, Advertising, PR & marketing, Business services, Information technology, Telecommunications; Technology
--------------------------------------------------
Revolutionary Mobile Service 'RedChery' hits India
AJ Square Consultancy Services Pledges to Unleash Innovation for Mobile Users Worldwide with the Launch of RedChery

Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India, Thursday, May 28, 2009 -- (Business Wire India) -- AJ Square Consultancy Private Limited (AJSCPL), established technology and wireless company today announced the launch of 'RedChery' a revolutionary product using the latest data streaming technology for mobile devices. Capitalizing the growth opportunities of Universal Mail Services (UMS) and data synchronization services, AJSCPL has developed a unique, revolutionary patent protected mobile business application called 'Redchery'. 'Redchery' has been designed to act as a 'Service Amalgamation' platform considering its future integration units like CRM (Customer Relationship Management) and GSA (Global service Amalgamation), using Internationally patent algorithms and global standards for data security.

'RedChery' fosters innovation on mobile devices giving consumers a new solution with far better user experience than much of what is available on today's mobile platforms. Redchery is a patent protected data streaming technology by which mails from Gmail, Yahoo Mail plus, hotmail, rediff etc., (Private mail services) and MS exchange, IBM Lotus servers (Corporate mail services) were routed seamlessly irrespective of hand-held device, mobile operators and operating platform. This latest data streaming technology enables accelerated pace at which new and compelling mobile services are made available to consumers. Redchery is developed on the vision "Device Independent, Platform Independent & Network Independent". With a mission "World is playground", RedChery is poised to take the world by storm.

With nearly 3 billion users worldwide and ever increasing, the mobile phone has become the most personal and ubiquitous communications device. With 14 international patents to its credit, RedChery allows phones to use email ids like SMS thereby resulting in huge savings. RedChery allows Data & Message Connectivity anywhere and everywhere with ease of use and application. As other smart phone applications are locked either to the service providers or Operating Systems, RedChery is independent of all the mobile parameters and is network Independent, OS Independent and Service Provider Independent.

RedChery monitors multiple email accounts and snatches only the much necessitated email header and raw body content and carries it over to mobile, with the attachment names if available, allowing end-users to compose, reply and forward emails from mobile instantaneously thus saving time and money. RedChery envisages future integration of units like CRM, GSA and gaming.

RedChery holds the promise of unprecedented benefits for consumers, replacing the cumbersome services currently available. RedChery can be deployed and executed in any MIDP 2x/CLDC 1x compatible mobile phones providing a dedicated and secured email server and it also provides the end user the option of explicit initiation and termination of Email Monitoring threads for each and every individual email account. Using RedChery, Mobile client can Sync contacts and calendar even if the mobile doesn't contain Synchronization features and secure data protection.

"RedChery is an alternative to the currently available mobile platforms, this product will help unleash the potential of mobile technology for billions of users around the world. This innovation in the mobile industry will help shape a new user friendly environment that will change the way people access and share information using mobile phones in the future" said Mr. Boaz Augustin, Chairman and Managing Director, AJ Square Consultancy Services Pvt Ltd. AJSCPL is expected to acquire 2Million subscribers during its first year of India operations. AJSCPL has also appointed Mr.S.Natanagopal, Senior Partner of Ganesh Prasad chartered accountants as its Financial Advisor in this foray.

About AJ Square

AJ Square Consultancy Services P Ltd (AJSCPL) a part of 'The Lords' group is an established software and mobile based technology service provider delivering technology-driven business solutions that meets the strategic objectives of clients in web-ware, enterprise solution and mobility space. AJ Square Incorporation was established in the year 2004 with its registered office at Delaware, United States and later in 2007 AJSCPL was incorporated in India with a state of art development center at Madurai, India with more than 200 full time professionals and global marketing offices at California, US and London, UK.

AJSCPL is a global leader in web-ware products like auction, listing management, E-commerce, CMS and Investment planner tools to cater the specific need of verticals, delivering unmatched business value to customers through a combination of process excellence, quality framework and service delivery innovation. AJSCPL believes in 'high performance business' strategy through simple and innovative solution based product development practices create sustainable, self-reliant value towards their customers and shareholders as a key to success.

To view the photographs, please click on the links given below:

From Left to Right: Mr Ramesh Thondapi - Vice President Sales and Marketing, AJ Square, Mr Boaz Augustine - Chairman and Managing Director, AJ Square Consultancy, Mr. S Natanagopal - Chief Financial Advisor, AJ Square Consultancy

Mr. Boaz Augustine Addressing the Media
For picture(s)/data to illustrate this release click below:

http://www.BusinessWireIndia.com/attachments/Picture -1.jpg
From Left to Right: Mr Ramesh Thondapi - Vice President Sales and Marketing, AJ Square, Mr Boaz Augustine - Chairman and Managing Director, AJ Square Consultancy, Mr. S Natanagopal - Chief Financial Advisor, AJ Square Consultancy
http://www.BusinessWireIndia.com/attachments/Picture - 2.JPG
From Left to Right: Mr Ramesh Thondapi - Vice President Sales and Marketing, AJ Square, Mr Boaz Augustine - Chairman and Managing Director, AJ Square Consultancy, Mr. S Natanagopal - Chief Financial Advisor, AJ Square Consultancy


CONTACT DETAILS
Murugan .G, Sampark PR, Chennai, +91 9841278904, muruganesh2006@gmail.com
David Francis, Sampark PR, Chennai, +91 9884052528, david.francis@sampark.com
Krishna Moorthy, Sampark PR, Chennai, +91 9442191717, krishnamoorthy.s@sampark.com

