Posted on 2009 under Hardware, Supercomputing, Technology |
13
Sep
Steve Balmer’s plans went really wrong with recent Linux patent auction. Instead of patents ending up with patent trolls, as Microsoft wished, AST acquired the patents, which was later sold to OIN, Open Invention Network.
Up your Bolder 
“Allied Security Trust is pleased that Open Invention Network had interest in acquiring the Open Source patent portfolio. OIN’s purchase ensures that these important patents will not be used by patent trolls or others seeking to disrupt Linux and the many companies and individuals advancing this important technology,” said Dan McCurdy, Chief Executive Officer of Allied Security Trust.
Following is the complete press release by OIN;
Durham, NC (September 8, 2009) – Open Invention Network (OIN), a collaborative enterprise that enables innovation in open source, today announced the acquisition of 22 Linux-focused patents that were marketed and sold by Microsoft. The patents were recently purchased by Allied Security Trust (AST) from Microsoft to ensure the patents did not fall into the hands of non-practicing entities (more information on non-practicing entities is available at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Patent_troll, among other sites) that could seek to assert the patents against Linux products. OIN subsequently acquired the Microsoft patents from AST.
“Today’s announcement evidences OIN’s continued commitment to acquire patents that may be relevant to Linux,” said Keith Bergelt, Chief Executive Officer of Open Invention Network. “We are pleased to have purchased these patents and view this as a model of successful collaboration among defensive patent organizations that share a common goal of creating freedom of action for practicing entities across Linux and the broader technology sector. The prospect of these patents being placed in the hands of non-practicing entities was a threat that has been averted with these purchases, irrespective of patent quality and whether or not the patents truly read on Linux.
“Allied Security Trust is pleased that Open Invention Network had interest in acquiring the Open Source patent portfolio. OIN’s purchase ensures that these important patents will not be used by patent trolls or others seeking to disrupt Linux and the many companies and individuals advancing this important technology,” said Dan McCurdy, Chief Executive Officer of Allied Security Trust.
About Allied Security Trust
AST is a Delaware statutory trust currently with 15 member companies headquartered in North America, Europe and Asia. The Trust provides opportunities to enhance companies freedom to sell products by sharing the cost of patent licenses. To date, the Trust has invested $40 million in patent purchases over its 30 months of operations. Through such purchases, the Trust provides an excellent opportunity for patent holders of all sizes to generate a return on their rights by selling patents to the Trust.
AST is not an investment vehicle. Its purpose is freedom of operation and cost reduction. It generates no profits and does not engage in patent assertions against other companies. AST maintains a catch-and-releas; commitment that returns to the market in a timely manner patents acquired on behalf of Trust members after licenses are secured. The Trust also addresses the increasing need for innovative companies to defend against costly patent law suits. For more information, visit www.alliedsecuritytrust.com.
About Open Invention Network
Open Invention Network is a collaborative enterprise that enables innovation in open source and an increasingly vibrant ecosystem around Linux by acquiring and licensing patents, influencing behaviors and policy, and protecting the integrity of the ecosystem through strategic programs such as Linux Defenders. It enables the growth and continuation of open source software by fostering a healthy Linux ecosystem of investors, vendors, developers and users.
Open Invention Network has considerable industry backing. It was launched in 2005, and has received investments from IBM, NEC, Novell, Philips, Red Hat and Sony. For more information, visit www.openinventionnetwork.com.
Media-Only Contact:
Ed Schauweker
Ketchum for Open Invention Network
ed.schauweker@ketchum.com
(703) 963-5238
Posted on 2009 under Communications |
9
Sep
What do you get when you mix pink and orange? Deutsche Telekom (NYSE: DT) has sorted the future of its troublesome UK mobile unit T-Mobile by agreeing to wrap it in to a 50/50 JV with France Telecom’s Orange UK, making Britain’s largest network.
The pair, in their joint announcement, say customers will get better network coverage, better quality 2G and 3G services and better customer service through an expanded number of stores
They also say they will be “in a better position to invest in innovative new services and to exploit new technologies” and better able to compete against O2 and Vodafone (NYSE: VOD). “By integrating Orange’s broadband activities, the joint venture will also have the capabilities to offer convergent solutions to its customers in the future.”
