4, Apr 2024
Ahead of Big CIO Show 2024: Cross – Industry Commitments Highlight Tech Investment Surge
4th April 2024, Bengaluru: As the anticipation builds for the 13th edition of the Big CIO Show & Awards, an event organized by Trescon, the registration of over 600+ C-level executives underscores the pivotal role of cutting-edge technologies in driving India’s digital transformation and revolutionizing key economic sectors. Taking place at the Sheraton Grand Hotel in Whitefield, Bengaluru, this event is a critical juncture for thought leaders and industry veterans to converge, share insights, and engage in discussions about the next wave of technological innovation.
The Information Technology and Services sector remains at the forefront of adopting transformative technologies, with significant investments of over US$ 1 million dedicated to driving advancements, reinforcing its role in shaping a digital future.
The Big CIO Show & Awards draws sectors beyond IT, like Automation, Healthcare, Financial Services, Retail, Manufacturing, Aviation, Aerospace, Automotive, and Banking, signaling a collective push for digital progress. Each sector allocates budgets from US $50K to over US$1 million for tech investments, showcasing a unified commitment to digital transformation. This underscores the event’s significance as a platform for collaboration and technological advancement.
#BigCIO offers a comprehensive agenda with engaging keynote speeches, use-case presentations, and insightful panel discussions on topics encompassing emerging technologies, utilizing low-code/no-code platforms, generative AI, and more.
Among the notable speakers at the event are:
● Kirti Patil, Chief Technology Officer, Kotak Mahindra Life Insurance Company
● Krishnan Venkateswaran, Chief Digital & Information Officer, Titan Company Ltd
● Shruti Kashyap, Chief Information Officer, Unilever
● Venkatesh Bhardwaj, Chief Technology Officer, MakeMyTrip
● Bhuwan Lodha, Senior Vice President & Head of Digital, Mahindra & Mahindra
● Monish Kaul: Chief Product & Technology Officer, Zivame
● Ashish Bansal, Director / Sr. Principal, Global Products & Technology Operations Leader, GlaxoSmithKline (GSK)
● Neeraj Chopra, Chief Product and Technology Officer (CPTO), Walmart India, Flipkart Wholesale
The show will also host the ‘Big CIO 50 Innovators Awards’ and the ‘Big CIO 50 Leaders Awards’ where industry savants will be honored for their efforts and contributions to the technology eco-space. Registration for the Big CIO Show & Awards is now open. Dive deep into the world of emerging technologies as you forge partnerships and gain actionable insights at the event.
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- By Rabindra
4, Apr 2024
India Shelter Partners with Impact Guru Foundation to Launch Health Checkup Van
Mumbai, 4th April 2024: India Shelter, a pioneer in affordable housing finance, is proud to announce the launch of its health checkup van in collaboration with the Impact Guru Foundation. This mobile unit marks a significant milestone in the ongoing commitment of India Shelter to providing essential healthcare services directly to underserved communities, ensuring quality care is accessible to all.
The health checkup van will serve as a vital resource, delivering much-needed healthcare services directly to our community members’ doorsteps. In addition to the launch of the health checkup van, India Shelter also organized a volunteer Cataract Camp Drive, furthering the dedication to enhancing the health and wellness of the community members.
Speaking at the occasion, Rupinder Singh, MD & CEO of India Shelter Finance Corporation Ltd, mentioned, “We believe that CSR is not just a duty, but a commitment to creating a positive impact in the communities we serve. Our initiatives are a reflection of this commitment, as we recognize the fundamental importance of accessible healthcare in enhancing the well-being of individuals and communities. Through strategic partnerships and dedicated efforts, we aim to launch initiatives that align with our mission to empower communities.”
India Shelter remains steadfast in its commitment to creating meaningful change and improving the lives of those in need.
