Author Archive for Avinash

Join us to learn about the opportunities and success stories of Indian Digital Economy

More than 300 executives from start-ups, emerging companies and especially those developing mobile, internet applications will converge on New Delhi on the 25th of August for what is the definitive event for an IT start-up in India – the EMERGEOUT Conclave to understand “What it takes to build a successful mobile, internet company from India?”.

Learn from the industry thought leaders on new opportunities and interact with people who built and are building successful mobile, internet companies from India. Also many emerging company executives who attend to brainstorm their ideas, free wheeling discussions and networking all of which are especially pertinent for small to mid size companies trying to become game changers.

Technology, often disruptive in nature is at the heart of a start-up’s differentiators to make them game changers. No surprise then that EMERGEOUT has in the past been themed around Cloud Computing, and that the current theme is “The Mobile Internet & AppStore”.  This makes the event a must attend for the technology and business strategists.

Over the past four editions, the EMERGEOUT Conclave has become ‘the’ event on the calendar of a start-up CXO. Given the number of senior executives and CXOs the event attracts, in their wake come the Research Analysts, Bloggers and Media, who track and report on the sector.

Attending the Conclave gives a visitor a clear sense of where the action is in the emerging companies space and hear their stories, learn from companies building successful business cases. And in keeping with the ‘catch them young’ strategy, the Conclave brings in Investors looking for the next big idea and the next little company that will implement that game changing idea. Register now!

For Sponsors, its hard to find a more focused target audience. Nor a more responsive one…..the level of debate, interaction and buzz is not seen at too many other conferences!

EMERGEOUT has something for everyone — Now, you cant find an excuse for not attending. Join Us!

Its time to unveil the NASSCOM EMERGE 50 for 2010

NASSCOM EMERGE 50NASSCOM EMERGE 50 is back – and in a bigger avatar. After the success of last year’s listing, the EMERGE Forum within NASSCOM has begun work in full earnest for the 2010 listing. In addition to last year’s categories of Growth, Markets (non-traditional / domestic), Products, and Services, this year, the categories have been expanded to include the Start-Ups. And in another first, all the 50 companies will be profiled in a booklet to be released by NASSCOM at the EMERGEOUT conclave in New Delhi on August 25 2010.Why the EMERGE 50?

With EMERGE 50, we have a sharp focus – in the process we have been able to spotlight some really good companies, that were hitherto unnoticed. Plus with the level of detail that we go into with each company has helped us build an excellent dataset – covering funding, cash flows, employees, markets and specializations – for over 200 companies. This has really helped us get a sense of trends in this space.

It has indeed been a tough job for the jury members, the Zinnov team and NASSCOM for selecting the 50 emerging/start-up companies.

The Process that we followed

  • Companies were invited to nominate themselves in any of the categories.  We received 200 plus entries this year across  5 categories.
  • Applications were sorted out in different categories (i.e. Growth, Markets, Products, Services, & Start-ups)
  • Companies were evaluated on basic criterions such as revenue growth rates for last 3 years, revenue contribution, average revenue per employee etc. to arrive at the preliminary shortlist of companies in each category
    • Only relevant criterion were put for individual categories.
    • The shortlisted companies were then objectively evaluated (through a mathematical model) on a number of parameters including financials, growth, market differentiator, customers, market visibility, & distribution/ GTM
    • The evaluation on above parameters was used to come up with a net score for individual companies and hence the shortlist of top companies in each category

The EMERGE 50 listing has quickly built credibility as the definitive listing of companies to watch for. With the focus on segment-wide trends and analysis, the 2010 editions promises to be both information and insightful!

Here goes the NASSCOM EMERGE 50 for 2010(in alphabetical order)

Stay tuned for more updates about the companies and for the Top ten companies.

NASSCOM EMERGE 50….emerge a winner!

It is publicity (of the right variety) that creates winners. Of course not to suggest even for a minute that substance is secondary. It isn’t. If anything, it will always remain the primary reason, that will differentiate the winners from “also-rans.”  But, as they say even Eagles need a push! The IT industry is not short of ideas, talent or the willingness to execute. However, when we take an annual headcount, only a handful actually matter. Strangely enough, the names are repetitive as very few are added on to the flock.EMERGE 50 was an idea conceptualised by the NASSCOM EMERGE Community to create a platform and showcase some of the SME companies which have the potential to make a difference. We initiated the programme last year and invited applications from Emerging companies in four distinct categories: EMERGE Growth, EMERGE Markets, EMERGE Products, EMERGE Service. The parameters for judging were:

  1. The companies which achieved the fastest growth over past 2-3 years.
  2. Those which offer unique value proposition – game-changers
  3. Those with unique organisational work models
  4. Those operating in non-traditional markets
  5. Those having built their own IPR, and
  6. Unique delivery systems like SaaS, Cloud Computing etc

We received over 200 Applications from as many as 12 cities. A jury of 7 members, went through each one of the applications and that is how the top 50 Emerging Companies “emerged.” It would be interesting to note how the winners could leverage this opportunity and create awareness.

