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Contents 36 COVER STORY Internet of Things: The Road Ahead Moving beyond the initial euphoria, iot has steadily progressed to impact our lives in several meaningful ways. Going forward we expect both businesses and individuals to make steady returns on their investments 38 5 Key industries that are Bullish on iot 42 How ‘iotfy’ Plans to Build an ecosystem for internet of things Device Makers 44 innovative iot start-Ups 46 2015: the year of Cloud & iot 48 internet of things Gains Momemtum Among Businesses 50 How iot is Going to impact our Lives 52 How indian Government can secure the smart Cities of the Future
TECh anD TREnDS SPECIaL FEaTURE DEVELOPER 12 Formulating the Right 26 Interesting Trends for Online 54 Who owns your android Enterprise Mobility Strategy Shopping - application? Exciting times ahead 16 Mobility Empowered Services for shoppers! Driving Businesses 28 Giants like amazon and 18 The Pros and Cons of alibaba are fueling the net neutrality Growth of e-Commerce sector in India 20 net neutrality: Empowering Entrepreneurs in a 31 how Online-only Mobile Diversified World Brands are Redefining Retail hanDS On
22 Shield your network 56 5 Best Camera apps for android Devices from hackers SMB CORnER 57 Recovering Data from an 24 5 Big Data Costs you Simply 34 Internet Penetration in India is Encrypted hard Disk on Can’t afford to Ignore at a Tipping Point Ubuntu 14.04
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available in the market are: Dell 3543 Inspiron, HP Pa- vilion 15-P 206 TX and Asus TP300LD-C4048H. These laptops have 1 TB storage, 2 GB graphic cards and 5th generation Intel processors. You can easily perform multi- tasking as well as gaming on these machines.
APRIL 2015 APRIL — Rohit Arora, CyberMedia Labs tHe Best BUDGet sMArtPHone UnDer 12K I am quite confused between the budget smart- phones available in the market. I am looking to buy a smartphone for around Rs 12,000 with a good camera, display and decent battery life. Should I go for Moto G 2nd generation or the recently launched Mi4i? And how is the response of Honor 4X? — Devinder Singh We have tested Moto G second generation, Honor 4X and have also tried Mi4i. If photography is your biggest need, then don’t go for Moto G as its camera perform- ance is bad, but software performance is good. Honor 4X has a vibrant screen and its camera is better than Moto G but when compared to Mi4i, both of them fade away. Mi4i KnoWinG YoUr HeADPHones Better has the best camera under Rs 15,000. Also, its screen is What is the difference between open and a sealed very sharp and camera is really good. We would recom- headphone? mend Xiaomi Mi4i. — Rohit Kumar — Rohit Arora, CyberMedia Labs Simply speaking, sealed headphones are noise iso- lating headphones and will immune you to the outside tHe Best HD iPs Monitor environment. This means that they tend to keep the I need to know the best HD IPS monitor, that works at sound between the headphones and the listener and 120Hz/min and should be compatible enough with an thus are better suited for private listening. Open head- NVIDIA 680 graphics card. I want to play HD games phones on the other hand allow outside sound to be on it and also use it for PhotoShop artwork, so both heard by the headphone wearer. The downside to open color accuracy and speed are equally important. I headphones is that they leak sound. This makes them have a budget of about 20k. poor solutions for traveling. — Ramesh N — Anuj Sharma, CyberMedia Labs Gaming is one area where having high performance equipment matters and when it comes to PC gaming it I want to buy a laptop and my budget is upto Rs may not be enough to buy the first generic monitor you 50,000. Please suggest some good options. find. You need a display that looks sharp, keeps you — Vivek R competitive, and has the features you need to make Your budget is quite substantial to get a good deal. For the most of your games. In the given price range, some this amount, you can get a machine with good storage, options that are available include the ASUS VG248QE decent CPU and a graphics card. The decent options (24 inches) and AOC i2757fh (27 inches). Both monitors
Write to the Editor DVD Queries: Print: Editor PCQuest [email protected] B-35, Sector 32, Gurgaon PCQuest Forums: Haryana-122001 forums.pcquest.com Email: [email protected] Website: Follow Us on Twitter Like us on Facebook Letters may be edited for brevity and clarity. www.pcquest.com www.twitter.com/pcquest http://facebook.com/pcquest
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MESSAgEBOARD reADer MAiL & troUBLesHootinG ADViCe have a full HD resolution and support wide screen, allow- don’t get any viruses, but it’s incredibly annoying. ing you to make more out of games. I’ve downloaded a page-blocking app so that I can — Anuj Sharma, CyberMedia Labs block the pages it sends me to, but it rarely sends me to the same page twice. I have Norton 360 virus sensitiVitY oF PortABLe sPeAKers protection and it says there aren’t any viruses on What effect does sensitivity play when buying a port- my computer. Please suggest. able speaker? — Ramieri K — Ronny S There is a simple solution. Just go to the “Control It is used to determine the amount of power required Panel” and then “Programs”. Every browser supports to drive a speaker. Quite simply, more the sensitivity the extensions, your browser also has some extensions better the output. However nearly all budget portable which are affecting your PC. Delete the ones you are not speakers are centered around 80dB and produced good sure about, then download Malwarebytes and run it. It sound signature. should pick up most browser hijackers and successfully — Anuj Sharma, CyberMedia Labs remove them. — Ashok Pandey, CyberMedia Labs tHe Best BUDGet netBooK Please suggest some budget netbooks or convertible reMoVinG ADWAre laptops around Rs 15,000? How can we remove adware from my computer? — Shivang Aggarwal — Kamineni L We have tested three 2-in-1s in our labs. NotionInk Removing the adware requires a second computer Cain, Swipe Ultimate Tab and iBall Slide WQ 149. All to download the necessary tools for removing them. If three are priced under 20K and offer somewhat simi- yours is highly infected, you should directly download lar performance. However, with extra features such as it on your PC. Make sure your computer and the other bigger battery, voice calling and good overall construc- computer from where you have downloaded them, have tion, iBall Slide WQ 149 is a better option. There are two autorun disabled. Simply follow the steps required and products recently launched: one is Asus Ebook and the should be fine. other is Micromax Canvas Laptab. Both are priced at Rs — Ashok Pandey, CyberMedia Labs 15K. You can also check these two. — Rohit Arora, CyberMedia Labs tHe Best CAMerA For A trAVeLer What camera do you recommend that takes both WorKinG WitH A neW sMArPtHone great pictures and videos? The camera must have I have recently purchased Redmi 2 from Flipkart. the following features: an input for an external mic However, I am not able to find the option by which I (lavalier mic), 1080p video resolution, and a relatively can make the capacitive buttons light up. Moreover, I large sensor (1/ 1.7” or better). am not able to move a collection of photos to a differ- — O P Trehan ent folder in gallery. Please suggest. Choose a mirrorless interchangeable lens camera, — Deepak Rathi small enough for travel, with large ASP-c or micro 4/3rd Redmi 2 works on MIUI 6.0, and unlike Mi4, Xiaomi sensor, and external mic input. No point buying a big has not provided the option to light up the capacitive bulky DSLR if you don’t need to photograph fast paced buttons on Redmi 2. And if you want to move a collection action, or one of those oversized mirrorless systems that of pictures, you need to do that from file storage as this look like a DSLR. option is not available in Gallery. We hope a software — Ashok Pandey, CyberMedia Labs update from the company will address these issues. — Rohit Arora, CyberMedia Labs
PreVentinG A PC FroM oPeninG Corrigendum rAnDoM WeBsites The article ‘Oracle R12 Re-implementation’ I have Google Chrome set as my default browser. on page 58 in PCQ April 2015 issue mentions Now the problem is that when I don’t touch my implementation partner as KPIT Technologies computer for about 10+ minutes, it will open Pvt Ltd. It should be KPIT Technologies Ltd. The Chrome and send me to a page with a virus on it. inconvenience caused is regretted. Obviously I don’t touch anything on the page so I
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UNDERSTAND • CHOOSE • IMPLEMENT IT
eDitoriAL CORPORaTE OFFICE eDitor: Anil Chopra Cyber House, B-35, sec-32, Gurgaon (nCr Delhi) 122001. india oPerAtions eDitor: Adeesh Sharma email us [email protected] sr. CoPY eDitor: Preeti Gaur call us +91-124-482-2222, fax us +91-124-238-0694 sr. CorresPonDent: Rashi Varshney ConsULtinG eDitors: Vinod Unny, Shekhar Govindarajan, Sameer Mathur, Amaresh Patnaik OUR OFFICES DesiGn MAnAGer: Vijay Chand & Amit Sethia BEnGaLURU address: 205-207, Sree Complex (Opp. RBANMS Ground) CYBerMeDiA LABs # 73, St John’s Road, Bangaluru - 560 042 teCH AnALYsts: Ashok Pandey, Anuj Sharma, Rohit Arora Tel: +91 (80) 4341 2000, Fax: +91 (80) 2350 7971 Asstt MAnAGer (MULtiMeDiA): Raj Kumar Maurya exeCUtiVe seo: Navneet Kumar Srivastava ChEnnaI sALes address: 5B, 6th Floor, Gemini Parsn Apts, sr. Vice President - sales: Rachna Garg 599 Mount Road. Tel: 044-28221712 nCr: GM - sales : Harminder Singh, Vandana Chauhan Manager - sales: Ajay Dhoundiyal, Sudhir Kumar Arora KOLKaTa Asst. Manager - sales: Mohammad Shoeb Khan address: 307, 3rd Floor, Ballygunj A.C. Market, MUMBAi: 46/31/1 Gariahat Road. Tel: 033-65250117 Asst. Vice President - sales: Ravindranath G. Nair Asst. Manager - sales: Aparna Tawade executive - sales: Kanchan Vipul Sonawala MUMBaI BenGALUrU: address: 103, Andheri Saurabh CHS, Above Andhra Bank, Asst. Manager - sales: Pradeep Kumar Andheri Kurla Road, Andheri (East) Mumbai 400093 Tel: 022-28243964, 42085100 CHennAi: Asst. Manager - sales: Arun D. KoLKAttA: DELhI sr. Manager - sales: Sandeep Roy Chowdhury address: Cyber House, B-35, Sec 32, Gurgaon, NCR Delhi-122001. Tel: 0124-4822222, Fax: 2380694 MArKetinG Asst. Vice President: Satish Gupta executive: Siddharth Malhotra SInGaPORE Asst. Manager Admin: Shiv Kumar address: 1, North Bridge Road, # 24-09 High Street Center Tel: +65-63369142 internAtionAL sALes, ALLiAnCes & eVent oPs Asst. Manager: Mihir Pandya USa sHAreD serViCes Media Representative: Ms. Leslie Hallanan, Avani Media Inc., GM, Print serViCes: T Srirengan 80 Liberty Ship Way, Suite 25, Sausalito, CA 94965, USA sr. MAnAGer, AUDienCe serViCe: Sarita Shridhar Tel: +1-415-3312150, Fax: +1-415-3312151 MAnAGer, Mis & DAtABAse: Ravikant Kumar Email: [email protected], Website: www.avanimedia.com sr. Press Co-orDinAtor: Harak Singh Ramola Printed and published by Pradeep Gupta on behalf of CyberMedia (India) Ltd, CirCULAtion & sUBsCriPtion printed at Repro India Limited, A-50/2, ITC MIDC Mahape, Near Kamani Tower Navi CHennAi: C Ramachandran, BenGALUrU: Raghvendra S. Mumbai, India, published from D-74, Panchsheel Enclave, New Delhi-110017. MUMBAi: Raju Salve, DeLHi: Jagdeep Khanna Distribut ed in India by IBH Books & Magazines Dist. Pvt. Ltd, Mumbai. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced by any means without prior For subscription queries contact: [email protected] permission.
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it’s much more complex than putting sensors to gather data and take decisions
Anil Chopra, Editor [email protected], @anilchop on twitter
The RoI from IoT
onsidering all the noise The basic element of IoT--sensors, be a good fit here? Do you need a surrounding IoT, one can be very costly. Though their prices NoSQL kind of database to gather all wonders whether it’s all just are dropping, they can still cost a sensor data and give you an output, or Chype or can organizations bomb, especially because you have to can the data be directly fed into your actually reap benefits from it. Where’s take into account the communication existing business application? If it’s the RoI in implementing IoT based channel they’ll use to send out the NoSQL, then you’ll have to invest in solutions? Unless you have a clear data, whether they can be integrated resources who understand how to deal business case, it’s impossible to with your existing equipment, or do with big data. quantify the RoI from IoT. Do you you have to purchase new equipment. This is just the tip of the ice berg want to use IoT to monitor industrial Security is also a key criteria while when it comes to deploying IoT. After assets that are spread across a wide choosing sensors, and you can read reading all this, if you feel that IoT geography so that you save the cost stories like the one about the spam- can wait, then think again because of sending service technicians on ming fridge if you are not convinced somebody will do it before you, and the field? Or does your CMO want to about the need for sensor security. gain a competitive edge. If you haven’t monitor data feeds from mobiles and Next comes the integration of sensor started thinking about leveraging IoT devices to gain market insights? data with your business application. IoT, then the time to do that is now. Or do you want to monitor the What sort of integration effort is Our cover story this time, talks about performance of your fleet of vehicles required to do this? What SDKs are the road ahead for IoT, the industry to plan better routes, do preventive available for doing the integration, do verticals that are taking a lead in the maintenance, etc.? you have the necessary in-house skills game, and much more. When you define a clear business for the job? If not, how much would it case, you get a clear idea of how much cost to outsource? cost you can expect to save or revenue If you’re using sensors over to earn. With this in place, you can a wide geography, then which determine how much it would cost to communication channel would they deploy an IoT solution, and whether it use to send out data? Will it be over would make business sense or not. WiFi or a telecom network? Where So deploying IoT is not about using will this data be gathered? Do you devices with sensors to capture all need to setup a cloud based server to sorts of information, and then analyze first collect this data? it to take important decisions. That’s Once you’ve gathered this data, scan this to write to the editor how everyone generalizes it, but it’s what parameters do you need to To download a barcode app, SMS
To build, deploy, and manage mobile applications, you first need to look at enterprise- wide policies around security, privacy, and user computing before finalising the collaboration infrastructure and the end-to-end architecture – Adeesh Sharma
t’s the age of mobile devices and business apps. to provide the basic computing capabilities and network 5-inch, affordable and reasonably decent smart- access. Those days, policies were simple to manage on phones have given the necessary thrust to ecom- enterprise-owned assets such as a workstation or a PDA Imerce and other businesses to push either their with simple guidelines on how to handle consumer data. products or information associated with them onto The security was enforced using encryption software with the users’ smartphones through conveniently designed very strong password protection and, in many cases, two- mobile apps. The latest update being that key ecommerce factor mechanisms to control how employees accessed vendors are even contemplating pulling down their web- the company’s applications and data. In a nutshell, it sites in favor of mobile apps. So, now is the time to get was a highly standardized computing model which made your enterprise mobility strategy right even if you haven’t support processes simpler and testing and deployment of given it a thought. But there’s a catch, and a big one at applications to these devices easier. that. When they first set upon formulating the informa- In this age of mobility, each of these policies has tion security and privacy policies for today’s organizations become more complex to enforce and manage. The they visualised a tightly controlled and monitored com- safeguards that worked well in the standardized environ- puting model where all employees relied on organisations ment are now inadequate to address the risk posed by
12 PCQuest MAY 2015 pcquest.com twitter.com/pcquest facebook.com/pcquest linkd.in/pcquest [email protected] MDM implementation Check-List for Cios Here’s a list of key pitfalls you should stay clear off while deploying an MDM plan for your organization: 1. Ensure your MDM tool is compatible with common mobile platforms and updates itself with the update of a mobile platform. This would not only ensure better compliance with your enterprise mobile apps but also save you from the scare of a security lapse. 2. It should be able to function through handsets being serviced by different service providers and also over WiFi. 3. You should be able to add or remove devices from your network like you shuffle your pack of cards. This would ensure optimum network efficiency and security. 4. Dont be over-intrusive or impose impractical controls. This is the trickiest part as there is a very thin line that separates security and management from prying into someone else’s personal life. Most of the MDM strategy gets discussed at the top level but ultimately has to be implemented by the local IT manager. Be very clear about the software that’s going to be installed on the employee’s device and what’s really necessary for the organisation. Here again check if the device has been provided by the organisation or if it is his personal device. In case it is a personal device then publicise the list of dos and donts to all employees and ensure there is no discrepancy in their interpretation and there’s no fine print to be misused. Ensure there’s no case of ugly scuffles in your office with an overzealous IT manager trying to impose a dozen management/security solutions on the mobile device of an unsuspecting employee. For one, the quality of software being deployed itself could be questionable and secondly, the solution itself might harm the working of the device. 5. You would have got the hint from my previous point but do ensure whatever solution is decided upon to be deployed, is free from bugs and malware and should not cause any drop in efficiency of the device. In case the software are resource hungry, do let it be known to all in advance. 6. Don’t track unnecessary employee activity. Just because an employee’s mobile is GPS enabled does not mean that his location is under constant surveillance. Likewise if he is on Facebook or watching videos during office hours, you can deal with him with more sober ways than recording his chain of chat messages and clippings of videos he’s watched during that period. 7. Strive for consistency in productivity apps. While you deal with multiple devices and platforms, focus on the output/ productivity from an employee even if it means investing some money on getting an app that works seamlessly across all platforms. This would not only ensure consistency of output across all employees but also help in easier management across different platforms. 8. Keep an eye on the devices at work. An IT manager can never relax even if the management of IT resources has shifted from the workstation to apps on mobile devices. Keep a look out for the various devices that are connecting to your network, what apps they are accessing, what impact it has on your bandwidth, etc. 9. Don’t give employees a free hand over network resources. While bringing personal devices is an evolution of the IT era and can’t be stopped, keeping a check on what employees download through the enterprise network and whether they are exploiting it for personal gains is of paramount importance. Remember you still have to protect your network from malware and data leakage. So make it clear to the employee as to what behavior is acceptable in office. 10. Prevent access to jailbroken and rooted devices as these can compromise information security and company data in no ordinary way.
the use of personally owned mobile devices and anytime, be secured under both scenarios? How do respond to anywhere, network access. So, it becomes imperative on privacy concerns? There is of course going to be a lot of organisations to address these policies first before setting employee data on a personally owned or even a company the roadmap for enabling enterprise mobility. owned device. Now when you enforce certain security policies such Look inside: Why do you need a policy in the as passwords or encryption, do you have the ability to en- first place force them on personal devices as well? If this is the case, Begin by asking yourself the basic questions. Is the device then how does the enterprise monitor and mitigate the company owned or personal? How is the data going to risk of the employee losing the device? Getting into the pcquest.com twitter.com/pcquest facebook.com/pcquest linkd.in/pcquest [email protected] MAY 2015 PCQuest 13 tech&trends nitty-gritties, you might also ask who pays for the device 2. There could be users who would access company- and access—for example, will the employee buy it or will owned applications and data from within the walls the company provide a stipend and how often? How will of the enterprise (intranet) with a personally owned the company support the device when it fails or when mobile device. the user has a device that the company does not have 3. How does the enterprise manage and control access the skills to support? All this shall impact the operational to internal and external application stores? expenses of organizations as well as they move to this new While defining the likely avenues for collaboration user computing model that provides more choice and con- amongst employees you should focus on workplace capa- tains a mix of company- and employee-owned devices. bilities such as email, instant messaging, microblogging, and social networking. All these are influenced by enter- setting up the mobile infrastructure prise security requirements. It also presents some unique You need to establish a solid infrastructure that supports challenges around document retention, as enterprises enterprise-class mobile applications. This includes the need to maintain their ability to track use of corporate deployment model for mobile applications, network and assets while respecting individuals’ privacy. security architecture and collaboration infrastructure for the enterprise. The deployment model for mobile establishing the defined mobility architecture applications within an enterprise entails key decisions One key implication of mobile apps has been the slow but around security and privacy policies. Selecting the certain termination of monolithic solutions built around deployment model for mobile applications is one of the a particular business process, loaded with features and most critical decisions of enabling enterprise mobility. functions for different stakeholders. The banking website These are the three standard deployment models for comes to mind instantly. Such solutions are now being enterprise mobile applications: replaced by multiple smaller apps designed around 1. Applications are embedded natively as part of the the user. These new apps are built from a customer-in mobile device software. Such an app has access to all perspective unlike the previous company-centric model device resources and is only constrained by the capa- that drove the previous application design. This is driven bilities of the device. primarily by the rich user interfaces supported by today’s 2. Applications are deployed into an encrypted container mobile devices that have redefined human-computer on the device. This way the mobile remains secure interaction. This next-generation user interaction model from malware and also has access to selected capa- moves from the keyboard and mouse interface that has bilities and resources from within the container on the been a standard for the past two decades to one that device. processes inputs from multiple devices such as multi- 3. Applications are deployed to the device using a thin touch screens, accelerometers, microphones, cameras, client. It has no access to the computing resources on GPS chips, and gyroscopes. This represents a major the device. These applications leverage the capabili- shift from the event-driven application model that was ties of the server on which they run and render the inherent to the client/server and web-based applications. user interface to the mobile device. So, it’s a shift from applications that were designed to sense and respond to individual events to one that has revamping the network and security architecture to handle more complex events that enable enhanced Even today, the network architecture in most reality experiences. For instance, a user can simply point organizations, including firewall rules and network his smartphone camera on a product’s barcode and check security, is designed to support web-based applications. its availability, pricing, and other relevant information in These architectures have been defined on perimeter- his area. Similarly, a person in a foreign land can point based defence structures that are solid on the outside his smartphone to the street where he is standing and but vulnerable to impregnation inside. Such network get the banking app on his phone to map the nearest architecture is not adequate to deal with employee- ATMs and bank branches and visually highlight them on owned mobile devices that can potentially access an the screen image of the street. The mobile apps need to organization’s core network behind the corporate firewall. innovate on and adopt the new models for visualizing While changing such a network architecture the following data. These include taking advantage of the vivid should be kept in mind: hardware and display capabilities such as ‘pinch’ to zoom- 1. There could be users who would access company- in and zoom-out of an image to provide context-aware owned applications and data from home or a public experiences. Such data can be further used to enhance access point using a personal or company-owned Business Intelligence and Analytics solutions used by the mobile device. enterprise.
14 PCQuest MAY 2015 pcquest.com twitter.com/pcquest facebook.com/pcquest linkd.in/pcquest [email protected] tech&trends Mobility Empowered Services Driving Businesses Mobility empowered services have helped organisations in managing customer expectations, services and in carrying out real time surveys to attain business objectives
– Rajiv Kumar, CEO & Founder, StoreHippo.com
he impending mobile feature in enterprises sive insight to their business, creating an environment that has emerged on the mainstream across every encourages the features of profitability and a holistic ap- industry vertical. Mobile sites and WAP applica- proach to transform operation processes. Business processes Ttions have transformed the modes on which have become employee oriented so that they are comfort- enterprises operate. Mobility of employees and processes able to work with the new models and are ready to under- has added many new features to workplaces. From being take necessary risks when the need arises. Emphases are a mere addition in IT infrastructure in its initial stages, now at innovative ideas and creativity to handle a process in mobile devices now play the catalytic role in transform- a more effective way. To render more effect through mobility ing enterprise operations. The prime area of impact being services, enterprises have modified their existing processes operating models, the alteration is dramatic in some indus- to explore better avenues for efficiency and productivity. The tries bringing in massive process optimization and better new dynamism of business flexibility is unified with change Return on Investments. in operational processes for better outcomes. Industries such as Supply Chain Management and Mobility empowered services provide competitive Logistics have been greatly favored by Mobility empowered advantages to organizations. It is now possible to develop services. Apart from process improvement, movement of comprehensive business strategies with several prospective goods, analysis of delivery routes and so on has led to ex- taken into account. Since, mobility has made operations tensive improvement of services and accuracy in tracking. flexible, facets such as customer expectations, services Mobility services have created new avenues for even Gov- and real time surveys can be employed to attain business ernment services and public amenities. A good example is objectives. Agility of service and processing is one of the Singapore, where residents are allowed to submit images greatest advantages of enterprise mobility. Business strate- of any place or public utilities that need to be improved or gies customized according to localized needs of the market worked on by the government using applications installed became easier to implement in this new trend of technol- in their mobile devices. The market of enterprise mobility is ogy. Swift action and lower time lags in operation has led dispersed variably across regions of world. Some countries organizations to identify and manage risks in an intuitive in Asia such as Japan and Singapore have matured in the way. The new technological trait has been providing ample field. Others are still on the way to utilize them adequately. opportunity to enterprises to bring out many unique factors for process improvement. Mobility aids Bi The benefits of mobility services can be classified into Enterprises implement mobility features with comprehen- two heads. One that reduces the investment of resources
16 PCQuest MAY 2015 pcquest.com twitter.com/pcquest facebook.com/pcquest linkd.in/pcquest [email protected] and other that enhances productivity. Technology such as a document have become swift and mobile. Mobility Business to Employee (B2E) mobility is massively impactful empowered services facilitates automation of process and in reducing investment on employee management. BYOD enables instant operation on streamlined processes. This emerged to become one of the most advantageous is a significant addition to improve operational efficiency. applications of mobile devices. As employees can now Mobility empowered services empowers extensive work from their own devices being anywhere: at home, customer services and interaction. These amenities help at a travel resort or at office. Thus an impetus has been service persons to handle queries and respond effectively. infused in the productivity levels. A study revealed that Apart from saving cost, this increases the brand value and 38% of CIOs have indexed improvement in productivity to market reputation of a business. be a reason for investment in mobile technology. Mobility Implementation of mobility-empowered services enhances communication and knowledge transfer which relates business operations to efficient customer services. in turn boost productivity bringing several facets of This increases sales and service volumes. For example, it is operational advantages and hence profitability. Employees easier to sell products through online mobile apps, as the have better access to information and thereby can process features and presentation of products could be made so a task without any delay. intriguing that customers would hardy resist buying two items instead of one. This is a huge benefit from business Mobility a precursor to efficient customer services point of view. Further, mobile features are such that An additional advantage of mobile devices is employee they provide easier access both ways, customers to the satisfaction. This is an important factor to back up business and business to customers. While a mobile app productivity. This is also helpful in employee retention is being installed in a customer’s device, it is comparable and save extra investment of time and resource. Internal to having the whole shop in his pocket. These aspects processes such as quick access to reports and files, become essential game changers for any business with booking a travel arrangement, raising a ticket or updating implementation of mobility-enabled services.