4, Apr 2024
Team Inspector Rishi Celebrates Success of Horror Crime Drama with Fans at Marina Beach; Unique Cobweb Hoardings Drape Chennai
The wait is finally over as the highly anticipated Tamil original series Inspector Rishi launched on Prime Video. Amping up the excitement among the viewers and showcasing their enthusiasm, Prime Video installed immersive posters of the show all across Chennai. The hoardings highlight the heart-wrenching visuals of ‘Vanaratchi’ AKA ‘Ratchi’ a mythical deadly forest nymph and forest deity for the tribals, coming out of a web. The web on the edges of the billboard acts as one of the key pieces of evidence in the series of murders that take place in a small village in Tamil Nadu, Thaenkaadu. Launched at multiple locations in Chennai, the installations make viewers curious to watch this horror-crime-drama show. Along with unveiling these hoardings, the team of the series also visited Marina Beach in Chennai recently to celebrate the success of the show with the spectators.
Talking about the positive response received for the show, lead actor Naveen Chandra said, “I would like to take this opportunity to thank the audience for such an amazing response for Inspector Rishi. The appreciation and support from everyone is so overwhelming and I feel humbled and happy for all the love we are receiving for the show. Such admiration from viewers from all around the world motivates me to do better and showcase stories that are gripping and entertaining. Inspector Rishi is a fruit of all our hard work and passion and we are filled with gratitude that people are loving the show.”
The series showcases a skeptical one-eyed crime branch Inspector Rishi Nandhan assisted by his two trusted sub-inspectors Ayyanar and Chitra, investigating strange and mind-bending cases involving supernatural or paranormal phenomena. He relentlessly seeks the truth behind mysterious murders while navigating personal obstacles.
Inspector Rishi is created and written by Nandhini J. S., and produced by Shukdev Lahiri. It boasts versatile actor Naveen Chandra in the lead, along with Sunainaa, Kanna Ravi, Malini Jeevarathnam, Srikrishna Dayal, and Kumaravel in pivotal roles. The ten-episode series is streaming now on Prime Video in Tamil, Hindi, Malayalam, Telugu, and Kannada languages.
4, Apr 2024
TRANSEARCH India to host a roadshow for the India launch of Rajeev Peshawaria’s SUSTAINABLE SUSTAINABILITY: WHY ESG IS NOT ENOUGH
India, 4th April 2024: TRANSEARCH India, a prominent global executive search organization, has collaborated with Singapore-based Stewardship Asia Centre to host launch events for Rajeev Peshawaria’s new book, Sustainable Sustainability: Why ESG is Not Enough (Penguin SEA) in India. The events will offer insights into sustainable practices that go beyond conventional ESG frameworks.
The events are part of TRANSEARCH’s global THOUGHT LEADERSHIP SERIES which aims to inform and empower India Inc’s C-Suite through conversations with leading thinkers from around the world. In his interaction with the participants, Rajeev Peshawaria will spotlight the concept of ‘Steward Leadership’.
The events which will take place from the 4th to the 11th of April will see participation from over 200 CXOs associated with TRANSEARCH, across New Delhi, Mumbai, and Bangalore. They will engage in exclusive closed-door conversations on the need for Steward Leadership in sustainability strategies with Rajeev Peshawaria, a sought-after speaker, author and consultant, and the CEO of Stewardship Asia Centre, Singapore.
Discussing his forthcoming trip to India, Rajeev Peshawaria, shared, “I am delighted to collaborate with TRANSEARCH India for the launch of my book in India. To address today’s existential challenges, we need innovation of the highest order. We need a values-driven revolution. We need steward leadership—the ability to create a win-win-win future for stakeholders, society, and the environment. ESG must upgrade to ESL, where the ‘L’ stands for Steward Leadership. I look forward to having many engaging conversations with some of India’s foremost CXOs on how we can create a culture of innovation, encourage experimentation and adapting to meet evolving challenges.”