  1. All 50 companies were listed in DataQuest
  2. In NASSCOM Newsline/NASSCOM EMERGE Blog/Newsletter
  3. Mentoring was offered to most of the companies who got short-listed
  4. Showcase of EMERGE Product Companies to the CIO community in the Product Conclave
  5. Partnered with YourStory.in to feature 30 Entrepreneurs on their site.
  6. Showcasing of EMERGE 50 Leaders at our events
  7. Recognition for EMERGE 50 at the NASSCOM EMERGEOUT Conclave in Delhi
  8. Been able to find partners through our Global trade development initiatives.

This year too we are back and have added two new categories – EMERGE Partnerships and EMERGE Start ups. EMERGE Partnerships would look for companies where emerging companies have partnered with other SME companies in developing technology, business development or as a part of sub-contracting. EMERGE Start ups would include products / services developed by start-ups which are less than 3 years old with an annual turnover not exceeding 2 Crores. Due weightage would be given to companies which deal in new-age technology like SaaS and Cloud Computing.

The excitement can’t get any bigger than this. Watch this space for
more info as we inundate you with updates. You don’t really want to miss out
on this opportunity. The last date for submitting your nominations
are 28th June 2010. If incase you have any clarifications please send in your queries to emerge@nasscom.in

Apply online at http://www.nasscom.in/emerge50 or
http://bit.ly/nasscom_emerge50

Last date for nominations extended till 20th October 2009 for the NASSCOM Innovation Awards

The NASSCOM-BCG Innovation Report 2007 detailed the imperative for companies to significantly increase innovation to develop path-breaking services/products and delivery mechanisms, etc. Since then, there has been a transformation in the character of the Indian IT-BPO sector, which has embraced innovation. Participating in the innovation movement have been multinationals, who have set up captive R&D centres and offshore development facilities in India, indigenous IT-BPO companies, who have rapidly recognized and adopted an innovation led approach to service the IT off-shoring and domestic markets and several SMEs, which have mushroomed across the country, many of them looking to create a disruptive product or service to define a niche for themselves.

Each of their efforts to nurture innovation is validated by the NASSCOM Perspective 2020 report, which estimates that the Indian IT-BPO industry can tap additional revenue streams worth US$ 75 billion by the year 2020 through innovation.

It is with this backdrop that we start the process for the NASSCOM Innovation Awards ‘09. With our endeavour to constantly improve the Awards to generate value to the participants, winners and the Industry as a whole, we have tied up with ET Now, who will be our television partner for the Innovation Awards, and telecast a couple of editorials dedicated to the NASSCOM Innovation Awards on their channel. The processes that we defined last year with BCG were well received and we are continuing this year along the same lines.

With several organizations realizing the value of Innovation and actively nurturing it, we are sure that the past year has been one where the Indian IT Industry has broken established precepts with path breaking ideas that have brought value to both its customers and itself. If your organization has been a part of creating value through new ideas and their commercialization, we invite you to share with us what you have created and achieved, so that it can be recognized and shared with a greater set of people and institutions.

Looking forward to hearing about your Innovation. Apply Now

Killer Workshops designed for Indian Start-ups at the NASSCOM Product Conclave 2009.

NASSCOM Product ConclaveThis NASSCOM Product Conclave has the most exciting lineup of speakers this year. What’s More!

The experience goes beyond the star packed Keynotes and Panels to bring you 4 Hands-on Workshops!. These workshops are designed to enable you to succeed in your software product business. Each workshop is led by a world class practitioner who will use real-life case studies to bring key ideas to life and help you bring in your experience to the discussion.

These workshops are intensely interactive and seating is limited. Register early to book your place for these workshops:

1. Evangelising and Selling the Dream. Learn how to use use secular evangelism to get customers, employees, and partners to believe in your product. It charts a complete course for the beginner evangelist covering how to define a cause, how to identify good and bad enemies, how to deliver an effective presentation, and how to find, train, and recruit new evangelists.

Led by the legendary Guy Kawasaki. Guy is a Managing Director of Garage Technology Ventures, a columnist for Entrepreneur Magazine, a former Apple Fellow and an author of nine books including The Art of the Start and How to Drive Your Competition Crazy.

2. The art of writing a business plan. Writing a business plan is often a giant obstacle for an entrepreneur. This high energy workshop will demystify the process by outlining a logical sequence of thinking through all aspects of starting a business. It will use real-life business plan examples and will provide a detailed outline of all sections that are needed. It will also tell what should not be in a business plan.

