Sales Super Saturday (SSS) @ Sep 17, 2011

This time, we enjoyed our Sales Super Saturday at InfoStretch office.  

Agenda for Sales Super Saturday on Sep 17, 2011

10:15 AM : Morning Keynote
10:45 AM : The Magic Called Follow-Up
11:15 PM : Brand Failure
11:45 PM : Biography - Dhirubhai Ambani
12:15 PM : Telephone Etiquettes
12:45 PM : Lunch
3:00 PM : Enterprise Mobility
4:00 PM : Movie / Surprise

My viewpoints to this SSS:

It started with a welcome note, followed by a Europe Sales Strategy Plan shared by our Head - Business Strategy (ISPL Sales Sardar). Hearing at projected sales target for next year 2012-2013 raised our hairs. We all then applied the mantra of Ranchodas Chanchad (Aamir Khan in lead role @ 3 idiots) by saying "Aal Izz Well ... Aal Izz Well ..." 

It then entered into some great sessions as scheduled for the day. I personally liked the content and delivery of "The magic called follow-up" presented by one of our BD team member. The session revolved around the essence of follow-up in sales, classic success stories supporting this strategy & helping to build a long term biz relationship.

We also attempt to do something different @ SSS. This time, we have two new ingredients 1) Recording Luncheon Qs 2) Surprise Event.

Luncheon Qs were A) What's the most embarrassing moment till date? 2) What's your brand identity @ InfoStretch? Two Super Qs..... With equally hilarious and out-of-the-blue answers from each one.

Surprise Event - To decorate your workplace using your childhood photo & craft skills! Some, like me, just appreciated and motivated others with this task...

Instead of movie, we opted for playing cricket @ our parking basement. Everyone tried to show-off they are masters of this game in their own style. Swing bowling like Wasimbhai & Malinga, Spin (Phirki) like Bhajji & Monty Panesar, Batting like Mahi & Mr. Dependable.. Fielding... Ah who does that [not even our Indian cricket team :)].. Everybody looks at each other to get the ball.. 

6 PM and it's time to pack & go...

Yet another SSS ended with great learning and fun!

Will BlackBerry Messenger (BBM) continue to remain key differentiator for RIM?

BlackBerry Messenger (BBM) – the most desired feature from BlackBerry will now be challenged by Apple’s iMessage with the official release of Apple iOS 5. It is expected to get launched in the end of 2011. As mobile enthusiasts are waiting for this release, we hear about Samsung ChatON –  a cross platform mobile chat service to go live in next few weeks (prior to launch of iMessage). With this, Mobile Instant Messaging (MIM) competition is getting HOT and Interesting!!!

Let’s try to compare existing BBM with upcoming 2 MIMs that’s creating buzz & going to compete 1on1 soon.

It looks like Samsung ChatON will rule the IM Game, but, it’s too early a statement to make. Let’s see how the upcoming mobile IMs performs on what it claims to out-beat BBM & does mobile users accepts with both hands as they welcomed BBM for years now.

Google’s strategy for introducing Chrome OS

Can we think of “Operating System” that operates entirely in cloud? An operating system that doesn’t require installation on device nor has a desktop screen. All that you need is an internet browser with good internet connection to explore apps that runs over internet.  That’s what Google’s new web based OS does. They call it “Chrome OS”.  

Well, at first instance, you feel it’s WoW, but next you start thinking about below things, that go against of this new OS, such as

• It’s requires Internet EVERYTIME? No Internet... No Access to Apps... Emails… As I write there are no apps that work offline. Hopefully, in coming time, we might see apps that work in online/offline mode with data sync. 
• All work/data that you do is stored in Cloud…  Chrome OS need to provide some mechanism to access/manage files locally.  Additionally, privacy/data security is still a debatable topic in Cloud Computing
• This might promote SaaS based Apps, where SLA terms needs to be paid a great attention 
• Performing certain tasks like photo-editing, printing jobs, working with external peripherals etc could be bit difficult and requires some workarounds to handle.
• On performance, at any given day, it cannot compete with desktop based apps

So, just with above few points, we feel it’s not the OS to go with… We then start comparing with Mac, Windows, Linux/Unix etc and see further drawbacks down under.

Then, what Google is after, for whom it’s designed for, what’s the strategy behind?

