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Category: Technology

  • CARS24 launches Autonaut: India’s first AI chatbot for cars – CRN

    CARS24 launches Autonaut: India’s first AI chatbot for cars – CRN

    CARS24 has unveiled Autonaut, a cutting-edge AI-powered chatbot designed to revolutionize how India interacts with cars. Built in-house at CARS24’s GenAI Labs, Autonaut is among India’s first multilingual automotive AI chatbots, offering intuitive, human-like conversations to simplify and elevate every aspect of car ownership.

    Whether it’s helping users choose the perfect car, providing insights on selling or offering post-sale guidance, Autonaut answers all car-related questions with precision and ease. Tailored for buyers, sellers, and enthusiasts alike, it transforms the often complex car journey into a seamless and empowering experience.

    Powered by cutting-edge Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) technology, Autonaut is more than just a chatbot—it’s a personal car expert designed to make the car discovery and ownership journey seamless, enjoyable, and worry-free. From providing tailored recommendations to answering complex queries with precision, Autonaut is engineered to empower people at every step of their car journey. According to CARS24, early traction for Autonaut has been remarkable for Autonaut,  with 36.25% of people adopting Autonaut within days of its pilot launch.

    A Chatbot that understands you

    Autonaut was built with one mission: to eliminate uncertainty and empower users to make confident, informed decisions. Whether someone is buying their first car, upgrading to a new one, selling a vehicle they’ve owned for years, or is simply curious about the latest automotive trends, Autonaut ensures they never feel nervous, unsure, or overwhelmed. From questions like “Which car is best for a family of five?” to “Can this car be upgraded with CNG?” or “What’s the RC transfer process?” Autonaut provides answers with clarity and confidence.

    Unparalleled expertise backed by rigorous testing

    Autonaut is the result of countless hours of research, innovation, and collaboration by CARS24’s team of tech and automotive experts. Extensively tested with some of India’s top car specialists, Autonaut ensures every response, recommendation, and insight is backed by industry-leading expertise. This meticulous validation process guarantees reliability, setting a new benchmark for trust in AI-driven car solutions.

    Powered by our in-house Intent & Entity Detection Architecture coupled with our proprietary RAG and Recommendation engine all driven through GenAI, Autonaut turns complex data into simple, actionable insights. Its conversational tone encourages users to ask openly about anything, whether basic or complex.

    Autonaut also learns from every interaction. With each conversation, it grows smarter, tailoring future responses for even better accuracy and relevance. This ability to adapt and evolve ensures users always receive the most relevant, up-to-date insights.  To make it easier for our users we have also integrated Autonaut with WhatsApp.

    “Autonaut is a global ambition brought to life in India. We’re designing AI-first solutions that aren’t just for the future of cars—they’re for the future of the world,” shared Vikram Chopra, CEO & Co-Founder, CARS24.

    Key Features of Autonaut

    • Stress-Free Recommendations: Queries like “I need a car for off-roading under ₹17 lakhs” receive instant, personalized suggestions tailored to individual preferences.
    • Digestible Summaries: Whether it’s understanding service history or decoding paperwork timelines, Autonaut simplifies complex information into clear, actionable answers.
    • Smart Bargaining Assistance: Wondering about discounts? Autonaut helps users uncover potential savings and explore better deals effortlessly.
    • A Smarter Future: Autonaut learns from every interaction, continuously improving its capabilities to deliver sharper, more relevant answers over time.

    Transforming the CARS24 experience

    By integrating with CARS24’s proprietary GenAI-powered recommendation engine, Autonaut combines years of automotive expertise with advanced AI capabilities. It ensures that every interaction is informed by data, experience, and a deep understanding of user needs. For CARS24, Autonaut represents more than just a tool; it embodies a steadfast commitment to enhancing car ownership experiences, reinforcing our belief that better drives lead to better lives.

    “When we started CARS24, we saw how challenging car ownership could feel for so many people. Autonaut is a reflection of that learning—a way to turn those challenges into simple, intuitive, and empowering experiences,” shared Gajendra Jangid, Co-founder and CMO, CARS24.