pcquest.com twitter.com/pcquest facebook.com/pcquest linkd.in/pcquest [email protected] MAY 2015 PCQuest 17 tech&trends
The Pros and Cons of Net Neutrality
The debate on whether to have net neutrality or not is raging globally, and not just in India. Here are both sides of the coin
– Sameer Mathur, Consulting Editor, PCQuest
ost of the readers would now be aware of so what exactly is Airtel Zero and in what way will it the raging debate on Net neutrality, but affect, if at all, the average user of the mobile internet? let’s anyway do a quick memory refresh. Simply put and I quote a senior Airtel Executive, “Airtel MThe principle of free, unrestricted access to Zero is a technology platform that connects application any data on the Net is referred to as net neutrality. An ISP providers to their customers for free. The platform does not control the traffic that passes through its servers. allows any content or application provider to enroll on When a user connects to a website or web service, the it so that their customers can visit these sites for free. user is promised exactly the same experience. There is no Instead of charging customers, we charge the providers discrimination on using data whether one is using YouTube who choose to get on to the platform. Airtel Zero as a or WhatsApp or Facebook. Theoretically users can access platform is open to all application developers, content any legal website or web service without any interference providers and internet sites on an equal basis. The same from an ISP. Additionally, since majority of the Telecom rate card is offered to all these providers on a totally non- Service Operators (TSP) are also Internet Service Providers discriminatory basis.” (ISP), there was no perceived discrimination on the usage Similarly Facebook has also been running an initia- of data. From the time Internet has kicked off in the early tive called internet.org that has Reliance Communications 1980’s, there has not been any fixed rule on this. (RCom) as a partner in India. This initiative, launched The principle of Net Neutrality calls for equal treatment in February, seeks to work with technology leaders and to be accorded to all internet traffic, without discrimination telecom companies to offer free internet access to the or priority for any person, entity or company. Most ISPs underprivileged. Under internet.org, users of Reliance follow this principle of unrestricted access because that is Communications (RCom) have free access to Facebook and how it has always been. some other useful websites like OLX, with Facebook paying RCom for the data so consumed on the latter’s network. so what is the change now? Why all the noise and shrill Both Facebook and Airtel claim that their platforms do condemnation of telcos in the last few weeks? not violate the Net Neutrality principle and they are actu- All telcom companies, be it Bharti Airtel, Reliance, ally aimed at expanding Internet access in India. Vodafone, Idea etc have endorsed and supported the idea Apart from Airtel and RCom, most other Indian TSPs and have openly come out in favor of being Net Neutral. including Idea Cellular, Uninor and Tata Teleservices also The confusion started with Bharti Airtel launching a have plans offering Facebook, WhatsApp or Wikipedia program called Airtel Zero. at nominal charges, if not for free. These plans are quite
18 PCQuest MAY 2015 pcquest.com twitter.com/pcquest facebook.com/pcquest linkd.in/pcquest [email protected] similar to other Zero rating plans but has not quite caught arrangement, as a result of extracting the preferential the attention of the Netizens. access fees from content providers. We find that the incentive to expand infrastructure capacity for the What’s happening globally on net neutrality? broadband service provider and its optimal capacity choice “There are different practices in different jurisdictions. UK under net neutrality are higher than those under the no and parts of Europe do not practice strict net-neutrality. net neutrality regime except in some specific cases. Even in the US, zero rating plans are permissible,” said Mr. It has also been conclusively proven by some studies Khullar, Chairman of the Telecom watchdog TRAI, while that Net Neutrality would actually hamper the growth of replying to a question on whether India was in a position to the broadband business in the country. Another research align with the global net-neutrality principles. by a US university concludes that Net Neutrality would cost According to the telecom industry, zero rating is just US thousands of jobs and billions in cost. one of the options for customers and no customer is Airtel strongly refutes that its product violates net disenfranchised, compromised or discriminated against. neutrality principles. “Airtel Zero provides consumers with Majority of the research being published on the more choices (including one where their access is paid for concept of Net Neutrality versus Zero rating plans favor the by the app developer), and provides internet companies latter and claim neutrality will actually act as a deterrent with marketing options that are much more efficient than for the growth of internet. the traditional channel they have used,” the Telco said in a To quote the Jena Economic Research Paper, on statement, adding it backs a free internet. Net Neutrality, Many observers and industry professionals feel that “In this paper, we analyze the problem of congestion the concept of Neutrality generally lacks economic viability. and quality loss of data transmission through the Internet With investments of billions of dollars in buying spectrum from an economic perspective. We show that due to the and creating and maintaining the telecom infrastructure, congestion problem, quality sensitive services are likely to TSPs are very much within their rights to look at reasonable be crowded out by high volume but less quality sensitive return on their investments. Most of the Telcos are deeply applications in a strict ‘neutral’ system. This crowding out in debt to financial institutions. How can they be bundled reduces the availability of services and the development with a regulatory mechanism that restricts their model of and diffusion of innovative and high value services. Not earning revenue? least, the congestion problem causes welfare loss. As we Hemant Joshi, partner at consultancy firm Deloitte discuss in this paper, the differentiation of data packets Haskins & Sells says differential pricing is not just in according to their quality sensitivity could remedy the telecom alone. For example, airlines charge differently congestion problem. Appropriate business models that for the space usage for first class, business and economy incorporate quality of service concepts could be very ef- class and provide priority check-in and specialized service ficient in preventing the crowding out of high value quality according to the class. The hospitality industry charges sensitive services without affecting other applications and differently for the size and quality of rooms. The amount would be very convenient for Internet users at the same of the highway toll varies by vehicle type, weight or time. We show that any ex-ante regulation in the sense of number of axles, with freight trucks often charged higher strict Net neutrality could seriously harm the development rates than cars. of innovative business models and discourage innovation “On this basis, telcos have a rationale to charge differ- and investment.” ent applications according to the data traffic generated Another leading research by the University of Florida and the type of connectivity parameters (high availability, and Notre Dame titled -The Debate on Net Neutrality: A reliability, secure, etc),” says Joshi. Policy Perspective assert the following: Industry experts also bemoan the fact that the concept The status quo of prohibiting broadband service of Net Neutrality is being blatantly confused with the Zero providers from charging websites for preferential access to rating plan. We need to legally define the concept of neu- their customers - the bedrock principle of net neutrality, trality. Lack of clear understanding is creating an unreason- is under fierce debate. We develop a game-theoretic able confusion in the minds of netizens. model to address two critical issues of net neutrality: (1) Throughout the world only very few countries strictly Who are gainers and losers of abandoning net neutrality; follow the concept of Net Neutrality. Most of the devel- and (2) Will broadband service providers have greater oped countries have a very clear definition and differentia- incentive to expand their capacity without net neutrality? tion of both the terms. We find that if the principle of net neutrality is abolished, The net neutrality debate is still being discussed and the broadband service provider stands to gain from the contested worldwide, as it should be in India. pcquest.com twitter.com/pcquest facebook.com/pcquest linkd.in/pcquest [email protected] MAY 2015 PCQuest 19 tech&trends
Net Neutrality: Empowering Entrepreneurs in a Diversified World An open internet is central to India’s diversified populace and digital platforms will grow to be crucial tools for citizens’ empowerment, only if the government is in favor of an open web sphere – Fahmida Ozair,CEO,SoftAge
nternet has become the source of massive informa- smaller firms will be forced to commercially lobby and sign tion, both reliable and unreliable. The community up in order to prevent their competitors from being able to connected to the internet turns into the web domain deal in and crush them. Ifor every single updates around the world, news and information related to health, politics, business, science and Why india needs net neutrality more than so on. Now, imagine the source of data being controlled by anyone else a lobby and access to information becoming a whim of a In Indian context, Net Neutrality is crucial. And, in the handful of corporations. Such a situation would be bizarre recent drive of Prime Minister Modi for Digital India, the in a backdrop where internet is believed to be democratic. issue is heating up across the country. The sequence of However, the scenario is technically possible, internet being events such as Supreme Court verdict over Section 66A a product of technology itself. Herein emerge the recent of IT act, the recent “Airtel Zero” platform and Facebook’s buzz about ‘Net Neutrality’, emanating to be a burning topic internet.org have made Net Neutrality a burning issue. of current times. Internet to become entirely global should have a link to The web domain can be accessed only via Internet local and when we talk of digital inclusion, it must be Service Providers. The structure is developed such that, the available to the underprivileged and on the margins. spectrum allotted for data transactions should be bought The problem with internet.org is that we are replacing from authorities controlled by government of any country. “internet” by “Facebook”. Let us be very sure that these It is noteworthy that ‘Spectrum’ is natural and it is free. The two cannot and should not be equated. situation here can be compared to people paying for drink- From a democratic point of view, an open internet is ing water, which is abundant in nature and costless. Net central to India’s diversified populace. Specially, in a digital Neutrality became an issue when in late 2000s some private India, voices of deprived communities and groups are entities begun to roll out strategies that went against access essential for inclusive development. Digital platforms will to free data in internet. Comcast, in 2007, intentionally grow to be crucial tools for citizens’ empowerment, only if slowed peer-to-peer communication. the government is in favor of an open web sphere. DoT, in The debate on Net neutrality has been going on at the the meantime have assured a reliable web infrastructure to global level for a long time, but it reached India, officially, the nation. Internet connectively is considered a subjective when TRAI released a draft consultation paper seeking facet of development in the new formation of Indian infra- views from the industry and the public on the need for structure. With this, ensuring a neutral internet is not only regulations for over-the-top (OTT) players. Zero rating an obligation of the government but also a necessity. seems harmless at first glance, as all things “free” often do, A neutral internet is essential for new entrepreneurship but will cause lasting damage to innovation, competition and growth of small enterprises. Internet has been crucial and freedom. Internet giants like Facebook, Google, Twitter for innovation. Violating net neutrality will reduce entrepre- and Wikipedia exist today because an open and neutral neurship and local Internet innovation by placing firms in a Internet did too. Having become successful, it would be a situation where their local consumers are all locked in to a pity if they now decide to ally with telecom giants and seek limited platform under the control of a few giants. to change the rules of the game for everyone else, where The likes of Google’s and Facebook’s could have strug- gled to grow if the Internet had not been open. It is now a Violating net neutrality will reduce liability of these giants to provide the same to other start- entrepreneurship and local Internet innovation ups and to make the internet domain as liberal as possible. by placing firms in a situation where their local An ongoing Net Neutrality will make internet dependable, consumers are all locked in to a limited platform performing as it is now, and any glitches in the idea could under the control of a few giants. prove to be degrading to the internet community itself.
20 PCQuest MAY 2015 pcquest.com twitter.com/pcquest facebook.com/pcquest linkd.in/pcquest [email protected] ADVERTORIAL
MICROSOFT LAUNCHES EDU-CLOUD TO TRANSFORM EDUCATION IN INDIA
ith a commitment to expand digital inclusion, Microsoft firmly believes that technology can empower both educators and students in India in this new mobile-first, cloud-first world. In this spirit, Microsoft India recently Wlaunched Edu-Cloud, a unique cloud computing-based offering, to transform education with the use of technology. It supports students, teachers and school administrators through virtual learning platforms, easier content access, discussion boards, cloud storage, analytics & dashboard for learning outcomes, monitoring and improving teacher pedagogy, and creating custom learning modules. Edu-Cloud is expected to benefit 10 lakh teachers and 60 lakh students in 1500 institutes over the next 18 months. Microsoft Edu-Cloud enrollment details are available at https://www.microsoft. com/india/edu-cloud/ Launching Edu-Cloud, Bhaskar Pramanik, Chairman, Microsoft powered tablets, they will access rich, interactive and relevant India, said, “Today’s students are digital natives. At Microsoft, we content from the Microsoft cloud, as well as access to eDvelop, a help them imagine the future and realize it. With the help of cloud Learning Management Solution from Mobiliya, a Microsoft part- computing they create, deliver, and manage content from any de- ner. vice, anywhere, anytime making learning easy and fun. We believe Speaking about their adoption of digital learning tools, Dr. B. S technology can transform education and help build engaged, aware Rao, Founder, Sri Chaitanya Schools said, “The world over, teaching and digitally empowered citizens. We want to partner with Indian and learning has been transformed by the use of new digital tech- schools and colleges in their digital transformation journey.” nology. Microsoft’s Edu-Cloud infrastructure is the best-in-class and Highlighting the power of technology to transform education, Meetul we are proud to have our teachers and students use it to enhance Patel, General Manager - Small and Midmarket Solutions, Microsoft their digital learning and teaching.” India, said, “Cloud Services present the next big leap in Information Over the years, it has partnered with students, educators, school Technology and are rapidly becoming a core part of the business leaders as well as with governments and communities to transform world. Microsoft is committed to helping educational institutions education through effective technology, pedagogical innovation and benefit from this technology and supporting students in their need best practices. In the last decade alone, Microsoft India has invested to become familiar with what will be a prevalent platform in their over INR 670 crore in education, skill development, entrepreneurship future careers and ventures. Through Edu-Cloud, we provide faculty and digital literacy programs such as YouthSpark, touching over 5 and students with unparalleled access to Cloud training, infrastruc- crore people in 20 different states of India. You can find more infor- ture, tools, and solutions.” mation on Microsoft India’s initiatives and impact at http://www. One of the first K-12 education networks to adopt Microsoft microsoft.com/about/corporatecitizenship/en-us/youthspark/ India’s Edu-Cloud are Sri Chaitanya Schools. Using 14,000 Windows- tech&trends seCUritY Shield Your Network from Hackers Rising trends like BYOD have led to a sudden increase in the number of devices on your network, which in turn demands greater network security and access control – Ashok Kumar, CEO and MD - RAH Infotech
ast year, we witnessed a string of major data attackers taking the right measures to stay secure. Hackers breaches that affected many high profile organi- today are more persistent, and there is a dire need to sations in almost every business sector - be it create synergistic integrations between disparate security LBSFI, IT/telecom, healthcare, retail, manufactur- solutions. With NAC, enterprises can close security gaps ing or government. Unfortunately, these incidents are not and strengthen their security postures with real-time going away any time soon. Hackers have become more so- threat intelligence and the ability to auto remediate any phisticated in their approaches and cleverer at penetrating potential threats that are discovered. networks. All organizations have sensitive data that needs While NAC systems have been designed to secure as- to be protected - customer information, customer transac- sets in the financial, healthcare and government sectors, tions, financial information or intellectual property - any businesses across all sectors can benefit from these solu- of it can be misused against you. That is why enterprises tions. Apart from the BFSI segment which has always taken are upping their ante by implementing stronger network the lead in adopting security solutions, large enterprises security solutions like network access control (NAC). in automobile and manufacturing sectors are also showing By deploying NAC, an enterprise restricts data that each keen interest in adopting these solutions. user can access. It also implements anti -threat applications According to the Frost & Sullivan Global Analysis of the such as firewalls, antivirus software and spyware-detection Network Access Control (NAC) Market report published in programs. NAC can regulate and restrict the malpractices December 2014, the NAC worldwide market is estimated to and unwanted activities that individual subscribers can in- grow over 38 per cent compared to the previous year. The dulge in on being connected. As a result, NAC has evolved Indian market is also witnessing a growing demand for NAC into a ‘foundational network security defence solution’ as solutions. Enterprises which have over 1,000 users require Frost & Sullivan puts it. NAC to manage security across devices from single console. rising Demand for nAC the Driving Factors It is important for organisations to stay a step ahead of An important factor that has contributed to the growth in demand is the increasing size of NAC deployments which comes from inclusion of greater numbers of devices on the networks in SMEs and large enterprise networks - “With NAC, enterprises including the growing phenomenon of Bring Your Own can close security Device (BYOD). gaps and strengthen The Frost & Sullivan report states that the size of NAC their security postures deployments has been growing larger. Enterprise and mid with real-time -sized networks are expanding to include more devices per employee and bring your own device (BYOD). NAC deploy- threat intelligence ments are increasing as mid -sized and enterprise networks and the ability to are expanding to allow more devices per employee and auto remediate any support the BYOD trend. While virtual appliances have potential threats that been gaining traction in the enterprise space, NAC security -as -a -service offerings are capturing the interest of com- Ashok Kumar are discovered.” CEO and MD - RAH Infotech panies in the small- to medium-sized business segment.
22 PCQuest MAY 2015 pcquest.com twitter.com/pcquest facebook.com/pcquest linkd.in/pcquest [email protected] According to Frost & Sullivan, drivers for NAC growth compliance and enable BYOD programs rather than being will include complete endpoint visibility, integration with restricted to device authentication. other security platforms, and a contextual awareness NAC platforms are being integrated with other net- leading to more operational intelligence. The market is work defence tools. Many of the leading NAC providers gradually evolving to address use cases where servers will already have mechanisms which allow the network and share contextual data with firewalls and other security endpoint security information to be sent to other net- components to enable fine-grained policy enforcement. works, applications and security platforms. As part of the overall mechanism, these NAC systems can also receive next -Gen nAC data from other platforms. The latest report from Frost The Frost and Sullivan study highlights that the latest & Sullivan on global analysis of the NAC market states generation of NAC products is able to solve top IT that ForeScout Technologies, Cisco and juniper are the challenges and deliver tangible business value to top three fastest selling NAC solution providers for large customers. A leading reason for renewed NAC platform enterprises and small to medium sized enterprises (SME), adoption is the shift in the value proposition away which represent more than 69 percent of the NAC mar- from that of restrictive, device authentication -based ket. Of the total 69 percent global NAC market, ForeScout technology to one that enables network access and caters to 24.3 percent of the share. helps organizations streamline or automate a broad The F&S report also affirms that bi-directional integra- range of IT operations. tion with other network and security platforms will con- The new generation of NAC is changing the way tinue to differentiate leading NAC vendors and be valued enterprises work by considering their evolving business by customers. As such, NAC vendors actively seek integra- needs. It incorporates far greater functionality than the tion with other network defences, including: advanced previous generation by providing an ability to deliver threat detection (ATD), antivirus (AV), virtual private tangible business value to customers and solve some of networks (VPN), vulnerability management (VM), security the major challenges which exist in IT security. Part of information and event management (STEM), mobile device this is the ability of next-gen NAC to strengthen endpoint management (MDM), firewalls, and Web gateways.
pcquest.com twitter.com/pcquest facebook.com/pcquest linkd.in/pcquest [email protected] MAY 2015 PCQuest 23 tech&trends
5 Big Data Costs you Simply Can’t Afford to Ignore Everybody is talking about data. Everybody wants big data solutions, and almost everybody overlooks the cost that comes with it. Read more to know different costs that are associated with Big Data and how one can analyze the utility that it brings
– Vikram, CTO, Vizury
verybody thinks that big data is a magical pill Its simple math like - one machine handles X QPS, let us that you gulp, and voila, everything falls into provision for Y QPS factoring in enough buffer. Also, with place. One of the most common traps is to think techniques like auto-scaling on the cloud, you can be as Eof cost only at the level of online or frontend close to real traffic as you want, without over-provisioning systems. A common discussion would read something in a big way. like this - “A typical $500/month machine easily handles two thousand Queries Per Second (QPS) and so if I need storage accessed by online systems 10 thousand QPS more, I would need 2500$/month as an This could typically be in-memory caching systems like infrastructure cost”. What this argument misses out is a lot memcache, redis or persistent stores like RDBMS or NoSQL. of downstream aspects which take up bulk of the cost. This depends a lot on how you architect your systems and We can broadly classify the entire infrastructure into how much caching makes sense. A typical low-latency five components and then try and assess them for costs. system like an ad server or bid server would need a lot of cache since it cannot afford to hit disks at runtime. entry-point frontend systems But memory is generally super-expensive and so the Note that these are not ‘front-end’ as in UI/UX systems, architecture has to be judicious in its usage. but the main entry points of your platform for the From a cost perspective, this component costing can external world. Typical examples would be ad servers, be quite tricky. The thumb rule is that RAM is 10X more beacon listeners, RTB bidders, B2C websites etc. These expensive than SSD which is 10X more expensive than would invariably be core business systems that need HDD and performance-wise RAM is 1000x of SSD which to run 24x7. Any downtime there not only affects your is around 100X of HDD. With such a wide variety at your revenue, but importantly, has a negative brand effect. disposal, you can architect the systems creatively to have Naturally you plan as much buffer and redundancy here the right latency and cost. Another typical mistake done is as you can afford. Surprisingly, the cost-calculations here when the frontend system scales, this caching/persistent are not hard unless your traffic fluctuates unpredictably. store may not scale and so it is important to have upper
24 PCQuest MAY 2015 pcquest.com twitter.com/pcquest facebook.com/pcquest linkd.in/pcquest [email protected] limits for this benchmarked and provisioned for proper is an often-understated component. Similar to RAM, one redundancy. Auto-scaling this storage system is not as easy needs to be judicious with bandwidth; since it is not only as the stateless frontend systems. expensive, but the capacities can get inconsistent. So the more data you start propagating around the world, the Analytics – the meat in the sandwich more uncertainty you are adding to the systems, since the Big data in raw form is just loud noise. If you have bandwidth speeds are not the most reliable. Again, when terabytes of raw data, it’s pretty useless for the business data starts scaling, a good engineering team should be able unless a user can make sense of it. Typically, analytics to architect a solution that will not be super-expensive and involves two aspects. One is the well-defined OLAP-like be as predictable as possible. Another angle one needs to reports which can be easily and quickly consumed by pay heed to is how the geographical distance impacts the clients and business-users alike. Second is the adhoc storage accessed by online systems. Not all systems around queries that analysts can fire when they are trying to the world need access to data, so application and domain make business decisions. This does however, complicate knowledge, backed by good architecture, will help optimize the infrastructure since adhoc queries can range from this spread. a simple “count(*)” on a small table to joining multiple terabytes tables. Having a good analytics platform is a storage of raw data long journey. While latest technologies like hadoop, hive, This is generally different from storage directly accessed spark are enabling this, none of them will be drop-in by online systems. Typically, this would be network solutions which will work out of box. You will need to storage, HDFS, S3 or the like. It’s a lot of unstructured invest in them, tune them to your needs and strive for a data in raw form. While these costs are reducing by the balance between costs and ease-of-data-access. There is day (S3 is hardly 0.03$/GB-month and they keep reducing never an easy answer there! it every now and then), note that the data collected is also exploding every day. Therefore, one needs to strike a Geographic distribution of infrastructure balance between costs and utility of data. It‘s not uncommon for infrastructure to be spread out The next time you consider the cost of data, please fac- around the globe. While most dedicated hosting providers tor in the entire ecosystem – one that can bring different make it easy, you need to be clear on the maintenance and disparate nodes into a unified umbrella, and yet justify the costs involved. The first part is the bandwidth cost which investments.
pcquest.com twitter.com/pcquest facebook.com/pcquest linkd.in/pcquest [email protected] MAY 2015 PCQuest 25 specialfeature Interesting Trends for Online Shopping - Exciting times ahead for shoppers! 2014 was a fruitful year when online sales leapfrogged; making offline retailers feel the heat of the rising competition and urging them to expand their empires to the online market space. The number of people shopping through smartphones is increasing and so is the number of price comparison sites. Read more to know some interesting trends in this arena – Suresh Sharma, Founder and Director, iSpyPrice.com fficient customer service has become the top priority of online retailers, owing to the esca- lating tug-of-war between the e-tailers and Eretailers and also among the e-commerce firms themselves. It’s crucial for online stores to distinguish themselves from other firms and establish their foothold in the market. increasing use of mobiles for shopping Mobile Technology has made it essential for e-commerce firms to optimize themselves for the ease and convenience of the shopaholics. Now, more and more consumers are using mobiles for online shopping instead of laptops or desktops. As mobile technology has become more secure and reliable, it has enabled successful shopping experiences for consumers. This clearly specifies that the diversification to mobiles and smart phones is no longer going to be a mere option for e-tailers but a compelling necessity to survive in the fiercely-competitive market. Hence, the e-commerce companies are sure to upgrade likely to get attracted towards online shopping. When the and augment their operating systems in conjunction with concept of ‘Online Shopping’ was at a rudimentary stage the needs of their patrons. and e-commerce firms were just developing, the inability to deliver fast was one of the major obstacles to attaining social Media as an effective marketing tool success in the industry. The scenario has undergone Online Shopping is poised to get convenient like never massive metamorphosis since then, owing to the rising before, owing to the escalating influence of social media. competition and increasing awareness among customers. The social media platforms have become an effective E-commerce giant Amazon.com, recently announced its marketing tool for the online as well as offline firms, plans to develop ‘Delivery Drones’ that will ensure swift making the purchase transactions easier for customers and speedy delivery, by shortening the delivery time to and benefitting e-tailers in pocketing more profits. Popular around 30 minutes. social networking site, Twitter has already started the trend with its ‘Buy’ button, to promote in-app purchases. The increasing role of Price Comparison sites trend has come in action, and other social media sites are Besides these, the Price Comparison sites will play a vital likely to follow suit. role in the year 2015. The elevated competition levels and the thinning line between the brick and click models speedy Delivery as a differentiator will bring the Price comparison sites into limelight. Hence The concept of Express Delivery and delivery within hours the sites are likely to receive enormous amount of traffic has already gained momentum. If it continues successfully this year. Online firms are going to clamor for attention, and at the same pace, more and more customers are often confusing buyers regarding what to buy and from
26 PCQuest MAY 2015 pcquest.com twitter.com/pcquest facebook.com/pcquest linkd.in/pcquest [email protected] where to buy. It is possible for e-tailers to take advantage confront logistics as well as connectivity hindrances in of this confusion and bombard consumers with offers that order to serve their patrons efficiently. These issues imply discounts to cut the competition. In such a situation, can be solved with 4G internet services. By providing it’s always advised to compare the prices of products cutting-edge speed and connectivity, 4G is helping before taking the final purchase decision. This is where online firms to tackle their problems easily. Price Comparison sites come to the fore. Providing hourly Escalated speed and enhanced connectivity pro- updates for products with fast-changing prices, these sites vides users with a compelling and satisfactory brows- present buyers with the lowest prices available, enabling ing and shopping experience. Usually it is seen that them to zero in on the product with the right price. potential buyers leave a particular site when they are just going to finalize their purchase. The reason can effect of 4G rollout be - connectivity problem or slow internet. With 4G, A game-changing internet technology, 4G network is customers can quickly make purchases without having to face any such hassles. This is thus, indirectly boost- ing the sales of e-commerce companies.