KEYWORDS
CONSUMER, CONSULTANCY SERVICES, MARKETING, BUSINESS SERVICES, IT, TELECOMMUNICATIONS, TECHNOLOGY

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BWI: Astral Polytechnik Reports Rs. 20.37 Crore Cash Profit for FY 09

Press release from Business Wire India
Source: Astral Polytechnik Limited
Thursday, May 28, 2009 06:30 PM IST (01:00 PM GMT)
Editors: General: Consumer interest, Economy; Business: Banking & financial services, Business services, Construction, Household & personal care products & services, Retailers, Stock exchanges; Technology
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Astral Polytechnik Reports Rs. 20.37 Crore Cash Profit for FY 09


Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India, Thursday, May 28, 2009 -- (Business Wire India) -- Astral Polytechnik Ltd. manufacturer of CPVC pipes & fitting announced their financial results for the year ended March, 2009.

Overview of FY2009 v/s FY2008

- Company's sales from operations has increased by 42% to Rs.193.00 Crores for the FY 2009 as against Rs.135.82 Crores in FY 2008.

- EBDITA has increased to Rs. 27.74 Crores for FY 2009 as against Rs. 25.37 Crores in FY 2008.

- Cash Profit has increased to Rs. 20.37 Crores for FY 2009 as against Rs. 20.33 Crores in FY 2008.

- Profit After Tax (PAT) decreased to Rs. 14.19 Crores for FY 2009 as against Rs. 17.07 Crores in FY 2008 mainly due to effect of foreign exchange fluctuation.

- The Company has delivered an Earning Per Share (EPS) of Rs. 12.63 for the F.Y. 2008-2009.

- The Board has also recommended dividend of 10%.

The year 2008-09, was the worst year for the Construction/Infrastructure Industry world wide and in India also. Inspite of this, ASTRAL was able to deliver a growth of 42% in Topline and maintained its Cash Profit .

Throughout 2008-09 Rupee was continuously depreciating from Rs.40 level to Rs.52 level against the USD which has resulted in reduction of net profitability of company because company had taken Foreign Currency Loan and was mainly dependent on import of CPVC resin.

However Company has continuously maintained its leadership position in CPVC /PVC (Lead Free) pipes and fittings in India and now has launched commercially its new product range of SWR Pipes& Fittings, ABS pipes & fittings, Foam Core pipes and is shortly planning to launch Blaze Master (Fires Sprinkler & Pipes) in Indian Market.

The new plant of company with increased capacity from 11800 MT to 25968 MT is ready at both the locations at Gujarat and Himachal Pradesh and will help company to reduce its cost and avail the benefit of economy of scale and will take care of its new product range.

To view the Quarterly/Annual results, please click on the link given below:

Quarterly Annual financial results


CONTACT DETAILS
Mr. Hiranand Savlani, Chief Financial Officer, Astral Polytechnik Ltd., +91 (79) 30112100, hiranand@astralcpvc.com

KEYWORDS
CONSUMER, ECONOMY, BANKING, BUSINESS SERVICES, CONSTRUCTION, HOUSEHOLD, RETAIL, STOCK EXCHANGES, TECHNOLOGY

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BWI: Prakash Industries Reports Net Profits of Rs. 204 Crores in FY 08-09

Press release from Business Wire India
Source: Prakash Industries Ltd
Thursday, May 28, 2009 06:27 PM IST (12:57 PM GMT)
Editors: General: Consumer interest, Economy; Business: Banking & financial services, Business services, Financial Analyst, Heavy industries, Mining companies, Stock exchanges
--------------------------------------------------
Prakash Industries Reports Net Profits of Rs. 204 Crores in FY 08-09


New Delhi, Delhi, India, Thursday, May 28, 2009 -- (Business Wire India) -- Prakash Industries Ltd. reported a net profit of Rs.204 cores for the year ended 31st March 2009 as against Rs.199 crores in FY 2007-08. The company reported net sales of Rs.1710 crores in FY 08-09 as against Rs.1420 crores in FY07-08 registering over 20% growth n sales volumes. The company attributes the growth in volumes to the highest ever production levels achieved by the units and robust demand for steel products.

The company has been able to maintain the EBIDTA and PAT levels as compared to the previous year despite the global slowdown. The EBIDTA stood at around Rs.304 crores in FY 08-09 as opposed to Rs.300 crores in FY 07-08. The integrated nature of the company's operations cushioned the margins despite price fluctuations during the course of the year.

The performance of the wire rod manufacturing unit has been exceedingly encouraging as the unit operated more than its rated capacity contributing significantly to the bottom line. In addition the company has taken several steps to further modernize and balance the capacities of the mill which were implemented towards the end of the year.

The company also augmented its ferro alloys capacity by setting up another submerged arc furnace. To cater to the increased power requirements of the steel operations, the company during the year has successfully commissioned a new 25 MW power plant, which is significantly helping in bringing down costs.

The captive coal mine operations performed exceedingly well and achieved record production during the year. The Director General of Mines has conferred the safety award for the 2nd year in succession to the company's mining operations.

Future Outlook

The company is already in the process of doubling its steel making capacities in the entire chain of integrated steel operations. Encouraged by the performance of the existing wire rod mill the company has taken steps to further augment its capacity wire rod production capacity. In addition, one of the existing mills is being modernized to expand its product mix to enable it to manufacture TMT bars as well, which is expected to be completed by August this year. All these expansion plans are expected to increase the present volumes by more than 50% in the ensuing year and the company is expected to maintain this growth momentum in the future years also.