    Exclusively available on the CARS24 app, Autonaut caters to everyone—from first-time buyers seeking guidance to seasoned car enthusiasts looking for technical details. By addressing the technical, emotional, and environmental aspects of a car, Autonaut is ready to transform how people approach car ownership.

  • 18 automakers fined $8.16 million for not adhering to adequate safety standards

    18 automakers fined $8.16 million for subpar safety standards

    18 automakers fined $8.16 million for subpar safety standardsIANS

    The transport ministry here said on Tuesday it has imposed fines totalling 11.7 billion won ($8.16 million) on 18 foreign and domestic automakers for selling cars with inadequate safety standards.

    Of those, the imported brands included BMW Korea, Honda Korea, Mercedes-Benz Korea and Tesla Korea, while the domestic manufacturers included Hyundai Motor Co., Kia Corp. and KG Mobility Corp., according to the ministry.

    The ministry said the fines were based on corrective measures against defective parts of the companies’ models from July to December of last year, reports Yonhap news agency.

    BMW Korea received the largest fine of 2.99 billion won over issues involving defective steering wheels in 13 models.

    KG Mobility was given a 1.88 billion-won fine, followed by Honda Korea with 1.09 billion won, Renault Korea with 1 billion won and Mercedes-Benz Korea with 899 million won.

    Meanwhile, Hyundai Motor, BMW Korea and three other carmakers will voluntarily recall nearly 300,000 vehicles due to faulty components.

    The five companies, including Kia, Honda Korea and Mercedes-Benz Korea, are recalling a total of 298,721 units of 84 different models, the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport said in a statement.

    BMW

    Sales of imported cars in South Korea fell 3.9 percent from a year earlierWikimedia Commons

    The problems that prompted the recall include software problems in the integrated charging control unit of Hyundai’s Ioniq 5 and Kia’s EV6 all-electric models, a faulty braking system in BMW’s 520i sedan and a faulty impeller of the fuel pump system in Honda’s Accord sedan, according to the ministry.

    The sales of imported cars in South Korea fell 3.9 percent from a year earlier in November, industry data showed.

    The number of newly registered imported cars came to 23,784 units last month, down from 24,740 units from a year ago, according to the Korea Automobile Importers & Distributors Association. On a monthly basis, the tally represents an 11.9 percent gain from October.

    (With inputs from IANS)

  • Iris Global partners with Exatron – CRN

    Iris Global partners with Exatron – CRN

    Delhi NCR-based Iris Global Services has announced a strategic distribution partnership with Bengaluru-based Exatron, a leading Make in India compute product manufacturer. This collaboration aims to promote Exatron’s cutting-edge enterprise IT infrastructure products across the country.

    Exatron: Empowering enterprises with Indian innovation

    Exatron is known for its diverse product portfolio, including servers, storage solutions, Hyper-Converged Infrastructure (HCI), High-Performance Computing (HPC), AI solutions, and workstations. These products cater to a range of sectors, including defence, education, healthcare, government, industrial applications, transportation and logistics, Data centres and Enterprise customers. 

    “Our products are designed to meet the evolving needs of IT enterprises, SMEs, and data centres. With Iris Global’s extensive channel partner network and Pan-India presence, we aim to deliver comprehensive, indigenous solutions for data centre infrastructure and enterprise computing,” said Satheesh Vasireddy, Chief Revenue Officer. Exatron Servers Manufacturing Pvt Ltd.

    Exatron, a proud contributor to the Make in India initiative, combines Indian innovation with global standards, ensuring reliability and affordability for its customers.

    Iris Global: A trusted partner in ICT distribution

    Iris Global, a distributor of choice for leading global ICT brands, operates through offices in
    23 cities and delivers solutions to over 19,000 pin codes across India. Recently, Iris was honoured with the “Most Trusted” and “Top VAD of India” awards, further cementing its reputation in the industry.

    “With Exatron’s proven products, our channel partners will have the tools to meet the growing demands of IT infrastructure projects in India,” said Neena Vats, Vice President of Iris Global.

    Deepak Manjhi, Product Manager at Iris Global, added, “This partnership aligns with our goal to expand in the large enterprise, government data centre, and MSME segments. Exatron’s offerings will help us penetrate deeper into these markets.”

