Mumbai, India – EDUmobile, the Mobile Training Lab behind the world’s most popular online iPhone Training Program with over 150 students in live training, has expanded its operations by hiring more tutors to help provide one-on-one live support to its growing base of students. In order to make the classes more affordable to a wider base of candidates, a 50% discount has been introduced for a limited time.

“We’re very pleased to see that our iPhone Development Training System has been received so well at a global level. Because we are located in India we are able to economically bring on board more Tutors who will provide immediate support to all our students, without them having to wait too long. We want to be able to continue to provide the same high level of support to all candidates as we have been doing in the past. The growth in the number of students undergoing training now requires us to bring more tutors on board. Our Live Tutor Support is very popular amongst candidates, along with our Online Videos, Training PDF Manuals and Weekly Worksheets.” says Sushant Das, one of the co-founders of the venture.

EDUmobile is currently offering the course at 50% discount for a very limited time. To avail of this offer, simply enter the coupon code LIMITED50 while enrolling. This offer has been introduced to acknowledge that there are many candidates globally that simply cannot afford the full training fee of $200, but would like to develop iPhone Apps – and join the gold rush at the Apple iPhone Store. This is a limited time offer, will be taken down very shortly after 50 candidates sign up.

The iPhone Tutorial is delivered over a 12 week interactive training period, and comes with a 100% money back guarantee. The course is crafted to suite the industry need for beginner, intermediate and advanced level developers. After the course completion, developers will be able to create and publish their own Apps on the iPhone Appstore.

EDUmobile: http://www.edumobile.org/
iPhone Development Course: http://www.edumobile.org/iphone-course.html
iPhone Tutorials: http://www.iphone-tutorials.org/

EDUmobile is a spin-off independant initiative of Chakra Interactive Pvt Ltd, a company operating in the Wireless Mobile Software Development space for the past 6 years, having worked on wireless projects released by global top tier clients and publishers such as EA Mobile, Hands-on-Mobile, I-Play, Sony Pictures, Disney Mobile and Warner Bros amongst others. EDUmobile provides high quality training in various mobile technologies through Online Video, Interactive one-on-one support, Weekly PDF Manuals and Worksheets and an ongoing Support Forum. Copyright 2009 EDUmobile. All Rights Reserved. Apple, the Apple logo, iPhone and iPod are registered trademarks of Apple Computer in the U.S. and/or other countries.

###

Sushant Das
Co-Founder and Lead Tutor
+91-22-(0)-22029732

sushant {at} edumobile(.)org

This holiday promotion is time-limited from November 26, 2009 to January 30, 2010. Wondershare will provide all users with amazing discounts, which are saving up to 50%. Meanwhile, some other software will be bundled into the deals as free gifts for every users. Wondershare’s holiday promotion includes special offers of the following products for users to choose from.

Wondershare business software
Wondershare provides big discount up to 50% off for business software. Feel free to explore into the selective suite that provides you comprehensive training solutions.

Wondershare digital photo software
Users can use Wondershare software to deal with their digital photos to make them alive. Moreover, those photos can be made as greeting cards for Thanksgiving, or electronics photo album for family reunions by this software.

Wondershare multimedia software
Wondershare presents best prices for multimedia software. This holiday, users can enjoy and share their favorite movies anywhere with Wondershare multimedia software, such as iPhone, mobile photo, etc. It helps you enrich your holiday.

Pricing and Availability
Promotion offers will be available from Nov. 20, 2009 to Jan. 31, 2010. Wondershare hopes that 2010 will be a perfect year and merry Thanksgiving to all of you.
For more detailed information about Wondershare 2009 Holiday promotion, please visit:
http://www.wondershare.net

About Wondershare:
Established in 2003 and located in Shenzhen, adjacent to the international financial and trade center Hong Kong, Wondershare has extended its business worldwide, consistently dedicated to satisfy customers with diversified consumer software products and services. For more information, please visit: http://www.wondershare.com.

Microsoft Corp. and eBay Inc. today announced they are partnering to offer eBay Daily Deals through a new Internet Explorer 8 Web Slice for the holidays. With most holiday shoppers looking to save money, Microsoft and eBay will present online Daily Deals through a new Windows Internet Explorer 8 Web Slice that will showcase popular products selling at deep discounts. Customers will receive continuing updates and detailed information about these Daily Deals for eBay, all within the Favorites Bar in Internet Explorer 8.

