Tag: solutions

  • “The one-size-fits-all approach is too old school for us”: Mukesh Vij

    “The one-size-fits-all approach is too old school for us”: Mukesh Vij

    Mumbai: In the fast-paced world of digital advertising, where innovation is the currency of success, one agency shines brightly as a beacon of creativity and forward-thinking strategies. Hashtag Orange, the powerhouse reshaping industry norms and leading the charge into new territories. Since its inception, Hashtag Orange has fearlessly challenged the status quo, establishing itself as a trailblazer in the world of digital marketing.

    Indiantelevision caught up with Hashtag Orange founder Mukesh Vij a trailblazer in the dynamic realm of advertising and digital marketing. With over 18 years of industry experience and a passion for technology. Vij has led Hashtag Orange to redefine brand promotion and online engagement. His people-first approach and commitment to delivering holistic digital marketing solutions underscore Hashtag Orange’s success in empowering clients to achieve their goals.

    In this Conversation, we delved deeper into what makes Hashtag Orange stand out, redefining engagement in digital advertising through its unique strategies and dynamic fusion of expertise.

    Edited Excerpt

    On  Hashtag Orange redefining engagement in digital advertising, and specific strategies or approaches setting it apart from traditional methods

    At Hashtag Orange, we are a collective of enthusiastic creators making it India’s leading new-age digital marketing agency. We are proactive rather than reactive with the perseverance that only the best strategies are implemented for our digital partners. Some of the strategies devised at Hashtag Orange are:

    ●   Cultivation of pro-digital mindset: The first step to thriving in a world where digital natives are taking over the markets slowly is to be open to all things digital. The realm of creativity is expanding constantly and the only way to exist is to keep up with it.

    ●   Targeting usage of the latest available technology: When working towards achieving the vision for our clients/partners, we incorporate the latest trends and technology to ensure we maximise our reach.

    ●   Ensuring digital savviness: As they say, “charity begins at home”; we believe disruption begins at our desk. With the group of digital-savvy creators at Hashtag Orange, we’re always ready for a new trend, a new tool, and a new challenge.

    ●   Syncing brand advocacy and business goals: The code one needs to crack in the digital world is to know that one must promote the brand’s ethos with a strategic

    We actively work towards the inclusion of such strategies to keep consumers engaged and satisfied. This also helps us be an enthusiastic partner for our clients on their digital journey. Success is subjective and dependent on the industry, target audience, and the goal of every campaign.

    At Hashtag Orange, what sets us apart is our effort to combine traditional and digital strategies effectively, leveraging their pros and eliminating their cons. Digital marketing offers global reach and detailed data, but traditional advertising can still reach specific language audiences well. The team at Hashtag Orange is using digital marketing wisely, while also learning from traditional marketing ideologies.

    On Hashtag Orange’s diverse expertise contributing to driving innovation in integrated agencies, and examples of successful collaborations or projects that showcase this dynamic fusion

    In today’s day and age, innovation is key to survival. The leadership that guides Hashtag Orange brings a diversified profile and experience from different industries to the table. Our experts encourage creative problem-solving and teamwork from traditional and new-age digital perspectives. By embracing their unique perspectives, experiences, and backgrounds, we’ve been able to tap into a wealth of ideas and unleash our full potential. The team at Hashtag Orange has been fortunate to be associated with clients with whom we could change the business landscape.  We emphasise the need for cross-functional collaboration and explain to clients the benefits of diversification. We’ve been quite fortunate to be working with brands that trust our vision in fulfilling their goals. This mantra has helped us to continue experimenting and innovating as we cater to a diverse set of brands from various sectors.

    On the common mistakes companies make in social media marketing, and Hashtag Orange addressing or avoiding these pitfalls in their campaigns

    We believe that everybody has their own learning curve. We’ve observed that sometimes agencies may fail to recognise the needs of their clients. That’s why we approach things differently, at Hashtag Orange. Every time we partner with a new brand, we step into their shoes and walk around in it to fully grasp their challenges and requirements. The one-size-fits-all approach is too old school for us. We believe in tailoring solutions to fulfil the needs of each brand specifically. We strongly believe scratching the surface won’t cut it so we dig deep into our clients’ businesses, using digital platforms, and deliver results.

