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Tag: Mahesh Kumar

  • Tiger Analytics unveils new brand identity, with a vision to provide certainty

    Tiger Analytics unveils new brand identity, with a vision to provide certainty

    Mumbai: Tiger Analytics; a global leader in  “Providing certainty to shape a better tomorrow”. The company, along with its 4000 people across five continents, welcomed a new corporate logo and message, as part of the brand modernization effort.

    The company aspires to help its clients navigate through an uncertain and ambiguous world using AI & analytics. The company’s culture draws inspiration from the Tiger Gene which is the new brand’s distinctive character – a combination of an ownership mindset, a future-focused approach, strong expertise, and a bold spirit to experiment.

    Tiger Analytics started 12 years ago as a niche provider of specialized ML solutions. Today, it is a full-stack AI and analytics company transforming business and customer experiences for several Fortune 1000 companies. This rebranding celebrates the company’s evolution into a leader in this space.

    Tiger Analytics has expanded its service offering in the AI space, covering multiple industry domains. It has forged strategic technology partnerships to bring in best-of-breed technology foundations to its clients.

    Tiger Analytics founder, and chief executive officer Mahesh Kumar expressed, “We have always believed in the unparalleled power of data to shape the future. Our new identity represents the evolution of Tiger Analytics from a niche ML solutions provider to a global leader in the world of AI and analytics. With a renewed purpose to provide certainty in an uncertain world, we stand ready to deliver value at scale.”

    Tiger Analytics co-founder and chief executive – India Pradeep Gulipalli added, “In Tiger, our clients find a transparent AI & analytics partner who will enable them to turn ideas into winning products and experiences. With a fresh brand identity, we celebrate the trust of our clients, the commitment of our teams, and the incredible support of their families who walked this path with us. We remain ever committed to building a workplace where the world’s best talent can thrive.”

    Tiger Analytics head of marketing & communications Isha Mohanty commented, “These are exciting times at Tiger Analytics, as we embrace this impactful change. Our new design language is fresh and contemporary. The logo is modernized with renewed focus and energy for employees and clients. The meshing of the new narrative, brand, and business strategy will propel us to create a more cohesive impact for our clients and partners, and also attract exceptional talent”.

    Ushering in the new era of growth, with a futuristic view of the evolving industry landscape, the company continues to deliver a full spectrum of AI and Analytics services and solutions to industry frontrunners. Tiger Analytics collaborated with Zensciences, an award-winning marketing agency to bring the brand transformation to life.

  • Sun Network’s R Mahesh Kumar says TRAI tariff order will have positive impact on subscription revenue

    Sun Network’s R Mahesh Kumar says TRAI tariff order will have positive impact on subscription revenue

    MUMBAI: With the new tariff order of the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) coming into effect from 1 February 2019, Sun TV Network president R Mahesh Kumar believes subscription revenue will be positively impacted with the radical change.

    "We have to wait and see how it pans out. I think it will have a positive impact on subscription revenue," news agency PTI quoted him as saying.

    Mahesh Kumar is also of the opinion that the distribution landscape in south India will witness major impact due to the new norms.

    “Analog connection in Tamil Nadu, one of our major market, is still at 35-40 percent," he further added.

    The behemoth network is set to roll out it's latest offering – Sun Bangla – on 3 February. The network is expected to invest close to Rs 150 crore into the GEC channel in the first year.

    "Sun Bangla will start airing from February 3 and we hope to garner sizeable market in the Rs 1200 crore Bengali general entertainment category channels," Sun Group CFO S L Narayanan had said during a post-earnings conference call.

    The Sun Network also has a Marathi channel in the pipeline.

  • DTH operators gear up to woo new customers during IPL

    DTH operators gear up to woo new customers during IPL

    MUMBAI: Will Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) continue its winning streak from last year or will there be another team that will be crowned as this year’s champions in the Indian Premier League (IPL). While a billion people mull over what the final outcome of the cricket tourney will be, Indian direct to home (DTH) operators are not far behind from milking the multibillion dollar sports property.

     

    When quizzed about how the IPL was aiding operators in getting subscriptions, Tata Sky CEO Harit Nagpal says, “Any activity or event like the IPL generates viewer interest. This viewer interest is important and critical in adding subscriptions. But our pricing and such events are independent of each other. People are likely to follow the event and therefore make a purchase.”

     

    Agreeing with him, Sun Direct CEO Mahesh Kumar reasons, “IPL is a fantastic form of cricket that is full of entertainment. Given that we are at the forefront in providing entertainment, the IPL fits in well.”