    Aiming for Rs 100 crore: Strengthening India’s IT ecosystem

    Exatron projects Rs 60 crore in revenue for the current fiscal year and aims to surpass Rs 100 crore in the next fiscal year through this partnership. The collaboration leverages Iris Global’s vast distribution capabilities to bring Exatron’s advanced solutions to enterprise and government clients across India.  

    Sanjiv Krishen, Founder-CMD of Iris Global, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, stating, “Exatron’s robust data centre solutions and collaborations with technology leaders like NVIDIA, Microsoft, and Intel position them as a game-changer in IT transformation. Their products will empower our partners to serve sectors such as education, healthcare, defence, and government
    more effectively.”

    This partnership exemplifies Iris Global’s dedication to fostering innovation and driving India’s digital growth. With Iris’s extensive expertise and Exatron’s cutting-edge offerings, both companies are set to redefine IT solutions delivery across the country.  

    “Our partnership with Iris Global perfectly aligns with our vision to drive growth and empower Indian enterprises through world-class, indigenous IT solutions.” Satheesh Vasireddy concluded.

  • Securing the Digital Backbone: Innovations in API Security

    API security measures

    In a world driven by connectivity, Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) form the foundation of modern digital ecosystems. However, their critical role makes them a prime target for cyber threats. Pavan Vovveti, a technology and security researcher, explores groundbreaking API security measures that organizations can adopt to safeguard their interconnected platforms. This article delves into the evolving challenges, best practices, and future trends shaping API security.

    APIs: The Heartbeat of Interconnected Systems

    APIs are the backbone of digital ecosystems, seamlessly connecting applications, services, and platforms. They drive innovation in cloud computing, IoT, and mobile app integrations, fostering unparalleled automation and scalability. However, their widespread use makes them prime targets for threats such as data breaches and denial-of-service attacks. With stringent regulations like GDPR and CCPA mandating robust data protection, securing APIs is now a critical priority for organizations globally.

    Challenges in API Security: A Multi-Faceted Threat

    Securing APIs involves addressing several persistent challenges:

    • Authentication and Authorization:  Ensuring only legitimate users access APIs is crucial but complex, particularly in distributed environments. Vulnerabilities in these mechanisms can lead to unauthorized data access.

    • Data Encryption:  While encryption safeguards data in transit, implementing it across hybrid cloud environments can strain performance and complicate management.

    • Rate Limiting:  Effective rate-limiting strategies are vital to counter abusive traffic and prevent service disruptions, yet they must balance security with user accessibility.

    • API Versioning:  Deprecated versions often harbor vulnerabilities. Managing these while maintaining backward compatibility demands careful planning.

    Best Practices: Building Resilient API Ecosystems

    Organizations must adopt comprehensive strategies to protect their APIs:

    1. Robust Authentication Protocols:  OAuth 2.0 or token-based systems ensure fine-grained access control and easier credential management.

    2. Transport Layer Security (TLS):  Encrypting API communications with updated TLS protocols mitigates risks of data interception.

    3. API Gateways:  Centralizing security measures like authentication and traffic monitoring through gateways simplifies management and enhances protection.

    4. Continuous Monitoring and Auditing:  Automated tools that detect vulnerabilities and unusual traffic patterns bolster security postures.

    5. Version Control:  Clear deprecation policies and migration paths for older API versions reduce exposure to security flaws.

    Innovations Driving API Security

    Emerging technologies are redefining the landscape of API security:

    • AI and Machine Learning:  These technologies enable real-time detection of anomalous traffic patterns and predictive threat analysis, empowering organizations to address vulnerabilities proactively.

    • Blockchain Integration:  Immutable audit trails and decentralized authentication mechanisms promise to elevate API security.

    • Quantum-Resistant Cryptography:  As quantum computing evolves, cryptographic methods capable of withstanding quantum attacks will become essential for securing APIs.

    • Zero Trust Architecture (ZTA):  By requiring verification for every access attempt, ZTA mitigates risks in microservices and containerized environments.

    • Runtime Application Self-Protection (RASP):  Integrated directly into API environments, RASP technologies provide real-time threat detection and response capabilities.

