Blog

  • New & Noteworthy Restaurants In Ahmedabad

    1. Mint Route – Refreshing Food – Panjrapole Cross Roads
    2. Dangee Dums – Great Place for Chocolate Lovers ! – Panjrapole Cross Roads
    3. Souq – Arabian, Mediterranean – Vijay Cross Roads
    4. Cravings – Yogurts – Commerce Cross Roads !
    5. Zazil Cafe – Prahlad Nagar
    6. Sirkaa – Drive-In (It is Bawarchi Re-Branded)

  • Blackberry PlayBook Launched In India

    Blackberry PlayBook Launched In India

    The much-awaited Blackberry PlayBook is here !

    Canada-based Research In Motion (RIM) on Wednesday announced the launch of BlackBerry PlayBook tablet in India, priced at Rs.27,990 (for 16 GB), Rs.32,990 (32GB) and Rs.37,990 (64 GB). It comes in an ultra-portable design and features industry-leading performance with real-time multitasking and symmetrical multiprocessing.

    The BlackBerry PlayBook features Wi-Fi support and delivers high-fidelity web browsing including support for Adobe Flash, as well as spectacular high-definition (HD) multimedia, advanced security features and out-of-the-box enterprise support.

    “PlayBook offers the same level of encryption as any BlackBerry device, so security is never compromised,” Advait Vaidya, RIM’s head of product management in India said.

    “The BlackBerry PlayBook is an incredibly powerful and innovative product in the growing tablet marketplace. It is perfect for both large organisations and individuals, and it gives users an unmatched mobile experience,” said RIM Managing Director (India) Frenny Bawa.

    The BlackBerry PlayBook is a multitasking powerhouse, measuring less than half an inch thick and weighing less than a pound. It includes a vivid 7 inch high resolution display, 1 GHz dual-core processor and the new BlackBerry Tablet operating system, which delivers a highly-responsive, fluid touch screen experience. It also comes with premium multimedia features including dual high-definition cameras for video capture and conferencing.

    Bollywood superstar Salman Khan along with Research In Motion’s Managing Director, Frenny Bawa officially launched the tablet.

    Comparative Analysis: PlayBook Vs iPad Vs Galaxy Tab

    All three devices – PlayBook, Apple’s iPad and Samsung’s Galaxy Tab – work on different and highly sophisticated operating systems.

    PlayBook’s design is the most compact at just 7 inches. This feature makes it the most portable tablet amongst its competitors.

    The PlayBook’s camera is of a superior resolution than iPad2, but Samsung Galaxy Tab beats both of them in this department.

    The biggest advantage that the PlayBook has over the iPad is that of a USB port. External devices can’t be plugged in the iPad, but the PlayBook and Galaxy have overcome this disadvantage.

    The BlackBerry tablet also supports 4G services, which are not supported by the iPad. That makes this device a good and forward-looking buy.

    Like the Samsung Galaxy Tab, the Blackberry PlayBook supports Adobe Flash and its applications.

    Salman @ Launch

  • Google Translate For Gujarati

    Google Translate For Gujarati

    Google has extended its translation services to Gujarati language. Recently, Google added five more Indian languages – Bengali, Gujarati, Kannada, Tamil and Telugu – besides Hindi potentially increasing its reach to over 500 million people.

    Google Translate

    Research Scientist Ashish Venugopal has written the following note on The Official Google Post:

    Beginning today, you can explore the linguistic diversity of the Indian sub-continent with Google Translate, which now supports five new experimental alpha languages: Bengali, Gujarati, Kannada, Tamil and Telugu. In India and Bangladesh alone, more than 500 million people speak these five languages. Since 2009, we’ve launched a total of 11 alpha languages, bringing the current number of languages supported by Google Translate to 63.

    Indic languages differ from English in many ways, presenting several exciting challenges when developing their respective translation systems. Indian languages often use the Subject Object Verb (SOV) ordering to form sentences, unlike English, which uses Subject Verb Object (SVO) ordering. This difference in sentence structure makes it harder to produce fluent translations; the more words that need to be reordered, the more chance there is to make mistakes when moving them. Tamil, Telugu and Kannada are also highly agglutinative, meaning a single word often includes affixes that represent additional meaning, like tense or number. Fortunately, our research to improve Japanese (an SOV language) translation helped us with the word order challenge, while our work translating languages like German, Turkish and Russian provided insight into the agglutination problem.

    You can expect translations for these new alpha languages to be less fluent and include many more untranslated words than some of our more mature languages—like Spanish or Chinese—which have much more of the web content that powers our statistical machine translation approach. Despite these challenges, we release alpha languages when we believe that they help people better access the multilingual web. If you notice incorrect or missing translations for any of our languages, please correct us; we enjoy learning from our mistakes and your feedback helps us graduate new languages from alpha status. If you’re a translator, you’ll also be able to take advantage of our machine translated output when using the Google Translator Toolkit.

    Since these languages each have their own unique scripts, we’ve enabled a transliterated input method for those of you without Indian language keyboards. For example, if you type in the word “nandri,” it will generate the Tamil word நன்றி (see what it means). To see all these beautiful scripts in action, you’ll need to install fonts* for each language.