Orange UK chief Tom Alexander will lead the JV, new T-Mobile UK CEO Richard Moat will be COO. The combined entity will command 37 percent of UK mobile subs (28.4 million) and will have revenues of €9.4 billion (£7.7 billion), the pair say in the announcement. Each brand name will remain separate for 18 months but the JV “will review branding alternatives” for use after that time.
T-Mobile UK’s performance, and its dealings in pounds rather than euros, had been draining parent Deutsche Telekom. As we reported last month, the German group swung to a January-to-June loss of €600 million, from a €1.3 billion profit in the same period last year, after writing off €1.8 billion from the UK carrier. While all DT’s other countries added customers in the last three months, T-Mobile UK lost 100,000, now standing at 16.6 million. UK Q2 income is down 12.8 percent from last year to €836 million.
Orange, once considered mightier but regarded a low-tech player that’s trying to retain customers with consumer voucher offers, reported UK January-to-June sales down 2.6 percent from last year to €2.54 billion.
The pair are eyeing synergies of over €4.0 billion (£3.5 billion), primarily from “large-scale site rationalisation” of IT and network facilities and saving on marketing and distribution under a single brand name. But integration of operating and capital expenses is expected to cost up to €1.42 billion over 2010 to 2014. The JV will also open with debt of £1.25 billion, thanks to loans of £625 million from each of its parents.
BBC News: “A joint venture allows the German firm to avoid the write downs it could face if forced to sell T-Mobile UK for less than it hoped. Meanwhile, for France Telecom (NYSE: FTE), the deal it is a way to strengthen its position in the UK market without paying cash or taking on vastly more debt.” The proposal will now go to shareholders and will require competition clearance.
Related
Posted on 2009 under Communications, News |
2
Sep
WWW.CMAI.ASIA
Press Release
Venugopal N Dhoot appointed Chairman CMAI
Ravi Sharma is Executive Chairman
CMAI announces new appointments
Communications and Manufacturing Association of India (www.cmai.asia) announced appointment of Sri Venugopal N Dhoot as its Chairman and Sri Ravi Sharma as its Executive Chairman .
CMAI, is a Telecom Industry Association working for the Telecom sector as a whole representing all stake holders including Operators , Manufacturers , Infrastructure providers and operators , System Integrators , Value Added Services providers etc. CMAI is the only association of its kind having an integrated approach and covering all segments and technologies related with Telecom Sector in India .
CMAI has signed more than 30 MOU with different countries and associations including associations in China, Japan, Korea, Taiwan, Canada, Singapore, Malaysia, South Africa, Slovakia, Uzbekistan, Morocco, France and with IEEE USA, CEA USA, CTO UK, IETE India, Cambridge Wireless UK and East of England UK.
On this occasion Mr. Dhoot said , ” India always needed a Telecom association , which represents all stakeholders of Indian Telecom Industry together and CMAI perfectly fits in that role . I feel honored in assuming the responsibility of CMAI Chairman . I am also happy to announce the appointment of Sri Ravi Sharma as Executive Chairman. We shall work together with all stake holders for further enhancing the image of Indian Telecom sector.”
E 24 SF, GK II Enclave, New Delhi 110048 : Tel:41638766 Website: www.cmai.asia Cell: +919811129879
About CMAI
Communications and Manufacturing Association of India (CMAI), a professional registered association, is involved in policy formulations with Government and other stake holders for technology innovations, indigenous manufacturing and communications sector and for policies concerning environmental, pollution and health. It cultivates generally good values in public and general awareness and protection in the field of health effects, synthetic and polluted environment and also the significance of natural environment and rural areas as a whole in an integrated way and manner and global peace. CMAI was actively involved in telecom policies for 3G, spectrum, licensing etc. CMAI provides a forum where telecommunications companies can unite to advance the industry’s concerns and provides exceptional value through advocacy and business opportunities, networking and continuous interaction with Government, Telecom operators and manufacturers and opinion makers.