“With almost 200 million live listings, the eBay Marketplace is second to none when it comes to holiday gift options,” said Rob Chesney, vice president of buyer and seller experience, eBay. “This season we are making it even easier for Internet Explorer 8 users to find amazing products at deep discounts with the eBay Daily Deals Web Slice.”

With online shopping expected to increase this season, Internet security is a key concern for consumers. In direct response to customers’ needs, Microsoft developed Internet Explorer 8 with built-in security protection. A study by NSS Labs shows that Internet Explorer is the leading modern browser in malware and phishing protection.

“Our customers tell us they want a browser that puts them in control of their security and privacy, and those are key ingredients to a positive online experience,” said Amy Barzdukas, general manager of Internet Explorer and Consumer Safety, Microsoft. “The eBay Daily Deals Web Slice is just one more great reason to upgrade to and use Internet Explorer 8 for all your online holiday shopping.”

The holidays are a fun time to surprise friends and family with gifts from the heart. The InPrivate Browsing feature in Internet Explorer 8 allows consumers to shop online without leaving information behind for others to find on shared computers. InPrivate Browsing allows the user to control whether or not Internet Explorer 8 saves the browsing history, cookies, temporary Internet files and other data.

For enhanced holiday shopping online, eBay and Microsoft offer customers the opportunity to find the best Daily Deals through the innovative use of Internet Explorer 8 Web Slice. Internet Explorer 8 delivers the features that Internet users want, making the browser faster and easier, while increasing security and privacy — for online holiday shopping and beyond. eBay will also launch a “12 Days of Deals” promotion along with an exclusive Mystery Deal featured each day of the Daily Deal from Nov. 27 through Dec. 8.

More information on Internet Explorer 8 and the eBay Daily Deals Web Slice can be found at http://ie8.ebay.com.

About eBay

Founded in 1995 in San Jose, Calif., eBay Inc. (Nasdaq “EBAY”) connects hundreds of millions of buyers and sellers globally on a daily basis through eBay, the world’s largest online marketplace, and PayPal, which enables individuals and businesses to securely, easily and quickly send and receive online payments. We also reach millions through specialized marketplaces such as StubHub, the world’s largest ticket marketplace, and eBay Classifieds sites, which together have a presence in more than 1,000 cities around the world. For more information about the company and our global portfolio of online brands, visit www.ebayinc.com.

About Microsoft

Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq “MSFT”) is the worldwide leader in software, services and solutions that help people and businesses realize their full potential.

Source

SOLARIS – Large Order for Oerlikon Systems

A leading European crystalline solar cell manufacturer places for the first time a large order for multiple SOLARIS systems. The SOLARIS, which offers various advantages with its revolutionary coating technology was introduced to the market just a few weeks ago. The customer will use the SOLARIS from Oerlikon Systems to significantly increase their production capacity in North America. The system is set for delivery during the coming year. “Our original strategy of offering a compact, cost-effective platform with single wafer handling is proving to be a very popular solution with Photovoltaic (PV) manufacturer,” says Andreas Dill, Head of Oerlikon Systems.

So far the core competence of Oerlikon Systems was mainly on Semiconductor and Coating Technologies. After the realignment, the focus is now diversifying into the promising nanotechnology applications. With this significant order for SOLARIS the Business Unit has made an important inroad into the PV crystalline cell manufacturing industry. Oerlikon has with this success established itself as pivotal in the PV industry as a technology and equipment manufacturer: with Oerlikon Solar for the Thin-Film technology and with Oerlikon Systems for the crystalline technology. “Both processes complement one another with their respective fields of application. For the Oerlikon Group the advantage and benefit is to be represented in both growth markets with its leading technology,” says Thomas Babacan, Chief Operating Officer at Oerlikon.

Low ‘cost of ownership’

SOLARIS was designed for front and backside coating of crystalline silicon solar cells using clean PVD sputtering technology. Its multi-layer capability allows passivation and SiN coating on the front side as well as coating of the backside with various materials. Its very small footprint (3.3 x 2.2 m) and easy integration into existing production lines give SOLARIS a remarkably low ‘cost of ownership’.

“For this client, the SOLARIS production solution provides a big step toward cost-effective production of solar cells. Ultimately, it will help PV technology – and the industry – achieve grid parity,” explains Andreas Dill, Head of Oerlikon Systems.