    The Path Forward: Adaptive and Holistic Security

    As APIs become more intricate and interconnected, their security demands a dynamic and holistic strategy. Protecting individual endpoints is no longer sufficient; organizations must address the security of entire ecosystems. API composition security is crucial in safeguarding interconnected APIs that form complex services. Equally important is cultivating a security-conscious culture among developers. Regular training sessions and workshops on secure coding practices empower teams to identify and mitigate vulnerabilities, ensuring robust API infrastructures capable of supporting innovation and resilience.

    API security stands at the crossroads of innovation and vulnerability. As APIs continue to underpin digital transformation, securing them is more than a technical necessity it’s a strategic imperative.  Pavan Vovveti‘s insights underscore the importance of embracing advanced tools and fostering a culture of security awareness to build resilient digital infrastructures. By doing so, organizations can unlock APIs’ potential while safeguarding the integrity of their platforms in an ever-evolving digital landscape.

  • Lenovo India Launches ThinkPad T14s AI-Powered Laptop Designed for the Future of Work – CRN

    Lenovo India Launches ThinkPad T14s AI-Powered Laptop Designed for the Future of Work – CRN

    Lenovo, introduced the ThinkPad T14s Gen 6 – AMD in India, the first-ever x86 Lenovo ThinkPad to feature next-gen AI capabilities with 50 TOPS of processing power.

    At the heart of the ThinkPad T14s AMD Gen 6 is the AMD Ryzen™ AI 7 PRO 360 processor, delivering up to 50 TOPS of AI processing power ideal for advanced data analysis and real-time machine learning. Paired with an integrated AMD Radeon™ 880M GPU, this combination is perfect for rendering high-quality visuals, crucial for content creation and other graphics-intensive tasks.

    Together, the NPU and GPU enhance AI-driven insights tailored experiences, and proactive threat detection, users can streamline tasks and enjoy smooth collaboration. The laptop’s integration with Windows 11 further leverages AI for elevated productivity and personalised computing experiences.

    Ashish Sikka, Director and Category Head, Lenovo India, said, “Lenovo is committed to bringing Smarter AI for enterprises by designing power-packed devices that meet the evolving demands of the modern workforce. The ThinkPad T14s Gen 6, equipped with the AMD Ryzen™ AI 7 PRO 360 processor, supports all the needs of enterprises – whether it’s crafting intricate designs, securing sensitive data, or handling intensive workloads. With cutting-edge security features, alongside our focus on sustainability through post-consumer recycled materials, this device offers businesses a powerful, secure, and eco-conscious solution for today’s fast-paced environment. This collaboration with AMD embodies Lenovo’s dedication to equipping enterprises with intelligent, secure, and sustainable technology that fuels efficiency and sparks innovation.”

    Vinay Sinha, Corporate Vice President, India Sales, AMD, said, “The AMD Ryzen™ AI PRO processors set a new standard for AI-powered performance in the industry. This technology merges robust graphics capabilities with intelligent processing to enable users to effortlessly manage intensive tasks, boosting both productivity and security. Together with Lenovo, we are at the forefront of redefining the future of computing, creating devices that are not only faster and smarter but also secure and more reliable for every user.”

    Advanced Visual Performance and Power Efficiency
    Designed for creators and innovators, the latest ThinkPad is equipped with AMD RDNA™ 3.5 architecture for exceptional 3D application performance and high-resolution visuals. The 14-inch WUXGA display, boasting an 88% screen-to-body ratio, features 3M’s optical technology to deliver 400 nits of brightness with touch functionality while reducing power consumption.

    Engineered for professionals on the go, the device offers up to 17+ hours of battery life and is built on AMD’s advanced 4nm architecture. Its 8 high-performance “Zen 5” cores ensure seamless multitasking, while the new rear exhaust fan enhances cooling efficiency, enabling all-day use without compromise.

    Uncompromising Security and Sustainability
    Security takes center stage with Lenovo ThinkShield, which combines hardware-enabled features and Microsoft Pluton’s chip-to-cloud technology to protect against sophisticated threats. This ensures secure identity management, cryptographic services, and robust defense at every level.

