ITV

Category: Digital Agencies

  • Verizon acquires upLynk assets and operations

    Verizon acquires upLynk assets and operations

    MUMBAI: Verizon Digital Media Services has acquired the assets and operations of upLynk, a technology and television cloud company. The move is a part of Verizon’s expansion plans to efficiently and quickly deliver live events, linear television and video on demand.

     

    upLynk simplifies the complex issues content owners face by streamlining the process of uploading and encoding ‘TV Everywhere’ for live, linear and video on-demand content. By using a single adaptive video format across all devices, upLynk simplifies encoding, storage, playback, ad insertion and analytics to eliminate complexity and enable more agile video workflows.

     

    “As the experience of watching broadcast television changes and the media marketplace shifts, the addition of upLynk’s unique capabilities allows Verizon Digital Media Services to better meet our customers where and how they want to deliver video,” said Verizon Digital Media Services president Bob Toohey. “Simply put, this acquisition provides intelligent, scalable and more flexible ways of streaming video for our customers,” he added.

     

    “Joining forces with Verizon is a turning point for upLynk, and we see incredible opportunity to deliver superior video solutions that streamline the complex challenges that content owners face. We look forward to even greater successes in the ‘TV Everywhere’ market,” informed upLynk chief executive officer Ralf Jacob.
    Based on its integration with national broadcast infrastructures as well as its advanced approach to over-the-top broadcast cloud distribution, upLynk delivers multi-device and cross-platform premium content to complement Verizon’s broad-based end-to-end solutions.

     

    With this acquisition of upLynk’s assets and operations, digital media services customers can take advantage of increased speed to market, simplified workflows and access to a highly efficient and data-rich broadcast cloud technology that leverages Verizon’s video platform and global network.

  • Digital Asia Festival 2013 announces shortlist

    Digital Asia Festival 2013 announces shortlist

    MUMBAI: The Digital Asia Festival Awards, honouring the best digital marketing communications across Asia Pacific, has announced this year’s shortlist.

     

    Chaired by Jason Kuperman, vice president of Omnicom Digital Asia Pacific, India, Middle East and Africa, the jury consists of 40 industry professionals with a mix of leading client marketers, digital media practitioners and agency strategists, judged 506 pieces of work based on strategy, creativity and innovation, execution and results with a total of 80 entries making it onto the shortlist. Japan leads with the most shortlisted entries (14), followed by Australia (13), New Zealand (10), China (9), Hong Kong (9), India (7), Singapore (7), The Philippines (5), Malaysia (4) and Thailand (2).

     

    Commenting on the judging process so far and the quality of the work, some jury members had the following to say in a release:  

     

    “I found this year’s entries seamlessly integrating technology into the creative leap turning the communication into truly refreshing and engaging consumer experiences. Several of the shortlists had started with a fabulous consumer insight and market/media opportunity that had never been explored before. We saw a lot of first-of-its-kind innovations and we could see technology playing along beautifully with the big idea. That’s a very encouraging sign,” said Tigress Tigress founder, CEO and CCO Meera Sharath Chandra.

     

    “Judging the DAF awards this year demonstrates that the region is thinking big and acting big in digital.  It’s no longer just an add-on to a TV campaign, but brands and agencies are genuinely looking at how they can build participation throughout their initiatives.  In a world where we often seem to be obsessed with daily posts on Facebook, it’s brilliant to see how much scale and impact can be really achieved with digital innovation,” said Iris Worldwide planning director, APAC regional Paul Gage.

     

    “The work that stood out for me was based on a single sharp insight and a strong idea – simply presented and well executed. Several entries made me go, Aha, wish I had thought of it,” said Infosys global head – digital marketing Ashok Lalla.
    The winners of the 2013 awards will be announced online through www.digitalasiafestival.com on 18 November.

  • Vserv.mobi launches revolutionary AppWrapper.org

    Vserv.mobi launches revolutionary AppWrapper.org

    MUMBAI: Vserv.mobi, an award winning mobile advertising exchange across emerging markets, has announced the launch of AppWrapper.org, an innovative platform for Android app developers that automates the integration of multiple software development kits (SDKs) without any coding effort. The new AppWrapper is designed to enable crucial app development lifecycle services, such as ad monetisation, analytics, bug tracking and in-app purchases, in just one click, allowing app developers to significantly accelerate their time-to-market. 

     

    The new AppWrapper has been optimised for the Android platform given its status as one of the most widely accepted and used OS platforms. According to the latest mobile device report from IDC, Android dominates the market share in global smartphone shipments at more than 80 per cent. Estimates by IDC suggest that Android smartphone shipments grew by 51.3 per cent between Q3 2012 and Q3 2013. 

