Middleware
Mediakind tunes up a megamerger to become streaming’s new heavyweight
DENVER: Media’s pipes just got a jolt. In a move that could reorder the streaming-infrastructure universe, Mediakind has struck a $145m deal to snap up Harmonic’s video business — a mash-up designed to create the world’s No 1 independent, full-stack streaming-infrastructure player. Consider it the tech equivalent of fusing two high-definition galaxies.
Announced in Denver on 8 December, the agreement will be signed immediately after Harmonic completes its French works-council formalities, with closing slated for the first half of 2026, subject to regulatory nods.
The tie-up stitches together two long-time video-engineering stalwarts into what they claim will be a world-class SaaS streaming engine. The combined outfit expects more than $100m in annual recurring revenue, over $150m from appliance sales, and a laser focus on video — a rarity in a market increasingly swallowed by generalist cloud giants.
Beyond revenue arithmetic, the union promises sturdier financial and operational footing, giving jittery broadcasters a partner less likely to buffer mid-scene. By blending engineering teams, R&D hubs and road maps, Mediakind says it will push out next-gen features at a sprint rather than a shuffle — and keep its cloud-neutral stance intact across both cloud and appliance estates.
Mediakind chief executive Allen Broome called the deal “a meaningful step forward”, adding that the enlarged firm would deliver “enhanced product solutions” and accelerate innovation across its expanded portfolio. The combined entity, he said, would be “the leading independent streaming-infrastructure company”, giving customers a sturdier backline to power the future of video.
For Harmonic, the move lets it ditch the drama and tighten the shot on its broadband segment. Its chief executive, Nimrod Ben-Natan, said the transaction would, if completed, “advance the growth strategies of both companies” while landing its Video Business in a home committed to the next era of video delivery.
Davis Polk & Wardwell and Moelis are advising Mediakind, while Harmonic is flanked by Wilson Sonsini and Jefferies.
If all goes to plan, 2026 could see a newly muscled Mediakind-Harmonic hybrid stepping into the spotlight — a streaming-infra champion hoping to make buffering a relic and turn the industry’s next chapter into must-watch television.
Middleware
Weekend Unwind with: Assiduus Global Inc’s Somdutta Singh
Mumbai: With another weekend upon us, it is time to unwind with the latest Q&A edition of Indiantelevision.com’s Weekend Unwind—a series of informal chats that peek into the minds of business executives through a fun lens in an attempt to get to know the person behind the title a little better.
In this week’s session, we have Assiduus Global Inc founder & CEO Dr. Somdutta Singh.
Dr. Somdutta Singh is a first-gen serial entrepreneur, angel investor, best-selling author and philanthropist. She is an MIT Alumna, former apprentice of Columbia University Presidents Program and is a student of Harvard Business School (OPM 2023-25).
Assiduus Global Inc, a patent-pending middleware for cross-border E-commerce distribution and supply chain is her third company venture. Somdutta Singh has been bestowed with over 46 National and International Awards.
Recently, she has received the esteemed Champions of Change Award November 2023, honouring her commitment to driving social development in India. The accolade, was presented by the Honourable Governor of Karnataka, Shri Thawar Chand Gehlot, commemorates Dr Singh’s outstanding contributions to entrepreneurship, innovation, and social development. She was the youngest and only woman Vice-Chairperson of NASSCOM Product Council having facilitated the Government of India to form the visionary Women Entrepreneurship Platform (WEP) by NITI Aayog. She has invested in 50+ startups and runs several not-for-profit organizations. She is a celebrated author, trained Indian classical singer, and a combat training and kickboxing enthusiast.
So, without further ado, here it goes…
Your mantra for life
Treat people the way you want to be treated. Legacy is not defined by money; it is defined by the lives you touch. My mantra is – Touch a billion lives over creating a billion dollars; legacy is in the lives you impact.
A book you are currently reading or plan to read
“21 Lessons for the 21st Century” by Yuval Noah Harari.
Your fitness mantra, especially during the pandemic
I am a huge proponent of mental health, and I have always openly talked about depression. Mental health is critical; meditation is your medication to battle stress.
Your comfort food
Sushi.
A quote or philosophy that keeps you going when the chips are down
“All power is within you; you can do anything and everything.” – Swami Vivekananda.
Your guilty pleasure
Beluga caviar.
The last time you tried something new
Curiosity is what has kept this cat alive. Curiosity keeps me exploring daily; something new every day.
A life lesson you learned the hard way
Don’t be too hard on yourself.
What gets you excited about life
The ability to turn every adversity into an opportunity.
What’s on top of your bucket list
Watching the northern lights with my life partner.
If you could give one piece of advice to your younger self, what would it be
Focus on tomorrow and self; the past is beyond my control.
One thing you would most like to change about the world
“I am not here to change anything.”
An activity that keeps you motivated and charged during tough times
Music.
What lifts your spirits when life gets you down
Helping others.
Your go-to stress buster
Kickboxing.
Middleware
How can QR codes for the construction industry modernize their construction operations today?
Are you considering how you can make your equipment user-friendly and safe? Is it necessary for the construction business to use QR codes? Everything is now easy as a snap thanks to technology.
To make transactions easier, many businesses and venues are already employing QR codes. A QR code can help you reach a larger audience, which can help you promote your business by putting your information online.
