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Category: iWorld

  • India short of trained manpower to tackle cyber crime

    India short of trained manpower to tackle cyber crime

    NEW DELHI: Even as India ranks third in terms of the highest number of internet users in the world after US and China and the number is projected to grow six-fold between 2012 and 2017 with a compound annual growth rate of 44 per cent, it is among the top 10 spam-sending countries in the world alongside the United States.

    According to a whitepaper launched by ASSOCHAM-KPMG, highlighted that India has a huge shortage of cyber security specialists with the number of trained manpower only accounting for 556 compared to 1.25 lakh in China and 91,080 in the US. This is despite the fact that cyber crime cases in the country registered under the Information Technology Act last year rose by about 61 per cent to 2,876 with Maharashtra recording the most number of cases.

    To check cyber crime and hacking of systems, the government launched the National Cyber Security Policy of India (NCSP) followed by the release of guidelines by the National Critical Information Infrastructure Protection Centre of the National Technical Research Organization (NTRO) in July this year.

    One of the key agendas of the National Cyber Security Policy of India is to create a taskforce of 500,000 cyber security professionals in the next five years. Public and private sector partnership (PPP) is also seen as a key step to counter cyber crime.

    The whitepaper asserts that there is need for enterprises, SMEs and the government bodies to not only adopt the various guidelines and advisories issued by the security agencies but also to regularly review the implementation of the same. There needs to be a timely review of the IT act to keep pace with the developments and sophistications in cyber crime.

    Apart from consulting private sectors and cyber security equipment manufacturers, international coordination is also something that India needs to consider in the days to come to counter cyber attacks more effectively and efficiently. The implementation of all these aspects together will be a challenge that needs to be dealt with precision to secure the critical infrastructure of the country.

  • Broadband optical fiber access solution to be launched for cable ops by Alcatel-Lucent

    Broadband optical fiber access solution to be launched for cable ops by Alcatel-Lucent

    NEW DELHI: A new broadband optical fiber access solution is being launched soon by Alcatel-Lucent for cable multiple-system operators (MSOs).

    The Ethernet Passive Optical Networking (EPON), solution can be integrated into existing cable access networks to deliver greater capacity to more businesses at a lower cost. This will enable MSOs, particularly those in North America, to expand their service offerings to meet the growing data bandwidth needs of businesses.

    Bright House Networks, the sixth largest owner and operator of cable systems in the US has selected Alcatel-Lucent’s EPON solution for its commercial services network, Alcatel-Lucent said in a statement.

    “Compared with competing alternatives, EPON has clear advantages in capital efficiency, vendor interoperability, bandwidth scalability and standardised provisioning,” said Bright House Networks, Network Engineering/Operations & Enterprise Solutions – SVP Craig Cowden.

    North American businesses are estimated to spend over $140 billion per year in total on communications services, yet MSOs are currently only capturing a small percentage of this market.

    “The business communications market segment is growing rapidly and cable operators in North America have a real opportunity to address it,” said Alcatel-Lucent Fixed Networks head Federico Guillen.

    Revenue from fixed broadband services providing connections between 100 megabits-per-second (100Mbps) and 1 gigabit-per-second (1Gbps) is predicted to more than double between 2013 and 2017.

    Alcatel-Lucent’s EPON solution for MSOs is based on the highest capacity fiber platform on the market – the Alcatel-Lucent 7360 ISAM FX with 1G EPON and 10G EPON linecards.

    The solution supports DOCSIS provisioning of EPON (DPoE), EPON Small Form-factor Pluggable (SFP) Optical Network Units (ONU), and a 10G EPON ONU. This enables it to integrate smoothly with existing networks, provisioning systems, and customer premises equipment, allowing MSOs to provision new services.
    EPON delivers more bandwidth (up to 1G or 10G upload and download speeds) than today’s DOCSIS networks and supports three to four times the number of customers per fiber as existing point-to-point coarse wavelength division multiplexing (CWDM) solutions.

  • Google readying ‘Mobile Meter’ app that offers rewards for tracking mobile usage

    Google readying ‘Mobile Meter’ app that offers rewards for tracking mobile usage

    MUMBAI: Google wants to dig a little deeper and monitor a user’s app usage as well. Reports reveal that the company is readying new mobile apps that compensate users if they allow their mobile behavior to be monitored. The project, known internally as “Mobile Meter,” utilises iOS and Android apps that intelligently monitor app usage and web browsing habits and send the data back to Google.