The effort of the company in past so many years to become self reliant in iron ore supplies bore fruit with the grant of rights over the iron ore mines in Chattisgarh as well as in Orissa. The company is taking various steps to make these mines operational in the 2nd half of the current financial year. This is expected to result in substantial cost savings to the company. In addition, Madanpur coal block allotted to the company in JV with other companies is expected to be operational by end of the current financial year. This shall cater to the increased coal requirement of the steel and power operations of the company.

To view the press release with table, please click on the link given below:

Prakash Industries Annual Results
For picture(s)/data to illustrate this release click below:

http://www.BusinessWireIndia.com/attachments/Prakash Industries Annual Results (2).doc
Prakash Industries Annual Results (2).doc


CONTACT DETAILS
Vikas Mahajan, Mutual PR, +91 9953619912, vikas@mutualpr.com
Amit Arora, Mutual PR, +91 9811154140, amit@mutualpr.com

KEYWORDS
CONSUMER, ECONOMY, BANKING, BUSINESS SERVICES, Financial Analyst, HEAVY INDUSTRIES, MINING, STOCK EXCHANGES

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BWI: CERA’s Operating Profit Grows by 33%

Press release from Business Wire India
Source: CERA
Thursday, May 28, 2009 06:15 PM IST (12:45 PM GMT)
Editors: General: Consumer interest, Economy; Business: Banking & financial services, Business services, Commodities & materials, Construction, Financial Analyst, Household & personal care products & services, Retailers, Stock exchanges
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CERA's Operating Profit Grows by 33%


Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India, Thursday, May 28, 2009 -- (Business Wire India) -- - Net Profit up by 30%

- Sales up by 25%

Belying the global recession and consequential slowdown in Indian's realty, the Ahmedabad-based country's leading bathroom solutions major, Cera Sanitaryware Limited, has achieved an operating profit of Rs.31.42 crores, up by 33% from previous year's Rs.23.65 crores. Announcing this to media persons today at a press meet after the board meeting at Ahmedabad, Mr Vikram Somany, Cera's Chairman-cum-Managing Director, attributed this extra-ordinary growth to several marketing initiatives undertaken by the company.

The net profit of the company went up by 30% -- from Rs.10.05 crores to Rs.13.10 crores. The net sales also grew by 25% from Rs.128 crores to Rs.160 crores. Mr. Vidush Somany, Executive Director of Cera said that the company's focus on retail network expansion, rural penetration and concentration on small and medium developers has helped Cera perform better despite the economic downturn.

In 2008-09, Cera continued its marketing thrust by launching several new models-both in the sanitaryware range and in the wellness range. "Soon Cera will launch a leading Italian premium wellness brand in India", said Mr. Vidush Somany.

Elaborating on the rural penetration by Cera, Mr. Santosh Nema, Chief Executive Officer and Director of Cera said that Cera's display vans traveled more than 150 small and medium towns in Gujarat in the last three months showing the products and explaining the features to retailers and end-users.. Such display vans are now in operation in the States of Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra and Andhra Pradesh. Soon, the Cera display vans would be operating in other States also.

Cera which pioneered the retail thrust in sanitaryware in India by opening Cera Bath Studios and Cera Bath Galleries are now launching Cera Style Corners. In the next three months, 100 such Cera Style Corners will be opened, said Mr Vidush Somany. These Cera Style Corners will showcase Cera's premium products in the retailer's showroom in a uniform display style across India.

Cera has added many small and medium builders to its customer list last year. Cera offers value-for-money to these builders and therefore they have found a perfect brand fit.

Cera has also repositioned the brand as Styleware. The new campaign, designed by its ad agency, Dentsu, and released from April 2009, talks about the Cera's premium designs to match upwardly mobile customer's style aspirations.

"Cera is confident of continuing its growth at even higher rate in 2009-10 also", said Mr Somany. Echoing his confidence and optimism, Mr Nema said that a home-grown brand like Cera is better insulated from global recessionary trends because of its lower dependence of exports and bigger single customers.

CERA, which launched sanitaryware in India in 1980, has the manufacturing plant in Kadi near Ahmedabad for manufacturing 2.2 million pieces of sanitaryware per annum, making it the largest Sanitaryware plant in the India. CERA has been consistently growing at above 25% in the past several years. Apart from sanitaryware, CERA also provides taps and shower products, making it a total bathroom solutions provider. Cera also launched premium designer tiles from Italy and Spain through exclusive tie-ups with leading brands like Rondine, Gigacer, etc.


CONTACT DETAILS
Hemant Deswal, Dmas PR, +91 9910887244, hemant@dmaspr.com
Manauti Goel, Dmas PR, +91 9810864864, manauti@dmaspr.com

KEYWORDS
CONSUMER, ECONOMY, BANKING, BUSINESS SERVICES, COMMODITIES, CONSTRUCTION, Financial Analyst, HOUSEHOLD, RETAIL, STOCK EXCHANGES

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BWI: Brickwork Ratings has Assigned “BWR A” to MSN Laboratories Limited for the Proposed Medium Term Debt Issue up to INR 200 Million

Press release from Business Wire India
Source: Brickwork Ratings
Thursday, May 28, 2009 05:42 PM IST (12:12 PM GMT)
Editors: General: Consumer interest, Economy; Business: Advertising, PR & marketing, Banking & financial services, Business services, Financial Analyst, Healthcare, biotechnology & pharmaceutical, Stock exchanges; Healthcare
--------------------------------------------------
Brickwork Ratings has Assigned "BWR A" to MSN Laboratories Limited for the Proposed Medium Term Debt Issue up to INR 200 Million
MSN Laboratories Ltd: Issue Rating: BWR A

Bangalore, Karnataka, India, Thursday, May 28, 2009 -- (Business Wire India) -- Brickwork Ratings has assigned BWR A (Pronounced BWR A) to MSN Laboratories Limited for the proposed medium term debt issue up to INR 200 Million. Brickwork Ratings' 'BWR A' stands for an instrument which is considered to offer "Adequate credit quality" in terms of timely servicing of debt obligations.

