Category: Brands

Wipro & Verveba join hands to improve mobile radio network

NEW DELHI: Global IT service provider Wipro has entered into a partnership with telecom network engineering company Verveba Telecom to improve mobile radio network among other fields.

The partnership brings together Wipro’s expertise in telecom sector and Verveba’s Mobile Radio Network Optimisation technology with services, intellectual property and solutions of both organisations.

The companies will offer solutions to address industry challenges in generating measurable economic value from fast growing, mobile network technology deployments and optimisation especially in 4G and single RAN technologies.

It will also provide the opportunity to combine the skills and talents of two great network services organisations. Verveba and Wipro will work together on business development activities and expanding solutions to the Telecom Service Providers globally.

“Verveba’s solution augments our Telecom Network Services portfolio for the communications industry by delivering better business outcomes through cost reduction, improvement in turnaround time & process simplification, across the multi technology Radio Network Optimisation field. This aligns well with Wipro’s goal of offering comprehensive, cutting-edge customer experience solutions to our clients,” said Wipro senior vice president & global business head – communications business unit Anil Kumar.

“We are pleased and excited about this partnership with Wipro. This partnership increases the reach of Verveba’s services and solutions. Wipro’s reach in global markets complements Verveba’s capabilities to deliver incremental business value to the Communication Service Providers,” added Verveba CEO Manik Arora.

February 23, 2016
Wipro & Verveba join hands to improve mobile radio network

NEW DELHI: Global IT service provider Wipro has entered into a partnership with telecom network engineering company Verveba Telecom to improve mobile radio network among other fields.

The partnership brings together Wipro’s expertise in telecom sector and Verveba’s Mobile Radio Network Optimisation technology with services, intellectual property and solutions of both organisations.

The companies will offer solutions to address industry challenges in generating measurable economic value from fast growing, mobile network technology deployments and optimisation especially in 4G and single RAN technologies.

It will also provide the opportunity to combine the skills and talents of two great network services organisations. Verveba and Wipro will work together on business development activities and expanding solutions to the Telecom Service Providers globally.

“Verveba’s solution augments our Telecom Network Services portfolio for the communications industry by delivering better business outcomes through cost reduction, improvement in turnaround time & process simplification, across the multi technology Radio Network Optimisation field. This aligns well with Wipro’s goal of offering comprehensive, cutting-edge customer experience solutions to our clients,” said Wipro senior vice president & global business head – communications business unit Anil Kumar.

“We are pleased and excited about this partnership with Wipro. This partnership increases the reach of Verveba’s services and solutions. Wipro’s reach in global markets complements Verveba’s capabilities to deliver incremental business value to the Communication Service Providers,” added Verveba CEO Manik Arora.

February 23, 2016
Tata Motors invites netizens to name its new hatchback

MUMBAI: A couple of months after announcing its next new product and rolling out extensive marketing campaigns, it is indeed a risk to rebrand the product itself right before the launch — a risk Tata Motors is willing to take. Yes, India’s largest automaker Tata Motors has decided to do away with the name Zica for their soon to launch new hatchback. The reason being to empathise with the victims of the ZiKa virus, which has an identical sounding name.

“We are making a conscious effort towards being the most customer-centric company. This translates not only into products but everything that we do in the market, be it services or marketing the products. Yes, we have decided to re-brand the car as that is the right thing to do,” shared a Tata Motors spokesperson.

What is even more interesting is that the automaker has opened doors for their consumers to suggest a new name for their hatchback.

“While we have showcased this car but not launched, so we decided to offer our customers to also participate in this endeavour and suggest a new name for this cool hatchback. We announced the #Fantastico Name Hunt a global crowd sourcing contest,” added the spokesperson.

The contest is based on social media and mobile platforms where the marketers are engaging with the users and influencers to spread the word. To execute the this massive online campaign the automaker has roped in Maxus and LBi Digital.

Aimed at the netizens, this new initiative by Tata Motors has received an overwhelming reception and serves as a very effective marketing campaign that prompts active participation from the consumers. After all, who wouldn’t want to see their chosen name on a brand new Tata Motor car? Which brings us to the criteria for choosing the name from the crowd sourced ones.

“Through this contest, #Fantastico Name Hunt, we were looking for suggestions from our fans and audiences around the world to share what they think should be the name of the car. The company will further shortlist these entries for viewers to vote for their favourite name. One of the lucky contestant whose selection matches the final name, stands a chance to win the car (if within India) or win a reward of equal value, if located outside India,” a Tata Motor executive explains.