Elaborating on this partnership, Uday Chawla, Managing Partner, TRANSEARCH India said, “Transitioning from ESG to ESL isn’t just about ticking boxes; it’s about embracing a mindset of stewardship, where leadership extends beyond profits. Through our partnership with Stewardship Asia Centre for this thought leadership series, we have proactively taken a step towards safeguarding our planet and nurturing communities for generations to come. We are excited to see the ripple effect this conversation brings for our associates, successively reaching to other luminaries of the India Inc.”
This event is a testament to TRANSEARCH’s unwavering dedication to delivering top-tier talent management and executive search services, in collaboration with its global counterpart, TRANSEARCH Internatio
3, Apr 2024
L.A. Dunn’s New Book The Adventures of Remy the Pomeralien
Boulder, CO, April 03, 2024 — L.A. Dunn has completed her new book, “The Adventures of Remy the Pomeralien”: a charming story of a small dog-like alien who crash lands on Earth and decides to travel across the globe in order to explore all sorts of different cultures and make new friends along the way.
“Remy is a Pomeralien from the planet Pearth,” writes Dunn. “One day, while traveling in his spaceship, he crash lands on a mysterious, but familiar planet full of new friends and all sorts of surprises. Come follow ‘The Adventures of Remy the Pomeralien’ as he travels the globe to see the world, sees new sights, and even picks up a few souvenirs for his family and friends back home!”
3, Apr 2024
Acossi Jeans Unveils Revolutionary Activewear Collection Fusing Style
Clifton, NJ, April 03, 2024 — Acossi Jeans, a leading name in the fashion industry, is excited to introduce its new activewear collection, redefining standards in the industry for both men and women. The collection reflects Acossi Jeans’ commitment to blending style and functionality seamlessly, ensuring that wearers not only look good but also feel comfortable and empowered during various activities.
The activewear collection for women includes essential pieces such as pocket leggings and sports bras, tailored for convenience and style in workout attire. These garments provide optimal support, flexibility, and breathability for gym workouts, yoga sessions, or everyday wear.
For men, Acossi Jeans offers a range of activewear essentials including track jackets, pants, and shorts designed to enhance performance and style. The track sets are crafted from high-quality materials, ensuring durability and comfort during workouts or casual wear.
In addition to activewear, Acossi Jeans also offers a variety of hoodies and T-shirts suitable for both men and women. These versatile pieces are perfect for post-workout relaxation or casual wear, embodying Acossi Jeans’ commitment to providing fashionable and functional clothing for all genders.
Natacha, the visionary founder of Acossi Jeans, expressed enthusiasm about the collection, stating, “Is thrilled to launch this innovative activewear collection that caters to the diverse needs of customers. The designs focus on enhancing style, sustainability, and performance, making every piece a statement of individuality.”
The collection features unique art print designs that add a touch of creativity and personality to each garment. Acossi Jeans’ emphasis on quality materials ensures durability and comfort, making the activewear pieces a staple in every active individual’s wardrobe.
As the fashion industry continues to evolve, Acossi Jeans remains dedicated to staying ahead of trends and meeting the evolving demands of fashion-conscious consumers. The brand’s commitment to style, sustainability, and performance solidifies its position as a leader in the activewear market, appealing to a diverse audience worldwide.
3, Apr 2024
Don Avis’s Newly Released I Like My Bus, I Love My Bus
Hillsboro, MO, April 03, 2024 — “I Like My Bus, I Love My Bus”: a heartwarming celebration of all a school bus driver brings to their community. “I Like My Bus, I Love My Bus” is the creation of published author, Don Avis, who studied industrial technology and holds an associate of arts (AA) and associate of applied science (AAS) from Jefferson College. He went to Southeast Missouri State University and graduated with a Bachelor of Science (BS) degree. Besides working experience in the telecommunications field, he has worked as a corrections officer, underground in limestone mines, on a dairy farm, and for the past five years as a school bus driver.