Well, Google is aiming for users

• That spend most of their time over Internet
• That wants simple, easy to use interface with less or zero configuration, settings, updates
• That wants all data to be stored at one place
• That wants speed at work with low battery devices & minimal system requirements
• That wants almost zero maintenance cost, free from viruses/malware, hard drive crashes, data backups
• That wants apps (free/paid) to be downloaded from one market place (Chrome Web Store)  

In Short, it's an ideal OS for users that demands cheap, high end computing…  A perfect blend of Price and Performance

Google’s Chrome OS is already made available on devices manufactured by Samsung & Acer called “Chromebooks” that one can buy from Amazon or BestBuy.

It’s early to say how this new OS will change the dynamics of OS market & user preferences on using computing devices like desktops, laptops, chromebooks, mobiles or tablets. As Netbooks are on verge on dying, I believe this chromebooks will stay for more years. 

Google continues to surprise by launching this OS after the proven success of Android, the mobile OS, that’s creating buzz all around. 

Can citizens of India contribute to fight against terrorism, another vital issue that India is facing?

With Anna Hazare’s fight against Corruption and his firm determination to introduce Lokpal for goodness for citizens of India, we all are witness to one thing that “Lok Shakti” (meaning.. Power of the people) can mould or drive anything. Though, as I write there is no final conclusion on Lokpal with no major progress, but I believe – it’s a need and not a choice to have Lokpal NOW or NEVER.

Coming to “Lok Shakti”, can citizens of India help Govt in some way to fight against Terrorism? Let’s accept the fact – India being a democratic country, a fast developing country, still b/h world class infrastructure & Hi-Tech equipments, huge population, diversified language/religion/culture, low literary rate, cross-border issues, internal big issues/scams etc, it’s difficult for any ruling government to fight against unplanned terror strikes and counter fight strategically, keeping low count of human lives, security personnel, property damages etc.  More importantly, to have a better peace of mind for people living in India and foreign visitors that travel to India.

Of course, there are some ways and awareness programs implemented, whereby citizens of India can contribute. Adding to existing programs, can a mobile be used as a tool to help to prevent/forecast/resolve terrorism activities?  

I believe, YES, it can be. Below is a workflow diagram at broad level.

Key Challenges to implement this would be

• Making it Simple to use with ZERO training 
• Easy One time registration & validation process
• Tracking of User profiles carrying multiple SIMs/Phones
• Keeping user profile & captured data confidential
• Transforming different forms of data into usable format
• Relating/mapping captured data under which incident
• Defining rules of which data is important and which is not
• Seamless integration with current GoG intelligent systems
• Managing high volume of data, archiving   
• Data manipulation & forecasting
• Timely actions
• End-to-end secure environment
• Transparent, Encouraging loyalty/reward programs     

Will it be effective or make magical difference?

• “Jagrut Janta” + “Jagrut Sarkar” can make it effective
• Will certainly add value to our Intelligence
• Can turn to be a need and not a choice   
• Additionally, similar concept can be applied for traffic policing, road accidents, construction process etc for effective monitoring & forecasting.   

Please feel free to share your views on this and other ways to make India, a secure place to live and explore.

Jai Hind! 

Sales Super Saturday (SSS) @ Aug 6, 2011

This time, Sales Super Saturday was conducted at InfoStretch office, due to some rain and festive occasion. The sessions picked for this time were more focused on Sales (as the current quarter stands more important than the next one).  

Agenda for Sales Super Saturday on Aug 6, 2011

10:00 AM: Keynote Topic

11:00 AM: Sales for Emerging Companies

12:00 PM: European QA Strategy of ISPL

12:30 PM: Lead Generation Best Practices

 1:00 PM: Lunch

 3:00 PM: Recent Sales Closures - Experiences - Open Discussion

 4:00 PM: Sales Superstar Biography

 4:30 PM: Sales Movie / Videos

My viewpoints to this SSS:

I personally liked the “Sales SuperStar Biography” session that speaks about Mr. Phaneesh Murthy – Sales Super Star & Unsung Hero of InfoSys. The session touches upon his contribution to InfoSys and not on other sides of his story. It was this champion so called “The Other Murthy” (of course, the one that we all know Mr. Narayana Murthy) that pushed InfoSys’s revenues to $700M USD in over next 10 yrs of his working. Indeed, A BIG number, before he left InfoSys in 2002. 