    We hope that the launch of these new alpha languages will help you better understand the Indic web and encourage the publication of new content in Indic languages, taking us five alpha steps closer to a web without language barriers.

    Check The Results:

  • Infostretch Achieves ISO27001 Accreditation in Quality Assurance and Mobile Development

    Santa Clara, CA April 6, 2011: Infostretch Corporation today announced that it has been conferred with the prestigious ISO 27001:2005 Information Security certification for its Information Security Management System (ISMS).

    “Infostretch is already an ISO 9001:2008 (Quality Management system) certified company, but as we continue to work on mission critical projects for large enterprises, Information Security became extremely important, “said Rutesh Shah, CEO at Infostretch “this certification comes as a testament to the stringent standards and processes that we follow to ensure information security throughout the organization.”

    With this certification for Management of Information Security in Software Development; mobile app development and testing; Test Automation services and SaaS Solutions, Infostretch provides enterprise customers with the assurance of established protocols of security measures to protect their IT investments from information security threats and vulnerabilities.

    ISO 27001 is the highest international standard for Information Security Management System (ISMS) that will underpin and protect the IT worldwide over the next decade. The audit for certification was conducted by BSI INDIA. Infostretch was evaluated for effectiveness in implementation of information security policies and procedures to protect customers and organization’s confidential information and intellectual property. With this, Infostretch has become one of the very few companies globally that have been awarded ISO 27001 accreditation.

    This certification from BSI India (accreditation with ANAB) followed a rigorous audit, meeting ISO/IEC 27001:2005 requirements and standards – as published by the International Organization for Standardization, the leading international standard for measuring Information Security practices.

    This certification shows that Infostretch takes information security very seriously and has the ability to manage its business to the highest professional standards. “ISMS is designed to meet our organization’s security needs on an ongoing basis and that will protect our client’s valuable information assets against potential security risks, issues and vulnerabilities” Said Rutesh Shah.

  • Dhoni Leads India To World Cup Victory !

    Dhoni Led India To The World Cup Victory In The ICC Cricket Final at Wankhede Stadium Mumbai.

    Usually the major finals have been a disappointment. But the final between India and Sri Lanka was worth every penny spent. The match was dramatic from the word Go ! M S Dhoni won the first toss but Sangakkara claimed that there was confusion. The re-toss was won by Sangakkara and Sri Lanka decided to bat.

    India had the early victories but Mahela Jaywardane stayed at the crease, as instructed by his beautiful wife, and scored the century in the final. Sreesanth could not rise to the occasion and the ever-tidy Zaheer was also sent packing by Lankans in his second spell. From a difficult start to 275, Sri Lanka had made a fighting score. As expected, Dhoni gave Tendulkar a bowling spell. Dhoni is a master charmer and he knew this was Tendulkar’s special match in his home ground and he just gave Tendulkar the chance.

    Sri Lanka had the perfect start with Sehwag out in the second ball. Tendulkar could not achieve his dream of ‘Century of Centuries’ at home ground. When Tendulkar got out and India were 31-2, a strange silence and fear engulfed the entire India. Will India collapse again? Oh My God !

    Thankfully Gautam rose to the occasion and Virat Kohli and he played the most sensible cricket. They dealt in 1s and 2s and marched towards the target milestone by milestone. First reached the 100, then 150 etc. Dhoni came in at the fall of Kohli. He came ahead of Yuvraj, the in form champion.

    Dhoni’s master stroke was the X Factor of the match. He knew Murali and Sri Lankans very well – thank to IPL. He could take the pressure and wanted to lead from the front. He wanted to win. He showed his determination from the very first ball. He batted like a champion and his best knock of the tournament proved the cup-winning knock.

    Dhoni has been a hallmark leader. Though he did not score runs, he has been a master strategist and a great reader of the game. He ensured that India was on target. He did not take any risk. He kept the score board ticking. He ensured that they treated Murali and Malinga with respect. He rotated the strike. He did not try to become a hero. He inched towards the target with strong determination.

    Cheers to Kumar Sangakkara as well – Great speech by him. Extreme humility. Dhoni’s speech was good too – nice humour about proving a point.

    Dhoni has a great midas touch. After T20 World Cup, No. 1 Test Ranking , he now has the World Cup for India. The 1.2 Billion Indians will love it. The celebrations have started in India. The positive effect of this will be felt all around. The overall confidence and optimism will help India as a country. The self-belief will be on rise.

    Kapil Dev and Dhoni share many similarities. Kapil Dev’s 1983 world cup inspired a generation of cricketers. Dhoni’s 2011 world cup will inspire the next Indian achievers. India Shining ! Go India Go !

    Jai Ho !

  • InfoStretch Features In “The Hottest Companies in Silicon Valley” List

    InfoStretch Features In “The Hottest Companies in Silicon Valley” List

    The Journey of Excellence Continues….

    InfoStretch has featured in the “Hottest Companies in Silicon Valley” list. Lead 411 has compiles the list to recognize the fastest growing technology companies in the Silicon Valley area.

    Cheers to the entire InfoStretch Team !