In short, the contest will pan out in two steps — first that provides an incentive for the netizens to take part and the later naturally draws in those whose suggested names are in contest.

With the initial marketing efforts for Zica already in place, re-branding the car can be a difficult move. Tata Motors thinks otherwise. “What will also work for us is that the car is not yet launched and we have time to make changes to our plan and come up with new creative ideas to sustain the buzz for the car. We are determined to place it in the market addressing all relevant needs of the target audience,” shares the spokesperson.

February 23, 2016
Tata Motors invites netizens to name its new hatchback

MUMBAI: A couple of months after announcing its next new product and rolling out extensive marketing campaigns, it is indeed a risk to rebrand the product itself right before the launch — a risk Tata Motors is willing to take. Yes, India’s largest automaker Tata Motors has decided to do away with the name Zica for their soon to launch new hatchback. The reason being to empathise with the victims of the ZiKa virus, which has an identical sounding name.

“We are making a conscious effort towards being the most customer-centric company. This translates not only into products but everything that we do in the market, be it services or marketing the products. Yes, we have decided to re-brand the car as that is the right thing to do,” shared a Tata Motors spokesperson.

What is even more interesting is that the automaker has opened doors for their consumers to suggest a new name for their hatchback.

“While we have showcased this car but not launched, so we decided to offer our customers to also participate in this endeavour and suggest a new name for this cool hatchback. We announced the #Fantastico Name Hunt a global crowd sourcing contest,” added the spokesperson.

The contest is based on social media and mobile platforms where the marketers are engaging with the users and influencers to spread the word. To execute the this massive online campaign the automaker has roped in Maxus and LBi Digital.

Aimed at the netizens, this new initiative by Tata Motors has received an overwhelming reception and serves as a very effective marketing campaign that prompts active participation from the consumers. After all, who wouldn’t want to see their chosen name on a brand new Tata Motor car? Which brings us to the criteria for choosing the name from the crowd sourced ones.

“Through this contest, #Fantastico Name Hunt, we were looking for suggestions from our fans and audiences around the world to share what they think should be the name of the car. The company will further shortlist these entries for viewers to vote for their favourite name. One of the lucky contestant whose selection matches the final name, stands a chance to win the car (if within India) or win a reward of equal value, if located outside India,” a Tata Motor executive explains.

In short, the contest will pan out in two steps — first that provides an incentive for the netizens to take part and the later naturally draws in those whose suggested names are in contest.

With the initial marketing efforts for Zica already in place, re-branding the car can be a difficult move. Tata Motors thinks otherwise. “What will also work for us is that the car is not yet launched and we have time to make changes to our plan and come up with new creative ideas to sustain the buzz for the car. We are determined to place it in the market addressing all relevant needs of the target audience,” shares the spokesperson.

February 23, 2016
PVR ties up with O-Zone to provide Wi-Fi to patrons

NEW DELHI: PVR Cinemas is introducing free high-speed Wi-Fi at some of its properties and has tied up with public Wi-Fi service provider O-Zone Networks for the same.

“At PVR, we believe in reaching out to our guests in a way that makes their each visit to our cinemas a memorable one. There is a growing demand for technology and need for staying connected amongst our guests, all over the country. Our response to this demand and efforts are manifest with the introduction of Wi-Fi services at select cinemas of our chain. The service will soon be expanded to our other cinemas. With the launch of Wi-Fi services, we hope it will further consolidate our position as pioneers in the cinema going space,” said PVR chief of strategy Kamal Gianchandani.

Ozone Networks Founder and CEO Sanjeev Sarin added, “We are proud to be chosen by PVR to help bring advanced guest Wi-Fi services to their customers. Our unique offering will give PVR new and powerful ways to connect with their customers. Our aim is to build the largest Wi-Fi network in India by 2016 and our partnership with PVR is an important step in this journey. With 6,000 hotspots in the country today, we aspire for a connected world and through this partnership we will not only provide high speed but also a secure internet connection, which can be availed during the wait time for the movies. We are confident that cinema goers will enjoy all time connectivity at cinemas now.”

February 22, 2016
PVR ties up with O-Zone to provide Wi-Fi to patrons

NEW DELHI: PVR Cinemas is introducing free high-speed Wi-Fi at some of its properties and has tied up with public Wi-Fi service provider O-Zone Networks for the same.