     

    Kumar is of the opinion that customers coming back from the exam season will definitely be keen to latch on to new connections from Sun Direct as they are providing IPL on Sony Six free to new customers as an incentive. The operator will also provide the IPL add-on free for customers, who recharge beyond six months.

     

    “We see the IPL as a good tool to win back customers and improve our recharges substantially. We also have an add-on for Rs 44, which allows customers to watch the T20 matches for the entire duration of the tournament, apart from the a la carte of Sony Six and Set Max,” he adds.

     

    Dish TV came on board as the official partner for Shah Rukh Khan’s KKR for a fourth time now. The association is a good brand fix as Khan is also the brand ambassador for the DTH operator. The logo of Dish TV will be prominently featured on the non-lead arm of KKR players’ jersey.

     

    “SRK believes in enthralling his audience with quality and consistent entertainment, which is the same philosophy that we at Dish TV believe in. Kolkata has always been a very important market for us and over the years we have been working with the eastern region for trade and consumer engagement activities,” opines Dish TV COO Salil Kapoor.

     

    Kapoor is hopeful that the IPL will bring in added subscriptions. According to him, with cricket fans across the globe, TV sales are likely to see a jump, which in turn will generate a demand for HD channels. “Shah Rukh’s connect and the fact that Dish TV has a strong bouquet of 41 HD channels will help in increasing brand equity, which in turn will result in good sales for us during this IPL,” Kapoor adds.

     

    When asked about the company’s plans during the IPL, Kapoor informs that the ethos behind their brand – i.e. fuelling the passion for entertainment – is to ensure that it goes beyond sports. “This special package is customized to suit the needs of every member of the family. Keeping this in mind, we have introduced the Cricket + package. Our HD channels’ offering is the highest in the industry at present,” he says.

     

    Videocon d2h too has continued its association as the principal sponsor for the Mumbai Indians franchise for the third continuous season of the IPL. The logo of Videocon d2h will feature on the front of the jersey of Mumbai Indians players. Speaking about the same, Videocon d2h CEO Anil Khera says, “We are hopeful of garnering greater visibility for our brand and are looking forward to another eventful year through this partnership.”

     

    Airtel Digital TV has launched various schemes for its customers during this IPL. A company spokesperson informs that for all customers buying Samsung Curve and UHD TV, Airtel Digital TV will offer HD DVR connection at the same cost as that of an HD connection.

     

    “All customers will get discount coupons worth Rs 2650. Customer can enjoy watching the matches on an HD DVR by paying Rs 2350. This box has inbuilt hard disk of 500 GB and customer can enjoy record content up to 750 hours enabling customer to record and watch the matches at a time convenient. Additionally, customers will get free subscription for up to 12 months through a scratch card offer,” informs the spokesperson.

     

    Besides on all other Samsung models, Airtel Digital TV will offer a discount coupon of Rs 660 on its HD+ variant. Additionally customers will get a 8 GB pen drive worth Rs 399 free enabling them to record. Activation charges on Samsung smart direct TVs will be waved off completely.

  • MEASAT 3b active; Sun Direct awaits regulatory clearances

    MEASAT 3b active; Sun Direct awaits regulatory clearances

    MUMBAI: The MEASAT-3b satellite, which is co-located at 91.5 degree, has now finally gained the status of being active. However, Sun Group’s direct to home (DTH) arm Sun Direct is still in the process of getting regulatory clearances. The DTH operator will soon be able to avail the benefits that the satellite will offer. 

     

    Speaking to Indiantelevision.com Sun Direct CEO Mahesh Kumar says, “We are still in the process of getting all the regulatory clearances.”

     

    In may be recalled that in May last year, Sun Direct was looking at adding nine more transponders from its current four, to increase its High Definition (HD) and Standard Definition (SD) channel capacity. However, the delay in the launch of MEASAT-3b satellite that was to enable Sun Direct help add the additional transponders played spoilt sport. The satellite which was set for launch on 6 June 2014 (7 June Kuala Lumpur time), was postponed after the manufacturer of the MEASAT-3b co-passenger requested time for repairs to their satellite.

     

    In September 2014, Ariane 5 ECA successfully launched two communications satellites Optus 10 and MEASAT 3b. MEASAT 3b, which is equipped with 48 high-power Ku-band transponders would enable DTH services not just in India but also Malaysia, Indonesia and Australia. It would be serving more than 18 million households, according to Measat.