    According to rumors doing rounds the Mobile Meter program will be totally voluntary. Participants will be required to give their consent (or opt in) before joining. Google isn’t the first to reward users to gather mobile trends either: Nielsen has been conducting research into mobile trends with an Android app.

    Google already passively collects data to improve its apps and resources. The Google Maps app, for instance, regularly feeds back location metrics to enhance the service. The app will presumably enable the company to evaluate the different habits of Android and iOS users, gaining an important insight into Apple’s ecosystem. Talks are that Google will organise all of the information it collects to ensure the privacy of its panelists.

    Google has confirmed development of the new apps, which it says are part of its Screenwise market research project that began rolling out last year. The Mobile Meter apps will replace an older method that allowed panelists to participate, helping Google measure media consumption across all screens but with more accurate results on mobile. Both the Android and iOS apps will be submitted to their relevant app stores in the near future, although only panelists will be able to actually use them. The company notes that while there isn’t an open call for volunteers right now, it recruits for panels on an ongoing basis and compensation varies based on the panels people participate in.

  • Cyber Security violations should be dealt with: Sibal

    Cyber Security violations should be dealt with: Sibal

     NEW DELHI: Even as National Security Adviser Shivshankar Menon feels that the issue needs to be settled in international law, Communications and IT Minister Kapil Sibal said Indian authorities should have the jurisdiction to deal with cyber attacks against the country irrespective of their source.

    Sibal said that there should be “accountability and responsibility” in the cyber space. “If there is a cyber space violation and the subject matter is India because it impacts India, then India should have jurisdiction. For example, if I have an embassy in New York, then anything that happens in that embassy is Indian territory and there applies Indian Law.

    “If the impact of such a violation is on India, then Indian courts must have the jurisdiction. That should apply across the world,” he said.

    When it was pointed out at an Observer Research Foundation seminar on cyber security that the American National Security Agency was accused of spying on Indian and other missions there, Sibal said, “Do not trivialise the issue.”

    Menon said, “It is not a settled issue in international laws. That is why you need an agreement and consensus on it.”

    Sibal said: “The issue of identity in cyber space is of enormous importance. There must be accountability and responsibility in the cyber space.”

    He said the government believed in complete freedom of cyber space. “Freedom of expression is central to our ideological stand on cyber space but at the same time, there should be a de facto recognition of threats that are there in cyber space.”

    “We need to deal with those threats locally and globally. We need a consensus on those. What we don’t need is a governed space. I think governance in cyber space is oxymoron,” he said.

  • Broadband base up in July, with monthly growth at rate of 0.33%

    Broadband base up in July, with monthly growth at rate of 0.33%

    NEW DELHI: The total Broadband subscriber base in the country has increased from 15.19 million at the end of June 2013 to 15.24 million at the end of July 2013. This is a monthly growth of 0.33 per cent. The yearly growth in broadband subscribers is 3.79 per cent during the last one year (July 2012 to July 2013).

    The top five internet service providers in terms of market share (based on subscriber base) are: BSNL (9.97 million), Bharti Airtel (1.43 million), MTNL (1.10 million), Hathway (0.37 million) and You Broadband (0.32 million).

    According to the latest telecom subscription data as on 31 July 2013 released by the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India, there are 161 internet service providers (ISPs) which are providing broadband services in the country. Out of these, 121 ISPs (having 98.48 per cent market share) have provided broadband subscription data for the month of July 2013, for the rest of the ISPs data from previous month has been retained.

    Meanwhile, Indian rural telecom has faced downturn – despite service providers’ special packages – as mobile user base declined by two million in July 2013. TRAI said net mobile additions declined 0.57 per cent or by 2 million to 349.09 million from 351.10 million in June.

    In July – according to TRAI data – Indian urban mobile user base increased by 3.52 million or 0.67 per cent to 525.78 million from 522.27 million in June.

    The share of urban wireless subscribers has increased from 59.80 per cent to 60.10 per cent whereas share of rural wireless subscribers has decreased from 40.20 per cent to 39.90 per cent.

    TRAI statistics says total wireless subscriber base increased from 873.36 million in June to 874.88 million in July 2013, registering a monthly growth of 0.17 per cent. The overall wireless Teledensity in India has reached 71.13 per cent in July from 71.08 per cent of previous month. Wireless subscription in urban areas increased to 525.78 million in July.