4G fosters instant purchase With 4G for mobiles as well as laptops, e-commerce companies can be unperturbed about the size of images or videos. Even on smartphones, users can enjoy the same experience as on a laptop or PC, due to higher connectivity and speed offered by 4G. Another situation will justify the sturdy role that 4G is playing in the realm of e-commerce. Many a times, it happens that online shopping websites hang or the speed of internet dips while making payments or while checking out. This leads to reduction in the confidence level of customers, leaving them in a dilemma of whether to purchase online or not to take the chance. This can result in dwindling sales for e-commerce companies. With 4G at hand, buyers are able to make instant purchase decisions and check-out in a hassle-free way. slowly becoming the ‘Next Big Thing’ that provides 4G further paves the way for m-commerce immediate access to everything from around the In order to gain maximum advantage of the fourth world at your fingertips. 4G rollout can influence the generation internet technology, the market is e-commerce industry in a significant manner. The witnessing various e-commerce firms going the mobile- fourth generation (4G) is an advanced version of way. In short, for better results, e-commerce firms are 3G that facilitates its users with mobile broadband turning to m-commerce. With 4G on mobile, people internet access. With its WiMAX LTE technology, prefer to use their handheld devices to fulfill their day 4G provides path-breaking speed and impeccable to day needs. Hence, e-commerce firms are coming up connectivity to its users. The technology provides wide with ground-breaking designs and models to utilize the area coverage and high speed to mobile as well as lucrative mobile space efficiently, making scores of firms laptop users. Offering peak upload rate of 500 mbps turn to the m-commerce platform. and peak download rate of 1gbps, 4G supports HD 4G, the improved and enhanced version of 3G, is streaming and 4G network ensures optimal use of HD metamorphosing the entire domain of e-commerce, phones. making transactions instant, thus delivering reliable and constraint-free experiences. 4G provides constraint-free shopping experience E-commerce firms are not going to leave any stone While 4G is taking the Indian market by storm, and unturned to lure them and the players that will win the the demand for smartphones is already on an upward race are those that can offer steady innovation, tactical swing, the 4G rollout is further influencing the sphere promotions and guarantee customer loyalty and reten- of e-commerce immensely. Online retail firms have to tion in the long run. pcquest.com twitter.com/pcquest facebook.com/pcquest linkd.in/pcquest [email protected] MAY 2015 PCQuest 27 specialfeature Giants like Amazon and Alibaba are fueling the growth of e-Commerce sector in India The eCommerce sector has seen an unprecedented growth in 2014. Though access to the internet through broadband, 3G, etc, has led to an increase in the online consumer base, but still only 19% Indians use the internet. So there is enough potential for growth here. Furthermore, players such as Flipkart and Snapdeal and the huge investor interest around these companies displays immense potential of the Indian market
– Compiled by Preeti Gaur -Commerce in India has grown by 34% (CAGR) cessories and electronics are the largest selling products since 2009 to touch 16.4 billion USD in 2014. The through eTailing, constituting around 80% of product dis- esector is expected to be in the range of 22 billion tribution. The increasing use of smartphones, tablets and USD this year. eTravel is the most popular form internet broadband and 3G has led to developing a strong of eCommerce, followed by eTail which essentially means consumer base that is likely to increase further. This, com- selling of retail goods on the internet conducted by the bined with a larger number of homegrown eTail companies B2C category. Read further to know factors that can fuel with their innovative business models has led to a robust growth in this sector. eTail market in India roaring to expand at high speed.
india’s eCommerce growth 25 eCommerce ecosystem 21.30% online travel, ticketing, etc. 20 Comprises 70% of total e-commerce
16.40% market. 15 online retail 12.60% Fastest growing segment, having 9.50% grown by 56% over 2009-14. Market 10 size pegged at 6 billion USD in 2015. 7% 5.30% online marketplace 5 3.80% Platform where sellers and buyers transact online
0 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 online deals Source: IAMAI, CRISIL, Gartner analysis Deals purchased online, redemption may or may not happen online Currently, eTravel comprises 70% of the total eCom- merce market. eTailing, which comprises of online retail and online marketplaces, has become the fastest-growing online portals classified segment in the larger market having grown at a CAGR of Includes car, job, property and around 56% over 2009-2014. The size of the eTail market matrimonial portals is pegged at 6 billion USD in 2015. Books, apparel and ac-
28 PCQuest MAY 2015 pcquest.com twitter.com/pcquest facebook.com/pcquest linkd.in/pcquest [email protected] Low internet Penetration: Huge Growth Potential A significantly low (19%) but fast-growing internet population of 243 million in 2014 is an indicator of the sector’s huge growth potential in India. It is evident that in absolute terms India’s internet users are short by only 36 million as compared with 279 million in the US and higher than that in Japan, Brazil and Russia. However, in relation with its population, only 19% Indians use the internet. This indicates the potential of internet use in India and as internet penetration increases, the potential of growth for the eCommerce industry will also increase.
internet Penetration Key market factors to be evaluated before entering a new eCommerce business 46% To achieve their vision, eCommerce companies will need 59% to understand the intricate landscape of new markets in addition to their own internal capabilities and limitations. China The following factors must be considered: US • Market size: Before moving too aggressively into a new market, it is important to consider how sizable India the overall opportunity is. 53% 87% Japan • eCommerce readiness: It is essential to fully Brazil understanding the payment and logistical infrastructure, consumer behaviour, retail opportunity Russia and technological developments. • scope of growth: It is also important to look at the internet penetration, demographics of the online 86% 19% buying population and understand which phase of development each market is in. Source: www.internetlivestats.com • Barriers to entry: Players should understand the regulatory environment and connect with solution High demographic dividends providers, content distribution networks, and digital According to Ecommerce Europe, country-wise, the US, UK agencies. and China together account for 57% of the world’s total • Competition: There is also a need to do an in-depth B2C eCommerce sales in 2013, with China having total assessment of what competitors are doing, their online strategy and the nature of each offering. Demographic Profile of indian online users
9% sales of 328.4 billion USD. As against this, India had sales of only 10.7 billion USD, 3.3% of that of China in 2013 with fifth position in Asia- Pacific. This is despite the fact that India enjoys high demographic dividends just like China. 16% 37% India’s internet penetration with total e-households at 46 million against China’s 207 million is one of the reasons 15-24 year olds behind India’s poor B2C sales growth. An analysis of the demographic profile of internet us- 25-34 year olds ers further testifies that eCommerce will rise rapidly in In- 35-44 year olds dia in coming years. Around 75% of Indian internet users Other are in the age group of 15 to 34 years. This category shops more than the remaining population. Peer pressure, ris- ing aspirations with career growth, fashion and trends 38% encourage this segment to shop more than any other cat- Source: www.statista.com egory and India, therefore, clearly enjoys a demographic pcquest.com twitter.com/pcquest facebook.com/pcquest linkd.in/pcquest [email protected] MAY 2015 PCQuest 29 specialfeature
dividend that favors the growth of eCommerce. In coming years, as internet presence increases in rural areas, rural India will yield more eCommerce business. entry of Giants The entry of eCommerce behemoths such as Amazon and Alibaba, is going to intensify the competition further. Both these international players come with deep pockets and the patience to drive the Indian eCommerce market. Also, their strong domain knowledge and best practices from their international experience give them an additional edge. Additionally, these companies have been part of online business models markets where they have seen the eCommerce market To get the maximum benefit from eCommerce business, evolve and are aware of the challenges and strategies to a large number of companies are adopting different innovative ideas and operating models including address issues thereof. partnering with online marketplaces or setting up their Indian companies realize this, and are therefore aim- own online stores. ing to continue their focus on expanding sellers and selec- tion on their platforms, innovating on multiple customer Some key operating models include the following: touch points, and providing seamless and rapid delivery • Marketplace and pick-up & drop is a model where sellers services in order to compete with the international enti- often partner with leading marketplaces to set up a ties. Competition is expected to continue, with these dedicated online store on the latter’s website. Here sellers eCommerce companies experimenting with different ways play a key role of managing inventory and driving sales. to attract customers and increase online traffic. They leverage on high traffic on the marketplaces’ website and access their distribution network. However, the sellers Digital india initiaive have limited say on pricing and customer experience. The Indian government’s ambitious Digital India project • Selfowned inventory is a model where the eCommerce and the modernization of India Post will also affect the player owns the inventory. The model provides better eCommerce sector. The Digital India project aims to offer a postpurchase customer experience and fulfillment. It one-stop shop for government services that will have the provides smoother operations due to ready information mobile phone as the backbone of its delivery mechanism. on the inventory, location, supply chain and shipments, The programme will give a strong boost to the eCommerce effectively leading to better control over inventory. On the market as bringing the internet and broadband to remote flipside, however, there are risks of potential mark downs and working capital getting tied up in inventory. corners of the country will give rise to an increase in trade and efficient warehousing and will also present a • Private label reflects a business where an eCommerce potentially huge market for goods to be sold. company sets up its own brand goods, which it sells For India Post, the government is keen to develop its through its own website. This model offers a wide-ranging distribution channel and other eCommerce related ser- products and pricing to its customers and competes with vices as a major revenue model going ahead, especially branded labels. Here, margins are typically higher than third-party branded goods. when India Post transacted business worth 280 crore INR in the cash-on-delivery (CoD) segment for firms such as • White label involves the setting up of a branded online Flipkart, Snapdeal and Amazon. Both these projects will store managed by the eCommerce player or a third party. have significant impact on increasing the reach of eCom- The brand takes the responsibility of generating website merce players to generally non-serviceable areas, thereby traffic and providing services by partnering with payment boosting growth. gateways. It helps build trust, customer affinity and loyalty and provides better control of brand and product India’s overall retail opportunity is substantial, and experience. coupled with favoured demographics (young population, rising standards of living and upwardly mobile middle class) and a growing internet user base, strong growth in to start from. With such strong market prospects and an eCommerce is expected. From an investment perspec- equally upbeat investor community, many more eCom- tive, the market is a primarily minority stake market, with merce companies from India are expected to enter the maximum traction in early-stage deals. Such early stage coveted billion-dollar club. funding will help companies develop a strong foundation Source: eCommerce in India by PWC
30 PCQuest MAY 2015 pcquest.com twitter.com/pcquest facebook.com/pcquest linkd.in/pcquest [email protected] specialfeature MoBiLitY How Online-only Mobile Brands are RedefiningRetail Increasingly, retailers are adopting an online-only strategy to give their products unprecedented visibility in tier 1 and tier 2 cities right from day one, and at much lower costs – Suresh Sharma, Founder and Director, iSpyPrice.com
n the last 12 months or so, a number of mobile brands reaching target market in smaller cities have adopted the online-only sales strategy and One very plausible reason why mobile brands such as results indicate that consumers have taken a liking to Xiaomi and OnePlus have successfully entered the market Ithis new approach. through their online-only strategy is the reach that an In India, the online-only strategy was first embraced online platform like Flipkart offers their product. By by Motorola with their then flagship product Moto G in adopting an online-only strategy, these brands are able to partnership with India’s largest e-commerce marketplace, reach consumers in smaller cities where the retail sector Flipkart. When Motorola first announced this approach, isn’t organised as well as it is in bigger cities. An online-only few market analysts would have expected the Moto G to strategy actually allows these brands to give their products sell out within 15 minutes of its first opening. While this unprecedented visibility in Tier 1 and Tier 2 cities right event has been eclipsed by rival brands such as Xiaomi and from day one. Another important factor why the online- OnePlus, in hindsight, it will forever be remembered as the only approach has worked is that with time, consumers beginning of a consumer trend that nobody had previously have grown more comfortable with online buying. anticipated. Consumer awareness of products has increased manifold Now that this model has stood the test of time and has compared to what it was a few years ago. been adopted by a number of brands, reasons for its suc- cess are slowly coming to the fore. offline buying is overrated Consumer awareness and improved online buying experiences have also led mobile brands into believing that offline buying is overrated. These days, when consumers want to buy a new phone; they often resort to comparing “Huge brands like Apple the prices and specifications on offer from various brands aren’t likely to switch before arriving at a decision. This process can be best to this sales channel executed online with a wide variety of brands for them to full-time anytime in the choose from when compared to the limited variety they near future. Their sales might find at a retail store. Also, the process of price and spec comparison is made are built upon brand all the more simpler online thanks to price comparison value and standing in websites, so consumers don’t have to visit multiple physical queue to buy an Apple retail outlets before they can finally zero in on their choice. iPhone is still very Suresh Sharma Founder and Director, much a fan thing.” the ability to control prices iSpyPrice.com Perhaps the most important reason why brands like
32 PCQuest MAY 2015 pcquest.com twitter.com/pcquest facebook.com/pcquest linkd.in/pcquest [email protected] Xiaomi, OnePlus, and even new entrants like InFocus are entered into a deal with e-commerce giants Amazon for the using an online-only strategy is that this allows them to online sale of this device. control the pricing strategy of their products. Brands such as Lenovo and Xolo have also decided to Just like other consumer electronics goods, mobile adopt this strategy. Lenovo has already announced its plans brands have always had to go through the cumber- to take on the likes of Xiaomi with its online-only brand some distributor-retailer cycle to make their product Shenqi. Brands like vivo are making a foray into the market accessible to the consumer. In the traditional offline taking advantage of this method. model, mobile brands either build their own distribution Lava International’s smartphone brand Xolo has been in network or strike a deal with one or more established the news for building its own e-commerce platform which it distributors. And if you are a foreign brand looking to intends to use for the purpose of reaching a wider consumer make inroads into a local market, this cycle gets further base for an online-only sub-brand it is building. complicated. In a market that changes every few months and has this still isn’t the right choice for everybody an incredible number of competitors, building one’s own While the online-only strategy may have many ups, it also distribution network is a hassle most foreign brands would offers no immediate reasons for bigger players to join the ideally want to avoid. This is mainly because this is a time bandwagon. Huge brands like Apple Inc. aren’t likely to consuming process. switch to this sales channel full-time anytime in the near The other option for these brands is to opt for a future. They have no reason to do so. Apple’s sales are built national distributor. These national distributors will end up upon brand value and standing in queue to buy an Apple making a margin on the sale of each device, pushing the iPhone is still very much a fan thing. Apple’s marketing price of the device up. Then come the regional distributors, makes the brand and its products desirable and that is why they also need to make a margin on the sale of each switching to an online-only model seems highly unlikely. device, pushing the device’s price further up. Finally, it’s Then there is the South Korean behemoth Samsung. the turn of the retailers to make a margin on the sale of Samsung currently sells a large majority of its smartphones each device. By this time, the price of the device goes up through the traditional model. It does offer select e-tailers by a fair notch. exclusive deals where they can sell a particular Samsung If you think Xiaomi’s current flagship the Mi4′s 16 mobile through their online marketplace, but by and large GB version is a steal deal at Rs. 19,999 consider adding Samsung is a supporter of the traditional method and another Rs. 3,000-5,000, or maybe more, to that price believes in this sales channel. and it doesn’t sound like a steal deal anymore, does it? Some would argue that’s only two brands to take into That’s what the distributor-retailer cycle can do to the consideration but the fact is these two are the current flag- price of a device. Xiaomi and the likes can afford to give bearers of the mobile industry, the top two smartphone the consumer a favorable price because the online-only makers in the world. And as long as they, and others like strategy allows them to do so. them, are convinced, the offline distributor-retailer cycle is This is also why you get to see different prices for likely to remain healthy in the foreseeable future. the same devices on various e-commerce marketplaces. Mobile brands are able to pass the benefit of price saving Future prospects for the online-only strategy to the consumer. The e-commerce brands also don’t need While a number of these brands have taken to this approach, to save a margin from a sub-retailer. It’s a win-win situation it is undeniable that there are other factors that have led for all parties involved. to the success of this sales channel. The first is the growing Internet penetration. India’s Internet penetration has grown A high success ratio to 300 million+ and is on the rise all the time. Although Motorola’s online-only strategy for the various versions of e-commerce is said to account for only about 1% of total the Moto G and later the Moto E was such an incredible retail sales, this 1% accounted for sales worth $5.3 billion. success that they ended up selling more than a million of It is a given that as this online-only strategy by smartphone these devices. Xiaomi followed suit and has done well with brands takes shape, these figures will see a surge in sales. the sale of its Mi3, Mi4, and Redmi 1s devices. This strategy The growing penetration of Internet is allowing has paid rich dividends for Xiaomi as they are now among e-commerce brands to reach a critical mass of potential the top 3 smartphone brands in the world, third only to customers and there is no doubt that in time, as more and Apple and Samsung. more mobile brands opt for an online-only strategy, e-tailing Earlier this year, the Micromax-owned Yu Televentures would begin to rival traditional sales channels. Perhaps not brand launched its first flagship product- the Yureka. They immediately, but definitely! pcquest.com twitter.com/pcquest facebook.com/pcquest linkd.in/pcquest [email protected] MAY 2015 PCQuest 33 tech&trends Internet Penetration in India is at a Tipping Point We interacted with Rajiv Sodhi, VP and MD for GoDaddy India on the ‘Internet opportunity’ for small businesses in India, their challenges in going online and how to alleviate them – Anil Chopra and RashiVarshney
How unique is the indian market in terms of internet connectivity? India is second largest connected country in the world. We have just overtaken USA, which has a total population of about 330 million. India’s internet user based is now300 million. Globally, the internet grows about 14% -15% worldwide in terms of connections. In India, it’s growing at about 26%. China and India are fastest growing market. India took 10 years to hit the first 100 million, 3 years for 200 million and 1 year for 300 million. This tells how fast it is. Even at this figure, we are at about 18% penetration of the whole population, which means 80% of the market is yet to come online. This assures that India is one of the most exciting markets to work in.
What’s the break-up of the 300 million user base of internet users? While the overall country is rising at about 26%, a large The country has a digital divide that splits India between part of this growth is driven by rural and tier 2-tier 3 towns, the tech savvy urban population, and the rural masses. which is primarily driven by mobile devices. A large part of the Internet penetration is by the urban population, but the other side of the divide has to be Most online users in rural india would be brought online now. Already, out of the 300 million consumers connecting from their mobiles. How users, 100 million are rural today, and what’s even more about the small and mid-sized businesses in these fascinating is that they’re growing by 49% year-on-year. areas? What are the challenges in taking them online? The three major constraining factors with SMBs in smaller cities to go online are— access, awareness, and adoption. Our number one problem is lack of ‘awareness’. Most people are saddled from the ‘Not-for-me’ syndrome, and that the Internet is only meant for big brands or firms. That is a challenge companies like us are facing. The second issue that people have is ‘complexity’. They think that buying a domain name, setting up a website, moving to social media and all are very complex. The third challenge is that people think it is very ‘costly’. Indians are very conscious about value and returns. So while India is usually referred to as a price sensitive market, the truth is that it’s not price sensitive, but value sensitive. So people have money to spare, but they will not spend if Rajiv Sodhi, VP and MD, GoDaddy India they are not clear about the value it will give.
34 PCQuest MAY 2015 pcquest.com twitter.com/pcquest facebook.com/pcquest linkd.in/pcquest [email protected] Moreover, India is a ‘Do-it-for-me (DIFM)’ country un- can build it free, but for any new feature, one has to start like western countries, which are more in the Do-it-Yourself paying, which is where they need the right advice so that (DIY) mode. This has huge implications on what we are they don’t spend exorbitant amounts. trying to do. With listing providers, typically we have seen people repent it later. That’s because you have huge competi- What are companies like Godaddy doing to alleviate tion there. So if you are a plumber, then there are 15,000 these challenges? other plumbers also on the same list, so you have no way The first thing that companies like ours are doing is driving of differentiating. So as people start scaling their business, massive awareness about the ease and benefit of coming they need additional services to differentiate themselves online. We actually believe that 300 million is a tipping from others. This happens gradually after the person gets point, because this is the size of America that is now the first few orders from internet, and realizes that it’s a sitting online in India and as this market grows, a trader potential new channel. or anybody cannot ignore such a market, which is doing transaction at a much faster pace than offline is. there’s another barrier of investing in a website, So our belief is that as long as we keep reaching out but not getting any returns? to people in a manner they understand and in a language This is a big challenge because most people think that they understand, the challenge of generating awareness website is the face, but companies have to realize that can be tackled. So till recently, we did campaigns with it’s only a start. So one of the first things is to educate famous personalities like Mithun Chakraborty to spread the customer on the amount of traffic they will get. Our our message. Now, we will do campaigns in local languages concern is not whether they have a website or not, but because we know that people who’re coming online are whether they have a content strategy or not, which can not from metros and are not English speaking people. feed their website. This also requires awareness creation, The second challenge of affordability can be tackled by and there are many resources online that help with this. offering products that are both affordable and relevant. So Even we have a section on our website called ‘Garage’ that today, for as little as Rs 99 a month, one can get a domain, does this. website, and professional email. There’s also a marked difference between new age Also, since India is a DIFM market, one needs support. and old age entrepreneurs. So, typically the new breed For that, we ensure that we provide 24*7 free customer of emerging entrepreneurs are typically young people, care to our customers. who understand the importance of being online and So we are trying to make sure that people know it’s take it very seriously. As a result, they’ll first book easy, fast and simple. We are trying to build local bundles their domain name even if they don’t build a website that bring our solutions together so the number of steps immediately. for customers is cut down. We also found that India is high on identity and need, which can be gauged through the number of documents How do you overcome the multiple local an Indian has for their identity in India. We see that many languages barrier? SMBs especially traditional SMBs are very particular about India is a country where language changes every 200 their reputation, and one small next step in the online kilometers, so it’s tough to cover it at a national level. This world can improve that and that’s again is a part of our is where channels play a very important part as they can education. talk to customers in their language and dialect. What’s therefore required is to use a combination of pushing the What kind of sMBs are more aggressive in message from channels and advertising and branding with going online? regional flavor. Typically if a business is export centric, it would invest for internet presence much faster than an artesian kind of sMB owners can (and are) doing business with business. Verticals like professional services, education, freely available e-mail ids and a lot of them are etc. are more aggressive in terms of IT spending. One thing also registered with free online trading platforms. that helps take such businesses online are templates that Why would they invest in their own website and are more tuned to their requirements. Verticalization of email id? websites therefore helps, be it for professional services, If you want to start out, then you can do so with any of the hospitality, wedding, jewelry, etc. At the same time free packages, and there are dime a dozen available. The however, one has to also have a horizontal approach in same is the case with our website creation as well. You order to address the market at scale. pcquest.com twitter.com/pcquest facebook.com/pcquest linkd.in/pcquest [email protected] MAY 2015 PCQuest 35 coverstory Internet of Things: The Road Ahead Moving beyond the initial euphoria, IoT has steadily progressed to impact our lives in several meaningful ways. Going forward we expect both businesses and individuals to make steady returns on their investments
- Adeesh Sharma
he different stakeholders in the business of with all key milestones in the history of IT, here again you IoT products and services coined several terms need industries that were going to thrive on the IoT. Some initially to promote essentially the same idea—a would present the use case for IoT while others would have Tcompletely internetworked ecosystem where all to keep innovating and build solutions to fulfill that need. ‘intelligent devices’ could communicate with each other Therefore, we find certain segments of the industry that seamlessly. Moving beyond ‘rigid’ networks that were are more bullish on using IoT than others. Sensing a big op- enclosed within the four walls of an organisation towards portunity, the solution providers too are bullish about the mobile devices and networks the idea seemed a logi- devices and software they have created around IoT. There cal implication of how the mobile ecosystem was set to is an ISV that has created SDKs and libraries to enable a evolve in future. With their task clearly cut out, they set reliable cloud backend and a secure two way messaging themselves on the path to creating devices and solutions channel for IoT devices. Increasingly, we keep hearing of that would help them establish this Internet of Things. As new startups around IoT and how they innovate with their
36 PCQuest MAY 2015 pcquest.com twitter.com/pcquest facebook.com/pcquest linkd.in/pcquest [email protected] offerings to keep customers interested. In the pages that processes can optimize production and real-time updates follow you get to read details on all of this and also the key from machine data can be used to gain predictive analytics trends in the IoT enterprise space. Here are the highlights: to automate parts and consumable ordering to maximize revenue. industries that are more bullish on iot The recently unveiled Research Kit is a macro IoT Developer tools that facilitate iot information gathering application that works with Apple’s All IoT devices require a reliable cloud backend and a HealthKit mobile app which turns the iPhone into a secure channel for communicating information captured portable mHeatlh hub. by these devices to the cloud backend. IoTfy is one such Likewise we’ve seen a few mobile devices that can be platform that provides a reliable cloud backend and a connected to the body to relay heart monitoring infor- secure two way messaging channel. By using IoTfy’s mation to healthcenters through the use of mobile apps SDKs and libraries that are available for various hardware installed on the patient’s Android phones. The adoption platforms, hardware and device manufacturers can enable of wearable devices is expected to increase, providing key their devices to leverage the power of IoT. The REST APIs information on a person’s activities, health and fitness. Framework helps device manufacturers to access data The global oil and gas industry’s hunt for hydrocarbons coming from their devices and also helps them to connect in increasingly remote, extreme environments is driving the with third party internet services. need for Internet of Things solutions within the industry. The number of devices with cellular or satellite connectiv- How start-ups are innovating to gain traction ity deployed in oil and gas applications around the world CarIQ is a new IoT start up that makes your car smarter was 423,000 at the end of 2013 which is estimated to rise with devices that record data from your car like mileage by 21.4 percent to 1.12 million by 2018. and speed, driving patterns, etc. It also lets you compare Also, the continued reduction in the cost of manufac- these stats with your friends, people around you or people turing semiconductors makes it feasible to install them with the same car. SenseGiz offers tiny sensor chips that on a range of everyday devices that were previously you can attach to any of your personal belongings in order unconnected. In its Internet of Things (IoT) 2013 to 2020 to track them. It is user friendly and can be attached to any Market Analysis report, IDC estimates that spending on IoT surface for instance, your phone, wallet or keys. TeeWe technology and services will touch $8.9 trillion by 2020, or allows you to connect all your content to the TV through a 7.9% CAGR. a single device that has a Wi-fi connection, be it your In retail, Amazon is already using flying drones and em- smart phone or laptop. The TeeWe also turns your phone ploying droves of autonomous robots in some of its huge into a smart remote control therefore making it perfectly warehouses. These robots are the size of a lawn mower, user friendly. LifePlot is a portable electrocardiography with hidden wheels that can drive them in all directions diagnosis tool. It records data of basic medical diagnosis and crisscross the smooth floor of the warehouse, lifting and provides solutions. and shuttling shelves with different kinds of merchandise. In the retail industry, in-store sensors such as Bluetooth How iot is gaining momentum amongst businesses beacons can track smartphones throughout the store and By connecting ‘things’ in the real world — such as cars, record path-to-purchase data that can later be used to buildings, and industrial equipment — IoT promises to optimize store layouts. revolutionize how we live and work. The IoT market is likely Automotive companies are already using IoT-enabled to experience around 28% year-on-year growth, rising to technology to predict faults, quickly respond to main- 5.4 billion connections across the globe by 2020, counting tenance conditions and take proactive action. Also, by cellular, fixed line, satellite, and short-range wireless integrating factory-floor operations with core business connections, up from 1.2 billion devices in the year 2014. In the automotive industry, Verizon’s telematics experts note that 14 car manufacturers account for 80 percent of “The IoT market is likely the worldwide automotive market, and all of them have a connected car strategy. Additionally, ABI Research cites to experience around 28% that organizations will introduce more than 13 million year-on-year growth, rising to health and fitness tracking devices into the workplace by 2018. The global market for sensors is expected to increase 5.4 billion connections across to $91.5 billion by 2016, showing a compound annual the globe by 2020” growth rate of 7.8 percent. pcquest.com twitter.com/pcquest facebook.com/pcquest linkd.in/pcquest [email protected] MAY 2015 PCQuest 37 coverstory 5 Key Industries that are Bullish on IoT With the hype around IoT settling somewhat, it is time for a reality check as to how both businesses and consumers across key industry segments can get up to speed implementing this technology and reaping real benefits from it - Adeesh Sharma
e have been repeatedly informed by top with a number of wearables; connected scales, sleep market research organisations and vendors monitoring devices and even a stationary bike. The that the IoT market is expected to grow ResearchKit aims to take the micro focus of single patient Wfrom 13 billion Internet-connected devices monitoring and expand it exponentially by allowing the in 2013 to 50 billion in 2020. But for this to happen there 700+ million iPhones out there to act as mobile medical are certain industry segments that have to commence work research devices. now to actually make it happen and for them to work there Another iPad app, LaunchPad, is used by Novartis has to be a business case for them to eventually benefit representatives all around the world. It allows them to through this work. This article dwells on some of the key immediately access data the doctor they are speaking to industry verticals that are aggressively pushing towards IoT finds most relevant to his patients, whether it is efficacy and the reasons why they are so bullish. in women, safety in the elderly or potential interactions with other drugs that they regularly prescribe. It Healthcare includes interactive graphs and patient case studies, and One of the key verticals where IoT can play a big role is easy to navigate. in saving people’s lives through timely and planned Likewise we’ve seen a few mobile devices that can monitoring of their vital parameters. Most companies have be connected to the body to relay heart monitoring their standalone devices out in the market that do the job information to healthcenters through the use of mobile of connecting patients to doctors or even health insurance apps installed on the patient’s Android phones. One key companies through the internet. But a better system can issue here is about finding subjects for clinical trials for a be built around the growing ecosystem of medical apps number of reasons; time, geography, etc. By having people that can leverage the billion mobile phones around the opt-in with their existing connected devices, medical globe that can pick data through sensors placed on the research centers can get a cross section of users across body and relay the same to health centers. different, social & environmental subsections. Also, there The recently unveiled Research Kit is a macro IoT are privacy issues involved with people being reluctant to information gathering application that works with share private information via mobile apps for the fear of Apple’s HealthKit mobile app which turns the iPhone pilferage of information. into a portable mHeatlh hub. It is already integrated The adoption of wearable devices is expected to increase, providing key information on a person’s activities, health and fitness. Sensors or chips will increasingly provide patients’ vital signs in real-time to medical providers to enhance the quality of care. This technology is also expected to help monitor and safeguard children on the move in public places and those suffering from cognitive conditions, including Alzheimer’s. However, such medical apps and devices have the potential to seriously disrupt the medical research industry in a way we’ve never before seen.