Led by veteran Naeem Zafar. Naeem teaches Entrepreneurship and Innovation at the Haas Business School at the University of California, Berkeley. He has been at startups and has extensive experience with mentoring and coaching founders and CEOs.

3. Marketing and branding strategies for product companies. This workshop is about using creative and innovative marketing strategies that will help your product achieve notoriety. It addresses positioning, channel management, promotion, and online advertising.

Led by Peter Yorke. Peter was till recently the Vice President - Marketing and Communications at Oracle Financial Services and built the I-flex brand.

4. Go-To-Market strategies for product companies. Do you wish to build a team of hound dogs who will track down customers? Or do you plan to build the reach of a spider and catch the customer without chase or lure? Learn what is your optimum strategy and get your sales enablement in place.

Led by Subinder Khurana,  Co-founder  marketRx , who grew it to one of the largest third-party analytics solutions providers in India, before it was acquired by Cognizant in a $135mill  transaction

Dont miss this opportunity. Register now!

Positioning to Win is the theme for the NASSCOM Product Conclave 2009 - 27th, 28th October 2009

product-conclave
It is time yet again for NASSCOM Product Conclave, India’s leading and most prestigious platform for the burgeoning software product development community.

The exhibition-cum-conference, a Mecca for the country’s “software product” innovators, will be held in Bangalore on October 27-28, for the third consecutive year.

Continue reading ‘Positioning to Win is the theme for the NASSCOM Product Conclave 2009 - 27th, 28th October 2009′

“Cloud Computing - A wave of opportunities for SMEs.” NASSCOM EMERGEOUT Conclave, 28th Aug 09

EMERGEOUT concalveHaving ridden the wave successfully on both the occasions – Delhi the first time, followed by Chennai, the third edition, would be hosted in the city where it all started. EMERGEOUT 2009 scheduled for 28th August in New Delhi is presently in its new avtar and growing stronger by the day. This time the theme, is “Cloud Computing - A wave of opportunities for SMEs”. There has been a paradigm shift in the thought process and CIOs are now mulling over on how to reduce capex cost and adopt a variable structure by engaging on a “pay as you use” model.

Technology as a business enabler, is fundamental to strategic decision making and adoption of a new model is feasible, only if there is real value. With technological obsolescence looming large, it is becoming progressively more difficult to assess what really works in the long run. How can SMEs leverage on the Cloud Computing model to effect a positive change in their business. For the service provider one question that begs to be answered – is it a viable revenue model? What is the total size of the market for On-demand Computing both at domestic and international level? How should we re-orient ourselves, to keep up with the Global Delivery Mechanism and ensure that we retain our leadership position. This really is a teaser and once we delve into the subject, you will appreciate even a one-day conference format is insufficient to address all the angles.

Some of the topics which would be addressed at the conference are:

* The Future of Software as a Service(SaaS) and Cloud Computing
* How SaaS and Cloud Computing are changing the IT industry and the Opportunities they present
* India market and the SaaS/Cloud Computing landscape
* Some case studies on companies who have adapted SaaS
* Demystifying SaaS, PaaS, IaaS business
* The Benefits of SaaS and doing business in the Cloud- User & Vendor Perspective
* VAS leveraging the SaaS platform
* Showcasing the NASSCOM EMERGE 50
* The Cloud with the SILVER lining

This conclave would provide the perfect platform to discuss and deliberate on this entirely new wave called the Cloud-Computing and its potential to change business. It will also address on the challenges faced as well as showcase some of the successful cases where the model has been adopted. If you are planning to switch over from your legacy system or start afresh, using  this model, then it would be well worth your time to be there in New Delhi on 28th August for the third edition of EMERGEOUT 2009, as we look into the future. I can tell you, this will be a unique opportunity to listen to some of the thought leaders of the IT Industry ideate on this subject. Look forward to meeting you..

NASSCOM EMERGE 50 is all about honouring the true spirit of SMEs

The contribution of the SME community to the Indian IT-BPO industry can never be overemphasized but most Emerging companies face a major challenge in getting their due recognition and at times even loose out to the larger players. Size definitely does matter, but should not be the only criteria for recognition. The Indian IT-BPO Industry is replete with examples of SMEs who are really doing some path breaking work, using cutting edge technology but not getting due visibility beyond their ecosystem. Similarly, there are others operating out of Tier 2 or Tier 3 cities employing differently abled people, and serving the nation in a big way. Their example too needs to be brought forth.

The NASSCOM EMERGE 50 is all about honouring the true spirit of SMEs. It is about recognizing the uniqueness that each company brings to the table and giving them the opportunity to showcase their achievements. To induce objectivity to the nomination process, some unique parameters have been drawn, so as to increase the ambit of selection and also bring in transparency to the entire process.