“At PVR, we believe in reaching out to our guests in a way that makes their each visit to our cinemas a memorable one. There is a growing demand for technology and need for staying connected amongst our guests, all over the country. Our response to this demand and efforts are manifest with the introduction of Wi-Fi services at select cinemas of our chain. The service will soon be expanded to our other cinemas. With the launch of Wi-Fi services, we hope it will further consolidate our position as pioneers in the cinema going space,” said PVR chief of strategy Kamal Gianchandani.

Ozone Networks Founder and CEO Sanjeev Sarin added, “We are proud to be chosen by PVR to help bring advanced guest Wi-Fi services to their customers. Our unique offering will give PVR new and powerful ways to connect with their customers. Our aim is to build the largest Wi-Fi network in India by 2016 and our partnership with PVR is an important step in this journey. With 6,000 hotspots in the country today, we aspire for a connected world and through this partnership we will not only provide high speed but also a secure internet connection, which can be availed during the wait time for the movies. We are confident that cinema goers will enjoy all time connectivity at cinemas now.”

February 22, 2016
Global Eagle Ent to provide satellite-based in-flight entertainment to Jet Airways

NEW DELHI: Global Eagle Entertainment Inc. – worldwide provider of aircraft connectivity systems, operations solutions and media content to the travel industry – has entered into a partnership with Jet Airways to provide inflight entertainment (IFE) streaming service and KU based internet connectivity aboard the global airline’s fleet of B737 NG aircraft.

Jet Airways, which operates more than 300 flights to 73 destinations worldwide, selected Global Eagle Entertainment in a fiercely competitive IFE market based, in part, on its 10-year content delivery alliance and experience with GEE.

During Q2 2016, the Los Angeles-based GEE will provide Jet Airways with its Airtime IFE streaming solution, with a clear roadmap for migration to full broadband satellite connectivity. GEE will equip Jet Airways aircraft with digital rights management (DRM) technology, in-cabin servers and WiFi routers, enabling the proven Airtime streaming platform to deliver movies, TV shows, music and other content directly to passengers’ laptops, tablets and smart phones.

GEE chief commercial officer Walé Adepoju said, “GEE is honoured to expand our long-term partnership with Jet Airways, an innovative airline keenly focused on elevating the passenger experience and a true leader across the exciting Asian region.By deploying GEE’s Airtime IFE streaming solution across its growing fleet, Jet Airways can deliver a broad range of entertainment content to passenger’s personal devices with an eye on full blown satellite connectivity aboard future flights.”

“GEE has clearly demonstrated a deep understanding of our business over the past decade, providing the content at the core of our passenger entertainment experience. Jet Airways is now moving to GEE’s integrated IFE solution capable of streaming a broad range of content to our passengers’ own devices and providing a clear path to our future connectivity needs,” said Jet SVP – commercial Gaurang Shetty. “We look forward to growing our partnership with GEE and, in turn, enhancing our passenger experience across our global fleet.”

February 15, 2016
Global Eagle Ent to provide satellite-based in-flight entertainment to Jet Airways

NEW DELHI: Global Eagle Entertainment Inc. – worldwide provider of aircraft connectivity systems, operations solutions and media content to the travel industry – has entered into a partnership with Jet Airways to provide inflight entertainment (IFE) streaming service and KU based internet connectivity aboard the global airline’s fleet of B737 NG aircraft.

Jet Airways, which operates more than 300 flights to 73 destinations worldwide, selected Global Eagle Entertainment in a fiercely competitive IFE market based, in part, on its 10-year content delivery alliance and experience with GEE.

During Q2 2016, the Los Angeles-based GEE will provide Jet Airways with its Airtime IFE streaming solution, with a clear roadmap for migration to full broadband satellite connectivity. GEE will equip Jet Airways aircraft with digital rights management (DRM) technology, in-cabin servers and WiFi routers, enabling the proven Airtime streaming platform to deliver movies, TV shows, music and other content directly to passengers’ laptops, tablets and smart phones.

GEE chief commercial officer Walé Adepoju said, “GEE is honoured to expand our long-term partnership with Jet Airways, an innovative airline keenly focused on elevating the passenger experience and a true leader across the exciting Asian region.By deploying GEE’s Airtime IFE streaming solution across its growing fleet, Jet Airways can deliver a broad range of entertainment content to passenger’s personal devices with an eye on full blown satellite connectivity aboard future flights.”