Company profile

MSN Laboratories Limited (MSNL), belonging to MSN group promoted by Dr. M.S.N. Reddy, is engaged in the manufacture of high quality bulk drugs and formulations. The bulk drug manufacturing facilities of the company are located at Rudraram village, Patancheru, Medak district. In August 2003, Dr. Reddy acquired an existing sick unit by the name of Chandra Pharmaceuticals Limited. The unit was renamed MSN Laboratories Limited in October 2003. Later in 2006, MSNL acquired Armour Pharmaceuticals Limited.

Dr. MSN Reddy, a Doctorate in organic chemistry from Osmania University, is the chairperson of the Board and Managing Director of MSNL and has over 20 years of experience in pharmaceutical industry. The entire management team is well qualified in the field and has vast experience in pharmaceutical area. The team has deep knowledge in product development, patenting and compliance with regulatory requirements as well as in adopting suitable marketing strategies. Their professional knowledge and business acumen and quality consciousness has helped the company in expanding sales and revenue.

The company is mainly concentrating on high quality drugs. The company manufactures active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) for therapeutic segments, such as anti-depressants, anti-psychotic, anti-migraine, anti-histamine and others. MSNL possesses current Good Manufacturing practices (cGMP) certification as well as ISO 9001 certification. It launched over 30 molecules in the market in the last 3 years and has applied for patent rights for over 35 different molecules. The company has filed 18 European Drug Master Files (DMF's) and 14 DMFs with USFDA.

Financials:

MSNL total sales turnover for FY-2008 was INR 654.9 Million a saw an increase of 26% over FY-2007. Domestic sales for FY-2008 were INR 432.5 Million as compared to INR 362 Million in FY-2007, showing a growth of 19%. Export sales in FY-2008 experienced an increase of 40% at INR 222.4 Million as compared to INR 158.4 Million in FY-2007. The company has been experiencing growth in volumes as well as in client base. As of end of Jan 09, the turnover has reached INR 824 Million, showing a growth of 26%. For FY-2008 MSN Labs saw an increase in PAT (INR 62.95 Million) by 93% as compared to (INR 32.60 Million) 61% increase in FY-2007. As of 31st January 2009, MSN Labs has achieved 49% increase in PAT.

MSNL's key financial ratios are favorable and improving. In FY 2008, MSNL's debt equity ratio was just 0.71 and even as of 31st Jan 2009 it is about 0.40. Company's debt service coverage ratio improved from 0.25 in FY 2007 to 1.42 in FY2008, to 1.71 as of 31st Jan 2009. Interest coverage ratio improved to 5.64 as of 31st Jan 2009 from 3.86 in FY 2008. Net worth improved to INR 167.69 Million in FY 2008 from INR 102.89 Million in FY 2007, and further improved to INR 256.55 Million as of 31st Jan 2009.

Industry Scenario:

Indian Pharmaceutical Industry Touched a Turnover of INR 250 Billion at the end of the 10th five year plan (2002-07). Pharmaceutical industry has grown 1.5-1.6 times the growth of the economy over the past couple of years. The global outsourcing is expected to reach USD 31 Billion by 2010 from USD 20 Billion at present. Indian pharmaceutical industry witnessed growth rate of about 10% over the last few years, expected to touch USD 12 Billion by 2010. The industry has grown at a CAGR of 13% from 2002-07 and expected to grow at a CAGR of 16% over 2007-2011.

Rating Outlook:

The overall outlook for the industry is showing positive signs of growth. The BWR rating 'A' assigned to MSNL's issue of debt paper has factored the Company's consistent growth in business, management quality, its core competency and focus on manufacturing bulk API and intermediates, R&D process, increasing number of process patents, capacity to seize opportunities when patents expire, efficiency in manufacturing and meeting international standards and expanding client base. Brickwork feels that the current economic conditions are not likely to significantly affect the business of the company. Continuity of the aforementioned factors and good established practices will be the key drivers of MSNL's future business growth.

Copyright ©, 2009 Brickwork Ratings.

Brickwork Ratings (BWR) has assigned the rating based on the information obtained from issuer and other reliable sources, which are deemed to be accurate. BWR has taken considerable steps to avoid any data distortion; however, it does not examine the precision or completeness of the information obtained. And hence, the information in this report is presented "as is" without any express or implied warranty of any kind. BWR does not make any representation in respect to the truth or accuracy of any such information. The rating assigned by BWR should be treated as an opinion rather than a recommendation to buy, sell or hold the rated instrument and BWR shall not be liable for any losses incurred by users from any use of this report or its contents. BWR ratings are subject to a process of surveillance which may lead to revision in ratings. BWR has the right to change, suspend or withdraw the ratings at any time for any reasons.


