MICROSOFT

Ranked at No. 5 last year, Microsoft has slipped more than a few notches...

Easily one of the most popular brands of all times, Microsoft dominates the global software market. Right from its Operating System, to it’s software suite, to SQL servers, to developer tools (MSDN), to Business Solutions, its MSN network, Windows- powered mobile phones, the Microsoft Zune MP3 player, to the popular gaming console ‘Xbox 360’… phew!

In India, over the last year, Microsoft has undertaken numerous business activities, the most widely publicised of which were the launches of Widows Vista, Office 2007 software suite and that of the Xbox 360 console. Other prominent offers included Microsoft’s Windows Mobile 5.0 platform for all Airtel users and the launch of the Windows XP Media Centre PCs. All of which clearly served to enhance the brand presence and recall in the Indian market. Then there are also its various CSR initiatives viz. imparting IT skills in villages and promoting technology access for impoverished students, which are boosting Microsoft’s image in their own way. Says Ravi Venkatesan, Chairman, Microsoft India, “We want to see technology help each individual in unlocking his/her true potential.” Clearly, Microsoft has made all the right moves in India. But with Google and Yahoo hitting on the innovation key, Microsoft has slipped in our rankings.

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Source:- IIPM Editorial, 2008
An IIPM and Management Guru Prof.Arindam Chaudhuri's Initiative

IIPM Arindam Chaudhuri 4Ps Business & Marketing Business & Economy Kkoooljobs Planman Media Planman Consulting Planman Marcom Planman Technologies Planman Financial Planman Motion Pictures GIDF The Daily Indian IIPM Think Tank

The Sunday Indian

Nett(o)ing in moolah

Cheryl NETTO... She lives, breathes and eats finance and enjoys it every step of the way!

When India was just growing up to the nuances of the financial sector, one lady had already grasped its long-term potential. Cheryl Netto, Executive Director of JM Financial, a leading investment banking firm. Speaking to 4Ps B&M, she said “I joined JM Financial 15 years back. When I started my career, women working in banks were a common sight, but not so in investment banking. I realised that it was not a place for the weak-hearted, since it demanded long working hours and focused client management.”

So, did she face major difficulties in this male-dominated field? “JM Financial is an equalopportunity firm and gave me the platform to pursue my ambitions, grow and be recognized as an individual with the same aspirations as my male counterparts.” She does believe that women have more tolerance and empathy, which gave them an edge at the workplace.

Not only that, she has also gone one step ahead and charted out her future plans as well, looking forward to anchor a social initiative where she can leverage her knowledge of the financial world and client network. “I believe there is ample scope for young women to make their mark globally. You must stay committed and focused on your goals and believe in yourself,” is her advice to women professionals. Shall we say, more power to women empowered?

For Complete IIPM Article, Click here
Source: IIPM Editorial, 2008
An IIPM and Management Guru Prof. Arindam Chaudhuri's Initiative

IIPM Arindam Chaudhuri 4Ps Business & Marketing Business & Economy Kkoooljobs Planman Media Planman Consulting Planman Marcom Planman Technologies Planman Financial Planman Motion Pictures GIDF The Daily Indian IIPM Think Tank
The Sunday Indian

As Toyota crosses the one million mark in hybrid sales, other car firms scramble

Given the market potential, even Toyota’s rival counterparts like Honda and Ford have hit the ground running. Ford sold more than 3,000 hybrids in the same time period, reaping benefits from the popular Escape (Ford’s hybrid), while Honda accepted payment checks for close to 5,000 hybrid units. GM, which may not have a significant proportion in these figures, is a major pioneer as well. The company is responsible for spearheading hybrid truck sales in America.

Even though hybrids are now becoming increasingly popular, analysts believe that a majority of consumers still prefer old fashioned technology under their bonnets. The main reason sighted for this anomaly has been the lower penetration of hybrid technology. Apart from select areas in a couple of developed markets, hybrids are virtually non-existent in most of the world. Despite the fact that developing markets like India and China are beginning to be visible on the hybrid map, there still are uncertainties.

So where lies the answer to this hybrid’dle? Despite clearly having efficiency advantages, the hybrid concept stands a chance of succeeding in the world’s fastest growing developing markets if and only if further price reductions are brought about, as these markets have very high price elasticities. Until then, a lot more has to be achieved than simply merging two engines.

For Complete IIPM Article, Click here
Source: IIPM Editorial, 2008
An IIPM and Management Guru Prof. Arindam Chaudhuri's Initiative

IIPM Arindam Chaudhuri 4Ps Business & Marketing Business & Economy Kkoooljobs Planman Media Planman Consulting Planman Marcom Planman Technologies Planman Financial Planman Motion Pictures GIDF The Daily Indian IIPM Think Tank

The Sunday Indian

A toast to Bud

The buzz in the liquor circles is that Budweiser – better known as Bud in pubs and bars all over the world – is all set to give India a high! The brand, a pale lager owned by the US-based Anheuser-Busch (which is the world’s largest brewer) is going about its business of setting shop in the country. It has already dispatched stocks to Hyderabad; Mumbai is the next stop – the city will receive bottles of Bud in July. Goa and Karnataka are next in the pipeline. Anheuser-Busch domestic partner Crown Beer Pvt. Ltd., reportedly, has even planned out the pricing: an average national price of Rs.68 for the 650 ml bottle and Rs.38 for the pint bottle (the rates may vary from state to state, of course, depending on duties and taxes). Shall we raise a toast to Bud then?

For Complete IIPM Article, Click here
Source: IIPM Editorial, 2008
An IIPM and Management Guru Prof. Arindam Chaudhuri's Initiative

IIPM Arindam Chaudhuri 4Ps Business & Marketing Business & Economy Kkoooljobs Planman Media Planman Consulting Planman Marcom Planman Technologies Planman Financial Planman Motion Pictures GIDF The Daily Indian IIPM Think Tank
The Sunday Indian