     

    Kumar had previously stated that with the extra capacity, the operator’s current HD offering would go up to 30 and expected the number of SD channels to go up to 350.

  • Sun Direct brings joy this Onam

    Sun Direct brings joy this Onam

    MUMBAI: Sun Direct, the No.1 DTH player in Kerala brings more joy this Onam with the most delightful offers for new and existing customers. Apart from offering the most economic digital connection, Sun Direct has the best of features for customers in Kerala.

     

    Sun Direct offers this Onam:

    • Most economical connection at Rs.1690 with one month subscription free

    • Monthly recharge starting at Rs.143 for Long Duration Recharge

    • 25 Malayalam channels along with popular sports and movie channels

    • Save up to Rs.100 per month compared to the competitions

    • Customers can also avail video recording facility at no additional cost.

    Commenting on this festive offer, Mr. Mahesh Kumar, MD, Sun Direct, said, “Sun Direct has always been in the forefront when it comes to customer satisfaction. Adding value to our subscriber’s entertainment, Sun Direct has put together the best of services for existing and new customers this Onam. By doing away with hidden charges on delayed recharge and recording facility, we hope to keep our customer’s spirit high this festive season.”

    Sun Direct is the only DTH player that has 65 Sunshine service centres in Kerala. Recently, Sun Direct has also introduced the one number solution – 076010 12345 which is a 24 x 7 helpline to have queries addressed in less than 48 hours.

  • Sun Direct to add 9 transponders by June

    Sun Direct to add 9 transponders by June

    MUMBAI: Direct to home (DTH) operator Sun Direct is looking at increasing its high definition (HD) and standard definition (SD) channel offering. The DTH operator that currently has four transponders will soon add nine more transponders to its kitty, thanks to the deal signed between Sun Direct and MEASAT Satellite Systems.

    The announcement comes after Sun Direct got a nod from Antrix Corporation for additional capacity. The platform currently has 11 HD and 210 SD channels. “We had applied to Antrix and have got its approval. With this, we will be shifting to MEASAT 3b and hence, will get nine transponders by first week of June. Our HD offering is currently low, but with the extra capacity we aim to take it to 30, while we expect the number of SD channels to go up to 350,” informs Sun Direct MD Mahesh Kumar.

    With this, the total number of transponders will go up to 13. “While we are currently focused on the south market, we can think of targeting other regions after this boost. We will first fill the gaps in our south offering and the HD channel offering,” he adds.

    The increase in the capacity is not the only change the DTH platform is looking at. It was in October 2013 that Sun Direct had announced that it would be launching 500 ‘Sunshine’ centers across south India to improve its customer’s service needs. “Of the 500 ‘Sunshine’ centers, we have already launched 200 centers in eight months,” says Kumar.

    The core aim of these ‘Sunshine’ stores will be to provide customer service, while new connections, demo and recharges will also be available. The stores that have been set up in every district are based on franchisee model. “While the cost for setting up of these stores is being borne by the franchisee, we will be investing for the backend support,” informs Kumar.

    The DTH operator has also introduced a tri-partite conference call service. This 24X7 service hotline number: 076010-12345 which will be manned round the clock will ensure that customer grievances are addressed within 48 hours. “We have started a conference call facility between the company, engineer and the customer. Post the grievance is registered and dealt with, a customer satisfaction survey will also be conducted,” he says.

    Sun Direct is spending approximately Rs 25 crore ($4 million) on the backend support.  According to Kumar, currently the ‘Sunshine’ centre witnesses 50 customers per day per store. The revenue model for the business will depend on the business each store generates.

    The ‘Sunshine’ centers that have been designed by JWT, have a standard format, with store dimensions ranging between 150 and 300 sq ft, depending upon the requirements of the specific town. “The stores have standard colour code which is in line with Sun Direct,” informs Kumar.

    Will we see such centers in other parts of the country as well? Says Kumar, “Currently we are looking at strengthening our service in south, once we get the extra transponders and hence more channels, we can think of other region as well.”

  • Sun Direct to spread sunshine among subscribers

    Sun Direct to spread sunshine among subscribers

    MUMBAI: Sun Direct has decided to go the extra mile for its customers. The DTH provider will set up customer experience centres, by the name ‘Sunshine’, across four major cities in South India.