CONTACT DETAILS
Mukesh Mahor, Analyst Contact, Brickwork Ratings, +91 (80) 40409940, mukesh.m@brickworkratings.com
Praveen Prakash, Analyst Contact, Brickwork Ratings, +91 (80) 40409940, praveen.prakash@brickworkratings.com
Anitha G, Media Contact, Brickwork Ratings, +91 (80) 40409940, media@brickworkratings.com
Ramaswamy Annam, Relationship Contact, Brickwork Ratings, +91 (11) 23412232, +91 (40) 23319630, ramaswamy@brickworkratings.com

KEYWORDS
CONSUMER, ECONOMY, MARKETING, BANKING, BUSINESS SERVICES, Financial Analyst, HEALTHCARE, STOCK EXCHANGES, HEALTHCARE

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BWI: Reebok to Launch its First Ever TVC Featuring MS Dhoni and Bipasha Basu

Press release from Business Wire India
Source: Reebok
Thursday, May 28, 2009 05:00 PM IST (11:30 AM GMT)
Editors: General: Consumer interest, Entertainment, Fashion, Sports; Business: Advertising, PR & marketing, Business services, Media & entertainment, Retailers, Sports
--------------------------------------------------
Reebok to Launch its First Ever TVC Featuring MS Dhoni and Bipasha Basu
Introducing the Latest Edition of HEXRIDE Performance Footwear

New Delhi, Delhi, India, Thursday, May 28, 2009 -- (Business Wire India) -- For the first time ever, Reebok brand ambassadors, MS Dhoni & Bipasha Basu come together in a TV commercial showcasing the latest edition of HEXRIDE footwear from Reebok and sizzle the small screen with their never-seen-before chemistry.

The latest edition of HEXRIDE collection is available in 25 different models. HEXRIDE footwear features a unique hexagonal, honeycomb-style build which is one of the top strength to weight ratio constructions engineering can offer. While hexagons impart stability, the air-filled capsules offer cushioning which is the premium combination for an athlete's foot in motion. The product benefit of stability combined with cushioning, which leads to a comfortable run, is highlighted in the film.

Reebok as a brand believes in "Making Fitness Fun" and intends to own this unique space in the hearts of the consumers. Through this TVC, Reebok captures the 'fun' in running, in line with Reebok's global mission of making fitness fun again.

The TVC for HEXRIDE features MS Dhoni and Bipasha Basu in a fun-run, throwing playful challenges at each other while competing to reach the finish line first. The chemistry and playfulness between the Indian captain & the Bollywood heart throb is for all to see.

Subhinder Singh Prem, Managing Director, Reebok India Company said, "Marketing for us is about occupying the consumer's heart space, not mind space. We do realize that contemporary India is a young nation with fitness being a necessary stimulant for a young mind and body. We also recognize the fact that a consumer will indulge more in an activity if he enjoys it. This thought forms the kernel of our ad. Our ad reinforces Reebok's challenger approach to provide consumers with the choice to take the boredom out; and the fun in, its Your Move. The ad is simple, fun and most importantly a delight to watch. Just the way Bipasha and Dhoni have fun while running in our ad, we hope to encourage our consumers to smile as they sweat".

He added "Bipasha and Dhoni are youth icons who reflect the aspirations of a young India, a fit India. Reebok is synonymous with fitness and we are proud to launch our world class technology - HEXRIDE through this ad".

MS Dhoni said, "I find HEXRIDE footwear the best for training with its benefits of cushioning and stability. I wear it during our long practice sessions and it has become my personal favourite now. I believe in this technology and am really happy to be promoting such a world class technology for Reebok in India. Shooting for the ad was a lot of fun, not to mention running with a friend, which made the whole experience even more delightful."

Added Bipasha Basu "I am a fitness freak and I love to indulge in various activities like jogging, running, working out to keep myself fit. I have experienced never-before comfort in running with this footwear. In fact, HEXRIDE is the best thing that happened to my running regime. The different colours in the shoes make it so much more fun! I am sure that all fitness enthusiasts will agree that if your running gear is comfortable and trendy, you will enjoy your run even more. And looking good doesn't hurt either!"

The Director of the film, Mintoo Singh said, "It was a pleasure working with Dhoni & Bipasha as both of them are extremely fit and lead an active lifestyle. Shot in Hong Kong, the TVC captured the camaraderie and chemistry between the two while they raced against each other and had a lot of fun in the process."

The technologically advanced HEXRIDE design aids better performance and training. The design is also aesthetically powerful and is available in many different, unique & classy color combinations. Price at Rs. 4599 and above, the HEXRIDE collection is available across India and would also come to you with an option to purchase online at www.shop4reebok.com. For more details on the HEXRIDE TVC and campaign, you can also log on to www.reebokHEXRIDE.com

About Reebok India

Reebok started its operations in India in 1995. Headed by Managing Director Mr. Subhinder Singh Prem, Reebok India has a pan-India presence with branch offices in Mumbai, Kolkata and Bangalore and is the market leader with 750 exclusive stores. The Company's brand vision is fulfilling potential, its mission - Always challenge and lead through creativity. Reeboks brand values are authentic, individualistic, courageous, empowering, innovative and real. Reebok has introduced its internationally acclaimed fitness programs in India, conducted under the banner of Reebok Instructor Alliance, which is dedicated to fitness instructors, personal trainers and health club owners. Reebok has trained and certified more then 1000 trainers till now.