Avis shares, “My little bus, my little bus. It takes all of us to and from our schools so we can all learn the golden rules. This book is a happy product of my own imagination. It was formed from the inspiration and joy I experienced as a school bus driver. Driving a school bus has been a wonderful experience for me, and this book hopefully shares, promotes, and encourages others to become school bus drivers. Writing this book, I wanted to celebrate the several wonderful relationships I developed with both parents and their students as they entrusted their driver with safe bus transportation from their homes, learning centers, and back again.
“The rhymes, poems, and storybook songs in this book were created during downtime, to entertain the students and give them attention, usually while waiting on school parking lots. To begin each day, we arrive early to school on our bus schedule, the school bus parks, we wait and say again our good mornings. The students rode their school bus into school that day, correctly, with safety in mind, and heeded the bus driver’s warnings. Then she finally appears in all her glory. The elementary school’s principal. ‘We are here!’ Like the driver, she is respected, admired, and revered by the students, and they hold her dear. It’s now time to go, so off the bus they go inside the school. The driver will miss them and tells each student as they exit to have a good day, watching as they get smaller and smaller in his rearview mirror until they disappear. He is sad but soon will be glad as he knows it will be evening soon, and the students will be back again too. The bus mirrors remind him, objects in the mirror are closer than they appear.”
3, Apr 2024
Nelida Martinez Highlighted as a VIP in the Spring 2024 Issue of P.O.W.E.R.
Orlando, FL, April 03, 2024 –– Nelida Martinez of Orlando, Florida, will be highlighted as a VIP in the spring 2024 issue of P.O.W.E.R. (Professional Organization of Women of Excellence Recognized) Magazine for her outstanding contributions and great success in the field of home fashion/design.
About Nelida Martinez
For over 30 years, Nelida Martinez has owned and served as the creative director of Nelida’s Window Innovations II LLC. She is responsible for the overall operations and administration of the company.
Martinez designs custom window treatments, drapery, and bedding and collaborates with individuals and interior designers. The company offers a variety of services including bathroom design, custom blinds and shades, custom furniture, furniture selection, interior design, kitchen design, and all window treatments.
A recipient of several P.O.W.E.R. awards, Martinez was a VIP in P.O.W.E.R.’s winter 2023 issue and was selected as a Woman of the Month in August of 2023.
3, Apr 2024
Strategic Technology Solutions Attains SOC 2 Type
Torrance, CA, April 03, 2024 –– Strategic Technology Solutions (STS), a firm specializing in delivering Managed IT, Cloud and Cybersecurity services to the legal sector, proudly announced today, for the fourth year in a row, its successful attainment of the SOC 2 Type II Cybersecurity Compliance. This achievement distinguishes STS as one of the few managed service providers (MSPs) supporting law firms that possess this advanced security credential.
The SOC 2 Type II Compliance is a globally acknowledged auditing standard developed to evaluate and report on the effectiveness of a service organization’s internal controls over a specified period. It focuses primarily on aspects such as security, availability, processing integrity, confidentiality, and privacy.
STS has consistently strived to adopt an ethical and responsible approach to its operations, ensuring its clients that their valuable and confidential content is safeguarded at the highest possible levels. James Waryck, the CEO and co-founder of STS, posed the question, “If we are not operating at a high level, why should our clients?” This statement underscores STS’ commitment to excellence and its dedication to protecting its clients.
STS, with being SOC 2 Type II Compliant, eliminates the “assumption-based” aspect of risk comprehension and provides a clear and complete understanding of the existing level of risk and exposure a firm has when using STS services. It also outlines the likelihood of a breach happening and how impactful the breach would be. STS applies this proactive approach to risk management to benefit Law Firms, underscoring STS’s commitment to its clients and their security.