Mr. Phaneesh Murthy’s working principles are quite simple - Always look to build the sales organization – No unlimited clauses – agree on targets – no loss of integrity – initial watch, then full autonomy. With strong sales numbers, he is very sharp with his memory, persistent, patient and open for extensive travelling. He likes reading mystery books, fond of Golf (“If you don’t golf for business, you just won’t get it,” – Phaneesh Murthy often says), pure vegetarian & teetotaler. Currently, he is MD & CEO of iGate Patni.

Rests of the other sessions were quite informative too! Due to lack of time, we skipped the Sales Movie which is always inspiring!

Idea b/h covering SSS on blog

• Cover those learning from the session(s) that might be informative for others
• Try to collect thoughts from other viewers   
• Spread the word of this event (as something similar always helps to any organization)

About Sales Super Saturday

At InfoStretch, at third week of every month, there is an event called “Sales Super Saturday”. It was initiated about 1 year back from Business Strategy Head @ InfoStretch. And motto behind this event is to come, participate, brainstorm, learn and enjoy. It’s more likely to be a team building exercise with a right to express their ideas/thoughts/learning in their own way, irrespective of any person’s designation, job profile, his/her influence at management level etc.

No Laptops!  No Work! No Late Coming!

Content Delivery Mode:

Powerpoint Presentation, Games, Whiteboard learning, mimicry/drama, plain vanilla speech

Participants:
Mostly India BD/Sales Team.

Venue:

It varies. Sometimes at office or organize the same at some resorts/camps, hundred kms away from office.

Sales Super Saturday is “Learn with Fun”…  Sales Super Saturday ROCKS!!! … I don’t like to miss any SSS.

Simple Comparison on Android Latest Versions

HTML5 for Mobiles

With gaining popularity and traction for using HTML5, it raises obvious Qs to get answers

• What’s GREAT about HTML5?
  
• Is HTML5, future of Mobile Apps? Will it replace native Apps?
• Will it endanger other browser based technologies like Flex/Flash, Silverlight etc?
• Is this most preferred and cost effective approach for cross-platform mobile apps development and distribution?

What’s HTML5 in layman’s terms?

• Latest version of HTML (Known technology for years) that promises to offer new set of features with better UX
• HTML5 = HTML5+CSS3+JS
• Easy to learn, develop & update, portable, cheap and faster time to market
• No download required to access content. Runs on Mobile browsers over Internet
• Good tool for Rapid, Cross Platform Application Development – an evolving platform that enable to create Rich, Interactive Mobile Web Apps
• Has in-build APIs to access core mobile device capabilities, remote/local DB synchronization, extended audio/video support etc
• Has Better UI presentation capabilities – web forms, validations, user editable content, canvas drawing etc  
• Offers easy integration with third party libraries/scripts
• Has great potential to develop any consumer or enterprise apps 
• Can build Games too 

HTML5 Limitations as of Today

• Cross browser compatibility issues - while implementing HTML5 features
• Difficult to rely on this technology because of rapidly changing mobile demographics & futuristic technologies like NFC, 3D content rendering, push notification, facial recognition etc
• Limited scope for Offline capabilities
• Performance issues when it comes to executing complex DB queries, audio/video processing, high end games, developing mapping apps etc
• Data Security, Local DB manipulation & privacy related concerns

Overall, HTML5 is still a promising technology and does wonders within its given strengths. In coming months, we might see some of the above limitations to be addressed and more innovations around this technology. Stay Tuned for more!!!

{HAML & SASS} Against {HTML & CSS}

Most of us know about HTML and CSS, but HAML and SASS might be new for many. HAML & SASS are meta-languages for HTML and CSS respectively.

HAML

• Stands for HTML Abstraction Markup Language
• It’s a lightweight markup language that is used to cleanly & describe the XHTML of any web document without the use of traditional inline coding.
• File Extension: “.haml” or “.html.haml”
  
• Key Principles of HAML

• Markup should be beautiful
• Markup should be indented
• Markup should be DRY (Don’t Repeat Yourself)

SASS 

• Stands for Syntactically Awesome Stylesheets
• It is a scripting language that is interpreted into CSS, that helps to describe clean, structured CSS of a document. 
• File Extension: “.sass”
• Key Principle of SASS
• To make CSS more powerful, DRY and manageable

Both HAML & SASS are best designed for Ruby Language, but it does support PHP, .Net, Java, Python, Scala etc as well.

References:
http://haml-lang.com/
http://sass-lang.com/

Are our mobile apps SECURE?

Mobile Industry is on “Top Gears”. Everything is moving from Web to Mobile, giving mobile user to access almost EVERYTHING on the GO.