oil and gas industry The global oil and gas industry’s hunt for hydrocarbons in increasingly remote, extreme environments is driving the need for Internet of Things solutions within the industry. The number of devices with cellular or satellite connectivity
38 PCQuest MAY 2015 pcquest.com twitter.com/pcquest facebook.com/pcquest linkd.in/pcquest [email protected] the advent of cloud, as very large amounts of data has to be transmitted to and received on wired or wireless devices. The increasing demand for cloud services shall push demand for servers and data centers. Also, deployed in oil and gas applications around the world was the continued reduction in the cost of manufacturing 423,000 at the end of 2013 which is estimated to rise by semiconductors makes it feasible to install them on 21.4 percent to 1.12 million by 2018. a range of everyday devices that were previously The tightening of regulations in the oil and gas industry, unconnected. In its Internet of Things (IoT) 2013 to 2020 coupled with accidents and cyberattacks is driving the shift Market Analysis report, IDC estimates that spending towards Internet of Things solutions. Another major driver on IoT technology and services will touch $8.9 trillion is operational efficiency, such as maintaining uptime in by 2020, or a 7.9% CAGR. IDC’s estimates continue to production systems and optimizing operations to cope with rise, given the growing enthusiasm for IoT, which should pricing pressures. So, instead of flying an expert out to a generate demand for billions of semiconductors. remote oil and gas site to troubleshoot a problem, video PC market growth will be moderate at best in the technology can allow remote experts and onsite workers next few years but this shall be more than made up by to share data and collaborate on solving an issue. They can the growth in mobile devices. A lot of the growth in the easily collate the well and sensor data to manage a number next few years will come from price-sensitive emerging of onshore or offshore wells. markets, which will continue to pressure margins of The falling costs of sensors and introduction of component suppliers. The mobile devices shall continue simple, easy-to-use next generation sensors are allowing to evolve through better functionality and experience companies to more easily deploy sensors. The increase in as processors within them shall operate at higher sensors in onshore and offshore oil and gas operations can speeds and consume lesser power. Emerging product generate one to two terabytes of data per day per well. categories like 3D printers, health and fitness devices, These sensors can be used in a number of settings, from smart watches, Ultra HD television displays and smart wells to pipelines. thermostats will see the strongest growth alongwith IoT can also bring along benefits in unconventional smartphones and tablets. oil and gas plays, where companies are adopting a The wireless infrastructure in the communications manufacturing approach to drilling and contending with market shall continue to grow as transition to 3G and low gas prices. They can have more visibility in operations 4G infrastructure continues. Spending on smart grids in challenging environments such as ultra-deepwater and intelligent metering applications is expected to see drilling. particularly strong growth. The automotive industry shall continue to fuel growth in semiconductor tech semiconductors because the consumption of electronic components Semiconductors are required more and more to play a key for safety, infotainment, navigation and fuel efficiency role in the growing interconnectedness of things due to continues to increase. pcquest.com twitter.com/pcquest facebook.com/pcquest linkd.in/pcquest [email protected] MAY 2015 PCQuest 39 coverstory
retail your favorite online store for home delivery. Such smart switches could be configured for different products and placed around the home for automating other mundane tasks. Connecting home automation to e-commerce sites could be the next wave of retailing.
Manufacturing
Amazon is already using flying drones and employing droves of autonomous robots in some of its huge warehouses. These robots are the size of a lawn mower, with hidden wheels that can drive them in all directions Factories and plants that are connected to the Internet and crisscross the smooth floor of the warehouse, lifting are more efficient, productive and smarter than their and shuttling shelves with different kinds of merchandise. non-connected counterparts. The increase of sensors and Cameras located underside scan coded directions painted readers across the manufacturing and distribution chain on the floor while the central computer wirelessly gives can streamline and maximize practices, greatly enhancing orders to the cars to deliver the goods to human packers. productivity. IoT can provide end-to-end visibility across When a robot receives the order for certain merchandise manufacturing operations. Automotive companies it identifies the shelf containing the ware, lifts it just a are already using IoT-enabled technology to predict few inches off the floor and carries it to a worker, who faults, quickly respond to maintenance conditions and only has to place the item into a box on a conveyer belt take proactive action. Also, by integrating factory-floor to the shipping department. Such warehouse robots operations with core business processes can optimize could save Amazon as much as 40 percent of the cost of production and real-time updates from machine data can fulfilling orders. be used to gain predictive analytics to automate parts and In-store sensors such as Bluetooth beacons can track consumable ordering to maximize revenue. smartphones throughout the store and record path-to- For instance, imagine a truck with some 50-100 purchase data that can later be used to optimize store sensors, but they aren’t coordinated. If connected and layouts. They can also be used to target shoppers as they with geolocation, you can see traffic jams in advance and traverse the aisles, providing contextual information and do rerouting. If you see a problem with a truck you can offers as they go. And this extends to checkout, where proactively schedule maintenance. Connected logistic shoppers can use their NFC-equipped contactless cards capability enables managers to manage large depots to pay for goods. At the retailers’ end, through the use of and hubs. All this improves customer service. With new smart wearables such as Google Glass, store managers visibility into manufacturing, companies are capturing could get reports on the go as they scan the store, data and using it to reduce downtime, for predictive comparing each department’s plan versus actual sales. maintenance, building analytics and enabling business They could also scan bar codes to get extended product solutions. Likewise, by installing sensors and actuators information as well as inventory positions. at different points in an assembly line, managers can At home you could imagine pressing a button on instantly find out the status of production. They are able the wall of the laundry room whenever you run out to share that information and data with coworkers in of detergent so a new bag is automatically ordered at other departments.
40 PCQuest MAY 2015 pcquest.com twitter.com/pcquest facebook.com/pcquest linkd.in/pcquest [email protected] coverstory How ‘IoTfy’ Plans to Build an Ecosystem for IoT Device Makers By using IoTfy’s SDKs and libraries that are available for various hardware platforms, hardware and device manufacturers can quickly enable their devices to leverage the power of IoTfy… - Rashi Varshney
ost recently, Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ‘Zero defect, zero effect’ slogan for high Mquality manufacturing in India without impacting the environment was in a highlight as the country’s first Internet of Things policy. According to a document titled ‘Draft policy on Internet of Things’, which is published by the department of electronics and information technology, the government will setup projects using IoT for planning preventive and in-time maintenance for equipment in various manufacturing verticals. The government will offer up to 100% duty benefit on imports of raw materials required for manufacturing IoT products. Raw materials purchased from domestic market will be entitled for reimbursements of excise duty and CST. For the first time, the government is giving special preference to young companies to get best of technology implemented for various projects in the country. Moreover, the Centre of Excellence for Internet of Things (CoE-IoT) will host IoT incubation infrastructure to support start-ups, SMEs, students and other innovators based on membership and support from design to prototype in productizing their ideas. With such interest from the government, it is quite hard for techies with innovative bend of minds to not capitalize on it. Having said that, a bunch of tech savvy entrepreneurs, Arpit Chhabra, Shivam Dikshit, Shashank Simply put, it’s basically connecting any device to the Saxena, Sushant Taneja and Saurabh Shandilya are building Internet (and/or to each other). India’s first IoT cloud platform called IoTfy. IoTfy is a cloud Generally speaking, things, in IoT, can vary from platform that provides a reliable cloud infrastructure for medical devices such as smart health monitoring IoT device makers. devices, automobiles with built-in sensors that captures vital information about the automobiles, smart What iotfy does to promote iot thermostat systems like Nest, or home appliances such IoT is a network of devices that communicate among as air conditioners, dishwashers that utilize Wi-Fi for themselves using internet without human intervention. remote monitoring.
42 PCQuest MAY 2015 pcquest.com twitter.com/pcquest facebook.com/pcquest linkd.in/pcquest [email protected] All these devices require a reliable cloud backend rest APis Framework and a secure channel for communicating information IoTfy also provides robust REST APIs framework to help a captured by these devices to the cloud backend. IoTfy as hardware developer to connect and access data coming a platform takes care of both these parts by providing a from the devices and other third party internet services. reliable cloud backend and a secure two way messaging According to the founding team, IoTfy has been channel. By using IoTfy’s SDKs and libraries that are developed keeping in mind requirements of the entire available for various hardware platforms, hardware and ecosystem and in most of the cases, IoT platforms don’t device manufacturers can quickly enable their devices to consider the requirements of the end user. The team’s leverage the power of IoTfy. vision is to provide an IoT platform that does not neglect Along with this, IoTfy’s REST APIs Framework helps the end users and that is the reason why they have IFTTT device manufacturers to access data coming from their like recipes and recipe store. devices and also helps them to connect with other third Founded in San Francisco, California, IFTTT is a web- party internet services. based service that allows an user to create chains of simple “We are a Platform-as-a-Service (PaaS) for IoT. conditional statements, called ‘recipes’, which are triggered Think of us as a Wordpress for IoT. The way we have based on changes to other web services such as Gmail, designed IoTfy, we believe IoTfy has potential to disrupt Facebook, Instagram,etc. For instance, a ‘recipe’ might the IoT space in a manner similar to how Wordpress consist of sending an e-mail message if the IFTTT user disrupted the web publishing space. Specific focus while tweets using a certain hashtag. Or, if the user is tagged by designing IoTfy has been on making it no-brainer for someone on Instagram, then that photo will be posted to hardware and device manufacturers to set-up their cloud user’s flicker account automatically. This kind of recipes infrastructure within minutes.” said Arpit, who has been would be available at IoTfy. a serial entrepreneur before, having built and sold two On enquiring about the challenges faced in developing businesses before starting with IoTfy. the product, Sushant mentioned, “Shivam & Shashank have been involved in developing custom IoT solutions for How iotfy works enterprises for last four years and their knowledge about IoTfy is a cloud platform designed to quickly the space helped us in designing IoTfy.” Shivam Dikshit, setup cloud backend for hardware, one can Shashank Saxena are founders of ATRIM Electronics, think of it as Wordpress for IoT. Apart from a government funded market leader in Electronic utilizing the cloud backend, secure two-way Consultancy and Design. While Sushant Taneja is presently communication channel, and Representational involved with SnapDeal’s team. State Transfer (REST) APIs framework, hardware Internet of Things (IoT, or devices connected to the manufacturers can also create customized user interface Internet), which is poised to be the biggest technological to their end users. For instance, using IoTfy a GPS tracker revolution yet, and expected to create $2.7–6.2 trillion of manufacturer can setup a custom user interface for user economic impact globally by 2025 . This impact is likely to of their GPS tracker, who can visit the site and track the be created by leveraging IoT to do business through novel location of the GPS tracker. forms of customer interaction, following new business models centred on assets and information and dynamic sDKs and Libraries pricing, and by enhancing and optimizing operations IoTfy provides SDKs and Libraries for hardware platforms through better efficiency, quality and safety. such as Raspberry Pi, Beagle Bone, Arduino, and custom Because of the vast opportunities in this domain, hardware devices for easily connecting the devices to the startup has also garnered investor interests from Iotfy’s cloud backend. By end of this year, IotFy will also senior entrepreneurs and industry veterans in India and release platform for the Android, iOS, and Web SDKs to is expecting to raise its first round of funding by June.“We make the offering more robust. are already in the market and are in talks with strategic investors. Presently we are in talks with some investors in two-way messaging the US & Singapore region,” told Shivam. IoTfy provides secure two-way messaging service The paltfrom IoTfy is running in alpha mode as of now that allows you to send data from your server to your and presently the product is an invite only for hardware devices, and also to receive messages from devices developers. The founding team is planning to launch the on the same service. This service handles all aspects beta version of the product in July this year. On the way of security, queueing of messages and delivery to the forward, the team will also integrate big data analysis for target devices. developers, which will leverage BI for device makers. pcquest.com twitter.com/pcquest facebook.com/pcquest linkd.in/pcquest [email protected] MAY 2015 PCQuest 43 coverstory Innovative IoT Start-Ups Here are some innovative startup companies in India that are currently paving the way for IoT to become a reality Here are some interesting IoT innovations
- Ashwin Meshram, CEO, Sqy! Rewards
ountries all over the world are adopting this new approach and this will result in a number of new start ups that will take over the market like a storm. This new era in technology shall give rise to a number of job opportunities Cand entrepreneurs. Here are some interesting IoT innovations:
CarIQ is a new IoT start up that makes your car smarter with devices that record data from your car like mileage and speed, driving patterns, etc. It also lets you compare these stats with your friends, people around you or people with the same car.
TeeWe allows you to connect all your content to the TV through a single device that has a Wi-fi connection, be it your smart phone or laptop. The TeeWe also turns your phone into a smart remote control therefore making it perfectly user friendly.
SenseGiz offers tiny sensor chips that you can attach to any of your personal belongings in order to track them. This helps majorly in case you lose a lot of stuff. It is user LifePlot is a portable friendly and can be attached to any surface for instance, electrocardiography diagnosis tool. your phone, wallet or keys. This product is a medical monitoring device which records data of basic medical diagnosis and provides IoT is going to be one of the most influential trends solutions. This device is connected in technology and will surely up the stakes for markets all to the internet at all times and over the world. The IoT protocol shall be adopted on a provides instant diagnosis for wide scale in the near future therefore, bringing on a new common medical issues. era in the world saga.
44 PCQuest MAY 2015 pcquest.com twitter.com/pcquest facebook.com/pcquest linkd.in/pcquest [email protected] coverstory 2015: The Year of Cloud & IoT While the IoT may still be in its infancy, within a few years it will be commonplace, giving those looking to take advantage of the next big technological movement little time to get up to speed
- Santhosh D’Souza, Director Systems Engineering, NetApp
he last decade has witnessed tech innovation ever smaller, cheaper, and more powerful, ‘man’ is trying that dominates any human development unlike to incorporate these innovations into objects that were not anything we have seen before. While complexi- traditionally “intelligent.” There is considerable benefit to Tties of technology continue to evolve with the be reaped from adding computational abilities to appli- evolution of technology itself, we have been fairly success- ances and everyday items, and equipping them with a con- ful developing mutually complementary solutions that not nection to the Internet. At a personal level, convenience only address various technological needs but also in turn features, such as fitness monitoring, automotive safety, generate new opportunities. better financial services offerings, or lower insurance rates Two such technologies that have mutually evolved and are driving adoption from consumers. From a business combined synergistically are cloud and mobile. Without the perspective, the IoT is quite transformative. cloud many of the mobile apps we have today would not exist. These applications rely on the biosphere of powerful Businesses stand to gain most from iot cloud-based syncing and storage technology to provide a Businesses can deliver brand new experiences to compelling cross-platform user experience. customers, which are highly automated due to the nature But mobile is just the beginning. As processors become of the IoT. Customers will often pay more for smart services because of their value-add such as seamless convenience. Since these new services are often highly automated, the “Just as the Internet IoT offers enticing margin for most businesses. In fact, transformed businesses and many industry influencers have predicted that it could lifestyles in the last twenty bring a significant economic value-add to the global economy in coming years. years, IoT, along with the Gartner predicts that The Internet of Things (IoT) has evolving app environment a potential transformational effect on the data center market, its customers, technology providers, technologies, and cloud support, will sales and marketing models. Gartner estimates that the IoT transform how organizations will include 26 billion units installed by 2020, and by that time, IoT product and service suppliers will generate incre- do business.” mental revenue exceeding $300 billion, mostly in services.
46 PCQuest MAY 2015 pcquest.com twitter.com/pcquest facebook.com/pcquest linkd.in/pcquest [email protected] When reviewed individually, each aspect of the IoT is phones and portables, and evolve into connecting every- not exactly revolutionary. What is different now is that the day existing objects and embedding intelligence into our underlying infrastructure and makeup of the Internet has environment. finally matured enough to handle these billions of devices, The combination of cloud computing and IoT has thanks to recent technological advances like big data and enabled ubiquitous apps and powerful processing of the cloud. data streams beyond the capability of individual “things”, Both of these technological aspects play a large role through mobile devices. As more devices connect to the in IoT success, and for businesses that are looking to take Internet, mobile apps are poised to evolve further with advantages of these connected devices, mastering the IoT the help of IoT, which is bringing with it new experiences begins with understanding why it is so powerful. customized to a more-connected environment. In the foreseeable future, it can be suspected that Mature cloud ecosystem to drive iot special-purpose clouds and applications will emerge to Just as with mobile, the Internet of Things will depend focus specifically on connecting devices and machines. heavily on the cloud for processing power, storage, and They’ll gather data quickly, likely streaming off devices with interconnectedness. It provides a level of connectivity very little structure, as well as performing quick analysis of that was previously impossible for all but the biggest of the data with the ability to instantly respond to the device. enterprises, due to the large hardware footprint that was Just as the Internet transformed businesses and life- once required for these types of initiatives. styles in the last twenty years, IoT, along with the evolving With the growing presence of WiFi and 4G-LTE wireless app environment and cloud support, will transform how Internet access, the evolution toward ubiquitous infor- organizations do business. While it is complex, and poses mation and communication networks is already evident. some risks, it can help innovate new processes and initia- However, for the Internet of Things vision to successfully tives to increase an organization’s business performance, emerge, the computing criterion will need to go beyond and create customer delight with new products and traditional mobile computing scenarios that use smart services.
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pcquest.com twitter.com/pcquest facebook.com/pcquest linkd.in/pcquest [email protected] MAY 2015 PCQuest 47 coverstory Internet of Things Gains Momentum Among Businesses 25% of car buyers said that connectivity made a vehicle much more desirable at the time of purchase - Compiled by Preeti Gaur
nterprise adoption of the Internet of Things is starting to gain momentum as the IoT market is Measurable benefits from iot projects set to rise to 5.4 billion connections by the year By 2025, organizations that adopt IoT extensively will be at 2020. A Verizon report explains what is IoT, what E least 10% more profitable than competitors that don’t. the organizations are doing with it, and how businesses can get the most out of it. Read on • Transportation companies are saving millions of dollars By connecting ‘things’ in the real world — such as by reducing fuel consumption using data captured, cars, buildings, and industrial equipment — IoT promises transmitted, and analyzed in near real-time. to revolutionize how we live and work. From wearable • Local governments are making budgets go further with devices to smart cities, the benefits reported have LED smart street lighting that doesn’t need regular prompted organizations of all sizes to ask how IoT might affect their organization and their industry, and what they maintenance, but can automatically report when it can do with it. needs to be repaired. The report ‘State of the Market: The Internet of Things • Utility companies are eliminating costly and (IoT) 2015: Discover How IoT is Transforming Business inconvenient home visits to read meters by introducing Results’, details key factors that are driving the increase in smart meters that report more granular usage data IoT deployments and includes guidance for business and without human intervention. public sector leaders on developing an IoT strategy. The IoT market is likely to experience around 28% year-on-year growth, rising to 5.4 billion connections across the globe by 2020, counting cellular, fixed line, satellite, and short-range the worldwide automotive market, and all of them have wireless connections, up from 1.2 billion devices in the a connected car strategy. Additionally, ABI Research cites year 2014. that organizations will introduce more than 13 million health and fitness tracking devices into the workplace number of B2B iot connections - forecast by 2018. Verizon experts predict that by 2025 smart cities capabilities will become a critical consideration for 5.4B companies deciding where to invest and open facilities, due to their impact on operating costs and talent availability. “When you look across the spectrum, IoT covers a multitude of solutions, from wearable devices, to remote monitoring of energy management devices to industrial transportation to improve safety and efficiency. New use 1.2B cases are created every day; however, the business case for IoT and enterprise adoption often gets overlooked,” says Mark Bartolomeo, vice president IoT Connected Solutions at Verizon. “Within the past year, amid an improving 2020 2014 economy, we’ve seen a number of new entrants starting to use IoT as a roadmap to improve their customers’ In the automotive industry, Verizon’s telematics experts experiences, accelerate growth and create new business note that 14 car manufacturers account for 80 percent of models that are driving societal innovation.”