    To share an instance, when we see potential in organic marketing, we’ll recommend it overpaid promotions. The goal is to prioritise our clients’ success over immediate profits. This approach is key to our success, ensuring our clients are well-guided and happy.

    On key challenges  that Hashtag Orange has faced in the journey and overcoming or adapting to them

    No story worth telling goes by without a conflict. That point of conflict in Hashtag Orange’s journey came with the COVID-19 pandemic. At that time, our primary clients dealt with retail business. We genuinely believe that our employees are our greatest strength, as they have always been. Our mutual belief in each other assured us that explore digital platforms. We extended the same assurance to our clients, building confidence that their brands are managed by a team with long-term strategies in mind. And we can say that it has turned out well!

    On Hashtag Orange measuring the success of its digital advertising campaigns, and key performance indicators (KPIs) that you prioritise to gauge effectiveness

    At Hashtag Orange, we set KPIs as part of the marketing strategy, which purely depends on the client’s goals. With the market dynamics evolving every day, having a clear focus on Key Performance Indicators is fundamental. These help us understand a snapshot of current performance and also guide the client for future strategies and decision-making processes. Our strategies yield the desired outcomes and provide a measurable return on investment. That’s why we have different KPIs for different brands, according to their business goals.

    On the Hashtag Orange USP playing a role in building and maintaining its reputation for excellence and innovation

    Integrated solutions, our unique selling proposition, have always been our core strength. It has enabled us to provide 360-degree solutions to our clients constantly. We believe in diving deep into data analytics. It helps us understand trends and patterns. But we also believe in having direct conversations with the consumers. That’s where our creative solutions come from. The solution could be an Influencer campaign or a community creation, a substance idea, or a digital campaign. In fact, we could even combine it with a mainline idea and technological integration.

  • Partha Sinha & the art of monetisation at The ToI

    Partha Sinha & the art of monetisation at The ToI

    NEW DELHI: As the government imposed strict lockdown restrictions for close to three months, the print industry was one of the worst-hit. If various reports are to be believed, they lost around 60-80 per cent of their revenues. A lot of them shut down editions, most of them let go of their employees, shaved salaries, and almost all of them dealt with a painful period where their resources just bled.

    However, as the world starts getting back to normal and a new world order sets in, the print industry is looking forward to a better tomorrow, lined up with new opportunities and relevancy, Bennet Coleman & Co Ltd (BCCL)  president–responses Partha Sinha shared in a virtual fireside chat with Indiantelevision.com founder, CEO, and editor-in-chief Anil Wanvari. On Monday evening, the duo sat across screens to discuss the impact of Covid2019 on print and the way ahead for the industry. 

    Sinha noted that the print industry has already reached a 70 per cent recovery in terms of the number of copies being delivered. “I think in some markets it has gone up to 90 per cent because, in the south or states like Kolkata, there was never a massive problem of circulation. Cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and a few more in the north were hit badly and I guess it has revived now, not just for us but for all the players.”

    He indicated that it is a good sign for the industry and debugs the myth that print will shut down. “For three to four months, our main concern was consumer demand that was severely impacted. But coming out of it so quickly is absolutely brilliant.”

    So, was it a knee-jerk reaction on the part of the industry to shut down some of the editions and let go of a number of employees, or as some of the unions say, an excuse, Wanvari questioned. 

    “I don’t think it was a knee-jerk reaction or an excuse. Even it was not for Covid2019 and something else would have happened, you would have got a consultant like McKinsey or BCG and asked them to optimise, right? This optimisation tells you if there is any cost reduction required and how can you improve profitability. Honestly speaking, as much as it's being talked about but it's quite a routine activity. Every organisation has optimised; when you find a new revenue opportunity, you hire people and if you find a revenue opportunity drying up, you optimise. I think this is a regular organization life cycle,” Sinha cleared the air. 

    So, what does the future of print seems like to him as digital and other mediums take centre stage? 

    Sinha insisted that there can’t be any substitute for the content that print generates and therefore the medium will stay here, but it might take just a slightly different role going ahead.  