Counting on innovation

The SOLARIS order was preceded by thorough evaluation tests, where the system’s flexibility and reliably high output compared favorably with industry standard SiN coating solutions. “In going from concept to fully functional systems in only 24 months, our development and assembly teams drew from the innovative talent across the Oerlikon Group to get the new SOLARIS system to market quickly,” adds Oerlikon COO Thomas Babacan. The current success in the PV market is only the start for SOLARIS. In fact, the Oerlikon development teams are finalizing further mass-production solutions for touch screen panels, thermoelectric devices, and generators or thin film batteries (for the newest energy storage solutions).

Oerlikon – Enabling High Technology

Oerlikon (SIX:OERL) is one of the world’s leading international high-tech industrial groups specializing in machine and plant engineering. The company is a leader in the field of industrial solutions and innovative technologies for textile manufacture, thin-film solar and thin-film coating, drive, precision and vacuum systems. With roots in Switzerland and a long tradition stretching back 100 years, Oerlikon is a global player with a workforce of more than 16000 at 158 locations in 37 different countries. The company’s sales amounted to CHF 4.8 billion in 2008 and it ranks either first or second in the respective global market.

CONTACTS :

Sven E. Jarby
Head of Marketing & Communications
Oerlikon Balzers Coating Ltd.
Business Unit Systems
T +423 388 4878
F +423 388 5426
sven.jarby {at} oerlikon(.)com
or
Burkhard Boendel
Head of Corporate Communications
OC Oerlikon Management AG
T +41 58 360 96 02
F +41 58 360 91 93
pr {at} oerlikon(.)com
www.oerlikon.com

Closely following FDA approval, MICARDIS® is now indicated by the European Commission for the reduction of CV morbidity in patients with manifest atherothrombotic CV disease or type 2 diabetes with documented target organ damage. MICARDIS® (telmisartan) is the ONLY treatment in its class with this indication, demonstrating proven cardiovascular (CV) protection in patients at high CV risk This new indication is based on a review of clinical trials, including results from the ONTARGET trial, which showed that MICARDIS® may prevent one in five serious CV events1 Patients at-risk of heart attack and stroke can now benefit from this new indication.

Boehringer Ingelheim announced today that the European Commission has approved MICARDIS® (telmisartan) for the reduction of cardiovascular morbidity in patients with:

I. manifest atherothrombotic cardiovascular disease (history of coronary heart disease, stroke, or peripheral arterial disease) or,

II. type 2 diabetes mellitus with documented target organ damage.

MICARDIS® is the first treatment in its class to be approved for this indication. The EMEA approval is the second major milestone for MICARDIS® in cardiovascular protection. It follows the approval by the US FDA for the reduction of the risk of myocardial infarction (heart attack), stroke, or death from cardiovascular (CV) causes in patients 55 years of age or older at high risk of developing major CV events who are unable to take ACE inhibitors.

Professor Giuseppe Mancia, Professor of Medicine and Chairman of the Department of Clinical Medicine of the University of Milan, Bicocca, Italy said, “This new indication of telmisartan is a significant development for physicians and their at-risk patients. Prevention of CV events is vital as these are the primary causes of pathological death in Europe, due to lack of proper control of treatable risk factors and disease. The approval of telmisartan offers patients a well-tolerated treatment option which also provides CV protection.”

Professor Klaus Dugi, Corporate Vice President, Medical Affairs, Boehringer Ingelheim, commented, “We are delighted to receive this indication for MICARDIS® from the European Commission which closely follows the approval granted by the FDA in the US. These approvals clearly demonstrate the unique treatment option that MICARDIS now provides to both physicians and patients as the only medication in the ARB class to provide proven CV protection.”

The European Commission approval is based upon a review of clinical trial results, including the ONTARGET trial involving 25,620 patients and confirmed MICARDIS® as the only treatment option in its class with proven cardiovascular protective effects in patients with high CV risk.1 The results also demonstrated that MICARDIS® is better tolerated than the previous gold standard ramipril and is associated with higher treatment adherence.1-2
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is responsible for nearly one in three deaths worldwide and is the number one cause of death3
CVD causes nearly half of all deaths in Europe (48%).4 About half of all deaths from CVD are from coronary heart disease and nearly one-third are from stroke5
15 million people each year suffer strokes and 5 million are left permanently disabled6

MICARDIS® has also received approval for CV protection in Bolivia, Canada, Chile, Mexico, Paraguay, Philippines, Thailand and Uruguay.