48 PCQuest MAY 2015 pcquest.com twitter.com/pcquest facebook.com/pcquest linkd.in/pcquest [email protected] Factors fueling iot iot Growth supports Current trends Various technological, political and social factors are IoT business witnessed 45 percent year-over-year revenue driving the growth of IoT: growth in 2014, with 4GLTE activations growing by 135 Declining cost of sensors, increasing connectivity, percent. At present, Verizon manages more than 15 million and data processing power is making the ROI equations IoT-enabled connections for a wide range of industries. for IoT projects look even more appealing. According to the report, M2M connections on Verizon’s According to a BCC Research report, the global network increased from 2013 to 2014 by sector: market for sensors is expected to increase to $91.5 billion by 2016, showing a compound annual growth rate Manufacturing 204% of 7.8 percent. Use of social media & mobile technology Finance and Insurance 128% transformed consumer and citizen expectations. Improving insight has become a strategic priority for Media and Entertainment 120% many organizations. Use analytics and cloud-enabled Home Monitoring 89% platforms are making it possible to understand and engage with your customers better, whatever medium Retail and Hospitality 88% they choose. IoT can help by making services personal, Transportation and Distribution 83% better and accessible. Changing regulatory requirements across a number Energy and Utilities 49% of industries is also powering IoT adoption. Organizations Public Sector/Smart Cities 46% are using IoT in their efforts to meet new environmental standards and safety targets. For example, smart grid Healthcare and Pharmaceutical 40% solutions are enabling energy and utility companies to improve efficiency and cut waste. And train companies and automotive manufacturers are fitting vehicles with Barriers to Growth IoT-enabled systems that can predict and help prevent Recent growth in M2M connections and a global spotlight accidents. on IoT-enabled solutions notwithstanding, widespread The IoT market’s investor and consumer confidence enterprise adoption is currently low. Just 10 percent of has grown. This is making businesses more receptive enterprises have deployed IoT technologies extensively — to investing in new technologies. The ability to gather suggesting that many organizations are in a pilot phase or data and turn it into insight is an important factor in are waiting for more insights from early adopters. This also building and sustaining competitive advantage. IoT applies to widely covered categories such as the connected can help businesses to increase revenue, improve car. According to Verizon’s telematics experts, more than operational efficiency and bring out innovations. For 600 million vehicles worldwide are currently not connected example, industrial equipment manufacturers are selling to a network. outcomes, like machine hours, rather than just products. While the core technologies powering the Internet of M2M sensors can enable organizations to monitor Things — sensors, cloud computing, intelligent networking assets, from elevators to shipping containers, in near — are familiar to most businesses and public sector real time. For example, food and drug manufacturers can organizations, formulating a viable strategy and developing monitor shipping containers for changes in temperature IoT solutions can be highly complex. There’s still a lot more that could affect product quality and safety using cheap work to be done in regard to the creation and ratification battery-powered sensors and 4G LTE connectivity. And of industry standards. farmers are using IoT to improve yields while conserving “As machine-to-machine technology adoption water, a precious commodity in many places. continues to move downstream with millions of endpoints The ‘off-the-shelf’ IoT solutions are also starting to connected, it will change how we see cybersecurity and materialize with greater frequency as a replacement privacy,” Bartolomeo says. “Our role is to help key decision for highly customized solutions, which have historically makers tackle complexities like security head-on by characterized many enterprise IoT implementations. encouraging a more proactive posture in order to create And a broader IoT landscape brings greater security value for their organizations while reducing potential risk.” challenges. Digital certificates can help address growing Source: State of the Market: The Internet of Things (IoT) C-suite and public concerns and meet regulatory 2015: Discover How IoT is Transforming Business demands around IoT and security. Results, Verizon pcquest.com twitter.com/pcquest facebook.com/pcquest linkd.in/pcquest [email protected] MAY 2015 PCQuest 49 coverstory How IoT is Going to Impact Our Lives IoT will generate enough Big Data which has the potential to dramatically increase productivity, and reduce the marginal cost of producing and delivering a full range of goods and services across the entire economy
- Krishnakumar Gangaatharan, Solution Architect - Global Service Providers, AppDynamics
oday’s engineering is making science fiction What an iot enabled home looks like look obsolete. Technology pioneers are creat- IoT will redefine the way humans interact with their ing products that seemed nearly impossible a surroundings. A wrist band will monitor your sleep, the Tdecade back. With the Internet of Things, (IoT) blanket will highlight movement, a bed will adjust itself we’re going to witness a rage of budding entrepreneurs giv- based on posture, an opaque smart glass on your window ing meaning to everyday objects – constantly making them will turn transparent to let sunshine stream into your smarter and improving automation. room, a toothbrush that highlights dental hygiene. Step out Every household object from dishwashers to refrigera- of your room, into the kitchen and you will find a steaming tors to blankets is going to be embedded with computing hot cup of coffee waiting for you. Your water heater is chips. As more inanimate objects get intelligent, we’re ready, your music system starts humming away. The going to have more processing power than the computer entire building is smart and everything is automated. The NASA used to land astronauts in the moon. government has allocated $962 million for smart cities in But to take this vision to realisation, one needs to make its federal budget for the year and the country is attracting sense of data and be able to change lines and lines of several international investments on this front. With the machine code in real-time. To sustain the IoT market, it has proliferation of smart cities, structuring data is an absolute to be built under the backbone of analytical data. Without must to make these cities sustainable. objects actually acting ‘smart,’ by understanding patterns These technologies are already out there in the market. and preferences, this market will simply not be able to Several tech giants and scores of start-ups are working to scale for end consumers. make IoT a reality.Because of the endless range of possibili- ties and the customisable nature of IoT, many smaller com- panies are making strides in this space. With introduction “The smartphone is a classic of devices like Raspberry pi and SDK’s like Java ME the IoT example of how IoT tech can revolution is happening faster than one would imagine. The be brought under one roof. The millennials love IoT. This new age of tech savvy enthusiasts are also breeding and educating their peers on the benefits phone acts as a simple solution and use cases of IoT solutions. that collates disparate nodes of Each of these devices run apps on a network, to send receive and process data. If these devices do not seam- data and unifies them, making lessly interact with each other, an IoT solution can become tech engaging and intuitive.” a veritable nightmare. Not much can go wrong if the coffee
50 PCQuest MAY 2015 pcquest.com twitter.com/pcquest facebook.com/pcquest linkd.in/pcquest [email protected] machine makes the wrong coffee or the windows remain “By helping developers easily opaque in the mornings. But if the home security system sift through the code and is a part of IoT, a wrong line of code can result in anything ranging from a false alarm to the cops or the entire house make changes in a real-time being burgled. Things could turn nastier if stoves and gas environment, rich analytics burners are also on the network and happen to misbehave. Therefore, before a marketable product is available, data can be unearthed about the collection is vital to iron out glitches and errors. behaviour of applications.” For the mass application of IoT, technology has to be entirely agnostic. A consumer should not be forced to interact with a dozen chips, when the idea is to automate to quickly identify the key data points which are critical to processes. The smartphone is a classic example of how IoT the application. It also plots the geographic distribution of tech can be brought under one roof. The phone acts as a the application users. Errors and time lags are plotted on simple solution that collates disparate nodes of data and charts in real-time, providing the developer with useful unifies them, making tech engaging and intuitive. But the information and helping in improving the performance of smartphone has a few inherent limitations that can be ad- the application. dressed by wearable tech, bringing you one step closer to the concept of IoT. Data will be the kingmaker Let’s take an example ofan app developer designing Wearable technology –A mascot for the iot market a fitness tracking app for the Apple Watch. Using Wearable technology has been there for a while now. But AppDynamics’ product, the developer can identify the introduction of the Apple smart watch is said to herald unnecessary code that causes the app to run slow, the mass acceptance of wearable tech across the globe. Being areas which increase lag and make the user experience the precursor to IoT, the Apple Watch also runs a host of distorted. Even before the app is ready, the developer can applications which helps the useruse less of the phone and test it to ensure that it is lighter and faster. yet be aware of your surroundings by the flick of your wrist. After the app is rolled out, the maker can also get Several application developers are working on developing insights into how the app is being consumed by different easy to use apps for the Apple Watch. This might seem like users across the globe. This data is vital in understanding a simple task, but it involves a lot of testing and precise pain points of the app, areas of improvement and ways to coding. It is not easy to build an app for a device with such make the application more engaging for a consumer. With compact hardware.The app should be smart enough to the plethora of apps in the market, developers need to get conserve battery life and provide an unrivalled experience it right the first time. This is possible only by analysing data to the consumer. To speed things along and monitor the and constantly working on the code to market the best performance of applications on the watch, developers available product. need Application Performance Management tools to get Spotting patterns and automating repetitive tasks the best of their applications. is critical to IoT.A lot of technology is still in its infancy Our expertise helps developers analyse their code and the concept is new to app developers and product and identify bottlenecks down to the line of code causing manufacturers alike. App development and support is errors. This allows the developer roll-out the ideal prod- necessary to make IoT related technology available to a uct. Once the product is marketed, insights can be driven, wider audience. making it easier for a consumer to automate redundant As a concept IoThas the potential to shape the future. processes and allowing a maker gain usage patterns to According to Jeremy Rifkin, a social thinker, IoT will better the product. With AppDynamics’ real-time monitor- generate enough Big Data which has the potential to “... ing, developers can monitor end user experience of the dramatically increase productivity, and reduce the marginal app and enhance that experience by modelling suitable cost of producing and delivering a full range of goods runtime architecture for each app. This way the intricate and services to near zero across the entire economy.” technology works in the background, making it easier for a While companies are developing technology related consumer and the maker. to IoT it is important for developers to ensure they’re By helping developers easily sift through the code and deployed successfully with minimal errors. We need make changes in a real-time environment, rich analytics more automation; one that is user-friendly providing the can be unearthed about the behaviour of applications. The customers with an experience that is not just satisfactory, software visually represents the data for the developers but entirely exhilarating. pcquest.com twitter.com/pcquest facebook.com/pcquest linkd.in/pcquest [email protected] MAY 2015 PCQuest 51 coverstory How Indian Government can secure the smart cities of the future PM Narendra Modi’s vision Digital India would require reducing the ability for hackers to gain access and visibility of the IP infrastructure, for which solutions are available in the market - Rashi Varshney
ith a lot of buzz around smart cities, a lot of people. With this, the Government of India has come up people would guess Cyber Security is a top with innovative initiatives like the Digital India, Smart City, priority for governments lately, and in the and Make in India initiatives. With these initiatives, the Wforeseeable future. The Indian government government is aiming to bring the changes like ‘Digital is looking for solutions that deliver components such as India’ which means wide fiber optic country by 2016 and video surveillance, engagement solutions and sensors to digitization of government services. Also, ‘smart cities’ enable IoT faster than it has ever been imagined. From initiative implies 2500 Wi-Fi enabled cities over three years a more fundamental security point of view, governments and providing services to education, healthcare, financial, and enterprises are concerned about anyone penetrating and ‘Make in India’ initiative, which means sustainable their corporate networks and assets, which exposes their growth and boost in the country’s overall exports. intellectual property and of course potential citizens and Turgeon said that he is pleasantly surprised with some customer information. Therefore, seeking for solutions that areas in India where some applications have been devel- reduce the ability for hackers to gain access and visibility oped to provide instant location services as the person in of their IP infrastructure and topology, tops the minds of crisis dials for emergency. This means some systems have decision makers in the private and public sector. already established both a voice and data channel, allowing We spoke to Jean Turgeon, VP & Chief Technologist, location to be immediately sent to a central command, as Software Defined Architecture, Avaya to know more the individual dials for emergency. about the relevance of security in the Smart City and The next step is to take full advantage of the multime- Internet of Things. dia capabilities and also enable a discrete video channel when dialing for emergencies. One benefit of the data Vision and challenges for the indian government channel through simple functionality is SMS; this means India is entering into an ‘era of engagement’ which will a video can be pushed to the person in crisis. Imagine be the engine of value creation to the country and its someone having a heart attack in a restaurant right next to you but you are not CPR trained, what do you do? What if the emergency services operator could instantly forward you a video showing how to perform CPR? This can save a life, elaborated Turgeon. This is what he calls ‘smart-safety’, which is now live in many parts across the world and the region, but there is a wide opportunity to progress and make it consistent across countries.
Do smart cities create security challenges? First, a smart city is more than just enabling Wi-Fi services. While Wi-Fi is certainly one of the services, part of most smart cities initiatives are adding video surveillance and analytics in very large scale, which is quite difficult once again when using a legacy infrastructure, according to Turgeon. As governments provision all these new capabilities and Jean Turgeon, VP & Chief Technologist, Software Defined Architecture, WW Sales, Avaya services to their smart cities, they will have to review their
52 PCQuest MAY 2015 pcquest.com twitter.com/pcquest facebook.com/pcquest linkd.in/pcquest [email protected] infrastructure to be able to scale and According to Turgeon, in the meet the real time analytics require- end it converges to the need for ments. They would also have to next generation architecture to consider adding sensors technology address the next generation smart to address various needs contribut- cities needs. This can’t be achieved ing to making the city safer. As an with a 20 or 25 years old client / example, if the city uses natural gas, server architecture. A due diligence they may want to implement sensors is definitely required to achieve to detect the flow and potential leaks these objectives. The good news of gas throughout the city to quickly is that there is a solution to this, a react to a potential issue. Turgeon next generation matrix architecture summarized that, smart cities will based on Ethernet transport and improve security as opposed to optimized for IP services regardless augment or create security risks if of their connectivity methodology. properly implemented. Avaya introduced SDN Fx for that exact reason, to scale, enhance iot with security security to smart cities and IoT/IoE. To address and enhance security as part of a smart city initiative, many How can governments make devices such as cameras, sensors, their cities safer? wearables, etc. need to be deployed Cities have to move to a different and implemented. All these require architecture model to support next connectivity at the edge of the generation smart-x services, said networking infrastructure. Of course, Turgeon. The legacy client-server carrier wireless will play a key role model has served us well, but over into this, but many will require 25 years we have increased its connectivity to the city infrastructure complexity and made reliability and even the carrier connected a huge challenge due to complex devices will likely have to connect protocols required to address all of securely back to some common these business needs. From security, analytics infrastructure securely. to scalability, to video streaming All these are referred as edge to recovery times from failures; devices which are what the IoT or the legacy model is no longer Internet of Everything (IOE) is all suitable and it is time to press the about. Turgeon points out that the ‘reset’ button and start with a new challenge is how to securely connect mindset. JR added that it is all about all these devices at the edge of a Ethernet and IP. city network, and connect securely The market has to stop tolerat- the ones through a carrier or third ing vendors trying to fool them party infrastructure? This means and challenge all of them to offer we need much more agility to add something innovative and suitable thousands of devices to a network to meet the smart cities, IoT/IoE that, in the past, would require requirements. Turgeon said that multiple physical networks to scale the technology is available now, but and not compromise security. IoT some vendors are lagging behind and security as well because they have been so fixated as scalability and reliability, all on the data center. Seeing this need to be seriously evaluated. opportunity stepping in, Avaya dif- What is the point of deploying IoT ferentiated its offering by optimizing if it cannot scale, is not secure and its next generation architecture to reliable? That wouldn’t be too smart be tailored to enable IP services would it? over Ethernet. pcquest.com twitter.com/pcquest facebook.com/pcquest linkd.in/pcquest [email protected] MAY 2015 PCQuest 53 developer Who Owns Your Android Application? In spite of the world’s most accomplished security professionals working on the Android platform, there have been cases where a user should not have ‘trusted’ the released application. Here are some precautions how developers can take to reduce vulnerabilities in Android applications – Nazneen Rupawalla, Application Developer, ThoughtWorks ust as with any software system, Android has its For e.g., an application requires the user’s location list of security concerns. And it’s a pretty tough for a feature. As this is a temporary purpose, a competition between the Android platform devel- developer could store the location obtained in a Jopers on one side and the hackers on the other. world readable file. But then Boom! we have another The flexible platform works on heavy collaborations application accessing the location without requesting between applications, and dependencies can range from the appropriate permissions. The effectiveness of the simple to complex. In this scenario, the dependencies are permission model is nullified. bound to be exploited to acquire data, passwords, and 4. The content provider could grant access to the eventually control over the application. database. In this series, are listed a few security measures that 5. The data transmitted over the network could be in can be adopted right from the development stage, to clear text or there is the possibility of the web service avoid ‘introducing’ vulnerabilities in Android applications. being compromised. Most of you might believe that with the Android Here is a typical Android application: permission model in place, there should not be any fear On studying the diagram, if one was asked to list down of compromising security. And yes, it is most often easier the components that could cause the Android device to to write a secure app in Android than it is to write an leak data or capabilities, what would the most probable insecure app but only when one knows what’s safe and answer be? what’s not safe. Here are a few do’s and don’ts as well a few tools that could help one develop a secure application.
Dealing with intentFilters The Requirement: The same service needs to be initiated for two different jobs.
The Implementation: This code is for let’s say, Application 1.
The Issue: A typical Android Application Application 1 does two simple things - it uploads data Well, it should be every single component! and downloads data. A malicious app when run, can That’s right, every single component could be be observed to download data via Application 1. This is exposing data if developers do not take the necessary because the malicious app knows the ‘action’ that will precautions during development. trigger the service. Now, as the service was initiated via an implicit intent, Application 1 allows the malicious app For instance: to download data on its behalf. 1. The activities could leak personal data to the log file. 2. The service could activate remote calls from other Call Out Points: apps that don’t have permission. Explicit Intents specify the component to start by name 3. The settings file could be world readable or world (the fully qualified class name). You typically use an writable allowing access to the service. explicit intent to start a component in your own app,
54 PCQuest MAY 2015 pcquest.com twitter.com/pcquest facebook.com/pcquest linkd.in/pcquest [email protected] because you know the class name of the activity or service you want to start. For example, start a new activity in response to a user action or start a service to download a file in the background. Implicit Intents do not name a specific component, but instead declare a general action to perform, which allows a component from another app to handle it. For example, if you want to show the user a location on a map, you can use an implicit intent to request that another capable app show a specified location on a map. Androip App with the Wi-Fi manager denies access to the Malicious App The Solution: An Intent Filter signals the Android system to expose 2. Application 1 would probably be granted the components to other applications. So, it’s a good idea permission as it has requested for the appropriate to make an explicit decision of whether or not to mark a WiFi permission during installation. component as exported. Android doesn’t require one to 3. If a malicious application that requests no such do so but, as discussed, there are security repercussions permission is installed, and it asks the WiFi manager for not doing so. for permission to access, it would be denied. If developers choose to set the value of ‘exported’ as But what happens in the case of Application 1 exposing ‘false’ in their intent filter definition, they can prevent a component (perhaps, through an exposed intentfilter) accidentally exporting internal components. that is part of the WiFi control? And the malicious application decides to ask Application 1 for access. In the AndroidManifest.xml: Before:
After:
So breaking this down, if one does not ‘intent’ a A component of an component to be exported in their application and down Application gives access the line, when an intent filter is added for any purpose, to the Malicious App there is a clear possibility of the application inadvertently exporting that component. This is a security vulnerability, In Scenario II: if nothing else. 1. The malicious application asks Application 1 to access Note: If you do wish to make your components WiFi. available but only for limited use, there are permissions 2. Application 1 would ask the WiFi manager and grant you can grant in the AndroidManifest.XML. the malicious application, the permission. This is The above solution can solve what is called the because Application 1 has asked for the permissions Confused Deputy Problem. during the installation. 3. Application 1 could return some information back to What is a Confused Deputy Problem? the malicious application without having the correct Let’s use an example to explain this further. An Android permissions. This makes Application 1, the confused Operating System has a WiFi manager which is inside the deputy. system server. And Application 1 in the question has a Application 1 is being ‘deputized’ by the WiFi manager service that talks to the WiFi manager. and leaks information to the other app without the correct permissions. In Scenario I - This can be avoided by, explicitly mark components 1. Application 1 asks the WiFi manager, whether it’s as exported and granting appropriate permissions in the allowed to access WiFi. manifest file. pcquest.com twitter.com/pcquest facebook.com/pcquest linkd.in/pcquest [email protected] MAY 2015 PCQuest 55 handson 5 Best Camera Apps for Android Devices Beyond the default camera app that comes loaded with your smartphones, the ones featured below not only let you capture images but also enhances them through nifty editing features - Raj Kumar Maurya
ou may have the best camera in your Android tune any picture, all in a completely ad-free experience. Smartphone, but there are some apps which Choose from over 2 million combinations of free effects, can provide extra features and can enhance the overlays, and borders to further personalize your image. Yquality of your photos. Here, we showcase some Create a free Pixlr account to automatically unlock of the apps that let you do precisely the same… premium content with features including Double Exposure with blend modes and Auto Contrast. Snapseed Snapseed is Camera HDR Studio the simple and Camera useful app to HDR Studio beautify your is a quite every day simple app photographs. that comes You can make with ability your snaps to take HDR funny and can photographs enhance, transform, and share the photos with ease. It even comes with built-in Google+ capabilities which enable you without HDR to share your images with your friends and family. capabilities. It supports a wide variety of HDR modes, including standard HDR, artistic or even cartoon like snaps. PicsArt Photo Studio You get 9 HDR modes, 12 artistic effects and 50 color The PicsArt comes effects etc. Camera HDR Studio also allows you to shoot up with April Fools’ to 30 photos per second depending on your device’s speed. Frames package to spice up your Camera 360 Ultimate April Fools’ Day Camera 360 shots with 16 Ultimate frames and collage is loaded templates. You with several can create several features, pranks using it. filters and PicsArt is more shot modes, than an app, it’s a providing image editing and sharing platform. It has become a social users with movement of creatives, passionate to beautify the world. numerous quick-fire tools for sprucing up their shots. The basic ‘Effect Autodesk Pixlr Camera’ allows you to apply a variety of filters and special Pixlr (formerly effects, with special shooting modes such as a tilt-shift Pixlr Express) camera, a posterizer with numerous templates, providing is a fun and users with numerous shooting options. A dedicated ‘Selfie powerful photo Camera’ mode for selfie addicts comes with numerous editor that lets preset enhancements for bringing out skin tone and visual you quickly crop, ambiance to give you exactly the look and feel you want for rotate, and fine- your next self-portrait.
56 PCQuest MAY 2015 pcquest.com twitter.com/pcquest facebook.com/pcquest linkd.in/pcquest [email protected] Recovering Data From an Encrypted Hard Disk on Ubuntu 14.04 Learn how you can use a live Ubuntu DVD or a USB to recover an encrypted hard disk in a failed boot device environment - Raj Kumar Maurya ou can easily retrieve data with the help of live CDs or USB boot devices if the hard disk is not Step 5: So now you have /dev/sda5 available as encrypted encrypted. What if the hard disk is encrypted? drive, and you have to mount it as follows: YThen the situation becomes a little tricky. You will find the solution in the following steps: cryptsetup luksOpen /dev/sda5 unlock
Step1: First, you need to make an Ubuntu CD/USB bootable device. Then boot the failed device or system with the Ubuntu bootable CD/USB device. After booting, the following screen will show. Choose Try Ubuntu: Step 6: Then it will ask for the passphrase which is the Step 2: You will get the window encryption password for the hard disk. In this case it is as shown below for the default pcquest12345 desktop. Open the terminal and get into the root terminal as follows:
sudo -i apt-get update
Step 3: Install cryptsetup as it is responsible for encryption/ decryption of data. By default it would be pre-installed, if Step 7: After putting the password, it will get decrypted. not, then install it using the following command: Then you have to mount the drive as follows:
apt-get install cryptsetup mount /dev/mapper/server1--vg-root /mnt
In this case there was lvm configured at /dev/mapper/ server1--vg-root, you can check yours in the directory / dev/mapper. After successful mounting, you can see the contents as before in the drive /mnt/root
cd /mnt/root Step 4: Now, we need to mount the internal hard disk. ls First, we check which drive was encrypted. We use the following command: Now you can either use scp or usb copy for the data and you have successfully recovered your data. blkid | grep crypto
pcquest.com twitter.com/pcquest facebook.com/pcquest linkd.in/pcquest [email protected] MAY 2015 PCQuest 57 onthedvd
10 Free opens source CRM Tools for managing a company’s current and future customers to organize, automate, and synchronize sales and marketing. In addition get the latest Linux distro Fedora 22 Beta complete alongwith IPfire firewall and much more.. Enhanced productivity, entertainment experience, PC security, Imaging, Networking and more capabilities for your PC along with some CRM tools to manage your current and future customers
- Raj Kumar Maurya FeDorA 22 BetA CoMPLete sUite: Fedora 22 Cloud Beta: Latest versions of rpm-ostree and rpm-ostree-toolbox, the latter of which can be used to generate Atomic hosts from a custom set of packages. A Vagrant image for Fedora 22 Atomic Host is now provided.
Fedora 22 server Beta: Now provides stable D-Bus interface to manage the deployment of server roles which is based on PostgreSQL. Updated Cockpit web-based management application.
Fedora 22 Workstation Beta: Comes with new GNOME 3.16 and replaces the X.org windowing system with Wayland, as the login screen now uses Wayland. The Automatic Bug Reporting Tool (ABRT) now features better notifications in this update.
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58 PCQuest MAY 2015 pcquest.com twitter.com/pcquest facebook.com/pcquest linkd.in/pcquest [email protected] 10 oPen soUrCe CrM soFtWAre For orGAniZAtions
1. sugarCrM versions. The enterprise software is developed The application is written in PHP and works with Java/J2EE and Concursive’s developer with the MySQL and Microsoft SQL Server community. It helps you with Leads & Pipeline, databases. Recent improvements to the user Marketing, Customer Service and Enterprise interface, mobile support, knowledgebase, Content Management. self service portal, upgraded analytics and dashboards, and several sales-oriented 6. Compiere aspects of the Enterprise edition improves its Compiere ERP+CRM is the leading open performance. Sugar’s functionality includes source ERP solution for Distribution, Retail, sales-force automation, marketing campaigns, Manufacturing and Service industries. customer support, collaboration, Mobile CRM, Compiere automates accounting, supply chain, Social CRM and reporting. inventory and sales orders. Compiere ERP is distributed under GPL V2 by Compiere, Inc. 2. vtiger It is a LAMP/WAMP-based product, which 7. opentaps comes with Sales Force Automation (SFA), Opentaps is built on Apache Open for marketing automation, customer service, Business. The CRM application provides basic inventory management, calendaring and email functionality for sales, marketing and service. integration out of the virtual box, with add-ons It also offers built-in business intelligence available for Microsoft Outlook and Office, tools and mobility integration, including Thunderbird, a customer self-service portal and synchronization with Microsoft Outlook, Google web forms. Calendar, and mobile phones. 3. splendidCrM 8. Zurmo It is built on the Microsoft platform (SQL It’s a mobile, social, and gamified open source Server, Windows Server, IIS, .NET C# and ASP. CRM application that is written in PHP utilizing NET) and is targeted to an indirect channel of jQuery, Yii Framework, and RedBeanPHP. It consultants, value added resellers (VARs) and uses a test-driven methodology for building system integrators. A new Report Designer every part of the application. This means you adds greater flexibility to reports that can can create and maintain a custom-built Open be created with the SplendidCRM. The new Source CRM system with the assurance that Report Designer looks and feels similar to the future updates are not going to break your Microsoft Report Builder query designer to installation. minimize the learning curve.
4. xtuple 9. xrMs It includes modules for accounting, sales XRMS includes CRM, HR management and SFA and project management, inventory tracking functionality, with some additional aspects of and many more. It features complete business intelligence and computer telephony internationalization, so as to bypass integration (CTI). The application is developed geographical locations, currency and tax in PHP and is compatible with an assortment related limitations. It enables managers to keep of databases, including ADOdg, Microsoft SQL track of their important contacts and accounts, Server and MySQL. implementing a solid corporate relationship management system to organize tasks and 10 CiviCrM schedule appointments, organize projects and This CRM integrates with the Drupal and delegate employees to perform operations, Joomla content management systems. CiviCRM manage project orders and customer requests. is designed to manage information about an organization’s donors, members, event 5. Concoursesuite registrants, subscribers, grant application The four major modules in ConcourseSuite are seekers and funders, and case contacts. CRM, Web, Content and Team (which deals Volunteers, activists, voters as well as more with collaboration), and they can be deployed general sorts of business contacts such as individually or as an integrated suite in either employees, clients, or vendors can be managed Software as a Service (SaaS) or on-premise using CiviCRM.
pcquest.com twitter.com/pcquest facebook.com/pcquest linkd.in/pcquest [email protected] MAY 2015 PCQuest 59 onthedvd
20 essentials tools for new PCs 5 Multimedia tools 1 2 3 1. VLC Media Player: VLC Media Player is the most popular and robust multi format, free media player. 2. K-Lite: The K-Lite Codec Pack is a collection of DirectShow filters, VFW/ACM codecs and tools. 3. itunes: Tunes is a free application for Mac and PC. It plays all your digital music and videos. It syncs content to your iPod, iPhone, and Apple TV. 4. Free Video Converter: Convert video free to AVI, 4 5 1 MP4, WMV, MKV, 3GP, DVD, MP3, iPad, iPhone, PSP, Xbox, Android phones. 5. Freemake Youtube Downloader: It lets you download online from YouTube, Vimeo, Vevo, Facebook, Dailymotion and over 10,000 other sites.