“GEE has clearly demonstrated a deep understanding of our business over the past decade, providing the content at the core of our passenger entertainment experience. Jet Airways is now moving to GEE’s integrated IFE solution capable of streaming a broad range of content to our passengers’ own devices and providing a clear path to our future connectivity needs,” said Jet SVP – commercial Gaurang Shetty. “We look forward to growing our partnership with GEE and, in turn, enhancing our passenger experience across our global fleet.”

February 15, 2016
Q3-2016: Weather affects Wonderla footfalls, but revenue rises

BENGALURU: South Indian amusement park and resorts player Wonderla Holidays Limited (Wonderla) reported 11.7 per cent lower footfalls in the quarter ended 31 December, 2015 (Q3-2016, current quarter) because of the bad weather across Southern India that had also caused floods and destruction in Chennai. The company reported 5.66 lakh footfalls in the current quarter as compared to 6.41 lakh footfalls in Q3-2015. Despite this setback, the company has posted 6.5 per cent year on year (YoY) growth in total income from operations (TIO) for the current quarter at Rs 50.43 crore as compared to Rs 47.36 crore and a 16.7 per cent quarter and quarter (QoQ) growth as compared to Rs 43.23 crore. Amongst Wonderla’s peers are Adlabs, Ramoji Film City and Essel World

Note: 100,00,000 = 100 lakh = 10 million = 1 crore

Increase in revenue can be attributed to the higher average ticket and non-ticket revenues per visitor, says the company. Net average ticket revenue per customer in Q3-2016 increased 19 per cent to Rs 686.90 as compared to Rs 579.50 in Q3-2015. Average non-ticket revenue per customer increased 33 per cent to Rs 230.40 from Rs 173.70 in Q3-2015.

Company speak

“We are generally satisfied with the performance during the third quarter of the ongoing financial year. We have recorded growth in revenue in spite of a 11.7 per cent decline in the footfalls at the parks during the quarter, mainly due to unfavourable weather conditions during November. We are seeing a rebound in footfalls, and are optimistic about growth in footfall in the coming quarters for both existing amusement parks. We are also eagerly waiting to launch our brand new amusement park in Hyderabad to public within a couple of months,” said Wonderla managing director Arun K Chittilappilly.

Revenue streams

The company has three amusement parks in Bengaluru, Kochi and Hyderabad and a resort in Bengaluru. A large part of its revenues come from its Bengaluru operations.

It reports two revenue streams – from sales of services and from sales of products.

Revenue from sales of services in Q3-2016 increased 3.4 per cent YoY to Rs 42.64 crore (84.6 per cent of TIO) from Rs 41.24 crore (87.1 per cent of TIO) in Q3-2015 and increased 15.3 per cent QoQ from Rs 36.98 crore (85.5 per cent of TIO).

Revenue from sales of products increased 27.3 per cent YoY to Rs 7.79 crore (15.4 per cent of TIO) from Rs 6.12 crore (12.9 per cent of TIO) and increased 24.6 per cent QoQ as compared to Rs 6.35 crore (14.5 per cent of TIO)

Let us look at the other numbers reported by Wonderla

Wonderla Profit after Tax (PAT) in Q3-2016 declined four per cent YoY to Rs 12.26 crore (24.3 per cent margin) as compared to Rs 12.77 crore (27 per cent margin), but was 2.6 per cent higher QoQ as compared to Rs 11.95 crore (27.6 per cent margin) in the immediate trailing quarter.

EBIDTA in the current quarter declined 12.9 per cent YoY to Rs 18.21 crore (36.1 per cent margin) as compared to Rs 20.89 crore (44.1 per cent margin), but increased 23.8 per cent QoQ from Rs 14.71 crore (34 per cent margin) in Q2-2016.

Total Expense in Q3-2016 increased 14.9 per cent YoY to Rs 35.04 crore (69.5 per cent of TIO) from Rs 30.51 crore (64.4 per cent of TIO) and increased eight per cent QoQ as compared to Rs 32.45 crore (75.1 per cent of TIO).

Employee Benefit Expense in Q3-2016 increased 25.7 per cent to Rs 8.15 crore (16.2 per cent of TIO) as compared to Rs 6.49 crore (13.7 per cent of TIO) in Q3-2015 and increased 7.7 per cent as compared to Rs 7.57 crore (17.5 per cent of TIO) in Q2-2016.

The company spent 7.1 per cent less YoY towards marketing and advertising expenses in the current quarter at Rs 5.32 crore (10.6 per cent of TIO) as compared to Rs 5.73 crore (12.1 per cent of TIO), but spent 51.9 per cent more than the Rs 3.51 crore (8.1 per cent of TIO) in Q2-2016.