    Speaking about the endeavour, Sun Direct managing director Mahesh Kumar says: “We want to facilitate better customer service. ‘Sunshine’ will act as a service hub for customers, who can walk into any service centre to resolve their queries, right from recharging packs to resolving issues related to set top boxes (STBs).”

    Kumar admits digitisation is also responsible for Sun Direct’s increased focus on customer needs. “We have to expand our reach if we want to compete with cable operators post digitisation,” he says candidly.

    The DTH player will launch 500 centres in the south, with already around 15 to 20 centres being opened on a weekly basis. “Since 85 per cent of our customer base is in the south, we are focusing on the region and not expanding in any other region,” says Kumar, defending the choice of region.

    So what’s the objective of these ‘Sunshine’ stores? “It’s a key movement in making strong inroads into smaller towns, where a multitude of services and solutions can be offered under a single roof.  We are sure that this last mile customer touch point will be a game changer in DTH adaption across small towns in India, thereby ensuring a higher level of customer satisfaction,” explains Kumar.  

    Technicians will provide service facilities at these stores “to ensure that quality servicing of our equipment happens with minimum down time,” he adds.

    He goes on to elaborate that there will be service engineers attached to each centre and “Complaints captured through our call centres will be passed to these service engineers or attached to the ‘Sunshine’ centres, where they will be resolved.”
    Based on a franchisee model, Sunshine stores will be set up by Sun Direct in partnership with local players from the service industry, who will attend to customers’ concerns based on norms prescribed by the company.

    Asked about the revenue model, Kumar says: “It will be on commission basis and will depend on the business each store generates. There is no fixed model since a better location will mean a better ROI. We are anyways not looking at it as a revenue generating business.”  

    According to him, the choice of a franchisee model is because: “We plan to set up 500 such centres, and if we had to do it ourselves, it would need more employees. Also, it would be difficult to handle such volumes ourselves. So we are instead encouraging people who are interested in spending the money to set up the stores.”

    To start with, Sun Direct will support the ‘Sunshine’ stores till such time a minimum ROI is established. “Investment will be done by the partners and we will be giving them branding support,” says Kumar.

    The store creative, designed by JWT, will have a standard format, with store dimensions ranging between 150 and 300 sq ft, depending on the requirements of the specific town. However, “the stores will have a standard colour code and they will be similar in look and feel,” says Kumar.

    He points out they are choosing such locations which can be easily accessed by customers. “Also, through this, we will attend to all customer needs like providing them all means of recharge, addressing their complaints related to STBs and also provide an instant swap of boxes. The store is more like a Sun Direct store which is focused on post acquisition and not on adding new customers,” he emphasises.

    Others in the business question the initiative, saying that Sun Direct’s focus should be elsewhere.

    Says Tata Sky CEO Harit Nagpal: “We had started a service like this long back, but stopped it later. The reeason being simple: you don’t expect your customers to carry the STBs to the service centers. Customers can register complaints through the call centres and we can reach out to them anywhere to resolve issues. Also there are several ways to recharge packs.”

    On its part, Sun Direct says it is all part of its endeavour to improve the customer experience. Earlier this month, it revamped its customer care portal www.my.sundirect.in in a bid to provide ease of use to existing and new subscribers.

  • Sun Direct revamps customer care web portal

    Sun Direct revamps customer care web portal

    BENGALURU: South India’s leading DTH player Sun Direct has revamped its customer care portal in a bid to provide ease of use to existing and new subscribers. Customers of Sun Direct can manage their account by logging on to www.my.sundirect.in or on the link from the www.sundirect.in site.

    Sun Direct MD Mahesh Kumar said: “With addition of new services, Sun Direct yet again demonstrates in delivering value to our esteemed customers. As innovators in DTH industry we will continue to customise our offerings to suit the needs of viewers.”

    The portal has been designed to be user friendly and dedicated to improve the customer care services says the company. It enables the subscribers to search for every TV programme featuring their favourite star/director in one click and ensures they don’t miss out on anything. Customers can also use the ‘My Favorite’ page to add the most watched channels. The portal has more intuitive user-focused design that presents the important information in one place.

    The revamped portal has an intelligent recommendation engine that learns the subscriber’s preference as they use and ensures they see more of what they like. It also helps to select the best packages for their taste. Other features like reminder services and social TV shows the customers what their friends are watching.
    The new customer care portal is powered by Whats On India – which is a TV guidance company and an EPG / Program guide specialist in the Indian and overseas markets. The look and feel of the new website remains similar to that of the main website, keeping the design and navigation simplistic says the company.