Microsoft India announces winners of Cloud Champions 11 program’s third season

Microsoft India announces winners of Cloud Champions 11 program’s third season

Recognizes 11 partners and one CSP indirect provider for their innovative solutions to empower SMBs in their digital transformation journeys New Delhi, January 16, 2023: Microsoft India announced the winners of the third season of Cloud Champions 11 program today. Designed to drive year-on-year growth for Microsoft Cloud Service Solution Providers (CSPs), the program received tremendous response with 471 participants from 71 cities. Winners were recognized based on their cloud business growth across Microsoft Azure, Modern Work, Security and Business Applications during this program’s timeframe (August – November 2022). The Cloud Champions 11 program, now in its third season, enables Microsoft CSP partners in accelerating their cloud business by unlocking the vast opportunities presented by India’s small and medium business (SMB) segment. Open to all Microsoft CSP partners in the country, the program engaged with partners in multiple ways, including trainings, masterclasses, peer learning, engagement sessions, as well as rewards and recognition for the sales teams. Announcing the winners, Samik Roy, Executive Director – Corporate Medium and Small Business, Microsoft India, said, “Empowering small and medium businesses in their digital transformation journeys is a focus area for us at Microsoft. Our partners play a central role in helping us […]

Network International appoints global leader in banking, payments as Group Chief Business Transformation and Technology Officer

Network International appoints global leader in banking, payments as Group Chief Business Transformation and Technology Officer

Sandeep Chouhan. Network International, the leading enabler of digital commerce across the Middle East and Africa region, has announced the appointment of Sandeep Chouhan as Group Chief Business Transformation and Technology Officer. Bringing global experience in spearheading business and technology transformations at some of the world’s leading financial institutions and payments businesses, Chouhan will be responsible for driving Network’s group-wide strategic transformation to accelerate business growth, operating efficiency and innovation in processing and acquiring products, as well as reducing time to market for banks, merchants and fintechs. A reputed figure in the global banking and payments industries, Chouhan most recently served as Group Chief Operating Officer of Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank (ADIB). He brings with him over 30 years of consumer banking and payments experience in business management, digital transformation, technology modernisation and agile operations. Chouhan has a track record of building and running technology, digital and operations at Citi, Discover Card, Barclays, Mashreq, CBQ and ADIB. “Sandeep’s experience as a transformation and technology expert of leading financial institutions and payments businesses will ensure that we accelerate product innovation and time to market for our customers, enabling them to achieve their goals,” commented Nandan Mer, Group CEO of Network […]

Self-drive cars and unmanned aircraft are a reality, so why not autonomous enterprises?

Self-drive cars and unmanned aircraft are a reality, so why not autonomous enterprises?

Innovation and the pursuit of excellence are driving the success of Saudi family enterprise Obeikan Investment Group (OIG). Chief Executive Abdallah Al-Obeikan talks to Hischam El-Agamy about the company’s digital transformation journey and his mission to create a fully autonomous business We live in a world of rapid transformation, a world where digital disruption and megatrends are affecting all industries. Successful family businesses are those that are willing to move away from traditional opportunities and react quickly and decisively to change. The story of Obeikan’s success began in 1982 with a single commercial print shop in Riyadh. Over the next 40 years, OIG diversified into new industries and markets and now has a diverse set of operations in manufacturing, packaging, education, and healthcare. It is one of the leading business groups in the Middle East and North Africa and one of Saudi Arabia’s top 100 largest companies, serving more than 80 markets globally. Since 2017, the company has increased its focus on digital transformation, supported by more than 3,000 staff whose ways of working have been transformed by a digital environment and the solutions the group has adopted. A business imperative Al-Obeikan, who has been at the helm of […]

The Global Lighthouse network: how your company can benefit

The Global Lighthouse network: how your company can benefit

The Global Lighthouse Network is a program of operational improvement and certification that now numbers 114 factories or integrated supply chains across the globe. The Global Lighthouse Network is designed to help businesses transform their manufacturing operations, and more. The network has created a playbook on how to best approach and execute operational transformation. Joining the network will benefit any company wanting to make the right investments, at the right time. Transforming manufacturing operations is something that causes many business decision-makers to lose sleep. That is hardly surprising: changing processes which may have been in place for decades carries a range of risks, which can include disrupting production, regulatory issues, breaking service-level agreements and alienating workforces. The Global Lighthouse Network , a World Economic Forum initiative in collaboration with McKinsey & Company, is designed to help. This program of operational improvement and certification started as 16 production sites in 2018 and now numbers 114 factories or integrated supply chains across the globe. It features almost every sector you can think of, with consumer packaged goods, healthcare, automotive, process industries, and electronics production networks from Boston to Hyderabad. The Global Lighthouse Network members have contributed to a playbook on how […]

Schneider Electric calls for greater efforts to accelerate the energy transition and address the energy crisis: decarbonization and efficiency are key

Schneider Electric calls for greater efforts to accelerate the energy transition and address the energy crisis: decarbonization and efficiency are key

Schneider-commissioned research finds most companies planning to spend under 2% of revenues on sustainability and decarbonization initiatives On the demand side of the energy transition, only 31% of organizations currently push electrification as a way to decarbonize BOSTON, Jan. 16, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — Schneider Electric , the leader in the digital transformation of energy management and automation, today issued an urgent call for governments and companies around the world to accelerate their sustainability action and step up investments into technologies that will help them reduce their carbon emissions and bolster their energy security. Continue Reading The call comes amid spiking energy prices, an energy supply crisis and fast accelerating climate change, which together pose major challenges for companies, economies and societies around the globe. These challenges form the backdrop for the World Economic Forum’s annual meeting in Davos, Switzerland, from 16-20 January, which senior Schneider Electric executives will attend. Today’s climate and energy crises are an economic reality for ever-increasing numbers of people. Tweet this "Today’s climate and energy crises are an economic reality for ever-increasing numbers of people. As business leaders and policymakers come together at Davos, we must act in our own best long-term, not short-term, interests," […]