MICARDIS® is one of the most studied antihypertensives in clinical trials and is widely used with over five million patient years since its approval. Its safety profile is similar to that of placebo.

To view ‘Notes to Editors’ and References, please click on the link below:

http://www.boehringer-ingelheim.com/corporate/news/press_releases/detail.asp?ID=7135

CONTACTS :

Boehringer Ingelheim GmbH
Dr. Reinhard Malin, + 49 – 6132 – 77 90815
Corporate Division Communications
Fax: + 49 – 6132 – 72 6601
reinhard.malin {at} boehringer-ingelheim(.)com

Storage Trends Reveal 2010 as the Year of Deletion

Symantec Corp. (Nasdaq: SYMC) today outlined the storage trends to watch for 2010. The storage trends reveal that “2010 is the ‘Year of Deletion”. Next year, enterprise IT administrators will continue to struggle with the continuing growth of information, while budgets continue to lag. The InfoPro says 2010 overall storage spending will improve over 2009, but many respondents are still expecting flat or even decreasing budgets. The last time storage technology kept up with information growth was 2002. In order to keep up, storage admins will need to begin to lose their ‘pack rat’ mentality and start deleting information. The ‘delete’ mentality will lead to a shift from using backup as the long term storage location. Backup will return to its intended use and recovery while archiving will step in to manage the long term retention and disposition of information.

According to Anand Naik, director, Systems Engineering, Symantec India “Industry Competition Drives Standardized Software- Both industry consolidation and increasing industry competition will drive the need for heterogeneous standardized management software in 2010. For example, the potential Sun/Oracle merger, as well as their competition with IBM and Cisco in the integrated x86 mainframe market, will provide a variety of choices for enterprises. These options will continue to create a need for data protection, storage, and high availability technologies that eliminate information islands formed by mainframe-like vertical integration”.

The other significant storage trends for 2010 are as under:

– Organizations Can No Longer Procrastinate ‘Going Green’: In 2009, organizations began to shift from implementing “green” technologies primarily for cost reduction purposes, to a more balanced awareness of also improving the organization’s environmental standing. In 2010, these two drivers will push most enterprise organizations to implement a ‘green’ strategy. IT decision makers are increasingly justifying green IT solutions by more than cost and IT efficiency benefits. They are now looking to a number of factors such as reducing electricity consumption, cooling costs and corporate pressure to be ‘green.’

– 2010 Ends the Stockpiling of Backup Tapes for Long Term Retention: Backup is the wrong application for information retention because it is organized around information islands – systems – rather than information itself. An active, de-duplicated archive with automated retention and deletion dramatically reduces the cost and time of long term information storage and retrieval. In 2010 the role of backup changes to focus on short-term recovery – fast de-duplicated backups and rapid, granular recovery with built-in replication to DR sites.

– De-duplication Everywhere: In 2010, de-duplication will become widely deployed as a feature, rather than a standalone technology. Seventy percent of enterprises still have not deployed de-duplication, but will leverage easier deployments next year as it becomes built into most storage offerings – everything from backup software, to primary storage, to replication and archiving software. As more enterprises reap the benefits of de-duplication and the gap it bridges with information management, the primary issue will become management of storage resources. As a result, enterprises will look to vendors to deploy simplified and cross-platform de-duplication management that save time and money.

– A Year of Migration: As organizations migrate to new Microsoft platforms over the next year, they will need various storage management and data management technologies in place. While upgrading is not always a priority for IT organizations, given tight budgets and the resources needed to manage the process, newer versions can offer significant technological advancements and performance enhancements that can help organizations better meet their SLAs. As organizations migrate, they will likely make technology improvements across the board to provide improved protection and management that will support all Microsoft applications in the most efficient way. However, it is important that organizations not treat these new applications in a silo manner and apply platform level backup, deduplication, archiving, retention, and E-Discovery solutions. A trusted platform can address both new and old applications in a centralized way.

– Virtualization Moves Beyond x86: In 2010, more users will be able to benefit from virtualization as competition increases among providers. Not only will Hyper-V provide added functionality with Windows Server 2008 R2, IBM will likely have continued support with AIX. In 2010, it will be clear that users can leverage all flavors of virtualization, not just x86. As virtualization becomes even more widespread and prolific, users will need to implement strategies and technologies that help them to manage the entire IT infrastructure – whether physical or virtual – in a robust, yet simplified and user-friendly way.