Most people now have their barcode-readable smartphones, and with just one scan, your consumer can access your company’s online portal. By integrating the use of an online QR code generator they can diversify their construction marketing and operating means.
How are QR codes used in the construction industry?
Construction companies integrate the use of QR codes to connect people with important information, which is crucially needed for every development. Using QR codes, the construction team, project leaders, and workers can scan the code and be directed to the website of the project.
For physical and information installation safety
Construction sites are notorious for accidents and improper installations. Make it simple for your personnel to properly install or assemble equipment by providing QR code-based reference manuals.
Directing users to downloadable construction documents
Aside from directing people to the website of the project, construction companies can also integrate the use of a PDF QR code to link other project documentation in a PDF format.
Giving a correct depiction of the materials utilized, the method involves, and the processing data or information.
For Tracking Construction Assets
At a construction site, thefts are common, and tracking down the stolen equipment can be difficult. Attach QR code tags to machinery and other construction supplies to avoid these catastrophes. Builders utilize QR codes to assist with the day-to-day operations of a project.
The use of QR codes during this Pandemic
With the Covid-19 situation, safety and health measures are currently being followed. People become more mindful and aware of their surroundings. It was another stride forward in technology, just as it had been in the construction sector.
To overcome the COVID-19 issues, construction businesses used several QR code approaches. Several contractors used third-party health screening technologies based on QR codes at the project level. Others, on the other hand, used their technologies to adopt QR codes to the new tasks.
Many companies are seeing, even more, uses for the codes as they deploy them for these new pandemic difficulties in managing their workers. Tracking who is on the job site, where they are working, what they are doing, and who is overseeing them are some of the purposes.
How to create a QR code for Construction uses?
1. Go to an online QR code generator with logo website and sign up for an account
2. Choose the type of QR code you require for your construction company’s marketing and operating means.
3. Input your details.
4. Select the dynamic QR code option and generate your QR code
5. Customize your QR code.
6. Do a scan test to see if there are any possible errors.
7. Download the QR code and begin integrating them into your construction work.
Why Dynamic QR codes are better to use?
Dynamic QR codes are better to use since it’s editable in nature. It allows tracking your QR code’s data. You can edit the linked information of a Dynamic QR code. Many business owners consider dynamic QR codes as one of their investments; you will no longer have to reprint after being printed because you can edit the content itself without changing the QR code.
Conclusion:
QR codes are becoming very popular because of their ubiquitous use. Because of that, they are heavily employed and became a huge aspect of marketing and promotional campaigns. More recently, they’ve been also important in tracing coronavirus exposure.
Middleware
Ipsos India launches digital platform; research tool ‘Fast Facts’
KOLKATA: Ipsos India spotting huge opportunity in the online research space due to the altered external environment has announced its commitment to driving online research in a big way by launching its global platform, Ipsos Digital with immediate effect. Interestingly, the platform will be providing clients with online cutting edge research tools which will be nimble, fast paced and will provide them with timely, expertise-based outputs, to aid in their decision making.
As part of the launch of the Ipsos Digital platform, Ipsos India has also announced the launch of its first online research offering of Fast Facts – a fully automated, DIY, AI-supported express tool to cater to clients’ quick research and advisory needs.
Ipsos India CEO Amit Adarkar is highly bullish on the foray. “Clients are on the rebound and are hard-pressed for time to conduct market research;Ipsos Digital provides them a combination of an AI platform based, end-to-end automated online data collection, analysis & dashboarding system with best professional expertise from Ipsos–the world’s most innovative market research organization (GRIT 2020). Ipsos Digital crunches the entire process to 24-48 hours, facilitating agile research.We are committed to bringing multiple products via Ipsos Digital platform to India, where traditional face-to-face data collection accounted for 95% of how market research was done in India, before the pandemic.And I’m pleased to announce the launch of our first digital tool of Fast Facts, which is extensively being used by Ipsos clients across geographies and we are now making it accessible to our clients in India," he said.
Conventional face-to-face research continues to be our mainstay, but we are looking forward to transforming the industry by bringing in cutting edge technology to our clients," clarified Adarkar.
Vincy Jathanna, who will be championing Fast Facts for India sees this as a great supplement to conventional face-to-face research, especially for those clients who do not have time on their hands for a full blown consumer study taking weeks to complete.
“Ipsos Digital, the AI supported market research platform is user friendly and gives power in the hands of clients to utilise the Fast Facts tool to carry out market research studies in a jiffy. And clients can choose between DIY OR Researcher Assisted Modules depending upon whether they want a quick ad hoc study or a detailed customized one, seeking answers to some of the key attributes. Clients design their own questionnaires using AI, choose from a pre-loaded list of categories and they even pay online, so all the processes are streamlined with no human interface or with Ipsos expert assistance, on demand or from regular client facing teams,” Fast Facts, Ipsos India Fast Facts observer and champion, executive director Vincy Jathanna said
“Quick turnaround research, DIY or with Ipsos assistance and professional expertise built into the platform at mere clicks, are some of the USPs of this offering. It is a gamechanger and is meant to step up in assisting clients with their go-to-market strategies riding on Ipsos’ four principles of speed, security, substance and simplicity,” added Adarkar.
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