    Lenovo’s commitment to sustainability is evident in the ThinkPad T14s, which incorporates up to 90% post-consumer recycled materials and is packaged using plastic-free, FSC-certified materials. Businesses can further contribute to sustainability goals through Lenovo’s CO2 Offsetting Service, Asset Recovery Services, TruScale and DaaS offerings.

  • Air India to expand fleet with 100 additional Airbus Aircraft

    Air India buying 100 more Airbus planes

    IANS

    Air India  has made a significant move that underscores the country’s burgeoning aviation sector. On December 9, the airline confirmed the purchase of 100 additional Airbus aircraft. This order includes 10 widebody A350 and 90 narrowbody A320 aircraft, inclusive of A321neo. This latest acquisition is in addition to the firm orders of 470 aircraft that Air India had placed with Airbus and Boeing last year.

    The new order takes the total number of aircraft that Air India ordered with Airbus in 2023 from 250 aircraft, comprising 40 A350 and 210 A320 Family aircraft, to 350. This move is a testament to the airline’s commitment to expanding its fleet and enhancing its services to meet the growing demand for air travel in India and beyond.

    In addition to expanding its fleet, Air India has also selected Airbus’ Flight Hour Services-Component (FHS-C) to support the maintenance requirements of its growing A350 fleet. The new materials and maintenance contract will help Air India optimize the reliability and performance of its A350 fleet, with comprehensive engineering services and integrated component services including on-site stock at Delhi  provided by Airbus.

    Air India

    IANS

    Tata Sona and Air India Chairman Natarajan Chandrasekaran expressed optimism about the airline’s growth trajectory, stating, With India’s passenger growth outpacing the rest of the world…These additional 100 Airbus aircraft will help to position Air India on the path to greater growth and contribute to building Air India into a world-class airline that connects India to every corner of the world.

    Airbus CEO Guillaume Faury echoed these sentiments, stating, Having personally witnessed the formidable growth of the Indian aviation sector in recent months, I am glad to see Air India renew its trust in Airbus with this additional order for both our A320 Family and A350 aircraft.

    With the order for 100 additional aircraft, Air India currently has a total of 344 new aircraft incoming from Airbus, having received six A350s so far. In 2023, Air India had also placed orders for 220 widebody and narrowbody aircraft with Boeing, of which 185 aircraft remain to be delivered.

    Air India is the first Indian airline to operate the Airbus A350, powered by Rolls-Royce Trent XWB engines. Delivering exceptional fuel efficiency, passenger comfort, and long-range capabilities, the A350s now offer an all-new Air India flying experience to travelers flying non-stop from Delhi to London and New York. The A320 Family fleet, powered by CFM LEAP 1-A engines, is a backbone of Air India’s domestic and short-haul operations, delivering world-class flying experiences as well as remarkable operational efficiency and flight economics.

  • Disrupting finance: The gig economy’s radical reboot of banking and business

    icon of a clockBy:

    From rideshare drivers to virtual assistants, millions of people earn a living through gig work. There are currently 64 million gig workers in the U.S., according to Upwork, a freelance marketplace. These individuals comprised 38% of the workforce and contributed nearly $1.3 trillion to the economy in 2023.

    While the gig economy is booming, and expected to grow 19% annually from 2024 -2031, traditional financial services haven’t yet caught up to meet the needs of this growing population. Gig workers — who basically run their own entrepreneurial enterprises — shouldn’t have to rely on personal banking accounts alone to manage their income. Whether it’s expanding access to credit or offering flexible payment solutions, banks can empower gig workers with better financial tools to maintain their livelihoods.

    Navigating the gig economy: Current financial challenges for gig workers

    Gig workers often face challenges in accessing traditional financial resources that full-time employees typically enjoy. As self-employed individuals, they may struggle to demonstrate a stable income. Their earnings can fluctuate significantly from week to week, complicating budgeting and making it hard to determine if they will have enough to cover both business and personal expenses.

    According to a report by Rollee on the gig economy equality gap, 45% of gig workers say their finances are fair, and 19% say their finances are poor. The study also found gig workers have trouble accessing credit. Roughly 6 in 10 have been denied loans despite having a good credit score, and a majority have had to apply to at least three lenders before they were approved.