Security Risk
The American Bar Association (ABA) reports that approximately 29% of law firms encountered a security breach in 2023, a slight increase from the 27% reported in 2022. Furthermore, some law firms experienced significant breaches in 2023, as per LegalTech News (LTN), resulting in the exposure of sensitive client and firm data. These incidents led to substantial ransom demands and class action lawsuits.
Third-party vendor risk is a genuine concern, and understanding the vendors you do business with is a critical aspect of a robust cybersecurity strategy. Law firms that invest in securing their IT environment and mitigating risk should also scrutinize the security practices of their third-party vendors to ensure alignment.
When an IT vendor lacks robust security controls, the law firm that relies on their services becomes vulnerable to supply-chain attacks. These attacks occur when a breach affecting a vendor or supplier cascades down to impact their clients.
Sam Sheth, CIO and co-founder of STS, raises a crucial question: “How will a Managed Service Provider (MSP) safeguard your law firm’s data, and do they have evidence demonstrating effective risk prevention?” Many IT providers and vendors claim compliance, but upon closer examination, they may not be directly compliant. Some base their security claims on using AWS or Azure-based environments, assuming that these cloud platforms’ security extends to their own operating systems and tools. However, this assumption is incorrect—the secure environment provided by AWS or Azure pertains to their infrastructure, not the specific tools used by MSPs or vendors for their business operations. Would you hire an attorney that didn’t pass the bar or visit an unlicensed doctor? The same concept applies when it comes to IT Security.
While the MSP industry is not currently mandated to be cybersecurity compliant, STS believes that pursuing such compliances is the right course of action. By voluntarily adhering to high standards, STS demonstrates its commitment to clients and their security.
STS, as an early innovator in the managed IT services industry, has taken a proactive approach by incorporating the Security Maturity Level Assessment (SMLA) process, methodology, and approach into its sales and onboarding procedures. Remarkably, few MSP’s —particularly those with a legal focus – have followed suit. By embracing the SMLA process, STS demonstrates its commitment to robust security practices and its dedication to safeguarding its clients’ valuable data.
Stringent Compliance Process
The SOC 2 Type II compliance indeed demands significant investment in terms of time, resources, and financial commitment. However, for the team at STS, this rigorous process holds immense importance. It serves as a powerful testament to their unwavering dedication in safeguarding both their own sensitive information and that of their clients.
STS Commitment to Security
At STS, cybersecurity isn’t an afterthought—it’s the bedrock. As an early innovator in the managed IT services industry leveraging the SMLA process, sets STS apart, especially within the legal vertical.
Here’s why it matters:
Experience and Expertise: Over several years, STS has achieved SOC 2 Type II compliance and honed its specialization in both cybersecurity and the legal industry. This dual expertise enables STS to focus sharply on safeguarding its clients’ interests.
Client Confidence:
Guiding law firms through their cybersecurity journey, STS provides assurance. Clients know that STS has walked the path, continues to invest, and understands the nuances of protecting “their house.”
Evidence-Driven Approach:
STS’s cybersecurity strategy isn’t based on assumptions. It assesses clients’ current cybersecurity maturity, identifies risks, establishes baselines, and charts a path forward. This approach draws from tangible evidence, guided by the Center for Internet Security (CIS) 18 and the National Institute of Standards & Technology (NIST) frameworks.
James Waryck, CEO and co-founder of STS, sums it up: “Vision backed by evidence – providing the right information to make educated and informed decisions.” STS’ commitment to security isn’t just a promise; it’s a proven reality.
Key Components of STS’s Cybersecurity Approach:
· Identifies gaps in cybersecurity programs across people, processes, and technology.
· Determines your current security maturity level base and desired level for your firm.
· Compares and contrasts your security maturity level with other firms facing similar challenges and risks.
· Recommends and prioritizes opportunities to improve your cybersecurity maturity level while reducing overall risk.
