MindTree develops software to reduce sourcing costs

With companies focusing on optimisation of resources, any tool to reduce procurement costs would give them the much-needed competitive advantage. And catering exactly to this need, MindTree Ltd, a global IT and RandD services company, launched Spend Analysis Solution.

The software solution is based on MindTree's Re-Usable Business Intelligence Components framework. It consists of three layers data integration layer, to support consolidation of data from multiple transaction systems; intelligence layer, that contains spend related business metrics; and presentation layer, to enable intuitive and user-friendly dashboards for information delivery. Usage of these standardised technology components improves solution quality and significantly reduces the time-to-value for customers.

Says Vikram Amaranath, vice- president and head, Manufacturing Industry Group, MindTree, "With this solution, we hope to help our customers save costs via spend volume aggregation, supplier rationalisation, improved contract compliance and 'requisition to pay' process improvements."

With sourcing accounting for up to 75% of the total cost base of manufacturing organisations, extracting the required intelligence out of spend data not only contributes to cost savings but also saves for budgeting, planning and product strategies.

Ibibo.com awarded for design

Ibibo.com, the country's first entertainment and talent-based social networking website, has been giving the youth of India a unique platform to showcase their talent, to express themselves, create their own social network and fan clubs. It is one of the fastest growing Internet-based social media businesses and has recently received the PC Web Awards for the best-designed social network.

The ibibo community has been using various communication tools to connect and share their expression, ranging from instant messaging, email, blogging, photos, and videos. Ibibo, through its different initiatives is reaching out to a sea of talent pools and connecting them with the industry. "Indian youth have an inherent self-confidence and a desire to express their talent to the rest of the world. Realising this desire, we has been providing the right kind of platform for the youth to fulfil their aspirations," says Ashish Kashyap, CEO, ibibo.com.

The social networking site has created two platforms iFreshFace and iVideoStar. "All these initiatives are part of our vision to provide a platform to the ibibo community to showcase their talent and get recognised.

Ganjam makes capital foray

At a time when retail majors are going slow on expansion plans, Bangalore-based premium jewellery brand Ganjam recently made a foray into the north Indian market with the opening of its outlet at the DLF Emporio in Delhi. Spread at an area of 1,500 square feet, the outlet is designed to express the jeweller's identity through subtle glimpses of Hampi architecture.

Says Umesh Ganjam, director, Ganjam, "Our excitement on entering the Delhi market is palpable, as we believe it to be a receptive market to our quality of jewellery, which has not until now been generally available. Customers in the Capital have a strong awareness of the latest international fashion trends and a deep appreciation for Indian heritage. They are connoisseurs of art and lovers of all good things in life. We believe that Ganjam will appeal to this niche audience and be well accepted by them." Ganjam launched its first jewellery outlet in Bangalore as early as 1889 and the company has four stores in India