    Individuals who earn most of their income through gig work are also responsible for covering their retirement and insurance needs. A World Bank study found that nearly half didn’t have a retirement account, while separate research finds many are underinsured because they can’t afford health or business insurance.

    Many gig workers are first-time entrepreneurs who could greatly benefit from financial education and literacy tools. These resources can help them manage taxes, handle fluctuating income and plan for retirement effectively.

    Nearly 4 in 10 gig workers have considered going back to traditional employment just to gain access to financial services. Many also rely on non-banking payment apps to manage their income, indicating that banks aren’t fully meeting their needs. To better serve gig workers, banks could improve their offerings by providing tailored financial tools and integrating with gig payment platforms, giving these workers greater visibility and resources to manage their finances.

    Banks can offer a range of customized financial products to meet gig workers where they are and help them grow their businesses.

    Propelling the gig economy: How banks can financially empower workers

    Gig workers often have variable incomes, so they could benefit from real-time payment solutions that help them access their earnings faster rather than relying on the traditional weekly or bi-weekly payroll cycles.

    Banks can also provide tools that help with tax management, such as built-in business banking account calculators that provide an estimated quarterly tax payment based on a gig worker’s earnings. They could partner with third-party providers, such as accounting and bookkeeping platforms, to deliver a one-stop solution for gig workers’ financial needs. This can help gig workers streamline their tax reporting and filing process every year.

    Additionally, banks can address the needs of gig workers by providing not just software solutions, but also hardware solutions. With new account sign-ups, they could issue a device preloaded with their app and financial education tools. These devices can help banks enhance financial literacy for gig workers while providing an easy way to communicate. They can send push notifications about new offers, financial planning reminders or payment updates.

    To expand financial access for gig workers, banks may need to rethink the approach to credit decisions. Gig workers often have fluctuating incomes, which most lenders view as a greater risk than traditional W-2 employees. In fact, 36% of financial institutions surveyed by Rollee said they are more likely to approve an application from a traditionally employed worker than a gig worker because they have greater income transparency and employment data. However, banks need to weigh other variables as part of the lending process, such as how long a worker has been in business, income consistency, how well they manage expenses and cash outflow vs. inflow. Banks may also factor in personal savings and assets that demonstrate financial stability.

    Like other professionals, gig workers care about protecting their financial futures. Banks can address these concerns by offering customized savings, retirement tools and insurance packages. Products and features such as high-yield savings accounts, flexible health insurance plans, and self-directed IRAs with targeted sign-up incentives, bonuses, and lower balance threshold requirements to help workers avoid monthly maintenance fees are all valuable. Low-cost or disability and liability insurance options and affordable retirement and life insurance bundles, such as a universal life policy with a cash value component, can also provide much-needed financial protection for gig workers.

    Supporting workers with tailored financial solutions

    Gig workers contribute so much to the economy, and there’s more banks can do to support this vital part of the nation’s workforce. Whether it’s providing user-friendly tax and expense management tools or expanding access to credit lines and business loans, banks can grow their customer base by offering financial solutions tailored to the needs of these modern-day entrepreneurs.

    Learn more about the financial services industry and how Samsung solutions can help here.

    Sign up for our newsletter, INSIGHTS: Banking, a monthly update on banking trends and technology’s role in the financial services industry.

  • Redefining Enterprise Architecture in the AI Era: Insights from Saumya

    Saumya

    In the dynamic field of enterprise architecture, Saumya has emerged as a leading innovator, blending technical expertise and strategic vision to drive transformative business outcomes. With over 16 years of experience, Saumya exemplifies how thoughtful integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into enterprise systems can redefine organizational agility and efficiency.

    Bridging Strategy and Technology
    Saumya’s journey began in Odisha, India, where an early fascination with computers sparked a lifelong passion for problem-solving. From assembling hardware to programming, his curiosity evolved into a career dedicated to bridging technology and business strategy. After earning a degree in computer science during the 2008 recession, Saumya took on roles that placed him at the intersection of technical innovation and strategic impact.

    “I’ve always believed that technology is more than just a tool—it’s a strategic enabler,” he says. This philosophy has driven his career, enabling him to deliver high-stakes projects that align technology with business goals. At Salesforce, his initiatives drove over $30 million in annual revenue growth. At Edelman Financial Engines, his efforts led to $200 million in additional asset inflows. These achievements reflect his ability to turn strategic objectives into measurable results.