– Cloud Storage catches On: As a growing number of enterprises look for ways to improve storage efficiency and reduce management complexity of their growing environments, they look to leverage storage architecture designs already deployed by storage service and public cloud providers. Most will begin to recognize the combination of commodity hardware infrastructure and value-added software as the best approach to deliver storage to the business, but will need to decide between public, private or hybrid models. In evaluating their options, enterprise storage managers must consider the cost, scalability, availability, manageability and performance of any solution that will serve as the foundation for file-based storage services.

– Cloud Storage Drives Data Management: The continued move to cloud storage over the next year will drive enterprise organizations to implement more effective data management tools and strategies. While users can leverage cloud computing to ensure enhanced application performance and availability, there are also inherent risks that administrators will need to address to leverage this flexibility.

About Symantec :Symantec is a global leader in providing security, storage and systems management solutions to help consumers and organizations secure and manage their information-driven world. Our software and services protect against more risks at more points, more completely and efficiently, enabling confidence wherever information is used or stored. More information is available at www.symantec.com.

Media contact details

Mamata Sampath,
20:20 MEDIA,
+91 9986378975,
mamata.sampath {at} 2020india(.)com

Surabhi Singh,
20:20 MEDIA,
+91 9967318865,
surabhi {at} 2020india(.)com

Lenovo Group today announced that it is acquiring the entire interest of Lenovo Mobile Communication Technology Ltd. from a group of investors led by Hony Capital, the private equity arm of Legend Holdings. Consideration of the acquisition is approximately US$200 million in cash and Lenovo shares. Today’s announcement signals that Lenovo is gearing up its efforts in the burgeoning mobile Internet market in China. Lenovo Mobile now ranks No.3 in China’s mobile handset market and is the No.1 domestic brand. The transaction is conditional upon Lenovo independent shareholder approval.

Convergence between the personal computing and mobile handset industry has been a key technology trend over the past several years worldwide. The two technologies today provide very different user experiences that are evolving and combining to create new generations of devices, applications and Internet services. In addition, China is entering a high growth phase. Driven by the government and telecom service carriers, the demand for mobile Internet devices has created a huge market.

Industry analysts project the China mobile Internet market will grow to exceed US$16 billion by 2014, fueled by the rapid evolution of 3G mobile broadband and accompanying multimedia Internet services.

As a global leader in IT industry, Lenovo has been following the business opportunity in the fast growing mobile Internet market. With this acquisition, Lenovo aims to maximize the combined synergies of the two companies in product innovation, lean manufacturing, strong distribution channels and retail presence to lead the market for new mobile handheld devices in China.

Yang Yuanqing, CEO of Lenovo Group, said: “As Lenovo’s global PC business continues to make steady progress, we view mobile Internet as a key growth opportunity moving forward globally. Lenovo has prepared itself in this area. We have developed first class products with excellent hardware and operating systems integration. We will launch these innovative new products in China soon. With Lenovo’s brand, strong channel and excellent operation platform, we’re confident in our ability to execute our mobile Internet strategy and make it our next growth engine after the China business.”

Lenovo Mobile has an experienced and successful leadership team in the China mobile industry, healthy financial performance, an extensive channel network, and good relationships with domestic telecom carriers in China.

Lenovo divested Lenovo Mobile in March 2008 in order to refocus on the Group’s core PC business and this acquisition reflects the changed market conditions of the past 18 months as described above.

ABOUT LENOVO MOBILE COMMUNICATIONS

Lenovo Mobile Communication Technology Ltd. (“Lenovo Mobile”), established in 2002, is a well known player in the Chinese mobile phone industry, specializing in the research, development, production and marketing of mobile phones. Lenovo Mobile is dedicated to providing “stylish, simple, innovative and high-quality” products and value-added services that provide personalized solutions to satisfy individual needs and enhance the joy of mobile communication. Relying on its independent research and development and powerful sales channels, Lenovo Mobile has become a fundamental influence in the Chinese handset industry. For more information, see www.lenovomobile.com.