    “I want to debug the myth that digital can replace or surpass print, or TV is a challenge to print. What is happening with both these mediums is that they are creating fragmented opinions, which lack credibility for the source and even for the brands. The news on television is so polarised, that it is sickening now. And obviously, if fake news becomes the business model, the credibility is hampered. Therefore, no amount of user-generated content or no amount of hair pulling on the camera will be able to substitute the credibility that print offers. Journalism will always remain about how deep you go, how sincere you are  and whether you are you're taking all the points of views,” Sinha elaborated. 

    He added that the role of print, going ahead, will move on from being a medium of discovery of product to being involved in its purchase by the customer too because of the credibility associated with the medium. He cited the instance of a real estate developer Casa Gold out of Chennai. It sold 120 apartments during the peak of Covid over four days. The Times of India Chennai response team managed everything from the webinar, to virtual expo, to get the potential buyers to take part in the virtual display of the advertisements to front page jackets of the physical newspapers.

    Sinha revealed that print media plays a big role in cultural marketing. "Cultural marketing works by creating truth and opinion and rallying people around the truth and opinion or finding emergent truth and opinion in society and making it bigger,” he explained. “Many branded efforts have almost become culture: Lead India, Teach India, Lead India led to Anna Hazare and the birth of AAP. Print can create a better narrative than any other medium. Another example is organ donation which has been driven by the Times of India.. The Times of India is the only way to create a culture with the affluent.

    “With so much fragmentation, there is a lack of credibility in the domain now. Due to fake news being so prevalent, print has started playing a significant role in building credibility and a path to purchase. The advantage of the printed word is it doesn't come with a picture. Therefore, you are forced to use your brain, you're forced to use your opinion. And that's how culture gets created. The beauty of culture creation is that eventually  brands will pay a premium to be closer to culture. Everything else is just a matter of discount because that's why the most popular method of advertising on the internet is programmatic led,” he shared. 

    He highlighted that cultural authority is the biggest asset a brand can ever own, because with that comes credibility. “These are the things that print media have to start thinking about, some like the New York Times has already done so,” he pointed out.

    Further, to help the brands gain the maximum out of the exposure and credibility that print offers Bennet and Coleman has come up with a pricing engine, which is based on artificial intelligence and machine learning. It can make an umpteen number of parameters and churn out a very specific notation for the time, helping the brands understand the right channels and the right strategy to advertise. “We are backing culture creation with data and analytics and have huge amount of data analysis,” he revealed.

    Sinha highlighted that all the assets of the Times of India group are brought into play while offering solutions to clients, whether its digital or TV or print or the social handles of these. “Thanks to the fact that we have all these assets, we can bring in 20 of our group assets or 30 of them,” he disclosed. “Let me also tell you we are open to look at assets outside the group to provide solutions to clients.”

    Times have indeed changed things at The Times. As many clients and marketers say, the change has happened for the better. 

  • Tata Elxsi to showcase latest innovations & solutions in BroadcastAsia 2016

    Tata Elxsi to showcase latest innovations & solutions in BroadcastAsia 2016

    MUMBAI: Tata Elxsi, a global design and technology service leader in the Broadcast industry, today announced its participation in BroadcastAsia/ CommunicAsia 2016, where it will be showcasing its latest innovations and solutions in Broadcast, Communications, IoT and Artificial Intelligence. 

    Our solutions not only address the key challenges faced by the industry today but are also future-ready positioning us in the forefront of transforming the MSO and Broadcast businesses. These include Globally Deployable RDK Suite – Prime, FalconEye Test Automation and QoE Monitoring, Artificial Intelligence and Big Data Analytics, DevOps, Internet of Things Platform and Connected TV and Multiscreen Application. We work with the Top 5 MSOs, STBs/ Gateway vendors globally, establishing our leadership in this domain.

    Tata Elxsi senior VP strategy and marketing Nitin Pai said, “The telecom and broadcast sector are undergoing significant transformation, especially with phenomenal digital adoption. While the services on broadcast are increasingly adopting OTT video delivery and using big-data analytics to provide an enhanced, all-pervasive consumer experience, the telecoms are undergoing a larger change with the advent of SDN/NFV, virtual CPEs, Artificial Intelligence based prediction and automations and 5G wireless.  There is a huge demand to create newer platforms and services on the intersections of these technologies for applications like SmartCities, Industry 4.0 and IoT. The emergence of such new intersections across vertical market segments creates interesting possibilities for new business models. ComminicAsia/ BroadcastAsia is a great platform to share key trends, innovations, solutions and experiences from Tata Elxsi.”