Most of us today would believe with advancing mobile technologies, our mobile apps are far more intelligent and secure against possible data theft, viruses, protect privacy etc. But it might SURPRISE you, when a reputed digital forensics and security company viaForensics reports to say “Smartphone apps handle usernames, passwords and private app data, all of which should be stored securely or not at all. In the event of a lost device or malware infection, data stored insecurely can be compromised”

viaForensics tested  “100 financial, social networking, productivity and retail apps to see how well they were protecting user data. Three-quarters of them FAILED to adequately secure user account names”

Additionally, in the survey, it was found “76 % of the apps tested stored user names in clear text on the devices, and 10 % were doing the same with passwords, which in itself is very Shocking & Alarming!!!

Apart from above, there are many surprising facts, which can be referred at this below link:

http://www.eweek.com/c/a/Security/Mobile-Apps-Fail-to-Secure-Usernames-Passwords-User-Data-Survey-295289/

So,

Questions that gets raised here is

• How do mobile users ensure that apps they are using are safe?
• Are mobile apps pushed to market without proper security testing? 
• Is that developers’ community neglecting OR failing to implement security features, encryption mechanism for critical data may be for any reasons? Are they not educated or guided enough to understand on future implications and consequences?
• Is minimum level of mobile security awareness still not penetrated among mobile users?
• Shouldn't be Security to be kept as Top Priority over Innovation?

Hoping in coming years, we might have a better, secure mobile ecosystem evolving from our learning and this fast, growing mobile channel continues to SURPRISE many in large numbers.

Getting Accurate User Location – A Challenge for LBS Apps

If you are planning to develop a LBS (Location Based Services) mobile application, you will need mobile user location data. The success of your application will be determined based on user location data accuracy, smartness & fast response.

Currently, there are 3 different technologies available in order to provide mobile user location data.

• Global Positioning System (GPS)
• WiFi Triangulation
• Cell Tower Triangulation 

All above technologies has their below pros and cons. 

GPS:

• It’s a satellite based global navigation solution
• Assisted GPS (A-GPS) helps to improve Time To First Fix (TTFF) rate for a mobile device
• It's most accurate out of 3
• Works best in Outdoors
• Poor performance on cloudy weather, high rise buildings etc 
• Fast consumption of battery power
• Slow response (in returning data)

WiFi Triangulation:

• It uses nearby wireless LAN access points to map user position
• Works Indoors and Outdoors
• More accurate than Cell-ID where WiFi coverage is strong
• ZERO or limited access in areas having less WiFi hot spots

Cell Tower Triangulation:

• It uses cell towers to determine user position
• Cell ID information is readily available on mobile (using which mobile phone within coverage of cell tower can identify the cell-id of that tower, do lookup in Cell-ID DB to get geo coordinates
• No Battery power consumption
• Good accuracy, if areas where there are more cell towers nearby

Additionally, there are challenges like changing of user location, varying accuracy of location data on changing location obtained from same source, speed at which data is available etc makes difficult to locate accurate user position.

To overcome this, 

Many technology giants have launched their own Hybrid Location Service APIs (combination of WiFi, Cell-ID & GPS) to offer better, timely & accurate user location data regardless of environmental condition and works good both indoors & outdoors . This location services are designed using their special algorithms and proprietary databases to give a better user experience. 

e.g.

• Google WiFi Location Service API
• Apple iPhone WiFi Location Service APIs
• Verizon Wireless WiFi Location Service APIs
• Skyhook WiFi Location Service APIs
• Navizon WiFi Location Service APIs

Each of above has different business models with respect to 

• Source: Combination of 2 or 3 sources (WiFi/GPS/Cell-ID)
• Supported Platforms: iOS/Android/BB/WM/Symbian etc
• Cost: Free/Per Request/Rev Share

Hope these APIs will add value to success of your LBS Mobile Apps!

Interesting Mobile Stats 2011

Some cool interesting statistics that will help you to define your mobile strategy for coming years.

1)

Of the World’s 4B mobile phones in use, 1.08B are Smart phones

Indeed a BIG Number…  Smartphone market is BOOMING!!! 