ABOUT LENOVO

Lenovo (HKSE: 0992) (ADR: LNVGY) is dedicated to building exceptionally engineered PCs. Lenovo’s business model is built on innovation, operational efficiency, and customer satisfaction as well as a focus on investment in emerging markets. Formed by Lenovo Group’s acquisition of the former IBM Personal Computing Division, the Company develops, manufactures and markets reliable, high-quality, secure, and easy-to-use technology products and services worldwide. Lenovo has major research centers in Yamato, Japan; Beijing, Shanghai and Shenzhen, China; and Raleigh, North Carolina. For more information, see www.lenovo.com.

CONTACTS :
Lenovo
Hong Kong
Angela Lee, (852) 2516-4810
angelalee {at} lenovo(.)com
or
Beijing
Jay Chen, (8610) 5886-2552
chenji {at} lenovo(.)com
or
U.S.
Ray Gorman, (919) 257-6325
rgorman {at} lenovo(.)com

New Delhi (India), 27th November 09: Strengthening the family of IXA Lifestyle products, Kobian Pte. Ltd., the leading manufacturer of IT components and peripherals including Motherboards, Cabinets, TFT, Speakers, etc., has recently introduced a swanky new 7 inch digital photo frame. Christened IXA711P, The new digital photo frame promises to compete with the rival products with its great value, stylish design and incredible array of features.

IXA711P digital photo frame is a user friendly device as you’ll simply have to insert your memory card in the card slot and view your photos or play your favourite music or videos. It includes a calendar and alarm application. The IXA711P incorporates an intelligent memory system, reducing the amount of time consumed over memory cards and employs merely one single memory card to supply both screens for a rippled experience.

The photo frame is compatible with most of the memory card types including SD/ MMC card, supports upto 2 GB memory storage. In addition, there is a built in hi-speed USB port for USB memory sticks, or to connect to a PC. So all that one needs to do is to just put it into the power socket and you can see your favorite photographs.

Mercury IXA711P features an effulgent glossy black finish and an elegant inlaid with the intelligent LED lighted touch-sensitive menu interface making it suitable addition to any room or office for that matter. If that is not enough, it has an impressive 7-inch 480×234 panel display, screen ratio of 16:9/4:3 and brightness 200cd/m2. With 2GB of built-in flash memory which results in exceptional clarity and sensational viewing experience.

Ms. Sushmita Das, Country Manager – Kobian Pte. Ltd. said, “Digital photo frames are a natural addition to our line of digital imaging products. Our new line up of digital photo frames takes pride of being the most stylish and affordable products in this category. IXA711P will definitely have a huge market as the application areas are also really high.”

Priced at Rs.3100/- plus taxes. This product is available with Kobian’s Distributors in India.

About Kobian:
Ever since its inception in 1978, Kobian has steadily progressed to extend its reach across the globe and strengthened its position as a company firmly dedicated towards providing competitive and innovative products to meet customers’ demands. Today, as the proud owner of the Mercury & iXA brand and manufacturer of computer components, peripherals, lifestyle products and consumer electronics, the group operates globally through 350 distribution channels, with offices in over 10 countries and factories in India and china. For more information, please visit our web-site: www.mercury-pc.com & www.ixastyle.com

Neha Goel
Alliance Public Relations Pvt.Ltd.
Direct: 011- 46151990
Tel: 91-11-41654699
Mob: 91-9871818931
E-Mail:- neha {at} proalliancepr(.)com
Website – www.proalliancepr.com

This award is recognition of the philanthropic initiatives of The Shiv Nadar Foundation, which is committed to the creation of a more equitable, meritocracy based society and to empower individuals to bridge the socio-economic divide. So far the Foundation has set up the SSN Institutions in Chennai and the first VidyaGyan School for rural toppers in Uttar Pradesh state.

“I am touched by this recognition of the Foundation’s efforts. I am a product of education and believe education has the power to transform lives. We at the Foundation are trying in our own small way, to take education to where it can truly uplift lives”, Shiv Nadar said.

In a short span of ten years since inception (1996) the SSN College of Engineering had already become an India top 10 private engineering college. To provide meritorious students from all walks of life the opportunity to receive world class education, the Institutions provide ~Rs 4 crore in scholarships each year to over 450 students. To date, the Institutions have disbursed Rs 30 crore to ~3000 students bridging real need gaps to offer them a global education opportunity which they otherwise would not have access to. Building on this experience the Foundation now proposes to set up the Shiv Nadar University in a 286 acre campus close to Delhi. The vision is to create a centre of excellence in education at par with premier education institutions worldwide.