    Tata Elxsi’s showcase at BroadcastAsia/ CommunicAsia (Booth 1 H3-07) will include solutions across the following categories:

    Develop, Test & Deploy: We work with leading operators across the world, helping them strategize next generation quad-play services – right from planning, development, testing to integration and deployment support. This includes next generation IMS/ DOCSIS implementations and new services around IoT, Smart Home, Healthcare, etc. 

     Launch, Analyse & Monetise: We provide a unified OTT platform to launch your content services across platforms with integrated 24×7 monitoring QoS/QoE support and content analytics. This allows delivery of enhanced consumer experiences and effectively monetises content.

     Transforming to Agile Networks: We have been solving problems for operators and OEMs globally for next generation network solutions with SDN/NFV and vCPE development and deployments. These include industry’s first implementation of holistic software defined networking architecture – with secure communications for Healthcare and a pioneering validation solution for end-to-end validation of a leading MSO’s NFV architecture.

  • Tata Elxsi to showcase latest innovations & solutions in BroadcastAsia 2016

    Tata Elxsi to showcase latest innovations & solutions in BroadcastAsia 2016

    MUMBAI: Tata Elxsi, a global design and technology service leader in the Broadcast industry, today announced its participation in BroadcastAsia/ CommunicAsia 2016, where it will be showcasing its latest innovations and solutions in Broadcast, Communications, IoT and Artificial Intelligence. 

    Our solutions not only address the key challenges faced by the industry today but are also future-ready positioning us in the forefront of transforming the MSO and Broadcast businesses. These include Globally Deployable RDK Suite – Prime, FalconEye Test Automation and QoE Monitoring, Artificial Intelligence and Big Data Analytics, DevOps, Internet of Things Platform and Connected TV and Multiscreen Application. We work with the Top 5 MSOs, STBs/ Gateway vendors globally, establishing our leadership in this domain.

    Tata Elxsi senior VP strategy and marketing Nitin Pai said, “The telecom and broadcast sector are undergoing significant transformation, especially with phenomenal digital adoption. While the services on broadcast are increasingly adopting OTT video delivery and using big-data analytics to provide an enhanced, all-pervasive consumer experience, the telecoms are undergoing a larger change with the advent of SDN/NFV, virtual CPEs, Artificial Intelligence based prediction and automations and 5G wireless.  There is a huge demand to create newer platforms and services on the intersections of these technologies for applications like SmartCities, Industry 4.0 and IoT. The emergence of such new intersections across vertical market segments creates interesting possibilities for new business models. ComminicAsia/ BroadcastAsia is a great platform to share key trends, innovations, solutions and experiences from Tata Elxsi.”

    Tata Elxsi’s showcase at BroadcastAsia/ CommunicAsia (Booth 1 H3-07) will include solutions across the following categories:

    Develop, Test & Deploy: We work with leading operators across the world, helping them strategize next generation quad-play services – right from planning, development, testing to integration and deployment support. This includes next generation IMS/ DOCSIS implementations and new services around IoT, Smart Home, Healthcare, etc. 

     Launch, Analyse & Monetise: We provide a unified OTT platform to launch your content services across platforms with integrated 24×7 monitoring QoS/QoE support and content analytics. This allows delivery of enhanced consumer experiences and effectively monetises content.

     Transforming to Agile Networks: We have been solving problems for operators and OEMs globally for next generation network solutions with SDN/NFV and vCPE development and deployments. These include industry’s first implementation of holistic software defined networking architecture – with secure communications for Healthcare and a pioneering validation solution for end-to-end validation of a leading MSO’s NFV architecture.

  • Two convergence meets on the Anvil next month

    Two convergence meets on the Anvil next month

    NEW DELHI: Just over a month after the international Convergence Exhibition and Conference organized by the Broadcast Engineering Society (India) early this month, two more such exhibitions are on the anvil next month – one in the capital and the other in Kolkata.