Source:

http://www.digitalbuzzblog.com/2011-mobile-statistics-stats-facts-marketing-infographic/

2)

By 2014, Mobile Internet should take over Desktop Internet usage

What it means, more computing over mobile/tablets => more usage of mobile internet data plans => demand of more consumer apps => Feature phones/Smart phones/Tablets to replace Low end mobiles, Desktop PCs, Net books

Source:

http://www.digitalbuzzblog.com/2011-mobile-statistics-stats-facts-marketing-infographic/  

3)

Android Market is the fastest growing mobile content platform since the beginning of 2011

What it means is that Android Ecosystem is GAINING momentum and will attract many other OEMs to plan their offerings surrounding Android.

Source:

http://www.research2guidance.com/android-market-will-become-the-biggest-mobile-content-platform-in-the-world-by-august-2011/

4)

YouTube remains the single most popular mobile Internet destination, accounting for 22% of mobile data bandwidth usage and 52% of total video streaming

What it means is that YouTube support on Smart phones, Feature Phones and tablets becomes IMPORTANT. 

Source:

http://www.fiercemobilecontent.com/press-releases/allot-mobiletrends-report-shows-significant-77-growth-mobile-data-bandwidth

5)

19 percent of people drop phones down toilet

It’s funny but that’s what it is…  Can there be any innovation on mobile handset design to avoid slipping of smartphone or accessories that can help, when you are at best relaxed position (in toilets) :)? 

Source:

http://news.cnet.com/8301-17852_3-20081595-71/study-19-percent-of-people-drop-phones-down-toilet/

6)

2.1bn HTML5 browsers on mobile devices by 2016

So, what it means, that having HTML5 supported browsers on mobiles will give BOOST to HTML5 Apps and with this, it will give very stiff competition to native mobile apps. 

Source:

http://www.abiresearch.com/press/3730-2.1+Billion+HTML5+Browsers+on+Mobile+Devices+by+2016+says+ABI+Research

“Near Field Communication” (NFC) in Simple Terms

NFC  is a buzz word in Smartphone Industry and it’s important for smartphone user to know what this technology is all about, how easy is to exchange information using this and make life easier.

As the definition goes (from Wikipedia), Near Field Communication (NFC) is a set of short-range wireless technologies, typically requiring a distance of 4 cm or less. It allows simplified transactions, data exchange and connections with a touch.

What’s good about this technology is that

• Intuitive: NFC interactions require no more than a simple touch
• Versatile: NFC is ideally suited to the broadest range of industries, environments, and Open and standards-based: The underlying layers of NFC technology follow universally implemented ISO, ECMA, and ETSI standards. So, it helps to drive innovation.
• Technology-enabling: NFC facilitates fast and simple setup of wireless technologies, such as Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, etc.)
• Inherently secure: NFC transmissions are short range (from a touch to a few centimeters)
• Interoperable: NFC works with existing contactless card technologies
• Security-ready: NFC has built-in capabilities to support secure applications

NFC allows sharing, pairing and transactions between NFC enabled devices or devices that have NFC supported cards. Just place back side of both NFC enabled devices facing each other at distance of 4 cm or less and devices will automatically detects and display a message on screen allowing you to share/connect to other device.

 

Above N-Mark logo show up that devices are NFC-enabled and places where the technology may be used.

NFC is a better, safer and convenient technology over existing wireless communication standards like WiFi & Bluetooth as it requires both NFC enabled devices to be very close to each other for information exchange as well as automatically provides option on screen for user to select and connect.

NFC technology can be implemented by 3 ways in mobile 1) Fully Integrated in mobile handsets 2) On SIM card 3) On MicroSD card.

What kind of applications can be developed using NFC?

• Mobile Payments/Ticketing – Allows easy payments or buying of tickets for movies, events, retail stores etc by touching at NFC payment terminals at checkout. A PIN number is required.
• Event Passes – Can be used for Check Ins
• NFC coupons – Read NFC tags to offer discount coupons to users
• Information – Read NFC tags to get more information for any products,  contact infos etc
• Business Card & File Sharing – Instantly share electronic business cards or files
• Gaming – Pair with other NFC device to play a multiplayer game
• Social Networking – Sharing personal and location based information over social networks
• Health Care – Scan patients mobiles for receiving health related statistics e.g. blood pressure, body temperature etc.
• And many more…

Mobile phones that offer NFC capabilities are Google Nexus S, Nokia C7, Nokia C7-00, Samsung Galaxy SII (selected model), Nokia N9 etc. Here is a list of NFC enabled handsets available at Wikipedia.

It looks like this technology is here to stay!

References:

http://www.nfc-forum.org/aboutnfc/

http://en.wikipedia.org