The Television Commercial and the making can also be viewed on Hexride Video on Youtube

To view the Photographs and the video, please click on the links given below

Black & Gold

Hexride

Reebok Hexride Commercial
For picture(s)/data to illustrate this release click below:

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http://www.BusinessWireIndia.com/attachments/Hexride TVC 60 sec - 4.52 mb(1).wmv
Hexride TVC 60 sec - 4.52 mb(1).wmv


CONTACT DETAILS
Puneet Sewra, Senior Brand Manager, Reebok India Company, +91 (124) 4124131, puneet.sewra@reebok.com
Tondon Sana R.K, IPAN, +91 (11) 42492100, tondonsana.rk@ipan.com
Prashant Subramanian, IPAN, +91 (11) 42492100, Prashant.Subramanian@ipan.com

KEYWORDS
CONSUMER, ENTERTAINMENT, FASHION, SPORTS, MARKETING, BUSINESS SERVICES, MEDIA, RETAIL

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BWI: Hyderabad Based Way2SMS Launches Email Alerts on Mobile

Press release from Business Wire India
Source: Way2SMS
Thursday, May 28, 2009 04:31 PM IST (11:01 AM GMT)
Editors: General: Consumer interest; Business: Advertising, PR & marketing, Business services, Information technology, Telecommunications; Technology
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Hyderabad Based Way2SMS Launches Email Alerts on Mobile


Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh, India, Thursday, May 28, 2009 -- (Business Wire India) -- Way2SMS, Hyderabad based SMS service provider today launched Email alerts on mobile. Any subscriber of www.way2sms.com can avail this free service, which works with any mail box that has forward option. It doesn't require GPRS in the mobile and activation is done quick and easy.

"Now, with Way2SMS email alerts, one will never be far from his mail inbox. As a pioneer in Internet to mobile SMS segment, connecting inbox with mobile is yet another significant step that keeps way2sms ahead of its peers. Subscriber will become more informed no matter where he is. We have made sure that this feature can be easily activated as there is no installation required. Alerts can be received from multiple mail boxes if subscriber wishes." said Mr. VV Raju, Founder CEO, Way2SMS.com.

Subscriber receives alerts for only those emails, which he wants. One can customize his preferences incase if he would like to receive email notifications only from particular contacts during a particular time. All one need to do is to link his Yahoo, Gmail and other email accounts with Way2SMS mail account. One can also choose or mark spam email IDs to avoid unwanted mail alerts. This feature best helps those who tend to be away from the computer a lot when important emails arrive and whose emails take is moderate.

About Way2SMS

Way2SMS (http://www.way2sms.com) is India's leading messaging portal, and a division of Way2Online Interactive India Pvt Ltd. (http://www.way2online.net). Founded by young entrepreneur VV Raju and headquartered in Hyderabad, India, it provides users with ad funded free, web-based, text messaging services. GPRS enabled mobile-phones users can also send messages via the company's WAP portal: http://wap.way2sms.com. With more than four million registered users, Way2SMS brings mobile-phone users and advertisers together for a winning mobile advertising proposition. Way2SMS has a large client base that includes the who's who of the advertising, banking and marketing fraternity.


CONTACT DETAILS
Vishal, brand-comm, +91 9885585802, vishal@brand-comm.com

KEYWORDS
CONSUMER, MARKETING, BUSINESS SERVICES, IT, TELECOMMUNICATIONS, TECHNOLOGY

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BWI: Anil Kumble and Harsha Bhogle Launch Castrol Index for Cricket

Press release from Business Wire India
Source: Castrol
Thursday, May 28, 2009 02:10 PM IST (08:40 AM GMT)
Editors: General: Consumer interest, Entertainment, Sports; Business: Advertising, PR & marketing, Automotives, Business services, Media & entertainment, Sports; Automotive
--------------------------------------------------
Anil Kumble and Harsha Bhogle Launch Castrol Index for Cricket


Mumbai, Maharashtra, India, Thursday, May 28, 2009 -- (Business Wire India) -- Castrol India today announced the media launch of the Castrol Index for Cricket - an analytical tool that objectively analyses player and team performances and provides unique insights that enhance understanding and enjoyment of the game. The Castrol Index resides on castrolcricket.com - a website which was successfully test-launched last month and has already had 5.5 lakh unique visitors and 65 lakh page views.

According to Harsha Bhogle, cricket commentator and Brand Ambassador for the Castrol Index, "the Castrol Index provides differentiated analysis and information that sheds new light on how the game is played and won. The Castrol Index provides unique insights into the performance of players and teams - specifically what makes some of them more effective and successful than others. It provides a point of view based on analysis and data not just subjective opinion".

Speaking at the press conference, Anil Kumble, one of the stars of the recent IPL said, "The Castrol Index seems to be a great tool to analyse performances in the shorter versions of the game. You can spend hours on the site, using the Index to compare performances of individual players and teams. It should also be quite a useful tool to players wanting an in depth analysis on what leads to a winning performance".

The Castrol Index which is specifically developed for the shorter versions of the game (T20 and ODIs), takes into account all aspects of the player's game i.e. batting, bowling and fielding. Players in the shorter formats are required to perform in all departments of the game, not just in their specialized skill or core areas and the Castrol Index therefore takes into consideration the player's all round performance. The Castrol Index offers statistics, insights, information and knowledge which helps fans easily understand what it takes to create a winning performance.

The Castrol Index tracks both player and team performances separately. It enables fans to track their favourite team's or player's all-round cumulative performance or even compare two teams or players on the basis of their performance in various aspects of the game.

The Castrol Player Index classifies every player as a batsman, bowler or all-rounder, based on his core skill. Fielding and wicket-keeping are considered non-core or enabler skills for all players. Base points are awarded to a player for his core skills and bonus points are awarded for his non-core skills.