  • Robin Sharma : The 50 New Rules of Work

    Robin Sharma : The 50 New Rules of Work

    Robin Sharma’s New Post : The 50 New Rules Of Work

    1. You are not just paid to work. You are paid to be uncomfortable – and to pursue projects that scare you.
    2. Take care of your relationships and the money will take care of itself.
    3. Lead you first. You can’t help others reach for their highest potential until you’re in the process of reaching for yours.
    4. To double your income, triple your rate of learning.
    5. While victims condemn change, leaders grow inspired by change.
    6. Small daily improvements over time create stunning results.
    7. Surround yourself with people courageous enough to speak truthfully about what’s best for your organization and the customers you serve.
    8. Don’t fall in love with your press releases.
    9. Every moment in front of a customer is a moment of truth (to either show you live by the values you profess – or you don’t).
    10. Copying what your competition is doing just leads to being second best.
    11. Become obsessed with the user experience such that every touchpoint of doing business with you leaves people speechless. No, breathless.
    12. If you’re in business, you’re in show business. The moment you get to work, you’re on stage. Give us the performance of your life.
    13. Be a Master of Your Craft. And practice + practice + practice.
    14. Get fit like Madonna.
    15. Read magazines you don’t usually read. Talk to people who you don’t usually speak to. Go to places you don’t commonly visit. Disrupt your thinking so it stays fresh + hungry + brilliant.
    16. Remember that what makes a great business – in part – are the seemingly insignificant details. Obsess over them.
    17. Good enough just isn’t good enough.
    18. Brilliant things happen when you go the extra mile for every single customer.
    19. An addiction to distraction is the death of creative production. Enough said.
    20. If you’re not failing regularly, you’re definitely not making much progress.
    21. Lift your teammates up versus tear your teammates down. Anyone can be a critic. What takes guts is to see the best in people.
    22. Remember that a critic is a dreamer gone scared.
    23. Leadership’s no longer about position. Now, it’s about passion. And having an impact through the genius-level work that you do.
    24. The bigger the dream, the more important the team.
    25. If you’re not thinking for yourself, you’re following – not leading.
    26. Work hard. But build an exceptional family life. What’s the point of reaching the mountaintop but getting there alone.
    27. The job of the leader is to develop more leaders.
    28. The antidote to deep change is daily learning. Investing in your professional and personal development is the smartest investment you can make. Period.
    29. Smile. It makes a difference.
    30. Say “please” and “thank you”. It makes a difference.
    31. Shift from doing mindless toil to doing valuable work.
    32. Remember that a job is only just a job if all you see it as is a job.
    33. Don’t do your best work for the applause it generates but for the personal pride it delivers.
    34. The only standard worth reaching for is BIW (Best in World).
    35. In the new world of business, everyone works in Human Resources.
    36. In the new world of business, everyone’s part of the leadership team.
    37. Words can inspire. And words can destroy. Choose yours well.
    38. You become your excuses.
    39. You’ll get your game-changing ideas away from the office versus in the middle of work. Make time for solitude. Creativity needs the space to present itself.
    40. The people who gossip about others when they are not around are the people who will gossip about you when you’re not around.
    41. It could take you 30 years to build a great reputation and 30 seconds of bad judgment to lose it.
    42. The client is always watching.
    43. The way you do one thing defines the way you’ll do everything. Every act matters.
    44. To be radically optimistic isn’t soft. It’s hard. Crankiness is easy.
    45. People want to be inspired to pursue a vision. It’s your job to give it to them.
    46. Every visionary was initially called crazy.
    47. The purpose of work is to help people. The other rewards are inevitable by-products of this singular focus.
    48. Remember that the things that get scheduled are the things that get done.
    49. Keep promises and be impeccable with your word. People buy more than just your products and services. They invest in your credibility.
    50. Lead Without a Title.

    I encourage you to share + discuss + debate these with your team and throughout your organization. Within a quick period of time, you’ll see some fantastic results.

  • Gartner Insight: Ten Consumer Mobile Applications to Watch in 2012

    Gartner Insight: Ten Consumer Mobile Applications to Watch in 2012

    1. Location-Based Services
    2. Social Networking
    3. Mobile Search
    4. Mobile Commerce
    5. Mobile Payment
    6. Context-Aware Services
    7. Object Recognition
    8. Mobile Instant Messaging
    9. Mobile E-Mail
    10. Mobile Video

    Source: Gartner

  • MoMo Session – The Tablet Mania

    MoMo Session – The Tablet Mania

    The Tablet Revolution has started ! 2011 is the year of Tablets.

    Mobile Monday Ahmedabad proudly announces the Tablet Mania. The session will cover:

    – The latest market trends and solutions for Tablets
    – The industry perspectives for monetizing the Tablet Space.
    – Showdown of the Different Tablets
    – Interesting Apps on Tablets

    Speakers:
    1. Anand Jain & Vishal Anand – Leveraging The Tablet Devices For Business & Media
    2. Asim Mittal & Hamish Patel – The Tablet Mania – Business Implications For The Mobile Community
    3. The Tablet Showdown

    Day:
    April 4, 2011
    6:30 PM Onwards

    CIIE
    IIMA

    Register Now @ EventBrite