CMAI Activities
CMAI organizes several events, delegations across telecom and IT sector. CMAI is the only association in India having more than 30 MOU with different countries and associations including IEEE USA , CEA USA , CTO UK , IETE India, Cambridge Wireless UK , East of England UK. CMAI also has MOU with associations in China , Japan , Korea , Taiwan , Canada , Singapore , Malaysia , South Africa , Slovakia , Uzbekistan , Morocco , France and various Indian associations.
Recently on 24th July, 2009 CMAI with Business World INFOCOM announced National Telecom Awards, 2009, which were presented by Sh. Gurudas Kamat, Hon’ble Minister of State for Communications and IT along with Dr JS Sarma, Chairman TRAI and Sh. Sidharth Behura, Secretary DOT. The program was attended by about 850 delegates.
CMAI regularly takes part in Exhibitions and trade delegations for Korea , Taiwan , China , Japan , Bangkok , Singapore , USA , and UK etc. CMAI offers complimentary exhibition space as also participation in delegations. CMAI is also publishing with IKBPF a monthly magazine in Korea Asia Pacific Business and Technology.
www.cmai.asia
Contact Details : NK Goyal , President CMAI
nkgoyals@yahoo.co.in, cmai.imf@gmail.com , +91 98 111 29879
Sri Venugopal N Dhoot
Shri Dhoot is Chairman of Videocon Industries Ltd. Mr. Dhoot is a renouned businessman and has held several positions in the Industry forums including ASSOCHAM , where Mr. Dhoot was president in year 2008.
Videocon is a conglomerate across the verticals of consumer electronics and home appliances, office automation, telecom, power, crude oil and natural gas. Videocon’s major breakthrough came when it received one of the first licenses to manufacture color televisions in India in the early 80′s. The company has now become the largest manufacturer of color picture tubes and CPT glasses in the world, with operations across Mexico , Italy , Poland , China and India .
Armed with an uncanny foresight and a global outlook, Mr. Dhoot has successfully acquired the color picture tube operations of the Thomson Group and the Indian operations of AB Electrolux, Sweden thereby enhancing its capabilities in both India and overseas. He has led Videocon to foray into exploration and production of Oil business in India and participated in a JV in the Ravva Oil Fields and recently acquired Brazil ‘s Encana Brazil Petroleo Limitada jointly with BPCL.
Mr. Dhoot has a vision to lead Videocon and make it a Fortune 500 company in the next five years. The company intends to launch its mobile services on pan India basis targeting large subscribers in the next four years. Videocon strategies to strengthen its focus in oil and natural gas and, is pursuing opportunities in Oman , Australia and Timor Sea near Indonesia .
With his passion to make a powerful social impact, Mr. Dhoot has established a charitable hospital specializing in cancer and heart surgery for the underprivileged people.
Sri Ravi Sharma
Ravi Sharma is an accomplished Professional having Over 10 years as CEO and a total of 25 years experience at policy as well as operational level with Telecom and Satellite Industry in India and Asia . He is Founder & CEO of Phi Televentures with an objective to be “Angel Partners” of MNCs , VCs and PEs in India .
Ravi had held various responsibilities in sales, corporate strategy, customer support, project, business development and general management before becoming one of the youngest CEOs of Telecom MNC in India at the age of 37 years.
Before founding Phi Televentures , Ravi was CEO of Datacom, a company having pan India license to Operate GSM services.
Prior to Datacom , as CEO of Alcatel-Lucent in South Asia, Ravi was instrumental in turning around the company and achieving over 20 times business growth in 4 years thus making it one of the largest equipment suppliers in India .
Ravi has also worked with Europe *Star – A satellite JV of Alcatel and Loral, BT and UB Group. From starting up a new Indian company (The UB Group’s Telecom venture) to starting up Indian operations of MNCs (BT and Europe*Star) and from Joint Venture creation(UB Goldmine, Bharti BT and Alcatel’s Wimax JV) to turnaround of a company (Alcatel South Asia), Ravi has worked with entire spectrum of Telecom and Broadcasting spectrum .
An IIT alumnus with a Masters in Business Administration, Ravi has also been a state level Sportsman (Badminton), key member of Dramatics team at University, Student Editor of University Magazine and a TV presenter of a National TV channel.