4 office tools 2 3 1 1. Adobe reader: Program for viewing, creating, managing and manipulating PDF (Portable Document Format) files. 2. Apache openoffice: Open-source office software suite for word processing, spreadsheets, presentations, graphics and databases. 2 3 4 3. Libreoffice: Productivity suite for Windows, Macintosh and Linux, that gives you six feature-rich applications for all your document production and data processing needs. 4. office Compatibility Pack: Add-on for Microsoft Office 2000, Office XP and Office 2003 to open, edit and save Microsoft’s newer office formats. 5 6 7 6 system tuning tools 1. CCleaner: CCleaner is a quick and easy to use program which makes your computer faster, more secure and more reliable. 6 Security- Firewalls and Antivirus 2. Comodo internet security: Comodo has put 1 2 3 firewall through all kinds of sophisticated tests to ensure its powerful enough to ward off these attacks with default settings. 3. Hotspot shield: It is a versatile internet security and privacy solution that protects your privacy and enables you to access any blocked website and content. 4. Avast Free Antivirus: It comes with easy UI, Unwanted Programs (PUP) and browser Hijackers. Blender: Blender is an integrated application optimized scanning options and continuously updated 7. Panda Free: It is a lightweight application that only that enables the creation of a broad range of 2D database of virus definition. works where necessary. The application is easy to and 3D content. 5. AVG Free edition: AVG Anti-Virus Free Edition use with a simple design and UI. irfanView: It is a very fast, small, compact is trusted antivirus and antispyware including and innovative graphic viewer and editor for LinkScanner Active Surf-Shield that checks web 4 image editing software Windows. pages for threats. Faststone image: FastStone Image Viewer is a fast, the Gimp: It is suitable for a variety of image 6. AdwCleaner: AdwCleaner is an application that stable and user-friendly image browser, converter manipulation tasks, including photo retouching, searches for and deletes Adware, Toolbars, Potentially and editor. image composition, and image construction.
Linux Corner: Video tutorial: Introduction to Linux and Basic Linux Commands for Beginners
Latest Versions of Linux Distro’s iPFire 2.17: A hardened Linux appliance distribution designed for use as a firewall.
60 PCQuest MAY 2015 pcquest.com twitter.com/pcquest facebook.com/pcquest linkd.in/pcquest [email protected] 6 Games
KoreA: sWAt Mission CoMBAt MACHines roBo rACinG The SWAT mission has begun. Your goal is You are a Combat Machine commander Robo Racing is the unique mix of racing and to complete all of your missions, eliminating ambushed in an enemy territory. Your task is fighting. Beat your enemies on the track or 1 various enemies in North Korea. 2 simple - seek and destroy. 3 defeat them on the ring
Monsters’ WHeeLs sUPerCoW HeLiCoPter WArs Welcome to racing with monster trucks, The evil professor Duriarti escaped from Awesome helicopter arcade game. Shoot boost them up to crazy speed, perform prison and took all of Sunny Valley’s ‘Em Up with plenty of adventures and 4 stunts, earn money and upgrade your cars. 5 inhabitants hostage to conduct hideous 6 adrenaline experiments.
WINNeRS OF PCQueST APRIL CReATIVITy CONTeST Congratulations to all the winners!
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1. navnit r Patel, surat 9. rajendra Kumar Jangid, 2. Prakash Dutta, new Delhi Jaipur 3. Anoop Prajapati, Kanpur 10. Dsp Vijay, Pune 1. Ashok Kannan, Chennai 4. sachit Anand Pathak, 11. roshan Kumar, Bengaluru 2. sumegh, Mumbai south West Delhi 12. Chanpreet Bedi, Delhi 3. Bharath Gupta Paluri, rajahmundry 5. shilpa sharma, new Delhi 13. Prasenjit Dey, Kolkata 4. Aditi sindwani, new Delhi 6. sayandeep Banerjee, Kolkata 14. srinivasan ramamoorthy, 7. satyendra Prasad, new Delhi Bengaluru
W INN e RS 5. Prakash, Jabalpur 8. Gaurav Bharadwaj, new Delhi 15. Praveen nagpal, new Delhi
pcquest.com twitter.com/pcquest facebook.com/pcquest linkd.in/pcquest [email protected] MAY 2015 PCQuest 61 shootout Best 10 smartphones under 10k Indian smartphone market has witnessed some real action in last few months and the focus has been shifted from feature phones to budget smartphones – Rohit Arora
martphone manufacturers have started develop- backed by low end first generation dual-core CPUs. ing handsets which despite being affordable don’t Smartphones these days are equipped with Quad-core compromise on performance. processors and powerful GPU units to deliver decent S Having said that, here’s what you can expect gaming experience. from a smartphone under 10,000. 3G and 4G connectivity: The chipsets empowering HD display: In the age of touch screen devices, the the smartphones these days are equipped with 3G and first and foremost aspect to consider before buying a 4G antennas, which let you consume internet at faster smartphone is the display. There are various smartphones speeds. under 10,000, which feature an HD screen but the pixel Decent cameras: Smartphones in budget category per inch, which actually translates into the crispness of also don’t compromise on camera technology. Manufac- the content differs according to their size. turers integrate their products with sensors that can take 2 GB RAM: We would not have thought of a smart- some really good shots and can even shoot in HD quality. phone with 2 GB RAM in this budget a year back, however You can easily get a smartphone with 8 to 13 MP rear the competition has now made it possible. So if you are and 2 to 5 MP front camera sensors under 10k. a power user, you can opt for a smartphone with 2 GB Besides all these smartphones these days have large RAM. battery units that can last a day or long even with a Quad-core processors and GPU units for gaming: heavy usage. You can expect a battery unit of 2500 to Gone are the days when budget smartphones were 3000 mAh in smartphones under 10k.
1) Micromax Yureka Price: `8,999 Yureka is one of the best smartphones that we have tested in sub 10K category. This is the first device with Cyanogen OS, which makes it perfect for those who like to experience the full power of Android OS. Moreover, it also gives a tough competition in terms of performance to all other contenders in its price bracket and even some best mid-range smartphones.
Key Specs • 5.5” IPS LCD capacitive HD display (267ppi) • 1.5GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon 615 chipset, 2 GB RAM • 13 MP rear with LED Flash & 5 MP front camera • Android 4.4.4 Kitkat OS, Cyanogen OS 12 • 16GB in-built storage, expandable up-to 32 GB • 2500mAh
The best value for money smartphone, nice design, 4G enabled, Cyanogen OS with its customization abilities, loud and clear output speakers, snappy performance
Display has a bluish tone and pixel count is not the best PRICE 9/10 fEATURES 9/10
(267ppi), available online only PERfORMANCE 8/10 OVERALL 9/10
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2) redmi 2 Price: `6,999 Xiaomi has the credit to change the budget smartphone landscape and its latest device Redmi 2 is one solid contender. The smartphone has an amazing camera, decent screen and delivers good multitasking experience. Moreover, it offers 4G connectivity on both the SIM cards. Key Specs: • 4.7 “ IPS LCD capacitive HD display (312 ppi) • 1.2 GHz quad-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 410 CPU, 1 GB RAM • 8 MP rear with LED flash & 2MP front camera • Android 4.4 with MIUI 6 • 8GB in-built storage, expandable up-to 32GB • 2200 mAh battery One of the best camera at this price, sleek design, good battery back-up, smooth PRICE 8/10 fEATURES 8/10 computing performance, 4G enabled PERfORMANCE 8/10 OVERALL 8/10 MIUI 6 lags occasionally, plastic built
3) Moto e 3G and 4G Price: `6,999 and `7,999 respectively One of the best selling budget smartphones from the house of Motorola gets noticeable updates such as 3G and 4G connectivity, front camera and expandable memory. Though it’s not the best in terms of performance in this price bracket, but it surely has a trusted brand name, which works quite a lot in a market like India. Key Specs: • 4.5” IPS LCD capacitive display 540x960 pixels (245 ppi) • 1.2 GHz Quad-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 200 CPU, 1 GB RAM (Qualcomm Snap- dragon 410 CPU in 4G model) • 5 MP autofocus rear & VGA front camera • Android 5.0 Lollipop • 8GB in-built storage, expandable up-to 32GB • 2380 mAh battery unit
PRICE 8/10 fEATURES 7/10 Android 5.0 Lollipop out of the box, sturdy design, Motorola branding
PERfORMANCE 7/10 OVERALL 7/10 Poor camera performance, no flash, computing performance not as good as Redmi 2 or Lenovo A7000
4) Lenovo A6000 Plus Price: `7,499 Lenovo A6000 marked the impressive entry of Lenovo in budget smartphone category. The smartphone is quite capable to deliver a smooth multitasking experience without compromising on performance. And you also get 4G connectivity which makes it one of the few budget smartphones in this price bracket. Key Specs: • 5” IPS LCD capacitive HD display (294 ppi) • 1.2 GHz Quad-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 410 CPU, 2 GB RAM • 16 MP rear with LED flash & 2 MP front camera • Android 4.4.4 Kitkat OS • 8GB in-built storage, expandable up-to 32GB • 2300 mAh battery unit PRICE 7/10 fEATURES 7/10 Good battery back-up, 64-bit processor offers good performance, 4G enabled PERfORMANCE 8/10 OVERALL 7/10 Average camera performance, no screen protection pcquest.com twitter.com/pcquest facebook.com/pcquest linkd.in/pcquest [email protected] MAY 2015 PCQuest 63 shootout
5) Lenovo A7000 Price: `8,999 Lenovo A7000 is surely an upgraded version of the A6000. The smartphone has a large 5.5 inch sharp HD display, a snappier Octa-core processor coupled with a decent GPU and is also the first smartphone to pack Dolby Atmos surround sound at this price point. Key Specs: • 5.5” IPS LCD capacitive HD display (~267ppi) • 1.5 GHZ Octa-core MediaTek CPU, 2 GB RAM • 8MP rear with LED flash & 5 MP front camera with wide angle lens • Android 5.0 Lollipop • 8 GB in-built storage, expandable up-to 128 GB • 2900 mAh battery
Good design, lag free multitasking, decent screen, good audio performance, PRICE 8/10 fEATURES 8/10 4G enabled PERfORMANCE 9/10 OVERALL 8/10 Tough to use with one hand
6) Lumia 535 Price: `7,695 The budget attempt from Microsoft offers a good overall performance. Its large screen works well for consumption of multimedia content, the rear and front cameras are capable of taking good shots and it also delivers a good level of multitasking. Moreover, it comes with various additions from Windows OS that increases day to day smartphone experience. Key Specs: • 5” IPS LCD capacitive display 540x960 pixels (~220 ppi pixel density) • 1.2 GHZ Qualcomm Snapdragon 200 CPU, 1 GB RAM • 5 MP rear with LED flash & 5 MP front camera with wide angle lens • Microsoft Windows 8.1 OS • 8 GB in-built storage, expandable up-to 128 GB • 1905 mAh battery PRICE 8/10 fEATURES 7/10 Good camera performance, good battery back-up, support for up-to 128 GB via microSD card PERfORMANCE 7/10 OVERALL 7/10 Plastic built, not so sharp display
7) Lumia 640 Price: `9,999 The smartphone is launched recently and offers a solid design, decent display and will also receive an update to Windows 10. It is integrated with Lumia camera which is the best camera UI we have tested. Key Specs: • 5” IPS LCD capacitive HD display (294ppi) • 1.2GHz quad-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 400 CPU, 1 GB RAM • 8 MP rear with LED flash & 1 MP front camera • 8 GB in-built storage, expandable up-to 128 GB • Microsoft Windows 8.1 with Lumia Denim • 2500 mAh battery PRICE 8/10 fEATURES 7/10 Amazing camera performance, good battery back-up, vibrant display Plastic construction makes it slippery and does not offer a premium feel PERfORMANCE 8/10 OVERALL 8/10
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8) Asus Zenfone 5 - A501CG Price: `8,499 Asus entered Indian market with the Zenfone 5 and since then the smartphone is doing quite well in the budget category. The smartphone has got a price cut recently, which makes it a good value for money product. Key Specs: • 5” IPS LCD capacitive HD display (294ppi) • 1.2GHz dual-core Intel Atom CPU, 2 GB RAM • 8 MP rear with LED flash & 2 MP front camera • 8 GB in-built storage, expandable up-to 64 GB • Android 4.4.4 KitKat OS • 2110 mAh battery Feature-rich camera, refreshing UI, smooth multitasking performance PRICE 8/10 fEATURES 8/10
Signs of heat when used aggressively, average battery back-up PERfORMANCE 7/10 OVERALL 8/10
9) redmi note 4G Price: `9,999 The Chinese smartphone maker has produced the best phablet in the sub 10K range. Redmi Note 4G comes with a sharp and mammoth 5.5” HD display, snappy processor, good camera hardware and 4G connectivity. It is perfect for those who wish to do everything without spending a fortune. Key Specs: • 5.5” IPS LCD capacitive HD display (267ppi) • 1.6 GHz quad-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 400 CPU, 2GB RAM • 8 GB in-built storage, expandable up-to 64GB • 13 MP rear with LED flash & 5 MP front camera • Android 4.4.2 with MIUI 5.0 • 3100 mAh battery Smooth performance, good rear and front cameras, good battery back-up, expandability up-to 64GB, 4G enabled, large screen works well PRICE 8/10 fEATURES 9/10 for watching videos
PERfORMANCE 9/10 OVERALL 9/10 Bulky design and plastic construction, MIUI crashes occasionally, only 4.98 GB available out of 8 GB storage
10) Huawei Honor Holly Price: `6,999 The budget smartphone from Huawei packed a lot of punch when it was launched and it still has the potential to meet up the demands of smartphone experience at an affordable price. Key Specs • 5” IPS LCD capacitive HD display (294ppi) • 1.3GHz quad-core MediaTek CPU, 1 GB RAM • 8 MP rear with LED flash & 2 MP front camera • 16 GB in-built storage, expandable up-to 32 GB • Android 4.4.2 Kitkat OS • 2000 mAh battery PRICE 8/10 fEATURES 7/10 Good display, smooth performance, good battery back up PERfORMANCE 6/10 OVERALL 7/10 Plastic built, average camera performance pcquest.com twitter.com/pcquest facebook.com/pcquest linkd.in/pcquest [email protected] MAY 2015 PCQuest 65 shootout How to Choose a Portable Wireless Speaker Do you want to get rid of the headphones and still enjoy music from your smartphone? Read more to know which shape, design, housing and build quality of wireless speakers is suitable for your priceless music collection - Anuj Sharma
P3 players are a thing of past, thanks to the allows wireless streaming of audio and video between devices smartphones, which let you carry your music wherever over a Wi-Fi network. Many wireless speakers now feature this you go. But if you don’t feel like using headphones to technology and if you have an iPhone, iPad etc, then you can Mlisten to music, then you won’t enjoy the experience easily stream music with it. The main downside is that it only on your smartphone’s speakers. That’s where portable wireless works with Apple devices and is available in high end models. speakers come in. They let you enjoy great music without physically connecting an audio player with a cord. All you need is Bluetooth • DLNA: or some other wireless connectivity, which is pretty much available This is a protocol used for sharing media between devices and on all smartphones, tablets and even laptops. There are quite a works over Wi-Fi. Though it is found in many speakers, it’s a few portable wireless speakers that are easily available. Here’s a little tricky to connect and share with DLNA as first it requires checklist of what to look for in portable speakers. creating a media server. Only then you can access and stream media. Bluetooth remains a much better choice over this. Wireless Tech Supported There are quite a few personal wireless technologies apart from Importance of connectivity like Wi- the Bluetooth, so check what all does a portable speaker support. Fi, Airplay, Bluetooth and playback Here’s a quick overview of these wireless technologies. controls on the speaker Bluetooth has become a defacto in the portable speaker category. • Bluetooth: The range of Airplay is significantly better than Bluetooth, so people This of course doesn’t require any introduction as it’s the most with iOS devices would prefer that, but it comes at an extra cost. popular wireless technology for device connectivity. The latest A feature like Wi-Fi or WPS becomes critical if you want to version is Bluetooth 4.1, which offers higher throughput and setup a multi-room home audio system. greater battery efficiency. However, keeping in mind the portable nature of the product, Bluetooth is sufficient enough to serve most of the purposes. • NFC: Controls for volume, mute and track advance help you control your This is another type of wireless technology for short distance media playback and also to answer/end calls with a built-in speaker communication and you will get to hear about it in some of the phone. higher end products. The range is limited and you need to have both devices in close proximity. In portable wireless speakers, Reading and Understanding Technical NFC simplifies device pairing over Bluetooth. All you need to do Specifications is tap the device to the speaker to complete the pairing. This Specifications like frequency response, impedance and sensitivity technology is not compatible with iPhones. vary from category to category. While buying a portable speaker, the range of frequency response is the most important factor to • AirPlay: consider, apart from the sheer output. Usually all portable speak- This is a proprietary wireless protocol developed by Apple that ers have their max frequency response level set at 20kHz. So, you
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should consider the minimum level if you are looking for a thumpy require adequate power. Consumers need to look for bass radiators sound. Lesser the minimum response rate, better the sound. Here or bass ports while reading the specs. are the specs to check out and what to look for in them. • Sensitivity: This is expressed in decibels per milliWatt Extra Features (dB/mW) and signifies the level of sound produced by Extra features in portable speakers do matter while making a headphones in response to a 1mW signal. In simpler terms, buying decision these days. Base ports or base radiators are key it is used to determine the amount of power required to things to look at. Remote control is not a selling point since they are drive a speaker. Quite simply, more the sensitivity, better the already portable devices. Other key features like speaker phone and output. power banks definitely come in handy if you want to carry a good • Frequency Response: FR is usually represented in a portable speaker while travelling on a business or leisure trip. ‘range’. Human listening range is between 20Hz to 20kHz. A 20Hz of frequency would mean very heavy bass and 20kHz Durability and Build Quality would mean a very high pitch sound (treble). Portability is not enough. You also need durability so that the speak- The FR range of an audio device depicts the output of ers don’t get damaged when you’re on the move. Portable speakers a speaker. For eg: If a speaker’s frequency response is have different levels of durability, so look for features that meet between 20Hz to 200Hz – it would mean that this is a your needs. If you spend time enjoying outdoor sports and activities, sub-woofer with a heavy bass. If a speaker has a frequency then look for speakers with dust-proof and shock proof design. Also, range of 19kHz to 20kHz, then in all probability it will have speakers with a metal frame or casing are generally better than a very high pitch sound. A speaker with a very high range those with a plastic body. Another thing to check is the weight of would mean that the speaker has the capacity to throw all the speakers. Some speakers tend to slip when kept on a smooth three: bass, treble and vocals very clearly. surface and are playing bass heavy tracks. • Impedance: Technically, this does not play a big role in The best is wood for its durability, build quality and sound considering the sound quality of a speaker. This has more experience. to do with the compatibility and power required to drive the speakers. For instance, how far your speakers can Sound quality be stretched before they are over-driven. Products like This is the most important thing to check in portable speakers. headphones usually have higher impedance value (32ohms) Look for speakers that have a good balance of low frequency for a and products like home theatre speakers and portable strong bass and balanced middle, high frequency for a rich sound speakers have low impedance value (2, 4, 8 ohms). signature. If you are a bass enthusiast, then spend a few minutes listening to bass heavy music. The sound shouldn’t crack at high Importance of Shape, Design and volumes. In some cheap speakers, we’ve heard noise creeping in Housing in speakers after playing for a couple of minutes. Design is more for an aesthetic feel, so preferences differ. However, the shape and housing of the speakers play a major Built-in Charger role in sound quality. The correct positioning of the speakers A Bluetooth speaker with a built-in charger can be just the thing (placed acoustically) needs to be factored in. Sometimes, you need for that long plane flight or overnight camping trip. These despite having best of the specs, incorrect placement ruins the types of speakers feature a USB charging port that can even provide output quality. extra power to your smartphone or tablet. Wooden Housing: Since wood absorbs vibrations, head- phones with wooden frames give good clarity and reverberation. Speakerphone Plus, they have more controlled sound pressure. Some Bluetooth speakers are equipped with a microphone for Metal Housing: Portable speakers with metal frames hands-free conversation. When a call comes in on your paired provide rigidity and great look & feel. Mostly, aluminum housing smartphone, it automatically routes to the speaker, which gives you is used as it is lightweight and easy to work with. Moreover, it the option of accepting the call or continuing to listen to your music. provides sharper audio signature than the plastic housing. Metal casting for portable products could be a dampener Battery as it hampers the sound quality. However, correct positioning Battery life is another significant aspect of wireless speakers, so do of metal in overall plastic casing should provide an adequate look for the charging time and battery life delivered on full charge. sound experience. Portable speakers make you enjoy your favorite tunes on the go. Whether you are in an outdoor party, sharing audio with Do you need a sub-woofer? friends, watching movies or out on camping trips, they serve as a Usually portable speakers do not have sub-woofers. Good subs perfect companion. pcquest.com twitter.com/pcquest facebook.com/pcquest linkd.in/pcquest [email protected] MAY 2015 PCQuest 67 shootout Intex Banjo iBall UFo03 A pocket friendly speaker to enjoy music on the go A travel-friendly speaker with great sound, attractive -All shootout reviews by Anuj Sharma design and a host of connectivity options
SCORE Price: `2,299 Price: 8/10 SCORE Performance: 7/10 Price: 8/10 features: 7/10 Performance: 7/10 Price: `1,890 features: 7/10 Overall: 8/10 Overall: s the name suggests, this speaker is in the form of a UFO so 7/10 it’s bound to catch your attention. It is small enough to work Aeither with a smartphone or tablet, and really gives life to he BT Banjo is in continuation of the previous X series of your music. The speaker has controls for pairing, volume up/down speakers by Intex. It is a budget friendly micro Bluetooth housed on the lower semi-circle of its body. The volume controls Tspeaker that has recently hit the market. Many speak- double up as track navigation controls if you hold them down ers in the same price range come in funky designs, but this instead of tapping them. This can be a minor annoyance at times one features a relatively flat design in the form of a rectangle. when you want increase the volume, but the speaker jumps to the This is good in a way, because it allows you to easily slip the next track. Besides Bluetooth, the UFO03 can also connect over USB speakers in a carry bag. The build quality and looks of the and even has an FM Radio to listen to your favorite stations. speakers are average. Going by size alone, the speaker doesn’t appear as if it would We tested the speaker with various sound tracks and despite provide high fidelity audio, but it actually sounds very well. On our the small size, it has done justice to most of the tracks. There’s intense bass track at maximum volume, it played with a significant slight distortion at high volumes, but apart from that, these amount of power and the sense of bass is fairly decent. We felt speakers sound fuller and perform really well across light music, a slight distortion on some of tracks though the kick drum beats hip-hop, jazz, etc. Vocals sound clear even at low volume levels. sounded crisp. On tracks with sub-intense bass content, it delivered Don’t expect good output if your music library is full of music a laudable level of bass despite having such a compact size. with heavy bass, as these speakers are too tiny for that. At moderate-to-high volumes, the bass response brings out The speakers give their best the lower register instruments a output at 70-80% volume levels, bit more, making the track sound especially with less complex KEy SpECS: KEy SpECS: fuller and bright. It’s not of course music wherein all instruments are 2” Drivers, Frequency Response: 100Hz- 3W*2 speakers, frequency response: 20kHz, Sensitivity: 80dB, Impedance: meant for fans of deep bass music. 20Hz-20KHz, SNR>80dB, 600 mAH playing together in a sound track. 4 Ohms, Aux-in, Dimensions: 13.8 cm The vocals get a decent level of battery, Aux In, Impedance: 4 Ohms The speakers work fine within (Diameter) x 6.2 cm (Height), Weight: high-mid treble edge to keep the 10m range. The speakers have a 472g pRoS: sound through the UFO03 rich and Compact built-in, 600 mAH battery, which pRoS: bright. The speaker sounded best at can last through 4 hours of music Connectivity, great sound quality 70-80% volume levels for just about ConS: playback. all genres of music. Classical tracks Distortion at max volumes ConS: Bottomline: The slim portable Slight Distortion at max volumes sound bright and maintain a forceful form factor makes this speaker an presence throughout. WRITE To: ideal companion for your travel. WRITE To: intex Best it World (india) Pvt. Ltd. Bottomline: A portable speaker Ph: +91 11 41610224 They produce good output for Ph: 022 - 67745100 that delivers decent sound at an Email: [email protected] their size. Email: [email protected] affordable price.