     

    “The new AppWrapper.org platform is based on the business insight that developers are integrating multiple SDKs into their apps, which often takes valuable time and effort that could have been spent improving the core functionality of the app instead,” said Vserv.mobi director – Global Marketing and Product Binay Tiwari. “AppWrapper.org aims to resolve this situation by offering developers a powerful platform to rapidly integrate multiple SDKs without any coding effort. While the original AppWrapper only enabled the Vserv.mobi ad SDK, with the launch of the new platform, we’re leveraging our patent-pending technology to help developers integrate multiple partner SDKs, with the same innovative one click approach.”

     

    Since its initial launch three years ago, AppWrapper has won many awards, including MMA Smarties, mBillionth, Red Herring Top 100 Asia, Mobby’s and others for its innovative technology. The AppWrapper has powered app monetisation for more than 20,000 apps and games, including those from Disney India, Electronic Arts, Gameloft, Herocraft and other top developers. The app works seamlessly in conjunction with any existing monetisation tool already integrated into the app to boost the revenues and capabilities of the app, without the developer having to worry about compatibility. 

     

    In addition to monetisation, the new AppWrapper is designed to automatically integrate multiple services such as analytics, bug tracking and user engagement, significantly reducing development cycles.

  • Tonic Media takes digital experience to a new level with Skyfall on Sony Pix

    Tonic Media takes digital experience to a new level with Skyfall on Sony Pix

    MUMBAI: The landscape of digital marketing in India is changing at a rapid pace. Smart marketers are on top of this dynamic trend, as they mirror their strategies to consumer behavior.

    Sony Pix is one such example, creating a unique, engaging digital experience for their audience every time. Its latest campaign for the Skyfall’s television premiere on 27 October used innovative technologies to glue their audience.

    Devised by Tonic Media, its digital agency, the campaign aimed to bring about the biggest Skyfall Bond experience ever! Through this campaign, the user was given a taste of Bond’s secret missions. It was an opportunity for them to become a special agent under MI6, and win a trip to Bond in Motion London. Similar to the plot of Skyfall, the crux of these missions were to save people the users were close to (from their Facebook accounts).

    Using integrated communication not just limited to social media, the users were led to the Skyfall game on the Sony Pix Facebook tab, where they were tested through a series of skill drills required to be a secret agent.

    Apart from testing their focus and control skill in the first level of the bomb diffusion game, the most unique proposition was that, the users could convert their mobile phones into a remote control gun and directly play interacting with their desktops/PC’s.

    The gaming experience was extended to innovative rich media banners on leading platforms like Yahoo India, MSN India and Times of India’s digital platform. Users coming to these platforms were given an experience of converting their mobile phone into a remote control gun and directly shooting in the Banner eliminating the villians.

    And, the last phase of the secret mission was to enter secret codes flashed during the television premiere/telecast of Skyfall on Pix. This ensured sustained interest till the day of the premiere driving viewership on the grand finale day. Appointment viewing on television was taken to the next level.

    On the digital campaign Tonic Media CEO Chetan Asher said: “The objective was to use digital experiential marketing and create excitement and buzz for Skyfall on Pix leading to viewership. Using innovative properties, we successfully used digital to bring alive the experience across all digital platforms.”

  • Dentsu Digital bags duties for Honda and Indo-Nissin

    Dentsu Digital bags duties for Honda and Indo-Nissin

    MUMBAI: Dentsu Digital, a digital marketing solutions company of the Dentsu India Group, has added two new businesses to its kitty.

    Honda Motorcycles and Scooters India (HMSI) has appointed Dentsu Digital as its digital agency to develop a complete digital ecosystem for the brand. Starting with the launch of an integrated social media campaign via various platforms to expanding the footprint across different touch points, the digital agency will also help drive Honda’s search and optimsation efforts with the help of media campaigns and search engine optimisation.
    We’ve also invested in technology and tools that allow us to deliver a great online experience says Glen Ireland

    Dentsu Digital recently worked on a unique brand engagement campaign using iButterfly – a proprietary platform, to launch HMSI’s new Activa-i. iButterfly is a the mobile platform that allows people to virtually catch branded butterflies and redeem them for discount coupons, branded merchandise and many more exciting takeaways.

    The second win for Dentsu Digital is Top Ramen (instant noodles), from Indo Nissin. The mandate given to the agency is to find a digital expression to Top Ramen’s offline campaign – ‘More Masala, More Maaza’ by creating consumer engagement and interest with its core target group.

    This is Top Ramen’s first serious foray into the digital world. The plan is to start by developing an engaging brand conversation followed by a more immersive experience through the website and other digital points of contact.

    Commenting on winning these prestigious accounts, Dentsu Digital CEO Glen Ireland said, “These wins directly reflect the hard work and effort put in by the entire agency.It also bears testimony to our understanding of the client business, their challenges and goals. Winning these accounts also helps demonstrate our competencies and strengths especially in social media, where we have invested a lot of time in developing a best-in-class approach to content, conversation and community building. We’ve also invested in technology and tools that allow us to deliver a great online experience.”