The Foundation also opened its first VidyaGyan School in August 2009, in Bulandshahr, Uttar Pradesh. VidyaGyan is a radical concept, which in partnership with the Government of Uttar Pradesh aims to select, induct and transform meritorious rural children from economically disadvantaged backgrounds. VidyaGyan provides them not just free, world class education, but the finest mentoring and nurturance – allowing them to transcend the disadvantages they face and compete with their urban counterparts. In a 5-6 year timeframe, the project aspires to set up a chain of such schools that will enroll ~5000 students across Uttar Pradesh state.

About CNBC Asia Business Leaders Awards
CNBC pioneered the Asia Business Leaders Awards (ABLA) to salute remarkable business leaders for their continuing commitment to excellence, developing best practices and innovative strategies. The Awards have been constituted to define and celebrate vision, the spirit of achievement and excellence in business leadership in Asia.

About HCL
HCL is a $5 billion leading global Technology and IT Enterprise that comprises two companies listed in India – HCL Technologies & HCL Infosystems. Founded in 1976, HCL is one of India’s original IT garage start-ups, a pioneer of modern computing, and a global transformational enterprise today. Its range of offerings spans Product Engineering, Custom & Package Applications, BPO, IT Infrastructure Services, IT Hardware, Systems Integration, and distribution of ICT products across a wide range of focused industry verticals. The HCL team comprises over 60,000 professionals of diverse nationalities, who operate from 26 countries including over 500 points of presence in India. HCL has global partnerships with several leading Fortune 1000 firms, including leading IT and Technology firms. For more information, please visit www.hcl.in

Silent Auction is reflective of the cumulative commitment of the Sapient people who unite to contribute to a common cause. It is a community fundraiser program with a difference. The Auction is a fun yet creative way of getting the community (people) together to offer its services or products at a cost, which is open for a silent bid by others in the company. The highest bid wins the service or product. A “loud auction” follows this program where the company bids for the most creative services or products. The amount collected by selling the services/products offered by people is donated to a pre-decided NGO.

This year, the Bangalore team put up 118 products and services for bidding. Some of the unique offerings that were on bid included, breakfast cooked and served by the India Leadership Team (ILT), Koffee with Karan, MD of Sapient India and a fashion show by the ILT, costumes of which were to be decided by the winning team. To build momentum for the bidding process and the encourage people to participate, teams at Sapient prepared weeks ahead by doing in house road shows and mailer blasts. Today’s occasion experienced active participation by all teams and a record breaking amount of Rs 3, 40, 000 was raised. The highest bid was of Rs 55,000 for breakfast cooked and served by the ILT, the menu open to be planned by the winning team. Sapient will match every rupee earned in the auction, thereby doubling the overall donation amount.

Speaking on the occasion, Karandeep Singh, Managing Director, Sapient India said, “Sapient is committed to volunteering time & effort for activities that make a difference to society. The carnival like atmosphere at the auction today, brings to the forefront the cumulative spirit of our people. They are willing to walk that extra mile to contribute for a common cause. The sheer joy and pride of today’s celebrations drives us to set an example as responsible corporate citizens”.

The amount collected will be donated to Parikrma Foundation, for providing quality education to the less fortunate children while the Sapient people have 30 days to cash in on the fun services they have won through the bidding process. The next round of auctions will take place at Sapient’s Noida & Gurgaon offices on December 1, & 2 respectively.

About Sapient
Sapient is a global services company that helps clients compete, evolve and grow in an increasingly complex marketplace. Sapient’s offerings include a strategy-led marketing services group that – through its best-of-breed digital marketing services and world-class traditional advertising and brand strategy – is enabling leading brands to create immersive consumer experiences through multi-channel marketing and multi-channel commerce. In addition, Sapient’s business and technology services offering provides a broad range of services that enable companies to optimize their business processes, drive efficiencies, and achieve greater profit growth.
Sapient’s passion for client success – evidenced by its ability to foster collaboration, drive innovation and solve challenging problems – is the subject of case studies on leadership and organizational behavior used by MBA students at both Harvard and Yale. Headquartered in Boston, Sapient operates across North America, Europe, Asia and Australia. For more information, please visit www.sapient.com.