68 PCQuest MAY 2015 pcquest.com twitter.com/pcquest facebook.com/pcquest linkd.in/pcquest [email protected] scan this code for more info. To download a barcode app, SMS
SCORE Price: 8/10 SCORE Price: `2,995 Performance: 7/10 Price: 7/10 features: 7/10 Performance: 7/10 features: 7/10 Overall: Price: `2,499 8/10 Overall: ortable speakers, petit in nature are in high demand from busy 7/10 consumers and with the X100, Logitech offers a near perfect Psturdy audio emitting device for long usage. It has a 3.3 inch ntec is better known as a PC company, but it’s now entering round shape with Logitech branding marked on its back. The X100 the portable Bluetooth speakers segment with Antec SP is built for users with an appetite to travel and prefer listening to AZero and SP1 speakers. their music library in the open instead of using earplugs. The SP Zero doesn’t give an impression of being a wireless With a rubberized body finishing all-round, the X100 comes out portable speaker due to its cowbell shaped design. Measuring unscathed in most of the situations that can happen while travelling 86(H) x 57(W) x 94(D) mm, it is tiny, lightweight and can be placed and weighs around 161 grams that adds to its portability. The on your palm. Like JBL Micro Wireless, the SP Zero also features speaker are availalbe in four colours—Orange, Yellow, Dark Grey Daisy Chain function for expanding its acoustic capability which and Green and are compatible with both Android and iOS devices. allows users to connect multiple SP Zeros or other speakers via an The top houses the power, volume and Bluetooth buttons, while auxiliary port. The speaker is housed in plastic with a rubbery layer the microUSB port (for charging) and 3.5 mm port is placed slightly that runs all around it and two small handles on the top. below the buttons. A total of three buttons including two volume rockers and With easy connectivity on X100, you get to cherish music of one for power and pairing are found on top of the speaker. The all kinds without much distortion (if kept at mid-levels) and voice charging port, Aux-In and Aux-out jacks are housed on its right side. clarity that suits pretty much any genre. On our intense and sub- Bluetooth pairing with the speaker is tricky as there is no external intense bass tracks, it sounded good pushing fair amount of bass, button for it. Instead you have to hold down the power button for but if you are looking for booming bass, the X100 will not cut it. about 15 seconds to connect it to a source. The speaker performs well with simpler tunes and less complicated When we fed the speaker with various genres of music, despite music. While driving, you can make calls, talk via the in-built the small size, it delivered a fair microphone and even conduct video conferences. But what’s sound output. On our intense and striking about the X100 is its battery KEy SpECS: sub-intense bass tracks, the bass it life. The company claims 5 hours of 40mm Driver, Frequency Response : delivered was decent, but it lacked KEy SpECS: playback at high levels and we seem 20Hz – 20KHz, Bluetooth, Aux-in, depth. Even if you raise the volume 10W Power Output, Frequency Response: to agree with them. With normal Weight: 218g, Dimensions: 86(H) x 57(W) 150Hz-20KHz, Sensitivity: ≥86, Weight: x 94(D) mm 472g to maximum, it does not distort 161 grams, Bluetooth support, 3.5 mm usage, we managed to garner over unlike many other speakers in same port, microUSB port 8 to 9 hours of music playback with pRoS: price range, but rather it throws these speakers. Design clear and crisp sound. pRoS: You want music Battery life, compact Bottomline: The speakers battery lasts 4 with calling enabled and with long ConS: hours on full charge. ConS: battery life, then the Logitech X100 Shallow bass Bottomline: Overall, the SP Zero Distortion at higher volumes will fit both your budget and your is an attractively designed speaker need. For travellers, this is a sturdy WRITE To: WRITE To: Broadcast Media Vision that is host to both functionality and Logitech electronic india piece of audio equipment for music Email: [email protected] good sound quality. Ph: 022 33416111 on-the-go. pcquest.com twitter.com/pcquest facebook.com/pcquest linkd.in/pcquest [email protected] MAY 2015 PCQuest 69 shootout GrooveZ SMC970 Intex Bt roCk An affordable Bluetooth speaker that performs well in A retro style 2.0 channel speaker with LED Display small closed environments
SCORE Price: `3,100 Price: 7/10 Performance: 7/10 SCORE features: 8/10 Price: `2,995 Price: 6/10 Performance: 7/10 Overall: features: 6/10 7/10
Overall: he BT Rock is a member of Intex X series range of bluetooth 6/10 speakers. Intex tried to give the speaker a retro look but it’s Tnot very impressive. Keeping up with the features of a mod- roovez is a tiny portable speaker that’s suitable to use ern day speaker, it can be easily connected via bluetooth, USB, with a mobile phone or any other device with Bluetooth. AUX-in and also has digital FM to tune into your favorite stations. GIt also allows two devices to be paired at the same time The 2.0 channel speakers are housed in a metallic grill and all and fosters easy switchover between music on each phone. The the controls - volume, source, FM are on the rubber strip running built-in microphone allows the speaker to be used for making across the handle of speaker. Power on/off, USB port, charging and receiving calls at the press of a button. port and Aux-in are housed at the back of speaker. When the In terms of performance, the speaker delivers fair sound, despite battery charges, the front LED indicator lights in yellow and once its small size. It works best within 60-75% of its volume range, it is fully charged the indicator turns off. but beyond that, it looses the clarity. The audio quality lacks depth We tested the speaker with various tracks for its sound and is capable of servicing a small indoor and closed environment. capability. On our intense and sub-intense bass content tracks, it It cannot handle bass tracks and works well with vocals. The sounded decent but lacked depth. The speaker sounded best with JBL Micro-Wireless speaker, which costs just a few more bucks uncomplicated tracks at 60-70% volume levels. At fuller volumes, performed better than this. it didn’t get loud but there was no distortion. Vocals sounded The speaker can be paired with bright and clear at almost all 2 Bluetooth enabled devices at a volume levels accompanied by rich KEy SpECS: time and you can easily connect and KEy SpECS: mids and crisp highs. Frequency Response: 2.4G - 2.480GHZ, toggle playback across them. Once 6W output, Frequency Response: The speaker automatically goes SNR: 75 dB, Range: 10m, Speaker charged, the battery lasts for about 20Hz-20kHz, SNR:80dB, into standby mode after 15 minutes Output: 3W, Lithium-ion battery, 150g, 1000mAH battery, dimension: Dimensions: 75mm x 58mm 4 hours, which is almost the same 340mmx100mmx180mm if there is no play mode selection. as JBL Micro-wireless. Also, voice You need to press the source button pRoS: on calling/receiving calls is clear pRoS: to resume the function operation. Compact and works well within the range of Connectivity, decent sound The in-built 1000mAH battery took 10-12 meters. 4-5 hours to charge and delivers 6 ConS: ConS: Bottomline: A small and compact Shallow bass, expensive hours of music playback. Poor bass speaker that delivering average Bottomline: A portable speaker sound, so if you can spend a few WRITE To: that you can use almost anywhere WRITE To: extra bucks, then the JBL micro- intex but it’s not for bass lovers, and is United telelinks, Bengaluru Ph: +91 11 41610224 Tel: 080-40894888 wireless will be a better choice. Email: [email protected] expensive.
70 PCQuest MAY 2015 pcquest.com twitter.com/pcquest facebook.com/pcquest linkd.in/pcquest [email protected] scan this code for more info. To download a barcode app, SMS
PortronICS PUre SoUnd Pro Bt 2 Boat PItCHer A rectangular shaped speaker with a host of connectivity A pitcher shaped Bluetooth stereo speaker with options Dynamic bass
SCORE Price: 8/10 Performance: 8/10 SCORE features: 9/10 Price: 7/10 Price: `3,199 Performance: 8/10 Overall: features: 8/10 8/10 Price: `3,990 Overall: 7/10 he Pure Sound Pro BT 2 is a souped up version of Pure Sound BT Bluetooth speaker that now features 10W drivers OAT is a brand high on fashion and technology, and very Tbundled with two passive radiators to provide full spectrum much a part of the new lifestyle, which is on the go. sound. The speaker boasts elegant looks with a metal grill that BPitcher is its first Bluetooth speaker in India. Measuring dominates the front, sculpted with Portronics in the center. The 110*110*113mm, placed on a flat surface the speaker it looks speaker comes with a remote control making it easy to operate like a pitcher or jug. It boasts of a metal grill on top with Boat’s from wherever you wish to. logo framed in thhe center and a plastic casing all around. It also supports voice prompts that notify the mode it is in, On/Off button, charging port and 3.5mm Jack are housed at when powered on or paired over Bluetooth. The volume, mode the bottom while volume controls, speaker phone, call answer and playback controls are housed at top of the speaker and other are located at the handle. It has interactive prompts that make it connectivity options such as micro SD card, USB and 3.5 mm audio easy to connect. The designer and vibrant Bluetooth speaker has jack are housed at the back. An inbuilt FM tuner lets you enjoy speakerphone with mic and is available in blue, black and mint music when you don’t have any device to pair with the speaker or colors. when you want to break free from your playlist. Pairing the speaker is simple and a breeze with either an Android We tested the speaker across various tracks to check its Phone or iPhone. When we played various genres of music, it performance and it performed well in almost all genres of music. On sounded fair. On our track with Intense bass content, it delivered our intense and sub-intense bass track, it pumped decent bass. At fairly though it struggled with deep bass and lacked depth at top higher volumes the sound is clear, free of distortion and can set you volumes. On sub-bass tracks, it sounded punchy but does not offer in party mode. If your music library contains classical piano tracks, much of improvement in low end. Pro BT 2 is capable of playing them The speaker sounded best and with perfect clarity. It delivered 6 KEy SpECS: impressive with less complicated KEy SpECS: Output 5W*2, Impedance: 4Ω, 3.5mm hour 15 minutes of music playtime Frequency Response: 60Hz-18kHz, tracks and is capable of delivering Audio Jack, Weight: 850g, Dimension: with its in-built 2000 mAh Li-ion Bluetooth, Speakerphone, Dimensions: fullness and warmth. Tracks that are 456*58.5*64 mm battery. The speaker provides a 110*110*113mm, SNR:80dB, Aux-in more focused on vocals and less on comfortable long play session when pRoS: heavy instruments are better served pRoS: Design, sound quality fully charged and can be your trip Design by Pitcher. It delivered 10 hours of companion. Though, you will need a battery backup when we looped ConS: larger backpack to carry it with you. ConS: None various tracks at 50% volume, so Bottomline: Just like its Shallow bass the speaker will play all day long predecessor, Pro BT 2 offers a WRITE To: without the need to recharge. WRITE To: Portronics Digital Pvt. Ltd. (india) rugged design and strong audio Micromax House Bottomline: Pitcher is powerful Ph: +91-9971833777 performance for a portable Bluetooth Ph: +91-124-4811000 Email: [email protected] for its size but struggles with bass speaker. Email: [email protected] content. pcquest.com twitter.com/pcquest facebook.com/pcquest linkd.in/pcquest [email protected] MAY 2015 PCQuest 71 shootout jBl MICro WIreleSS nUde aUdIo Move M The small portable speakers for those who want to enjoy You can stream audio through these speakers using any music on the go bluetooth device for up to 8 hours
SCORE SCORE Price: 6/10 Performance: 6/10 Price: 7/10 Price: `3,999 features: 6/10 Performance: 8/10 features: 7/10 Overall: 6/10 Price: `4,099 Overall: 7/10 he Nude Audio recently launched Move S, Move M and Move he JBL Micro Wireless is an ultra-portable speaker set L portable Bluetooth speakers. The Nude Audio Move M featuring a Li-ion rechargeable battery, built-in bass port Thas good build quality with minimalist design and features Tand a wireless Bluetooth connection for media playback. silicon rubber casing all around that would be protective if you The speakers can be easily paired with any Bluetooth-compatible accidentally drop the device. On one side, there is an on/off device, including an iPhone, Android phone, BlackBerry or a button, a separate Bluetooth pairing button and volume up/down, tablet. The wireless speaker also includes a built-in audio cable but no track skip buttons. On the other side, there is 3.5mm to connect to any device with a standard 3.5 mm jack. The aux-in jack for non-Bluetooth devices and Micro USB charging colorful, circular speakers are small enough to fit on the palm of port. In addition, the device can function as a speakerphone. At your hand. just 200 grams, the speaker is portable and easy to carry around. Keeping the specifications in mind, we were not surprised by the Among the variants Move M, L, S only Move M features a built-in audio quality of JBL Micro but it delivered enough audio to keep speakerphone. you entertained. The speaker delivered decent audio at almost When we fed the speaker with various mix of tracks including all volume levels no matter what genre of music we played. Bass bass, soft music etc, it sounded well but not exceptional. The output is not enough, so if you enjoy music with heavy bass, then orchestral tracks sounded rich and balanced. The device is light these are not for you. Vocals sounded clear and for most music, the on bass and tends to distort at higher volumes. Lower bass, metal max usable volume on JBL Micro should be around 80% before tracks sound decent but on tracks with heavy bass the speaker clarity gets defeated. produced a hissing sound. The speakers sound best at mid volumes, plus you can also use Vocals pumped out by the them as small speakers for watching speaker were smooth and pleasant movies on laptops. Battery life and be heard at lower volumes KEy SpECS: KEy SpECS: 2.7W Amplifying Power, SNR:>80dB, lasted about 4 hours as compared 4W Power Output, 81.2mm Driver Size, clearly. The speaker gives a backup 40mm Driver, Frequency to 5 hours claimed by JBL. The Frequency Response: 20Hz-20kHz, of around 8 hours which is quite Response: 150Hz- 20kHZ, bluetooth range is pretty good and Sensitivity: ≥81dB, Microphone, Dimension:83mm*39mm, Bluetooth, Dimension: 12.7 x 6.1 x 12.7 cm, Aux-in, impressive making it a travelling Li-ion Battery audio playback quality is appreciable Li-ion Rechargeable battery companion for long journeys. The in- without any connectivity issues built speaker phone also works well pRoS: whatsoever. Also with the daisy pRoS: though sometimes we experienced a Loud and clear audio, Daisy Chain Clear Audio, Light weight chain you can connect JBL Micro fumble in hearing other end. ConS: Wireless portable speaker to other ConS: Bottomline: The Move M No microphone JBL Micro Wireless speakers. Distortion at max volumes Bluetooth speaker is not very loud WRITE To: Bottomline: A good companion and produces just enough volume to JBL info for regular travelers with appreciable WRITE To: keep us entertained both outdoors Tel: 80 43306300 Brandeyes Distributors Pvt Ltd Email: [email protected] sound quality. Ph: 0120-4176300 and around the house.
72 PCQuest MAY 2015 pcquest.com twitter.com/pcquest facebook.com/pcquest linkd.in/pcquest [email protected] scan this code for more info. To download a barcode app, SMS
PortronICS GlItZ anteC SP1 SPeaker A portable speaker that gives visual treat to your music Feel your media come to life whether its watching movies, listening music at a tap of button
SCORE Price: 8/10 Performance: 8/10 features: 9/10 Overall: 9/10
SCORE Price: 6/10 Performance: 6/10 Price: `4,999 features: 6/10 Overall: 6/10 Price: `4,999 P1 speaker is a predecessor of SP Zero and where many manufacturers are experimenting and pushing new design he Glitz features a funky shaped design, has an integrated Spatterns in a compact form factor, SP1 sticks to the same light system and its own built-in LED light that grooves to rectangular design like a mini sound bar. It features grills on Tthe tunes it plays. The grooving LED is a delight to watch, both front and back and a rubbery layer all around the speaker making it the USP of this device. It works as a hands free speaker that houses buttons for volume up/down, pairing on top and phone with iPhone and Android Smartphones. Switching between power on/off, 3.5mm jack and charging port along the right side your phone conversations and music playback is smooth and of speaker. easy with just a single touch control. You can also connect it us- Pairing the speaker is easier than Antec SP Zero as it has a ing NFC on smartphones with just a simple tap. The 7W speaker dedicated button for power on/off and bluetooth pairing. Before is housed at the back of the device and the audio controls for diving further into sonic performance it is important to remember volume and track selection (when using the 3.5mm audio cable) that there are limitations to the sound produced by a speaker are available on the device itself. coming in such sizes. When we fed the speaker with intense bass We tested the speaker on various tracks and found that its content it tries to push bass but sounded flat. audio quality is pretty impressive and won’t disappoint you until On sub-intense bass content tracks, it sounded good and mid-range. On our bass and sub-intense bass tracks, it performed delivered balanced sound signature along with soft bass. When it well and pushed a significant amount of bass. When the volume comes to vocals, it delivers very good sound and the vocals sound is raised, it gets pretty loud with no amount of distortion produced good even at low volume levels. There is no distortion when raising even at max volumes. Vocals sound rich and clearly audible at lower the volume to max levels. The speaker can act as a replacement volume levels. The battery takes for your smartphone and laptop approx 3 hours to charge to deliver speakers while watching movies or KEy SpECS: backup of 6-7 hours. There are 5 KEy SpECS: playing games. 7W power output, Frequency Response: 2*40mm Driver, 6W Power Output, 20Hz-20kHz, Sensitivity : ≥83, NFC, different light show modes that Frequency Resonse:2.4-2.48 GHz, It also sounded best when 3.5mm audio jack, Weight: 432 grams you can switch to, at the touch of a Sensitivity: 83dB, Impedance:4 ohms, listening in close proximity. The single button. It can glow an almost Weight: 380g, Dimension: 40(H) x 23(W) built-in microphone delivers clear pRoS: x 15(D) mm Connectivity options, Impressive LED green, red, weak orange, blue or sound over a phone call and voice lights purple but generally mixes these pRoS: does not crack or fumble. On full Battery ConS: colors to create a variety of spectral charge, it deliveres battery life of 9 None light effects. ConS: hours which is impressive. Bottomline: The speaker is Design, Bass not powerful Bottomline: Though the SP1 WRITE To: capable of filling a small room with lacks in design but delivers overall Portronics Digital Pvt. Ltd. (india) booming and balanced sound with WRITE To: Ph: +91-9971833777 Antec india, Mumbai fair sound signature with less Email: [email protected] vibrant lights. Email: antecindia.co.in complicated tracks. pcquest.com twitter.com/pcquest facebook.com/pcquest linkd.in/pcquest [email protected] MAY 2015 PCQuest 73
ON THE DVD
Fedora 22: • Workstation Beta 10 Open Source CRM • Cloud Beta
• server Beta 3.79 GB Software Fedora 22 Cloud Beta: Latest versions of rpm-ostree and rpm-ostree-toolbox, the 1. SugarCRM, 2. vTiger, latter of which can be used to generate Atomic hosts from a custom set of packages. A Vagrant image for Fedora 22 Atomic Host is now provided. 3. SplendidCRM, 4. Xtuple, Fedora 22 Server Beta: Now provides stable D-Bus interface to manage the 5. ConcourseSuite, 6. Compiere, deployment of server roles which is based on PostgreSQL. Updated Cockpit web- based management application. 7. Opentaps, 8. Zurmo, 9. XRMS and Fedora 22 Workstation Beta: Comes with new GNOME 3.16 and replaces 10 CiviCRM the X.org windowing system with Wayland, as the login screen now uses Wayland. The Automatic Bug Reporting Tool (ABRT) now features better notifications in this update.
LInUx CORnER:
VIDEO TUTORIaL: Introduction to Linux and Basic Linux Commands for Beginners Contest: Win softWare IPFire 2.17: a Worth `44,000 hardened Linux appliance distribution designed for use as a firewall.
6 Games KOREA: SWAT MISSION: The SWAT mission has begun. Your goal is to complete all of your missions, eliminating 20 Essentials tools for New PCs various enemies in North Korea. COMBAT MACHINES: You are a Combat Machine 5 Multimedia: • VLC Media Player • K-Lite • iTunes commander ambushed in an enemy territory. Your task is • Free Video Converter • Freemake YouTube Downloader simple - seek and destroy. ROBO RACING: Robo Racing is the unique mix of racing 4 Office Tools: • Adobe Reader • Apache OpenOffice and fighting. Beat your enemies on the track or defeat • LibreOffice • Office Compatibility Pack them on the ring MONSTERS’ WHEELS: Welcome to racing with monster 7 System Tuning: • CCleaner• Comodo Internet Security trucks, boost them up to crazy speed, perform stunts, • Hotspot Shield • Avast Free Antivirus • AVG Free Edition earn money and upgrade your cars. • AdwCleaner • Panda Free SUPERCOW: The evil professor Duriarti escaped from prison and took all of Sunny Valley’s inhabitants hostage 4 Photos and Images: • FastStone Image • Blender to conduct hideous experiments. • IrfanView • The Gimp HELICOPTER WARS: Awesome helicopter arcade game. Shoot ‘Em Up with plenty of adventures and adrenaline scan this code for more info. To download a barcode app, SMS
NeTWORK MONITORING TOOL Colasoft Capsa 7 enterprise Capture network traffic from wired or wireless networks and use pre-defined filters to analyze it quickly and easily to optimize network performance and security — Anil Chopra
f you’re a network specialist, app developer or administrator who’s looking for a network analyzer that could help you Itroubleshoot problems on your network, enhance its security and improve network performance, then Capsa is worth checking out. As compared to some of the free network analyzers out there, the learning curve for Capsa isn’t very steep. You’ll get used to it in no time, and the plethora of online video tutorials on their website definitely help. They’re quick snappy, and to the point. The software’s GUI is very well-structured and easy to understand. We reviewed the enterprise edition of the software, but there’s also a free edition available, which analyzes traffic only for IP addresses of the first 50 nodes it captures. So if you are a small business owner with less than 50 nodes on your network, then you can use this tool free of cost to troubleshoot your network. Capsa lets you capture traffic from both wired and wireless The matrix mode in Capsa displays all connections being made networks. For a wired network, you need to connect it at a mirror/ by each node on your network, which can help quickly identify scan port on your network. Likewise, for wireless networks, it nodes that might be infected with a virus or worm. automatically identifies your wireless network adapter and displays the wireless access points it found. Choose the one you want to SCORE monitor, specify its password and start capturing. The software switches your wireless adapter into monitoring mode, but strangely Price: UsD $995 Price: 6/10 at the same time, it disconnects your wireless connection while the (single seat perpetual Performance: 9/10 capturing is in progress. You can’t use your wireless adapter for license with 1 year features: 9/10 anything else during this time. maintenance) The good thing about Capsa is that apart from full scan, you can Overall: also choose from eight pre-configured analysis profiles. So whether 8/10 you want to find out which websites are your users visiting or you want to hunt down security issues on your network, or even capture KEy SpECS: Real-time and post-event application performance all email or IP telephony conversations, Capsa provides specific monitoring, identify and analyze over 300 network protocols, monitor profiles for a variety of tasks to quickly get you started. network bandwidth, view real time stats, monitor internet, mail, web Once traffic has been captured, you can start analyzing it browsing, VoIP conversations, file sharing, etc. for the protocols used, active physical endpoints by MAC or IP pRoS: Extremely easy to use; Excellent drill down capabilities to address, physical or IP conversations between various nodes, pin-point problems quickly; Powerful dashboard with intuitive graphs the ports being used, or even drill into every network packet and charts configuration. Moreover, if you feel that a specific node is ConS: Wireless adapter stops working sometimes when in monitoring generating too much traffic and is attempting to connect to too mode; a little expensive many nodes on the network (which typically happens during a WRITE To: Colasoft LLC. virus or worm attack), then there’s a matrix view that gives a Web: colasoft.com/company/contact.php, Email: [email protected] graphical view of which node is connecting to which one. Another convenience feature is that you can isolate the traffic by a specific node at the click of a button. What’s more, Capsa also provides for download on their Bottomline: Overall, the beauty of this software is the ease website lots of capture filter samples for a wide variety of network with which you can capture and analyze your network traffic, and anomalies. For instance, you can detect all PCs on your network the plethora of video tutorials and capture filter samples that the running BitTorrent, or detect the machines infected with the Codered company provides. The enterprise edition is a tad expensive, but virus, and so on. Another neat feature offered by Capsa is that you if you’re monitoring a large network, and don’t have time to figure can replay network packets saved using other network monitoring out how to use freely available tools, then this is definitely worth tools, like Wireshark. checking out because of its ease of use and rich functionality. pcquest.com twitter.com/pcquest facebook.com/pcquest linkd.in/pcquest [email protected] MAY 2015 PCQuest 77 gadgets corner
SmaRtphone motorola moto turbo Moto Turbo is backed by a powerful processor, brilliant screen, latest Android OS and a battery that lasts Price: `41,999 The 21 MP rear shooter is longer than its competitors. However, it able to capture sharp and is not a sleek device like other flagship vibrant images, but it needs smartphones and is a victim of average a noticeable time to focus a camera performance. subject and to capture the shot. The pictures in low light show noise and the long exposure shots mostly come out to be The Quad-HD resolution blurry. However, the two flash across the 5.2 inch screen lights on the either sides of the camera unit are brilliantly size results in the amazing Sample photo bright and work well to capture pixel density of 565ppi, images in absence of light. You which makes texts, icons can shoot 4k videos at 24fps, and images super crisp. The 1080p videos at 30fps and slow display also has amazing motion 720p videos at 15fps. viewing angles and you can consume multimedia content Moto Turbo is the first in outdoor conditions without smartphone to feature the tough any issues. yet light ballistic nylon, which is used to make biker jackets, Moto Turbo is the best briefcases and military artifacts. Android smartphone we have The criss-cross texture at the back tested in our labs in terms of offers a good grip and gives a computing performance. The tough look to the smartphone. powerful 2.7 GHz quad-core Moto Turbo offers 53 GB free Qualcomm Snapdragon space out of 64 gigabytes 805 CPU lets you perform in-built memory. But there is no anything and everything option for micro SD card if you without any hiccups. It want to add some extra storage. beats every other Android smartphone in Antutu Turbo is backed by a benchmark with an amazing 3,900 mAh battery unit. The score of 52,128.0 smartphone easily lasts for a day with heavy usage, that includes videos playback, music, browsing, calling, gaming and social networking applications. Key SpecS • 5.2” Super AMOLED Quad-HD display (565ppi) • 2.7 GHz quad-core Qualcomm Snapdragon Bottom line 805 CPU, 3 GB RAM Moto turbo sets new standards and exudes • Android 5.0 Lollipop the true power of smartphone computing. • 20.7 MP rear and 5 MP front camera The one area it loses the edge is the camera • 64 GB internal memory, non-expandable performance, otherwise it is a perfect combi- • 3900 mAh battery nation of hardware and software that delivers a power packed performance at a fair price.
Solid build quality, Very sharp and crystal clear display, good battery life, excellent multi- ScoRe tasking performance. Price: 8/10 Performance: 10/10 Overall: Bulky design, sluggish camera, colors have a Features: 8/10 8/10 warmer tone to them. For detailed reviews, visit www.pcquest.com
78 PCQuest MAY 2015 pcquest.com twitter.com/pcquest facebook.com/pcquest linkd.in/pcquest [email protected] gadgets corner
Honor 4X SCORE Price: `10,499 Price: 8/10 Key SpecS Performance: 8/10 • 5.5” IPS LCD capacitive HD display (267ppi) features: 8/10 • 1.2GHz quad-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 410 CPU, 2 GB RAM • Android 4.4.4 Kitkat • 13 MP rear with LED Flash & 5 MP front camera Overall: • 8 GB in-built storage, expandable up-to 32 GB 8/10 • 3000 mAh battery Sharp HD display, good battery back-up, decent camera Tad bulky, plasticy build
An excellent value for money smartphone that is a better performer than others in this price bracket, like the Moto G 2nd Gen. You can expect great battery life, great display quality, and good camera performance from this phone.
OPPO mirror 3 Price: `16,990
Key SpecS • 4.7” IPS LCD capacitive HD display (312ppi) • 1.2 GHz quad core Qualcomm Snapdragon 410 CPU, 1 GB RAM • Android 4.4 KitKat • 8 MP rear with LED Flash & 5 MP front camera • 8 GB in-built storage, expandable up-to 128 GB • 2000 mAh battery
Premium design, perfect for one hand usage, Color UI from OPPO looks amazing, sharp screen SCORE Average battery back-up, poor multitasking performance, average camera performance Price: 7/10 Performance: 7/10 Overall: A decent mid-range smartphone that becomes a victim of poor features: 8/10 7/10 multitasking because of the meager 1 GB RAM.