    With these wins seems Dentsu Digital is to creating a unique digital service offering within the Dentsu India Group.

  • FoxyMoron to execute digital campaign for Maybelline

    FoxyMoron to execute digital campaign for Maybelline

    MUMBAI: Maybelline New York along with brand ambassador Alia Bhatt launched ‘Color Show’.

    FoxyMoron will launch the ‘Color Show’ across Maybelline’s digital platforms Facebook, Twitter, Instagram that will showcase a range of shades for every mood.

    FoxyMoron co-founder & online strategist Harshil Karia said, “The Color Show is an innovative and interactive way to introduce the entire new color range of nails paints on offer by Maybelline New York. This is an opportunity for fans to experiment with their nails like never before! Maybelline is a fore runner in the make-up category so it only seemed fitting to create a campaign that allows fans to score high on the fashion meter with their favorite brand.”

    Fans will get an opportunity to experiment with Nail Art combinations and Maybelline will educate them about how they can get the ‘complete look’ – right from shoes, accessories to match with their preferred shade. The campaign will also include ‘Do It Yourself’ nail art videos for the latest nail art trends. Commenting on the new campaign, L’Oréal consumer products division director Satyaki Ghosh said, “Maybelline is an innovative brand that loves its consumers and assures to give them something new and exciting all the time. With the launch of the Color Show range, we hope to once again do something different for our consumers and engage them as much as possible with the brand.”

    Maybelline New York marketing manager Leena Shoor said, “Maybelline as a brand understands the needs of the young Indian girl and continuously introduces products that are innovative and exciting. With Color Show, Maybelline brings to India the hottest shades from the catwalks of New York, shades that are extremely fashion forward and yet very accessible. Using the Color Show range and nail art inspirations that will be shared by Maybelline, girls can now get runway ready nails whenever they please. Maybelline is all set to bring a new nail revolution to India by making nail paints a must have accessory.”

  • Verizon reinvents the enterprise cloud

    Verizon reinvents the enterprise cloud

    MUMBAI: Verizon has today announced Verizon Cloud – its new cloud Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) platform and cloud-based object storage service. With this service, Verizon is fundamentally changing how public clouds are built. Large enterprises, mid-size companies and small development shops will get the agility and economic benefit of a generic public cloud along with the reliability and scale of an enterprise-level service with unprecedented control of performance. The public beta for Verizon Cloud will launch in the fourth quarter of this year.

     

    “Verizon created the enterprise cloud, now we’re recreating it,” said Verizon Enterprise Solutions president John Stratton. “This is the revolution in cloud services that enterprises have been calling for.  We took feedback from our enterprise clients across the globe and built a new cloud platform from the bottom up to deliver the attributes they require.” Verizon Cloud has two main components: Verizon Cloud Compute and Verizon Cloud Storage. Verizon Cloud Compute is the IaaS platform. Verizon Cloud Storage is an object-based storage service.

     

    Verizon Cloud Compute is built for speed and performance. Virtual machines (software-based computers and servers) can be created and deployed in just seconds, and users build and pay for what they need. With Verizon Cloud Compute, users can determine and set virtual machine and network performance, providing predictable performance for mission critical applications, even during peak times. Additionally, users can configure storage performance and attach storage to multiple virtual machines. Previously, services had pre-set configurations for size (e.g. small, medium, large) and performance, with little flexibility regarding virtual machine and network performance and storage configuration. No other cloud offering provides this level of control.  

     

    In addition, while Verizon built the solution for enterprises, it also meets the needs of small and medium businesses, individual IT departments and software developers. “This is a breakthrough approach to how cloud computing is done,” said The Weather Company chief information officer Bryson Koehler.

     

    “Weather is the most dynamic dataset in the world, and we also use big data to help consumers better plan their day and help businesses make intelligent decisions as it relates to weather. As a big data leader, a major part of The Weather Company’s go-forward strategy is based on the cloud, and we are linking a large part of our technical future to these services from Verizon.”
    Rob Walters, chief technology officer at Engine Yard, a Platform as a Service that lets developers plan, build, deploy and manage applications in the cloud, said: “The new Verizon Cloud will give us ease of deployment and flexibility with full enterprise capabilities, saving us time and money. We’ve had a long and successful relationship with Verizon. We’ve deployed some of our most demanding enterprise-grade applications on Verizon cloud infrastructure to deliver the high scalability and reliability required for business-critical apps running on Engine Yard.”

  • Siemens India launches innovative integrated digital campaign

    Siemens India launches innovative integrated digital campaign

    MUMBAI: Siemens India has launched an innovative digital media campaign that uses a creative story telling technique to deliver the message to end customers. The latest digital media campaign is an extension of the Answers campaign followed globally by Siemens, which is aimed at establishing Siemens as a sustainable technology leader delivering a transformational benefit toward customers.