The Castrol Team Index focuses on a team's cumulative Batting Momentum and Bowling Efficiency across a set of matches. Batting Momentum is a combination of total runs scored and the rate (runs per ball) at which those runs are scored while Bowling Efficiency is a combination of total wickets taken and the economy rate (runs per over). Additionally, the Castrol Team Index also factors in the batting and bowling performances for a team in the first six overs - Quickstart Batting or Bowling and last five overs - Extreme Performance Batting or Bowling.

There is also a factor in the Castrol Index called Extreme Pressure Performance (EPP), which determines a team's consistency, in winning close matches. So a team may have a higher Castrol Team Index than a competitor team but when you factor in both teams' EPP, the Team with the better EPP, may actually rate higher on the Castrol Index.

To know more about the Castrol Index visit the home of the Castrol Index: www.castrolcricket.com.

Castrol and Cricket- A Long Association

Castrol has a close association with Indian Cricket for over a decade through the Castrol Awards for Cricketing Excellence. The Awards were instituted by Castrol in 1997 to recognize and honor the present, past and future of Indian cricket. The main awards include the Castrol Indian Cricketer of the Year, the Junior Cricketer of the Year and the Castrol Lifetime Achievement. Last year, Castrol introduced the Castrol Asian Cricketing Awards to recognize the best cricketing performances across the Asian region.


CONTACT DETAILS
Rashmi Sharma, IPAN, +91 9867395475, +91 (22) 40661755, rashmi.sharma@ipan.com
Shefali Mehta, IPAN, +91 9819410990, shefali.mehta@ipan.com

KEYWORDS
CONSUMER, ENTERTAINMENT, SPORTS, MARKETING, AUTOMOTIVE, BUSINESS SERVICES, MEDIA, AUTOMOTIVE, 500870.BO

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BWI: HDI® Certifications for the Support Industry Comes to India

Press release from Business Wire India
Source: QAI India Limited
Thursday, May 28, 2009 01:22 PM IST (07:52 AM GMT)
Editors: General: Consumer interest; Business: Accounting & management consultancy services, Business services, Information technology; Technology
--------------------------------------------------
HDI® Certifications for the Support Industry Comes to India


New Delhi, Delhi, India, Thursday, May 28, 2009 -- (Business Wire India) -- HDI, USA, (www.thinkhdi.com), the premier certification body and largest membership association for the service and support industry, announced it's advent into India with two certification courses scheduled for 22nd to 26th June, 2009 in Bangalore. HDI has announced these courses in partnership with QAI, (www.qaiglobal.com), a global consulting and workforce development organization. These courses are for the benefit of the Support industry in India.

For most customers, their experience with support services can often be the deciding factor in choosing one company over another. Like all over the world, these certifications, which will now be available in India, train the associates involved with support centers to increase productivity, drive consistent service delivery and thereby increasing customer satisfaction.

Besides the IT and BPO sectors, industries like banking, insurance, telecom, airlines and retail which have significant support centers would directly stand to gain by these certification courses.

The HDI Support Center Team Lead certification course, slated for 22 and 23 June, 2009 in Bangalore, is designed for support center professionals who have been or will be promoted to a team lead position and require fundamental management and leadership skills for their increased responsibilities. The HDI Support Center Manager certification course, scheduled to take place from 24 to 26 June, 2009 in Bangalore, focuses on best practice standards and the skills necessary to successfully manage the operational, strategic and tactical components of a support organization.

HDI Certification is based on internationally recognized open standards developed by a committee of worldwide industry leaders, help desk and support center experts, consultants, and practitioners for the benefit of the support industry. The courses in Bangalore will be conducted by Katherine Lord, HDI faculty member.

Commenting on HDI's advent into India, Navyug Mohnot, CEO, QAI, said, "The support center manager must act as a support leader and strategically align the support center to the organization. We are very happy to partner with HDI and bring their courses to India where the Indian industry can benefit from the global best practices."

About QAI:

QAI is a leading global consulting and workforce development organization addressing 'Operational Excellence' in IT, BPO and Knowledge intensive service organizations.

QAI Global Services, the consulting division of QAI, addresses the space of Operational Excellence which includes the areas of Process Management, Quality Management, Innovation Management, Project Management, IT Service Management and others.

QAI Global Institute, the Competency Development division of QAI, focuses on creating international Education and Training products and services to address the Competence Development, Assessments and Certifications to cater to the large pool of manpower requiring skills for increased employability.

QAI is currently servicing over 200 clients in 30 countries and our regional bases are located in US, India, UK, China, Singapore, Malaysia and Canada.

About HDI

HDI, a Think Services company, is the world's largest IT service and support membership association and the industry's premier certification and training body. Guided by an international panel of industry experts and practitioners, HDI is the leading resource for help desk/support center emerging trends and best practices. HDI provides members with a vast repository of resources, networking opportunities and the largest industry event - the HDI Annual Conference and Expo. Headquartered in Colorado Springs, Colo., USA, HDI offers training in multiple languages and countries. For more information, visit www.ThinkHDI.com or call +1 719 268 0174.