    The urban wireless teledensity has increased from 139.16 to 139.87 whereas rural teledensity has decreased from 41.14 per cent to 40.88 per cent.

    Wireline subscriber base declined from 29.73 million in June 2013 to 29.58 million in July. The net reduction in wireline subscriber base was 0.15 million at the rate of 0.50 per cent.

    The share of urban subscribers has decreased from 78.11 per cent to 78.0 per cent whereas share of rural subscribers has increased from 21.89 per cent to 22.0 per cent. The overall wireline Teledensity has decreased from 2.42 per cent in June 2013 to 2.40 per cent in July 2013, with urban and rural Teledensity being 6.14 per cent and 0.76 per cent respectively.

    BSNL and MTNL, the two PSU operators hold 78.65 per cent of the Wireline market share.

  • Disney movies on demand reaches over 8 million viewers in EMEA

    Disney movies on demand reaches over 8 million viewers in EMEA

    MUMBAI: Disney Media Distribution EMEA revealed the figures for its branded on-demand service Disney movies on demand and the continued growth of ABC TV on demand and Disney channels on demand, this Mipcom.

    Since its launch at Mipcom in October 2012, Disney movies on demand, the family-friendly branded SVOD service, is now available on 12 live platforms in six EMEA territories. Disney movies on demand most recently launched on OSN in the Middle East and North Africa and Wuaki in the UK , reaching over eight million consumers across EMEA.

    The service gives customers access to a wide range of Disney’s classic animation and live-action hits including the classic animation ‘Jungle Book’, Disney Pixar’s ‘Monsters’ and ‘Pirates of the Caribbean’.

    Since its launch in 2010, ABC TV on demand has been launched on 26 platforms in 16 EMEA territories. In 2013 to date ABC TV on demand has had over 60 million views in EMEA. In 2012, ABC TV on demand launched in four new countries and on 11 new platforms, registering 33 per cent increase in reach and 80 per cent increase in total views.

    Disney channels on demand that offers popular Disney channel, Disney XD and Disney Junior series at the click of a button, is now available to 47 million Disney channel subscribers across EMEA on 55 live platforms, with further launches scheduled before the end of the year. The channel on demand has also enjoyed particular success in France, where it is now available to 4.7 million viewers with a 62 per cent uplift in viewers between July 2012 and July 2013.

    The Walt Disney Company EMEA SVP & GM media distribution Catherine Powell said, “Disney and ABC Studios content is hugely popular with viewers across EMEA and the significant growth of our branded on-demand services reflects that. We are committed to bringing our great characters and excellent storytelling to all members of the family when they want it; where they want it and how they want it. Our branded services will continue to be a focus for the future.”

  • BoxTV integrates mobile payments; introduces new subscription packs

    BoxTV integrates mobile payments; introduces new subscription packs

    NEW DELHI: BoxTV, Times Internet’s on-demand video service, has recently integrated mobile payments on its platform and introduced multiple subscription packs offering a range of plans from a super small three-day plan (weekend pack), seven day plan (week pack), 15 day pack (fortnight pack) all the way up to an yearly pack.

    Data on viewership patterns indicates that a lot of online content consumption happens on weekends and BoxTV’s weekend pack makes it easy for people to watch premium content without paying for an entire month. The mobile subscription plans also enable people without credit cards to buy a subscription plan easily on BoxTV.

     

    BoxTV has integrated a seamless process for mobile payment for smaller duration packs of three, seven and 15 days, which allows users to pay directly from their mobile phones. The prices range from Rs 49 (for a three day pack) to Rs 99 (seven day pack) and Rs 150 (15 day pack). All a customer needs to do is to select the plan and input his or her mobile numbers on the BoxTV website. The user receives a one-time password which once submitted, activates the plan for the given duration. The process does not require any credit information to watch the premium content available on BoxTV at any time. The payment will be charged to the customer’s mobile bill or deducted from his balance.

    For the long-term users, there are multiple plans available which range from Rs 199 for a monthly plan to a yearly plan priced at Rs 1499. For these plans, users will need to subscribe using their credit cards on BoxTV. This provides a lot more flexibility to select a plan which best caters to their individual requirements.