Regards
N K Goyal
President Communications & Manufacturing Association of India (CMAI)
Member Governing Council, Telecom Equipment & Services Export Promotion Council, Govt. of India
Director NFL National Fertilizers Ltd., Govt. of India
Chairman India Trade Promotion Services, Dubai UAE
Chairman Emeritus, TEMA
Posted on 2009 under Communications, News |
31
Aug
Enhancing Consumer Experience: 3rd CII Health Insurance Summit
Health Insurance needs to be simplified for it to be attractive for the consumer, was one of the key message given by Mr. J Harinarayan, Chairman IRDA at the CII 3rd Health Insurance Summit organized by Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), in New Delhi today.
Delivering the keynote address at the Summit, Mr. Harinarayan said Insurance companies need to work on Database of hospitals and standardization of hospitalization processes and also towards integration of billing systems.
A large number of claims may be rejected due to genuine reasons but it still sends a very bad message to customers. There is need for having core coverages without too much of product complexity as it tends to confuse customers, said Mr. Harinarayan.
Currently, health insurance is focused largely on hospitalization whereas hospitalization is only 1/3rd of overall healthcare costs. Insurers need to work on non- hospitalization healthcare costs, while taking care of moral hazard issues. Mr Harinarayan said confidence in health insurance can be improved substantially by effective claims management.
Speaking on the occasion Chief Guest of the Summit Mr. B.K. Chaturvedi, Member, Planning Commission said 70% of expenditure on health is from the private pockets, with a majority from the rural areas. He emphasized on the need to expand health care mechanisms to rural and semi-urban areas.
He spoke about the need for investment in the two social sectors i.e. health and education, as being the focus of the Planning Commission’s 11th plan. He called for a new approach to consumer awareness. Mr. Chaturvedi assured that policy implications of recommendations made at the CII Summit would be considered by the Planning Commission.
He pointed out that the current products focus is on inpatient expenses, whereas the bulk of expenditure is outside the hospital. Thus products should cover this as well.
Mr. Malvinder Mohan Singh, Group Chairman, Fortis Healthcare and Religare Enterprise and Chairman CII National Task Force on Health Insurance said Healthcare has to make transition from curative to preventive care over the next few years. He said providers need to have minimum accreditation for ensuring minimum standards of care. Today this is largely missing. There is great need for investments in delivery network. Current network is not adequate, he pointed out. He said Insurers need to see that there are right checks and balances for payments
Ms. Shobana Kamineni, Executive Director, Apollo Hospitals Group and whole time Director, Apollo DKV Health Insurance, said there should be focus on enhancing consumer experience in health insurance. This has to be kept in mind by the standalone health insurers, who are in a better position to do so. Focus areas for product innovation would be core health products, Health & wealth products, lifestyle products. She called for an innovative approach to consumer education as adopted by bodies like the National Egg Coordination Committee and NDDB. The key to success would be to keep in mind consumer focus, be involved for the long term, ensure sustainability and consumer focus which delivering innovative products.
Mr. V Vaidyanathan, CEO & MD, ICICI Prudential, in his address mentioned that a range of initiatives like tax incentives etc. could be introduced to increase growth and penetration of health insurance. Current health insurance model is heavily push oriented, that needs to be changed.
Earlier in his welcome remarks Mr. A Vaidheesh, Chairman, CII Health Insurance Summit and MD, Johnson & Johnson Medical, said the success of industry depends on inclusion of healthy people in the insured population. He said consumer awareness and confidence is a core issue for sustainable and long term growth of health insurance sector. Building consumer awareness is a multi-stake holder responsibility in which insurers, providers, healthcare companies, TPAs, all have contributions to make as is witnessed in the working groups of CII on Health insurance.
31st August 2009
New Delhi
Neelam Joshi
Media Desk
Confederation of Indian Industry
23, Institutional Area
Lodi Road
New Delhi – 110 003
Mobile: 9810882431
The information contained in this electronic message and any attachments to this message are intended for the exclusive use of the addressee(s) and may contain proprietary, confidential or privileged information. If you are not the intended recipient, you should not disseminate, distribute or copy this e-mail. Please notify the sender immediately and destroy all copies of this message and any attachments contained in it.