If you are an SME, with an annual turnover of less than 50 Crores and fall in any of the below mentioned categories, then please use this platform to send in your nomination to NASSCOM EMERGE 50. Here’s an opportunity to reach out to the larger community and showcase what you have been doing successfully over the years.

The top 50 companies, selected by the panel would then be nurtured, and mentored to take it to the next level of growth and productivity. In the years to come by, we too can proudly lay a claim to your success story.

The categories where companies can nominate their applications are:

EMERGE Growth - The rapid growth and success of companies in tough times is not a matter of chance! Challenging economic conditions not only test companies but should also motivate them to innovate and offer opportunities to reinvigorate themselves. NASSCOM invites companies which are growing faster compared to the existential markets and are all profitable. The criterion for selection would be based on the percentage revenue growth achieved in the last three years in any market(s).

EMERGE Markets (Non-Traditional/Domestic)

Non-traditional Markets- US and UK being the dominant markets for the Indian IT industry, and contributing to about 77 -78 % of the entire industry revenue are considered traditional markets. Other countries besides the big two are being considered as non- traditional ones. If your organisation has a successful business in any of the non-traditional markets you can nominate yourself for the category.

Domestic market – India in the last few years has grown substantially with adoption of IT products and services. Companies exploring avenues in the domestic market and creating high revenue earning possibilities may nominate themselves for the category.

EMERGE Products – Emerging Indian IT companies which own proprietary intellectual property or proprietary technology that contributes to a significant portion of the company’s operating revenues are invited to nominate their candidature for this category. The selection criterion would look at the online opportunity in the specific segments and the ability of the company to adapt to the market.

EMERGE Services – This category would look for companies having a strong domain focus specializing in a particular services business. This category would be vying for companies which have identified a niche for themselves with a strong foothold in the market w.r.t their services domain and have a unique differentiating factor from the competition.

EMERGE – Jury’s pick – Our eminent jury panel would be short listing 10 companies which would display a unique value proposition in their service/product offerings not getting covered in any of the categories mentioned above.

We are looking forward for your participation in this initiative specially focussed around the emerging companies. The last date for submitting your nominations is 15th June 2009. So, what are you waiting for, send in your nominations today!

Call for Nominations - NASSCOM Innovation Awards & the 100 IT Innovators…

Innovation AwardsSet off in 2004, the NASSCOM Innovation Awards 2008 will mark the fifth edition of the Awards. With several organizations realizing the value of Innovation and actively nurturing it, we are sure that the past year has been one where the Indian IT Industry has broken established precepts with path breaking ideas that have brought value to both its customers and itself. If your organization has been a part of creating value through new ideas and their commercialization, we invite you to share with us what you have created and achieved, so that it can be recognized and shared with a greater set of people and institutions.The award categories this year are

  • Market facing innovation - New technology advancement - Creation of ‘new to the world’ or ‘new to the market’ technology that will help a customer realize value. E.g. Products and solutions for 3G telecom networks, Natural language processing solutions for customer care offerings
  • Market facing innovation - Business model and business process - Services and products that have enabled customer value creation through transformation of business model or business processes or other structural change E.g.Software as a service offering, Design processes and business models for system-on-a-chip hardware
  • Business innovation - Business model and business process - Innovations to company’s own business processes, models, inputs, go-to-market strategies, delivery models etc. to realize significant value to itself. E.g. Extreme programming (XP) or Agile techniques1 for software development, Talent sourcing, training and retention approach and strategies 
  • Start-up
    • Market facing innovation - new technology advancement
    • Market facing innovation - business model and / or business process
    • Business innovation - business model and / or business process

Some of the benefits of participating are:

  • NASSCOM support through suggested partners, providing maximum value to these companies
  • Mentoring, to be offered by industry leaders or someone nominated from the larger players who can spend time with the finalists
  • Extensive coverage in both domestic and global media
  • Participation in trade delegations where these companies will get showcased 
  • Visibility of finalists among NASSCOM’s peer associations in other countries
  • Spotlight on the companies at the annual NASSCOM India Leadership Forum
  • A listing of 100 IT Innovators published on the NASSCOM website at www.nasscom.in/100itinnovators with a detailed profile of your innovation
  • Visibility on NASSCOM’s web site, which will showcase and promote these companies

Finalists for Innovation Awards 2007 are mentioned below:

  • Comat Technologies
  • Financial Technologies India Ltd
  • Mango Technologies Pvt Ltd
  • MediaLab Asia
  • MindTree Consulting
  • Mistral Solutions Pvt. Ltd
  • MeritTrac Services Private Limited
  • Texas Instruments

Hurry up! The last date for nominations is 5th November 2008. You can submit your Innovations online