CONTACT DETAILS
Pooja Bhalla, QAI, +91 9811155798, pooja.bhalla@qaiglobal.com

KEYWORDS
CONSUMER, CONSULTANCY SERVICES, BUSINESS SERVICES, IT, TECHNOLOGY

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Wednesday, May 27, 2009

BWI: MAIT-Emerson Study Reveals Power Downtime Costs India Inc over Rs 43, 000 crores in 2008-09

Press release from Business Wire India
Source: MAIT
Wednesday, May 27, 2009 05:15 PM IST (11:45 AM GMT)
Editors: General: Consumer interest, Economy; Business: Banking & financial services, Business services, Education & training, Financial Analyst, Information technology; Technology
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MAIT-Emerson Study Reveals Power Downtime Costs India Inc over Rs 43, 000 crores in 2008-09
Downtime Loses Double since 2003

New Delhi, Delhi, India, Wednesday, May 27, 2009 -- (Business Wire India) -- - Loss is close to 1% of India's GDP

- Infrastructure stress on power utilities - a key reason for downtime

- 78% feel that power scenario will improve only after a year; confidence lowest in Delhi and Pune, high in Chennai

- Contingency planning already a part of the Indian business psyche- over 95% firms have a power source other than grid supply

Manufacturers' Association for Information Technology (MAIT) the apex body representing the IT hardware industry in India and Emerson Network Power (India), the global leader in Business-Critical Continuity today announced the finding of their joint study on Network Power Downtime. The study, an in-depth analysis of the impact of downtime in corporate India due to high occurrence of power outages, scheduled as well as non-scheduled, revealed that India Inc lost Rs. 43, 205 crores in 2008-09. The amount of such direct losses has more than doubled since 2003 when these amounted to Rs. 22,000 crores.

With significant companies relying on IT infrastructure for automation, productivity and business management, employee productivity and customer management were severely impacted by such downtime. Among the various verticals studied, the manufacturing sector was the most adversely impacted.

The study, in its third round, to map the impact of network downtime in the industrial sector, was conducted by India's leading consulting firm M/s Feedback Business Consulting Services Pvt. Ltd in January 2009. The study covered around eight hundred firms across seven industrial centres namely Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore, Chennai, Kolkata, Hyderabad and Pune. Detailed information on downtime experiences, typical causes & solutions adopted, reactions to uptime etc. was sought from senior executives across fourteen major industry verticals including manufacturing, electronics, telecom, IT services, IT enabled services, banking & finance, pharmaceutical, biotechnology, SMEs, retail, hotels, real estate, infrastructure and hospitals.

Mr. Vinnie Mehta, Executive Director, MAIT said, "Contingency planning is part of the India Inc. mindset, based on traditional experiences with infrastructure limitations. This trend will continue in the light of global power failures encountered in Western countries. Firms will need to pay more attention to maximizing uptime if they are to remain competitive in a globally networked economy."

Commenting on the findings of the study, Mr. Sandeep Nair, MD, Emerson Network Power (India) Pvt Ltd said, "In India, while the metros have a good power supply, the interiors reflect a different picture altogether. As one moves towards the hinterland, one realizes that there are frequent power cuts. The problem is further compounded by unclean power and other basic constraints like earthing, cabling and lack of a viable infrastructure. This has necessitated deployment of Business Critical Continuity solutions for growing businesses. Today, we are moving towards a borderless world and constant supply of electricity is crucial to stay connected 24X7."


Key highlights of the study:

- Nearly 62% of the firms polled were extremely dependent upon IT & Automation

- Power disruption frequency highest in Delhi followed by Pune and Bangalore.

- The average speed of restoration is 71 min, Bangalore most affected with high frequency and longer outages. In Hyderabad outages are infrequent but long

- Telecom segment had the fastest restoration, while it was slowest in pharma/biotech, hotels/hospitals and manufacturing

- Downtime losses, across all verticals averaged to Rs 54,434 per hour - highest in telecom and real state/infrastructure companies, lowest in the SMEs

- Major impact of downtime is employee productivity and customer management

- Companies, without alternative sources of power, were highly depended on the grid. Mumbai continues to be most depended on grid for power

About MAIT:

Set up in 1982 for purposes of scientific, educational and IT industry promotion, MAIT has emerged as an effective, influential and dynamic organisation. Representing hardware, training R&D and associated services sectors of the Indian IT Industry, MAIT's charter is to develop a global competitive Indian IT Industry, promote the usage of IT in India, strengthen the role of IT in national economic development and promote business through international alliances. For more information on MAIT please visit www.mait.com.

About Emerson Network Power (India) Pvt. Ltd.:

Emerson Network Power (India) Private Ltd. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Emerson Electric USA, the Indian subsidiary was set up in September 1993, and is an established market leader in the power protection solutions and precision air condition segment. It manufactures & markets Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) systems; Climate and Environmental systems (PAC); DC power systems; Automatic Transfer Switches (ATS) and power distribution catering to major industries such as Telecom, Infotech and Process Control among others. More information on Emerson Network Power, its services and products is available at: www.emersonnetworkpower.co.in.

About Feedback:

Feedback Business Consulting Services Pvt. Ltd. (Feedback Consulting) is a eighteen year old research based consulting firm, specializing in assessing opportunities across the Indian and select global markets. Apart from conventional business-to-business (B2B) research, FEEDBACK specializes in strategic consulting, and evaluating opportunities across diverse businesses. Feedback consults primarily on client specific studies. For more information on Feedback Consulting please visit www.feedbackconsulting.com


CONTACT DETAILS
Ashutosh Bhattacharya, IPAN, +91 (11) 42492167, ashutosh.bhattacharya@ipan.com

KEYWORDS
CONSUMER, ECONOMY, BANKING, BUSINESS SERVICES, EDUCATION, Financial Analyst, IT, TECHNOLOGY

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