    Thought Process was the production house while Ogilvy was involved in the conceptualisation. The digital agency managing the campaign is Quasar (part of the WPP group), while the digital assets were created by Conrad-Caine, Munich. The social media agency involved in the campaign is LBI (part of Publicis).

    The campaign will run for a durationof six months.

    “We have made the end-user the protagonist as well as the narrator of the story. We have kicked off the story series with the dabbawalas who use the Mumbai local trains to deliver lunch to over 200,000 office-goers and residences on time. We have brought the element of story-telling right into our creative approach,” says Siemens India head of digital media Sudhir M D.

    In the integrated digital marketing campaign, where social media is complemented by a QR code initiative, on-ground and off-line promotions, a dabbawala named Kiran Gavande narrates his story, establishing how he goes about his life. The online banners direct the website visitors to the video on YouTube brand channel of      Siemens, which then directs the visitor to the Siemens web site with details on the actual Siemens technology that has contributed to the dabbawala’s life.

    The ‘Answers’ program is designed to demonstrate the lasting impact of Siemens technologies to improve lives, improve cities and improve businesses for the better. This is achieved through a creative strategy designed to simply reveal the truth about Siemens, and reveal the brand’s greatness. In an age of increasing transparency, enabled by digital and social media, telling the truth is the strongest statement a brand can make, especially since target audiences can now very quickly discover what is a truth.

    Siemens stories generally start with a human issue, which then leads to a global problem. In every case a Siemens Answer resolves the issue, and ultimately changes peoples’ lives significantly for the better, or avoids a problem that would have changed their lives significantly for the worse.

  • DDB MudraMax wins digital media mandate for Experion Group

    DDB MudraMax wins digital media mandate for Experion Group

    MUMBAI: DDB MudraMax has won the digital media mandate for Experion Group. The client will be handled out of the DDB MudraMax office in Delhi.

    Experion is a 100 per cent FDI funded real estate developer backed by Experion Holding (Singapore), the real estate investing arm of the $2.5 billion AT Holdings Group of Companies. Other businesses of AT Holdings include Construction, Oil & Gas, Renewable Energy and Asset Management.

    Commenting on choosing DDB MudraMax, Marketing Experion Developers senior manager Rishi Raj Sethi said, “We met some of the top agencies before we chose DDB MudraMax. We liked their creative inputs and media strategy.  Having found the category to be highly competitive, we found it to be one where a lot is possible with the digital medium and DDB MudraMax provided us with insights that showcased their expertise in this segment.”

    On winning the account, DDB MudraMax Sr. VP and head-media, Delhi Anwesh Bose said, “It is always delightful to be recognised and rewarded, especially when our approach of business driven solutions for clients is finding resonance in this win. It’s a challenging responsibility that we have of creating value in a very busy category & we look forward to make a favourable and tangible difference for Experion.”

  • SkyHub innovates for LG Smartphone

    SkyHub innovates for LG Smartphone

    NEW DELHI: SkyHub, the digital creative and technology firm, brought about a change in the Indian marketing scenario with the introduction of a unique social media campaign. Embracing the social medium of Vine and Instagram, SkyHub conceptualised an engaging online campaign for the launch of LG smart phone the G Pro in the country.

    LG is the first Indian marketer to effectively use the innovative medium for their consumer engagement strategy. With a series of Vines made around the G Pro Smartphone, incorporating wacky animations, social issues and traditional Indian artforms the campaign with the hashtag #ImaginationbeGins gained massive traction on Twitter and other social networks when launched.

    Talking about the social media strategy SkyHub CEO Jay Chauhan said, “Besides the creatives we also delivered social media analytics and marketing insights to measure the performance of the G Pro campaign. Our metrics showed the Vines were delivering high engagement ‘WOW’ moments whereas the Instagrams with their longer 16 sec limit simulated a more TVC style ‘piece to camera’ messaging for the audiences and worked best for quick bursts of handset specific info”. 

    Delighted by the response received for the campaign LG Mobile head marketing Amit Gujral said, “We knew we had to leapfrog the competition to reach our consumers in innovative and enjoyable ways in order to deliver an exciting and talked about campaign that resonated with our consumers. So the messaging around the G Pro was augmented using Vines, a unique medium never used before by marketers in India.”

    He further added, “SkyHub was highly innovative, metric driven and clear about the KPI’s they were delivering. Most importantly the SkyHub team’s thinking was like a creative agency but they delivered swiftly and efficiently like a news organisation.”

    Online medium being touted as the most popular way to share information, Vine and Instagram look set to play an important role for Indian marketers. The popularity of both Vine and Instagram is rapidly increasing with a study by UnrulyMedia.com showing branded Vines being four times likely to be shared than video advertising on other platforms.