    The Fourth International Converging World 2007 Exhibition and Seminar at the Netaji Indoor Stadium in Kolkata from March 9 to 11 has been organized by Zeal Broadband Solutions, while the 15th Convergence India International exhibition and conference at Pragati Maidan in Delhi from March 20 to 22 is being put together by Exhibitions India in collaboration with the Cellular Operators Association of India. Both Zeal and Exhibitions India are Delhi-based.

    The first Convergence India had been organized fifteen years earlier jointly by Exhibitions India and BES (I) but the two had parted ways after two shows and have been organizing separate events. The BES (I) meet this year had taken place from February One to three.

    The Kolkata event is focused on Broadband and Triple Play Solutions, Fibre to Home solutions, Satellite and Broadcasting Solutions, Internet Services and Solutions, Computer Networking, Mobile Communication and Accessories, Wireless Technologies, Total Telecom Solutions, Total Security Solutions, and Cable TV Services and Solutions.

    Zeal Broadband Solutions has already held the Converging World exhibitions and seminars in Delhi, Bangalore, Chennai, Kolkata, Pune, Hyderabad, Lucknow and Calicut. Zeal also publishes the ‘Satellite @ Internet India’ monthly magazine in English, Hindi and Bengali.

    There has been extensive promotion to support ‘Converging World 2007’ through Hoardings, Bus Back Panels, FM Radio Campaigning (RED FM-93.5), Mobile Balloon Campaigning, SMS Campaigning, E-Flyers Campaigning, Advertisements in Trade Magazines, and Campaigning in Television Channels like ‘Akash Bangla’ is promoting the event as the Official Channel Partner. Smart – Reliance GSM Service as the ‘Associate Sponsor’ doing an interesting SMS Campaign with the ‘Visit & Win’ concept.

    Meanwhile, the 14th Convergence India last year had attracted 386 participants from 25 countries and Exhibitions India founder Prem Behl told indiantelevision.com that the meet this year was expected to surpass that figure. The meet will see the participation of the telecom, mobility, broadcast, cable, satellite, information and technology, and information security sectors. A special feature is the theme pavilion to be set up by the International Security Industry Organisation being set up for the first time as part of this fete.

    There will be a workshop on e-governance, and the conference will bring together industry leaders, investors, government officials and users on a single platform to discuss all aspects of the ICT industry. Subjects include ‘Next Gen Telecom’, ‘Wireless Delivery: Broadband for all’, ‘Services on Demand: Business and Infotainment’, ‘Towards Mobile Information Society’, ‘Security Challenges for the Enterprise’, and “Enabling SMB’s and SME’s for tomorrow’s growth”.

    Exhibitions India also publishes the monthly ‘Convergence Plus’ journal to publicise the advantages of convergence of information communication, telecom and broadcasting.

  • New Medium Enterprises comes out with HD VMD player

    New Medium Enterprises comes out with HD VMD player

    MUMBAI: New Medium Enterprises (NME) which developes high-definition platforms, processes and technologies, has announced the release of its first-generation HD VMD player.

    The player, which will retail for $175 in the US will allow consumers for the first time to experience high definition at a low cost on a backwards-compatible player, capable of playing existing DVD formats.

    TThe player utiliSes NME’s HD VMD format, which the company says is a natural successor to the existing DVD platform. The launch of NME’s new HD VMD player is the culmination of significant research and development efforts in Europe and China, which has resulted in the manufacture of an HD player that combines the latest electronics technologies to deliver a superior viewing experience.

    Significantly, NME has already secured content deals in Europe, China and India and expects to be able to announce further contracts in the near future.

    NME CEO Mahesh Jayanarayan said, “The release of our first HD VMD player is both a milestone for NME and a significant moment for the industry. NME has worked in close collaboration with our partners, who can justifiably lay claim to be leaders in HD electronics, to bring to the market a high-quality HD player at an affordable price in all regions.

    “NME has the platform which will allow content developers to deliver high definition content to worldwide markets now, not at some future point. This is clearly generating significant interest in the market.”

    Along with the HD VMD platform, NME also brings a one-stop solution to the HD market, incorporating optical disc solutions, file formats, encryption technology, authoring tools and compression technologies.

    NME plans to announce additional products in the near future incorporating other codecs.