    “The BoxTV team is constantly working towards increasing customer satisfaction and improving overall experience, be it by introducing newer features on an ongoing basis or provides product flexibility by incorporating flexible price packs. Since inception, we received several requests from our users to provide multiple plans and payment options and that is exactly what we have introduced. With the introduction of new subscription packs BoxTV service will cater to all segments of users looking for suitable service, which provides flexibility in terms of payment and a seamless movie watching experience. The mobile payments will allow users without credit cards to watch premium content on BoxTV thereby increasing our overall user-base,” said BoxTV business head Pandurang Nayak.

  • Netflix said to negotiate with US cable companies for set-top box app

    Netflix said to negotiate with US cable companies for set-top box app

    MUMBAI: Netflix is in talks with several US cable companies with the aim of making its video streaming app available on set-top boxes, according to various reports. The reports say that Netflix’s discussions with US operators, including Comcast and Suddenlink, are at an early stage with no deal expected soon. Last month the UK’s Virgin Media became the first cable operator to offer Netflix to its customers; companies in the US have so far been reluctant to embrace streaming services, seeing the technology as broadly competitive with their traditional content offerings.

    One reported sticking point in the negotiations is that Netflix is pushing for the cable companies to adopt its Open Connect content delivery network, which it argues will provide the best streaming quality. Previously Netflix had restricted 3D and what it calls “Super HD” content, which requires a higher bitrate, to internet service providers that participated in the Open Connect initiative, but Time Warner Cable argued that its network was “more than capable of delivering this content to Netflix subscribers.” Netflix later opened up Super HD streaming to all ISPs.

  • Gizmobaba joins hands with Franchise India to get a national presence

    Gizmobaba joins hands with Franchise India to get a national presence

    MUMBAI: Gizmobaba – Portal for innovative gadgets and gizmos – is looking for rapid expansions. In order to expand its national penetration, the portal has joined hands with Franchise India, one of Asia’s leading franchise and retail management consultancy.

    By partnering with Franchise India, Gizmobaba is aiming to cross the penetration phase and get into the fast track growth phase. Gizmobaba.com was established in 2012, looking at fulfilling the needs of Indian consumers looking for the latest innovative gadgets and gizmos. Parallel to electronic industry growth, ecommerce has emerged as one of the biggest platform to sell gadgets.

    Gizmobaba managing director Alok Chawla exults: “The brand has aggressive growth plans and intends to approach a standardised and benchmarked franchise strategy – A sustainable format for future growth that eases out operations, and ensures faster growth and a large brand presence. Thus, we have approached the business through a standardised franchise strategy on the basis of industry norms.”

    Franchise India chairman Gaurav Marya asserts: “Considering the ‘Gizmobaba’ business model and the Industry, we have strategized a Franchise approach, UNIT Franchise which is a feasible option at this growth phase and the approach of Multi-Unit Franchise will be considered at the penetration phase of newer markets. Property should be ideally a Kiosk at a low rental place, but visibility factor should be considered.”

    He further added, “We feel there exists high opportunity for the fantastic innovative products in the given segment offered by Gizmobaba and there is a shortage of such concepts which are customised as per end consumer needs. However, the model is most suitable with the franchise owned and franchise operated model targeting the tier-II and tier-III cities in the initial phase.”

    Franchise India uses a stage wise approach has been formulated with the objective to create more realistic approach to franchising for the Gizmobaba business.

  • Google Pakistan domain challenged as illegal

    Google Pakistan domain challenged as illegal

    NEW DELHI: Even as a complaint has been filed against Google for running the domain name .pk without registering the trademark and without having an office in Pakistan, it is learnt that several multi-national companies refuse to open offices in the country as the government refuses to give any guarantee for safety of employees.

    The Intellectual Property Rights Organisation in Pakistan has sent notices to central ministries and security agencies following the complaint against Google, according to an American-based Pakistani website.

    ce has been sent to the Information and Technology Ministry, the Pakistan Telecommunications Authority, the Security and Exchange Commission and Google.
    The complaint was filed by Information Technology industry’s Dr Kamal Muzaffar who said Google was generating illegal revenue from Pakistan without getting registered in the country.

    He alleged that Google had not been paying taxes in Pakistan, thus generating illegal money.

    Interestingly, multi-national technology companies such as Microsoft, Samsung, and Google do not have any regional office in the country and all of them only have representative offices which do not have the power for taking decisions.

    All these companies want the Pakistan government to provide for security for their employees as a pre-requisite before setting up offices in the country.