February 11, 2016
Q3-2016: Weather affects Wonderla footfalls, but revenue rises

BENGALURU: South Indian amusement park and resorts player Wonderla Holidays Limited (Wonderla) reported 11.7 per cent lower footfalls in the quarter ended 31 December, 2015 (Q3-2016, current quarter) because of the bad weather across Southern India that had also caused floods and destruction in Chennai. The company reported 5.66 lakh footfalls in the current quarter as compared to 6.41 lakh footfalls in Q3-2015. Despite this setback, the company has posted 6.5 per cent year on year (YoY) growth in total income from operations (TIO) for the current quarter at Rs 50.43 crore as compared to Rs 47.36 crore and a 16.7 per cent quarter and quarter (QoQ) growth as compared to Rs 43.23 crore. Amongst Wonderla’s peers are Adlabs, Ramoji Film City and Essel World

Note: 100,00,000 = 100 lakh = 10 million = 1 crore

Increase in revenue can be attributed to the higher average ticket and non-ticket revenues per visitor, says the company. Net average ticket revenue per customer in Q3-2016 increased 19 per cent to Rs 686.90 as compared to Rs 579.50 in Q3-2015. Average non-ticket revenue per customer increased 33 per cent to Rs 230.40 from Rs 173.70 in Q3-2015.

Company speak

“We are generally satisfied with the performance during the third quarter of the ongoing financial year. We have recorded growth in revenue in spite of a 11.7 per cent decline in the footfalls at the parks during the quarter, mainly due to unfavourable weather conditions during November. We are seeing a rebound in footfalls, and are optimistic about growth in footfall in the coming quarters for both existing amusement parks. We are also eagerly waiting to launch our brand new amusement park in Hyderabad to public within a couple of months,” said Wonderla managing director Arun K Chittilappilly.

Revenue streams

The company has three amusement parks in Bengaluru, Kochi and Hyderabad and a resort in Bengaluru. A large part of its revenues come from its Bengaluru operations.

It reports two revenue streams – from sales of services and from sales of products.

Revenue from sales of services in Q3-2016 increased 3.4 per cent YoY to Rs 42.64 crore (84.6 per cent of TIO) from Rs 41.24 crore (87.1 per cent of TIO) in Q3-2015 and increased 15.3 per cent QoQ from Rs 36.98 crore (85.5 per cent of TIO).

Revenue from sales of products increased 27.3 per cent YoY to Rs 7.79 crore (15.4 per cent of TIO) from Rs 6.12 crore (12.9 per cent of TIO) and increased 24.6 per cent QoQ as compared to Rs 6.35 crore (14.5 per cent of TIO)

Let us look at the other numbers reported by Wonderla

Wonderla Profit after Tax (PAT) in Q3-2016 declined four per cent YoY to Rs 12.26 crore (24.3 per cent margin) as compared to Rs 12.77 crore (27 per cent margin), but was 2.6 per cent higher QoQ as compared to Rs 11.95 crore (27.6 per cent margin) in the immediate trailing quarter.

EBIDTA in the current quarter declined 12.9 per cent YoY to Rs 18.21 crore (36.1 per cent margin) as compared to Rs 20.89 crore (44.1 per cent margin), but increased 23.8 per cent QoQ from Rs 14.71 crore (34 per cent margin) in Q2-2016.

Total Expense in Q3-2016 increased 14.9 per cent YoY to Rs 35.04 crore (69.5 per cent of TIO) from Rs 30.51 crore (64.4 per cent of TIO) and increased eight per cent QoQ as compared to Rs 32.45 crore (75.1 per cent of TIO).

Employee Benefit Expense in Q3-2016 increased 25.7 per cent to Rs 8.15 crore (16.2 per cent of TIO) as compared to Rs 6.49 crore (13.7 per cent of TIO) in Q3-2015 and increased 7.7 per cent as compared to Rs 7.57 crore (17.5 per cent of TIO) in Q2-2016.

The company spent 7.1 per cent less YoY towards marketing and advertising expenses in the current quarter at Rs 5.32 crore (10.6 per cent of TIO) as compared to Rs 5.73 crore (12.1 per cent of TIO), but spent 51.9 per cent more than the Rs 3.51 crore (8.1 per cent of TIO) in Q2-2016.

February 11, 2016