3, Apr 2024
ISMG Unveils OT.today, a Publication and Global Resource Platform
Princeton, NJ, April 03, 2024 — In a significant move to advance the field of operational technology (OT), ISMG, a premier global intelligence and education organization focusing on IT, OT and cybersecurity, proudly announces the launch of OT.today (https://www.ot.today/).
This groundbreaking publication and resource platform has been developed to support OT professionals worldwide. It offers extensive coverage of the latest developments, technological innovations and crucial trends shaping the OT landscape.
A Comprehensive New Resource for OT Professionals
According to the Future Market’s Insights Report, the OT market will reach a valuation of $22.1 billion by the end of 2024, with 18.40% CAGR (combined annual growth rate) from 2024 to 2034.
Acknowledging the vital need for specialized news and education catering to this dynamic field, OT.today supports the entire OT ecosystem of manufacturing along with industrial and critical infrastructure asset owners and operators. Roles that will benefit from OT.today include production operators and engineers, network administrators, IT/security and audit teams, and maintenance and reliability professionals to business leadership including the C-suite and boards of directors.
“OT.today stands as a beacon for professionals and industries worldwide, offering a cutting-edge platform for mastering operational technologies,” said Sanjay Kalra, CEO, ISMG. “With its unique blend of education, AI enablement and its integration with ISMG’s broader suite of offerings – across events, professional communities and education – OT.today is poised to redefine professional development in this domain as an indispensable resource for anyone looking to thrive in an increasingly complex and interconnected ecosystem.”
OT.today’s “Publication + Platform” Approach Simplifies Critical Knowledge Acquisition
OT.today transcends the conventional boundaries of a publication. It embodies a vibrant, interactive arena that harnesses state-of-the-art AI technology to deliver personalized intelligence, research, content and education related to OT. Learning experiences that incorporate OT concepts will also be made available via ISMG’s education platform CyberEd.io. This combination of resources enables hands-on learning and deep understanding of intricate concepts.
In addition, OT.today will curate a series of workshops led by industry experts, global conferences and Executive Roundtables, offering unparalleled networking opportunities and insights into the latest OT advancements.
The platform also champions a global curriculum with multilingual support to cultivate an inclusive, worldwide educational community.
“OT.today represents the culmination of years’ worth of efforts and increased focus on yet another crucial technology subdomain – operational technology,” said Mike D’Agostino, general manager, ISMG. “Through these strategic integrations and collaborations, we are confident that OT.today is poised to offer a rich ecosystem of learning, networking and professional development opportunities tailored to the needs of the OT community worldwide.”
Capitalizing on QG Media Acquisition
Following the acquisition of QG Media – a global events organization focused on OT, and which manages the CS4CA and ManuSec summits series – OT.today further cements ISMG’s information and educational leadership in the industrial sector. These channels extend the company’s ability to host specialized, OT-centric conferences and workshops globally, enhancing the learning experience and accommodating varied learner preferences, whether in-person or via multimedia digital options. Expert insights and peer-enriched content will enable the right data flow to promote operational efficiency, improve cybersecurity and ultimately drive better outcomes in OT environments.
“We are thrilled to join the ISMG family as we’ll now have access to many more resources to grow our events, expand into markets we’ve not had a presence in the past, and offer an entirely new suite of growth opportunities for both our events attendees and vendor sponsors,” said Ravi Manji, executive director and co-founder, QG Media.
Echoing the sentiment, Kudsia Kaker, managing director and co-founder of QG Media, said “Given ISMG’s focus on educating and fostering OT-centric communities, their global footprint, and access to myriad resources, we will be in a position to take our event series to new heights, and manage more and larger events as OT continues to become a vital digital transformation topic.”
A Unified Strategy for Integration
Merging OT.today into ISMG’s wealth of resources, including CyberEd.io and CyberEdBoard, will enable comprehensive educational programs in operational technology. Under this initiative, ISMG will offer a curated selection of proven OT solutions and services, enabling users to explore and adopt the latest innovations to boost operational efficacy, security and innovation within their domains.