How digitalization will drive the global recovery for small businesses

How digitalization will drive the global recovery for small businesses

The Big Picture Crowdsource Innovation A strong and sustained global recovery is only possible if small businesses can adapt to the post-COVID era. Digital technology will drive the recovery for small businesses. Online payment and marketing systems can help them reach a new, global customer base. Small businesses are the backbone of the global economy, accounting for 90% of businesses, 60 to 70% of employment and 50% of GDP worldwide. A strong and sustained global economic recovery is only possible if these businesses can successfully adapt to post-COVID consumer behavior. This is where digitalization is the great equalizer. Digital technology will drive the recovery for small businesses, for several reasons. First, the adoption of mobile devices has made it easier for people to experience the benefits of digitalization. The digital shift will only accelerate in the coming years, as the number of mobile device users in the world is expected to increase from 6.38 billion in 2021 to 7.52 billion in 2026. Have you read? Second, the way people shop has been changing for years. There will always be a role for bricks-and-mortar stores, but the future of shopping is increasingly online. In June, Morgan Stanley forecast that the […]

Water utility providers need digital transformation to maintain water resilience

Water utility providers need digital transformation to maintain water resilience

© Wayne Stadler Water resilience in the time of climate change is essential, but how can water utility providers better deliver this? Digital transformation is the key Many water utility providers have done well in beginning their digital transformation journeys. However, the extreme weather events seen in the past years bring to light the necessity for the sector to speed up its digital transformation journey if water utilities wish to continue delivering key water management services and water resilience. In 2022, the UK experienced its driest summer in 50 years The National Drought Group has recently announced measures and guidelines for water companies to “start planning now to manage potentially significant impacts next year ”. These events highlight the need for agility to respond better to the unprecedented challenges that lie ahead. Water is an industry eager to innovate and embrace digital transformation, and in 2023 this will be essential to driving efficiency, growth, and water resilience. Digital initiatives to prepare to deliver sustainable, resilient water services Implementing automation and process management is a great starting point that will allow the water utility sector to expand its digital initiatives and prepare to deliver sustainable, resilient water services in the […]

UniAspect Digital Launches to Offer Comprehensive Solutions for Digital Business Transformation Success

UniAspect Digital Launches to Offer Comprehensive Solutions for Digital Business Transformation Success

UniAspect Digital, a provider of digital business transformation services, has launched to help industry leaders and Fortune 500 companies navigate the process of digital business transformation. The company offers a comprehensive approach tailored to each client’s needs and goals, and is supported by a team of experienced professionals. They offer a range of services to help clients conceptualize their transformation strategy, analyze potential impacts, mobilize resources, optimize processes, stabilize new digital business models, and capitalize on opportunities. Austin, TX – UniAspect Digital, a new provider of digital business transformation services, announced its official launch today. The company’s unique selling point is its comprehensive, 360° approach to business transformation that covers every aspect of the implementation process and is tailored to each client’s unique needs and goals. As an organization, UniAspect Digital’s objective is not just to run a successful digital business transformation program, but to provide comprehensive coverage to ensure customer success. The company has brought together a team of highly skilled professionals with expertise in business services, corporate function, data science and design, and architecture. Additionally, UniAspect Digital has partnered with industry-leading financial and legal firms to provide best-in-class experiences for businesses starting this mission-critical process. The company’s […]

Five reasons to choose unlimited Internet

Five reasons to choose unlimited Internet

Using the internet is a necessity in almost every industry. Choosing unlimited internet is beneficial for many reasons. Reliability is a must because interruptions in service can lead to repeating work that has already been done or losing progress. To avoid these issues that arise when using standard internet, choosing a plan that offers unlimited data is sure to create a more stable connection that truly delivers. 1. Maximum Data Regardless of the speed of the internet, choosing a plan that has unlimited data is important. Many believe that fast speeds equate to the best reliability, but this is not always true. If the data portion of the plan cannot keep up, then this slows down the connection. This is why choosing unlimited is the way to go. Regardless of what the internet is being used for, it will be able to keep up with all the uses and tasks. 2. Stable Connection Another great feature when choosing unlimited internet is the stability this brings. As mentioned, speed is not necessarily the determining factor of reliability. If the connection needs to be stable, then the data must be able to keep up. Having an unlimited plan assures that this […]

CIO Spotlight: Mark MacNaughton, EVERSANA

CIO Spotlight: Mark MacNaughton, EVERSANA

EVERSANA Name: Mark MacNaughton Company: EVERSANA Job title: CIO Date started current role: November 2018 Location: Cincinnati, OH Mark MacNaughton is the Chief Information Officer at EVERSANA , overseeing the platform’s technology operation, including its global application development, IT infrastructure, security, compliance, and data and analytics. Mark brings more than 30 years of experience implementing multi-million-dollar technology-related solutions and infrastructure for clients, including most recently serving as Senior Vice President at a global medical device company. MacNaughton holds a Bachelor of Science Degree from Miami University in Ohio. What was your first job? I was a locker room attendant/pool cleaner at my local public pool. Did you always want to work in IT? My career in IT actually started with my inability to master Trigonometry my junior year in high school. I dropped out of the AP math program, which left an open slot in my schedule. I took a class in Basic at the local community college and was hooked! What was your education? Do you hold any certifications? What are they? My undergraduate (and only) degree is a BS in Systems Analysis Miami University in Oxford, OH. Back in the day, I had several certifications in DB2 […]