Posted on 2009 under Communications, News |
26
Aug
Hi, Please find attached the press release on Dr. Batras' launching mHealth check for your perusal. Regards, Sachin Kher
For Immediate Dissemination
Press Release
Dr. Batra’s® launches the industry’s first “Health In Your Hands” WAP enabled services
- World’s Largest Homeopathy Chain will now treat patients through the mobile –
Mumbai, August 26, 2009: The best known brand in alternative medicine; takes the lead in getting up close and personal with the discerning consumer once again. Heralding a new chapter in healthcare innovation, the world’s largest homeopathy chain, Dr. Batras’ Positive Health Clinic Pvt. Ltd., introduced a globally accepted WAP enabled initiative for the very first time in India today. Since mobile users constitute 40% of the India’s population, this launch re-iterates the organization’s commitment to providing timely and highly accessible homeopathic healthcare solutions to benefit patients across the country’s length and breadth.
The world leader in Homeopathy, Dr. Batra’s®, known for bringing about pioneering revolutions in the field, opened its computerised clinic in 1982, followed by the Cyber Clinic in 1996 and the Tele-Homeopathy Clinic in 2008. mHealth is the recent new age addition to the Dr. Batra’s® credentials that will reach out to one of the world’s largest and fastest growing communities of mobile users, effectively using this medium to provide prompt healthcare access to over 40 crore mobile users.
mHealth, the first-of-its kind launch to be initiated by a homeopathic organization in India, highlights the innovative application of technology to make healthcare solutions available to multitudes at the touch of a button. One of the leading features of this WAP enabled service is free consultation to any mobile user, irrespective of whether he/she is a patient of Dr. Batra’s®.
This quick and efficient online service would include multiple facilities at the same time such as registration, case history in brief, online chat with doctors for medical queries, appointment requests, and most importantly even for commencing or renewing treatment plans.
Speaking on the launch of mHealth, Founder & CMD, Dr. Mukesh Batra stated, “mHealth is a conscious decision we have taken to reach out to different segments of the Indian population. This service is not only aimed at people who have extremely hectic schedules but also to the general public. The concept behind this enterprise is to ensure that there is a qualified and recognized doctor whenever you need one. We believe that modern technology can change the perception of Homeopathy in India by introducing innovative techniques that best caters to the needs of a developing nation. “
Over the past 27 years, Dr. Batra’s® has brought about a paradigm shift in the perceptions of people towards Homeopathy, successfully creating acceptance for this healing system’s holistic approach that treats the individual rather than the disease.
About Dr. Batra’s Positive Health Clinic Pvt. Limited
Founded by Dr. Mukesh Batra in 1982, Dr. Batras’ Positive Health Clinic Pvt. Ltd (DBPHCPL) is India’s Leading Homeopathic Healthcare Corporate. From a single-doctor clinic in Mumbai, DBPHCPL is today a nationwide chain of 52 clinics spread across 18 Cities in India and abroad. The company’s over 300 doctors including 40 MD’s, Merit holders & Gold Medallists, Specialists in Trichology, Dermatology, General Medicine, Diabetes & Pediatrics are hand-picked and personally trained by Dr. Batra. Dr. Batra’s® treats lakhs of patients every year for chronic diseases including Asthma, Diabetes, PCOD, Attention Deficit Disorder and a gamut of male, female and children related problems besides treatments for hair and skin diseases. DBPHCL’s Cyber Clinic (www.drbatras.com) has been listed in the Limca Book of Records (Edn 2004, Edn 2005) for being the first Cyber Clinic offering Online Consultation to over 4.5 lakh patients every year from over 87 countries around the World. DBPHCPL is also the World’s First Homeopathic Healthcare Corporate to receive ISO 9001:2008 Certification. DBPHCL recently launched the World’s First Tele-Homeopathy Clinic, which enables real time multi-locational connectivity between the patient, consulting doctor and in house super specialist/s.
For more information:
Sachin Kher # +91 22 6513 4114