HTC Desire 820S Price: `25,500 SCORE Key SpecS Price: 6/10 • 5.5” LCD Capacitive HD display (267ppi) Performance: 7/10 • 1.7 GHz quad-core Mediatek MT6752 CPU, 2 GB RAM features: 6/10 • Android 4.4.4 KitKat • 13 MP rear with LED flash & 8 MP front camera • 16 GB internal memory, expandable up to 32 GB Overall: • 2600 mAh battery 6/10
Large screen serves well for multimedia tasks, slim and attractive design, stable UI, good audio quality by BoomSound speakers, solid call quality Poor resolution display, slippery construction, can only be expanded up-to 32 GB, poor battery back-up, average cameras, heats up while gaming and video playback
This mid-range smartphone is an upgrade to HTC’s 820 and 820Q series. Though it has a large screen and great specs, the phone leaves a lot to be desired. Display quality is average, battery lasts less than a day, and storage is expandable to only 32 GB, while its older siblings supported up to 128 GB. For detailed reviews, visit www.pcquest.com pcquest.com twitter.com/pcquest facebook.com/pcquest linkd.in/pcquest [email protected] MAY 2015 PCQuest 79 gadgets corner
Xiaomi Mi Pad Price: `12,999 Key SpecS • 7.9 “IPS LCD capacitive display 1536x2048 pixels (~324 ppi) • 2.2 GHz quad-core NVIDIA Tegra k1 CPU, 2GB RAM • 8 MP rear camera & 5 MP front camera • Android 4.4 KitKat with MIUI 6 • 16 GB in-built storage, expandable up-to 128GB • 6700 mAh battery
Amazing performance, sharp display, good rear and front cameras, better battery life than its competitors, expandable up-to 128GB, sturdy built quality, a value SCORE for money product Price: 9/10 Slippery & plasticky construction, no SIM card support, no MIUI Theme Engine for customization Performance: 9/10 features: 7/10 Mi Pad is a low cost high performance tablet that delivers amazing multimedia performance – better than its competitors. However, it Overall: lacks SIM card connectivity which can be a deal breaker. 9/10
Lenovo Yoga 3 Pro Price: `1,14,990
Key SpecS • 13.3 QHD+ IPS multi-touch display, • Intel Core M-5Y71 processor, 8GB DDR3L RAM • 512 GB SSD • Windows 8.1 • 4 cell 44.8WH battery
Dual window, motion controls, thin and lightweight, fanless design, high-res display, new 180-degree option for multimode uses
Not very impressive performance, shallow keyboard, average bat- SCORE tery life of 4-5 hours
Price: 7/10 It’s a lightweight and attractive premium quality convertible-hybrid Performance: 7/10 Overall: laptop that bends back effectively into four different modes and runs features: 8/10 7/10 smoothly. However, it has an average battery life.
Lenovo Yoga Tablet 2 Pro Price: `49,490
Key SpecS • 13.3-inch IPS display, 220ppi • 1.3 GHz quad-core Intel Atom processor • Intel gen 7 GPU, 2 GB RAM • 8 MP rear and 1.6 MP front camera • Android KitKat 4.4 • 32 GB in-built storage, 128 GB expandable • 9600 mAh battery SCORE Price: 7/10 Built quality, QHD display, stunning body, built-in projector, Performance:7/10 four mode onboard kickstand, booming audio, long battery life features: 8/10 Bulky design makes it tough to use in tablet mode (948 g) Overall: This is a solid device that’s great for productivity or entertainment. Its bulky design 8/10 gives the feel of holding a laptop, but with its plethora of brilliant features like QHD display, JBL speakers, a handy onboard kickstand and a built-in projector, the device can actually become a perfect companion. For detailed reviews, visit www.pcquest.com
80 PCQuest MAY 2015 pcquest.com twitter.com/pcquest facebook.com/pcquest linkd.in/pcquest [email protected] JBL GO Price: `1,999 Key SpecS • 3W Power Output • Frequency Response : 180Hz-20kHz SCORE • SNR: ≥80 dB Price: 7/10 • Weight: 130g Performance: 8/10 Mid range sound, Compact features: 7/10 Low on bass Overall: Designed for enjoying music in a closed environment, 7/10 the tiny bluetooth speaker is inexpensive and delivers decent sound for its size and price. A built-in strap-hook and optional carrying strap allow you to take your music everywhere and fosters easy portability.
LG NP1540W Price: `3,590
Key SpecS • 2.8W Power Output • Frequency Response : 20Hz-20kHz • SNR: ≥80 dB • Weight: 370g
Powerful sound for its size
Slight distortion at higher volumes
Being small in size the portable speaker handles music SCORE admirably. It delivers significant amount of power with Price: 6/10 reasonable bass. It has dual speaker pairing capability Performance: 7/10 wherein additional 2nd speaker can be connected to create Overall: a stereo sound. features: 6/10 6/10
Gizmobaba Magic Box Speaker Price: `2,000 Key SpecS • 4W Power Output • In-built amplifier • SNR: ≥80 dB • Weight: 140g Induction Technology, decent sound output SCORE None Price: 7/10 Performance: 8/10 This speaker lets you play music without Bluetooth features: 8/10 or any other wired connectivity from Android or iPhones. Simply play some music on your mobile device and place it on top of this box. It will use induction technology to read Overall: the music waves from your phone or other device, and 8/10 automatically amplify it. Now that’s what we call magic! For detailed reviews, visit www.pcquest.com pcquest.com twitter.com/pcquest facebook.com/pcquest linkd.in/pcquest [email protected] MAY 2015 PCQuest 81 gadgets corner
Canon Maxify MB5370 Color Inkjet MFP Price: `23,995 (Warranty: 1 year)
Key SpecS Consumables • Print Resolution : 1200*600 dpi • 2*250 Sheet Input Tray, 75 Pages Output Tray, ADF PGI-2700XL (Black) - `2,449 • Wi-Fi, LAN PGI-2700XL (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow) - `1,680 • Dimension : 463 x 394 x 351 mm • Print Speed 15 ppm Color and 23 ppm B/W SCORE Print Quality, Duty Cycle, ADF Price: 6/10 USB Print Performance: 7/10 Keeping in mind the needs of SMBs, the MAXIFY range caters features: 7/10 to high volume printing requirements with a duty cycle of upto 30,000 prints per month. MAXIFY Printing Solutions Overall: (MPS) app is compatible with iOS and Android OS. IT allows 7/10 printing of PDF, images and other office formats from mobile devices. The print quality is excellent and the text looks sharp.
Epson L1300 Color Inkjet A3 Printer Price: `26,999 (Warranty: 1 year)
Key SpecS • Print Resolution : 5760*1440dpi Consumables • 100 Sheet Input Tray Yellow(664) : `441 • 50 Sheet Output Tray Cyan(664): `441 • Dimension : 705*322*215 mm Magenta(664): `441 • Print Speed 15 ppm B/W and 5 ppm Color Black (664) : `441
Sharp text prints; decent graphics quality.
Slow print speeds (2 ppm color, 4 ppm black) SCORE A compact, 4-colour, A3+ printer with a high-capacity ink tank that can Price: 8/10 deliver up to 7,100 pages without a refill. With excellent print quality, Performance: 6/10 Overall: the printer can be great for printing ad material, CAD drawings, graphics features: 8/10 7/10 and reports. since it only has USB connectivity, it would be ideal for small offices. Re-filling ink is easy with its fast ink-top technology.
WD Red 6 TB NAS Hard Drive Price: `19,800
Key SpecS • 6 TB SATA Drive, 64 MB cache • NASWare 3.0 • Average power requirements (W) Read/Write-5.3. Idle-3.4, Standby/Sleep-0.4 SCORE • Supports Windows 7, Vista, 8 or higher, requires Price: 8/10 reformatting for Mac OS X Performance: 8/10 features: 7/10 Low power consumption, performance, RAID configuration, 3 years warranty Overall: Slower random access performance 8/10 This drive is optimized for use in NAS boxes with 1 to 8 bays. Its firmware, NASware is pre-configured for RAID, which helps configure the drive in any RAID level faster than regular drives. The HDD delivers excellent For detailed reviews, visit www.pcquest.com performance, and clocked 244 MBps read and 155 MBps write speeds.
82 PCQuest MAY 2015 pcquest.com twitter.com/pcquest facebook.com/pcquest linkd.in/pcquest [email protected] Groovez BTHS800 Headphone Price: `3,990 Key SpecS • Driver size: 3.5mm • Frequency Response: 2.4-2.480GHz SCORE • Sensitivity: 88dB Price: 7/10 • Dimensions: 155mm Performance: 8/10 • Weight: 250grams features: 8/10 Solid Bass Ear cups are hard and can cause little discomfort Overall: over prolonged use 8/10 At the first impression the headphones look beautiful and are housed in hard plastic casing. Additionally, with BTHS800, you don’t even need your phone to control your tunes, the handy Volume Up and Down, Fast forward and Rewind buttons are all conveniently placed on the outside of the earpiece. Play and Stop buttons sit on the opposite earpiece. Overall, it is a well-constructed, comfortable pair of headphones that sound impressive, with excellent clarity and tight bass.
Antec AMP pulse Headphone Price: `6,999
Key SpecS • Driver Size: 40mm • Frequency Response: 20Hz-20kHz • Sensitivity: 80dB • Weight: 180 grams • Dimension: 180*170
Good bass
Noise cancellation is good but not great
SCORE It’s a headphone pair that delivers an accurate, crisp sound signature Price: 6/10 with good bass without exaggerating it. Its pulse has good noise Performance: 7/10 Overall: isolation, but it leaks sound when played at full volumes. The features: 7/10 7/10 headphones fold flat in a little space for easy portability.
WD My Passport Wireless 1 TB External Drive Price: `13,000
Key SpecS • Wi-Fi, SD card slot • USB 3.0 • 1 TB Capacity • Pre-formatted with ExFAT file system, so accessible from both Windows and Mac systems. SCORE Decent transfer rates; Good value for money Price: 7/10 Transfer rate over WiFi is a little slow Performance: 8/10 A compact and portable drive that can be accessed simultaneously features: 8/10 by eight mobile devices (Android and iOS based) and Windows desktops. Interestingly, the drive has a built-in SD card reader, which let’s you directly transfer Overall: photos and videos from a digicam to the drive over WiFi. The drive doesn’t heat much, 8/10 which adds to its reliability. Performance is decent, with up to 211 MBps read and 105 MBps write speeds while transferring 10 GB of assorted data to/from a laptop over USB. It took 3 min to transfer 1 GB data from SD card to drive. For detailed reviews, visit www.pcquest.com pcquest.com twitter.com/pcquest facebook.com/pcquest linkd.in/pcquest [email protected] MAY 2015 PCQuest 83 extraedge PCQuest Best IT Implementation Awards of the year 2014 The XIth IT Implementation Awards this time, not only recognized IT projects that had high impact, but also recognized deployments in specific technology areas. Presented here are the hall of famers for this edition of the awards. – Anil Chopra
Ravikiran Mankikar (right), Chief GM-IT, Shamrao Vithal Co-Operative Bank receiving the Most Promising Project award for Enterprise Storage Deployment from Sivakumar N, VP-Sales and Marketing, Toshiba India
Abhinav Yajurvedi (left), AVP Engg, Myntra.com receiving the Technology V Ananthanarayanan (right), VP-Business Insights, HDFC Standard Life Transformation award in Cloud Computing for their Hybrid Cloud Insurance, receiving the Maximum Business Impact award from V.S. Implementation from Dr. Anil M Paingankar, Principal Lead Architecture- Parthasarathy, Group CIO, Mahindra & Mahindra for the project Qlik Insights GMT Practice, Wipro Ltd. @ HDFC Life
Saurabh Chandra (right), CIO, OneAssist Consumer Solutions receiving the Satishwar Balakrishnan (right), Head-IT, IndiaFirst Life Insurance, receiving Best Emerging Enterprise Award from Dr. Kapil Dev Singh, Founder Coeus the Technology Transformation award for the Enterprise Mobility project-- Age for PCI DSS Certification project. Straight Through Processing- OTC issuance of Policy in 5 Minutes
84 PCQuest MAY 2015 pcquest.com twitter.com/pcquest facebook.com/pcquest linkd.in/pcquest [email protected] S.K.Jadhav (left), Joint Secy (IT), Govt. of Maharashtra receiving the Most Jitendra Sangharajka D (left), Associate Vice President, Infosys Ltd. receiving Innovative Project award on behalf of Ajoy Mehta, Principal Secretary the award for project with the Maximum Scale for the project Digital (IT), Govt. of Maharashtra from Hoshie Ghaswalla, CEO, Cyber Media for Business Engine from C.N.Ram, Co-Founder and Director, Rural Shores Accessible Places Mobile App
Harvinder Singh Banga (right), VP-IT, Flywheel Logistics Pvt. Ltd receiving the S.K.Jadhav, Joint Secy (IT) receiving the Best eGov award on behalf of Best Emerging Enterprise Award from Dr. Kapil Dev Singh, Founder Coeus Dr. Sanjay Mukherjee, IAS Commissioner, Maharashtra State Excise Age for the project Pre-Pickup Tracking Department, Govt of Maharashtra from Pradeep Gupta, MD, Cyber Media for the project MahaExcise
Pranav Khanna (left), Manager, Business Services, AISECT receiving Sujata Saunik (left), Principal Secretary, Public Health Department, Govt of the Maximum Social Impact award from V.S. Parthasarathy, Group CIO, Maharashtra receiving the Best eGov award for project E-Aushadhi from Mahindra & Mahindra Pradeep Gupta, CMD, CyberMedia
Rajesh Saboo (left), Head-IT, Future Group receiving the Data Center Avinash Mittal (Center), CIO, Uninor receiving the award for the project with Transformation Award for project Manthan from Dr. Anil M Paingankar, Highest Technical Complexity for project Customer Information Management Principal Lead Architecture-GMT Practice, Wipro Ltd. System from C.N. Ram (left), Co-Founder and Director, Rural Shores
pcquest.com twitter.com/pcquest facebook.com/pcquest linkd.in/pcquest [email protected] MAY 2015 PCQuest 85 extraedge C-Change Awards 2015 The C-Change Enterprise awards have been recognizing large enterprise CIOs for their IT projects for over a decade. This time’s awards went beyond that and also identified and recognized CIOs for their leadership and influence capabilities. – Anil Chopra
Dr. JS Sodhi (right), AVP & Director, Amity Education Group & CCFIS receiving the Tech Innovator award from Sanjiv Mehta, Tech Evangelist & Sales Lead- HP
M Sivasubramania (right), Head - IT, L&T IDPL receiving the Tech Innovator Radhakrishna Pillai (right), CIO, SRL Limited receiving the Business Innovator award from Sanjiv Mehta, Tech Evangelist & Sales Lead- HP award from Jayesh George, Marketing Manager-India & SAARC, Riverbed Technology India Pvt. Ltd.
Manoranjan Kumar (middle), CIO, Shree Cement Limited receiving the Anil Veer, VP-Global IT-Tata Communications Limited (right) on behalf of Business Innovator award from Jayesh George, Marketing Manager-India & Rupinder Goel, Senior VP-IT receiving the CIO Leadership award from Anil SAARC, Riverbed Technology India Pvt. Ltd. Chopra, Group Editor, CIOL and PCQuest
86 PCQuest MAY 2015 pcquest.com twitter.com/pcquest facebook.com/pcquest linkd.in/pcquest [email protected] Niranjan Bal, GM – IT Compliances (CISO) and PMO, Hindalco Industries Prasenjit Mukherjee (right), GM-IT, BSES Power Ltd. receiving the Industry Ltd. (right) on behalf of Bhushan Akerker, CIO, receiving the CIO Leadership Influencer award from Sujata Saunik, Principal Secretary, Public Health award from Anil Chopra, Group Editor, CIOL and PCQuest Dept., Govt. of Maharashtra
Jagdish Belwal (left), CIO, Tata Motors Ltd. receiving the Industry Influencer Raja Ukil (right), CIO, Wipro Ltd. receiving the CIO of the Year award from Dr. award from Sujata Saunik, Principal Secretary, Public Health Dept., Govt. of N Vijayaditya, Former DG, NIC and Controller of Certifying Authority Maharashtra
Anthony Thomas, Vodafone India Ltd. (middle) receiving the Digital Crusader Rajesh Agarwal, Joint Secretary (Financial Services) GOI (middle) receiving award from Dr. N Vijayaditya, Former DG, NIC and Controller of Certifying the Digital Crusader award from Dr. N Vijayaditya, Former DG, NIC and Authority and Pradeep Gupta, CMD Cybermedia India Ltd. (right) Controller of Certifying Authority and Pradeep Gupta, CMD Cybermedia India Ltd.(right)
C.N.Ram, Co-Founder & Director, Rural Shores Business Services Ltd. V.S. Parthasarathy, Group CIO and CFO, Mahindra & Mahindra Group (middle) (middle) receiving the Lifetime Achievement award from Dr. N Vijayaditya, receiving the Lifetime Achievement award from Dr. N Vijayaditya, Former Former DG, NIC and Controller of Certifying Authority and Pradeep Gupta, DG, NIC and Controller of Certifying Authority and Pradeep Gupta, CMD CMD Cybermedia India Ltd. (right) Cybermedia India Ltd.(right)
pcquest.com twitter.com/pcquest facebook.com/pcquest linkd.in/pcquest [email protected] MAY 2015 PCQuest 87 newsmakers
enterPrise it Amazon’s Special Ecommerce Platform for Flipkart Signs MoU with FISME and SMEs to be Launched Soon NCDPD to Promote SMEs This platform will allow Online marketplace Flipkart has signed amemorandum registered members at the of understanding with Federation of Indian Micro and website to buy a variety Small and Medium Enterprises (FISME) and National of products viz., office, Centre for Design and Product Development (NCDPD).The kitchen and home supplies, objective of the MoU is to provide a platform for small health and personal care domestic manufacturers and artisans to reach out to products along with food and buyers. Following this MoU, the portal will host products beverages. With a minimum from about 50,000 SMEs. This partnership with FISME order value of Rs 1,000. and NCDPD would enable 50,000 small and medium Amazon will negotiate wholesale rates directly with manufacturers enterprises and artisans to become self-reliant, improve and sell to its members. Since amazon is launching a members-only their living standards and scale their business manifold, website, it means initially small and medium businesses have to be he added. Flipkart will provide MSMEs infrastructural invited by the company to trade online. The website is expected support in data analytics, marketing and customer to go live in the second half of May and will be will mostly be acquisition. The partners believe this will benefit a lot of modelled on AmazonSupply. Anyone with a valid business licence- businesses, including first-time entrepreneurs as well as a kirana stores, hospitals, schools and home entrepreneurs will be large number of women entrepreneurs. taken onboard online.
Seagate Introduces Kinetic Storage Solution Seagate Technology unveiled new object-based storage drive— the Seagate Kinetic HDD. Based on the Seagate Kinetic Open Storage platform, Kinetic HDD reduces total cost of ownership (TCO) by combining an open source object storage protocol with Ethernet connectivity to eliminate multiple layers of legacy software and hardware infrastructure thus simplifying cloud storage architecture. The Kinetic Open Storage platform improves drive and rack level performance by eliminating the need for legacy file systems and shifting HDD storage media space management to the drive itself. It delivers a streamlined architecture allowing storage applications to talk directly to Kinetic object storage HDDs. Performance is further enhanced by eliminating storage server bottlenecks via direct IP addressing of each drive, thereby improving system level throughput. The platform enables servers and storage to be scaled independently and developed more rapidly. Cloud data centers can add servers and storage at entirely different rates, matching each precisely to their needs.
MoBiLitY Facebook Rolls Out New Caller ID App for Android Users called Hello Christened “Hello”, the app gives people more information about who is calling them. Being merged with Facebook, Hello users can see information about their callers’ identity even if they don’t have them stored as a contact. Hello, is currently available Android Google Play store as a free download, replaces the Android interface dialer with a more Facebook-centric user interface. The main features are: it uses Facebook to recognize callers so you know who’s calling,; it will allow you to avoid unwanted callers by blocking them from calling you ; and also houses a effective search feature that helps you for finding the numbers of local businesses. The Hello app features free calling over Wi-Fi using VoIP, the feature, which has long been a part of Facebook Messenger. The app also gives you the option of replying using Messenger if you have missed a call.
88 PCQuest MAY 2015 pcquest.com twitter.com/pcquest facebook.com/pcquest linkd.in/pcquest [email protected] WhatsApp Voice Calling Feature Lands to iOS WhatsApp, a popular cross platform messaging app that killed text messages long time ago is now ready to kill Phone app in the iOS. iPhone users can now make voice calling on WhatsApp as well. The feature had already been running successfully to Android smart phones. The latest iOS version of WhatsApp 2.12.1 brings voice-calling to the app. The app will use your internet connection to make these calls and data charges may apply. Also even if you update the app today, you might not have access to the voice calling feature just yet as WhatsApp says it will roll out the update slowly over the next few weeks. The story is not over yet as the new 2.12.1 update now also includes share extension for sharing photos, videos or links using sharing button in other apps. You can also take videos directly from WhatsApp quick access button to camera. You can also send multiple videos at once.
Microsoft Released Latest Update for Windows 8.1 While the standout feature remains the improvements done to Cortana, the voice assistant, other improvements are the introduction of folders on the Start screen, the ability to combine and send multiple text messages, the Drive Mode, accessory app notifications, and more. Now you can organise your Start screen the way you want. Simply push one tile on top of another one to create a folder much like the way they do it in iOS and Android. In the Drive Mode choose what calls or notifications you’d like your attention to be diverted to while driving. You can set the names of contacts whose calls you want to take while driving. Likewise you can shut off unnecessary notifications and messages from bothering you.
Zoho Launches Apps for Apple Watch for Business Travel The three Zoho Business Apps for Apple Watch include: Zoho Expense allows users to track and record their trip mileage right from their watch. With Zoho Books time spent on a task within a project can be tracked and recorded right from the wrist. Once recorded, an invoice can be sent from Zoho Books app on the web or mobile. Taskz – This app provides reminder notifications for tasks created in Zoho Mail. Pending tasks for the day along with due dates will also be listed.
ALL AroUnD tHe GADGets Xiaomi’s Mi 4i and Mi Band launched at `12,999 and `999 respectively Mi4i features a single polycarbonate body and boasts of a 5- inch 1080p display with a pixel density of 441PPI. Under the hood is the Snapdragon 615 second-gen 64-bit 8 core processor with a clock speed of 1.7 GHz coupled with 2 GB of RAM. The front is equipped with a 5 MP camera with 80-degree wide angle lens and various modes. Moreover the smartphone is the first MIUI 6 device based on Android L and features 4G dual SIM slots.
pcquest.com twitter.com/pcquest facebook.com/pcquest linkd.in/pcquest [email protected] MAY 2015 PCQuest 89 newsmakers
Honor 6 Plus and Honor 4X Launched in India @ Rs.26,499 and Rs 10,499 Respectively Honor 6 Plus features a 5.5-inch full-HD (1920x1080p) in-cell display which looked quite crisp. The images, icons, texts and pictures were very sharp and clear. The smartphone is powered by a 1.8 GHz Kirin 925 octa-core processor with 3 GB of RAM for multitasking. There is Mali-T628 GPU to handle graphical intensive tasks. You get 32GB internal storage which is expandable up-to 128 GB via microSD card. The budget smartphone, Honor 4X sports a 5.5-inch IPS HD (720x1280p) display which is also of decent quality. It is not very sharp as the large 5.5″ panel with just 720p resolution which showed signs of pixelation at a closer looks. It is backed up by a 64-bit 1.2 GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon 410 quad- core processor and Adreno 306 GPU. There is 2GB RAM for multitasking and 8GB internal storage which can be expanded up-to 32 GB via microSD card.
Get Ready for Three new Advanced iPhones this Year If rumors are to be believed, the Cupertino giant will introduce three new smartphones; iPhone 6S, iPhone 6S Plus and iPhone 6C in the later 2015. The screens will feature a new type of glass, codenamed “Project Phire,” from the house of Corning. It will offer the durability of Gorilla Glass 4 and supreme scratch resistance ability of Sapphire. iPhone 6S and iPhone 6S Plus will be powered by the latest Apple A9 chip, rumored to be manufacture by Samsung-one of its biggest rivals, whereas the iPhone 6C is expected to be launched with the A8 chip. The processor will be accompanied by the improved M9 co-processor for handling tasks related to sensors such as barometer, touch ID, etc. Moreover, a significant bump in RAM is expected, doubling the current 1GB RAM (in iPhone 6 and 6 Plus) to 2 for the new iPhones.
Next iPhone to Feature New Camera Technology to Capture Richer Colors The new camera technology in next iPhone will use light-splitting cube to provide enhanced image quality. This new technology could potentially be incorporated in Apple’s next iPhone. The new camera will feature three separate imaging sensors and each of them would be designed in such a way to capture a single primary color component. The camera then interpolates these single-colour outputs into a full colour image,delivering greater color reproduction which will be three times more rich than the results by standard single-sensor systems. The sensor will also employ a movable zoom lens element and an adjustable mirror in a periscope-like arrangement designed to deliver optical image stabilisation.
LG Launches First 105 5K TV at LG Tech Show 2015 Designed to ensure overwhelming cinematic experience, the LG 105 5K TV with its 105 (266 cm) Gigantic Screen and 5K IPS panel sets a standard in TV technology in the world. The amazing 105 5K TV comes with its CinemaScope 21:9 aspect ratio and mammoth 4K-beating 5120 x 2160 resolution. It also comes integrated with 7.2 channel 150 W speakers designed by Harmon/Kardon along with intuitive WebOS smart interface. The 105 5K TV comes installed with the smartness of LG Smart + TV WebOS that lets you enjoy your favorite shows/movies with convenience and ease. The smart world of WebOS lets you can simply jump over to any apps and services easily. The 105 5K TVs with cinematic experience and smart features are available at the price of Rs. 59,99,900.
90 PCQuest MAY 2015 pcquest.com twitter.com/pcquest facebook.com/pcquest linkd.in/pcquest [email protected]
RNI No. 45949/87 DPR No. DL(S)17/3319/2014-16 (Published on 1st of every month) Posting Date: 3&4 every month. Posted at Lodhi Road HPO