    Transforming Enterprise Architecture with AI
    AI has been central to Saumya’s approach to enterprise architecture. Recognizing AI’s potential to optimize processes, enhance decision-making, and modernize legacy systems, he has pioneered its integration into enterprise frameworks.

    At Salesforce, Saumya implemented predictive modeling to improve sales forecast accuracy and increase opportunity close rates. By embedding AI-driven insights into sales processes, he enabled organizations to transform inefficiencies into opportunities for growth.

    Similarly, at Edelman Financial Engines, Saumya led AI integration efforts that revolutionized customer engagement. A modular AI architecture reduced prospect response times from two days to two minutes, resulting in $54 million in asset inflows within three months. His leadership also boosted advisor productivity by 30%, demonstrating AI’s ability to harmonize speed, efficiency, and scalability.

    Overcoming AI Integration Challenges
    While AI offers transformative possibilities, its implementation comes with challenges. Saumya emphasizes the need to address both technical and cultural barriers for successful integration.

    “Legacy systems often lack the infrastructure needed for AI,” he explains. “Upgrades and re-architecting are crucial but must be balanced with organizational readiness.” Saumya also highlights the importance of data quality and model transparency, especially in regulated industries, where trust and compliance are essential.

    To navigate these challenges, Saumya adopts a collaborative approach, fostering partnerships between AI specialists and traditional development teams. “AI is only as powerful as the people who use it,” he notes, underscoring the importance of change management. His ability to align technical strategies with cultural contexts ensures seamless adoption and long-term success.

    Designing Future-Ready Architectures
    Saumya’s contributions go beyond immediate solutions, focusing on creating systems that adapt to evolving business landscapes. During his keynote at the 2024 Open Group Summit, he introduced a roadmap for integrating AI into enterprise systems. His approach emphasized modular architectures, optimized data pipelines, and predictive modeling, enabling organizations to respond proactively to market shifts.

    “AI is fundamentally changing how businesses operate,” Saumya says. “It allows us to predict trends, optimize workflows, and deliver personalized experiences at scale.” His strategies showcase how AI can be a catalyst for agility and innovation, transforming traditional enterprise systems into dynamic, adaptive frameworks.

    Driving Change Through Leadership
    Leadership is central to Saumya’s success. His ability to bridge technical and strategic domains positions him as a trusted advisor to C-suite leaders. At Salesforce, he conducted capability gap analysis, designed future-state architectures, and led workshops on data strategy and governance. These initiatives empowered stakeholders across all organizational levels to embrace AI-driven transformations.

    Saumya’s leadership philosophy emphasizes collaboration and proactive risk management. By fostering mutual understanding between teams and aligning AI initiatives with key performance indicators (KPIs), he ensures that innovations deliver measurable business value.

    Inspiring the Next Generation
    Beyond his technical contributions, Saumya is a dedicated mentor and thought leader. He has shared his expertise at prominent events like DREAMFORCE and The Open Group Summit, inspiring audiences to view technology as a driver of transformation. His presentations provide actionable insights, from leveraging Salesforce to optimize operations to using AI to enhance business agility.

    Looking ahead, Saumya is exploring the potential of generative AI to revolutionize customer engagement and sales performance management. “Generative AI can anticipate customer needs and streamline complex workflows,” he says. He is also focused on emerging technologies like federated learning and edge AI, which promise to address challenges such as privacy and latency.

    A Legacy of Innovation
    Saumya’s work exemplifies the profound impact of aligning technology with strategic goals. From driving revenue growth to fostering cultural change, his contributions have transformed how organizations navigate the complexities of digital transformation.

    In an era defined by rapid technological advancement, Saumya’s ability to combine technical acumen with strategic insight makes him a vital force in enterprise architecture.

  • SAP Reaffirms Its Commitment to AI-Driven Innovation at SIT Bengaluru 2024 with 1500+ Community – CRN

    SAP Reaffirms Its Commitment to AI-Driven Innovation at SIT Bengaluru 2024 with 1500+ Community – CRN

    SAP Labs India hosted its mega year-end SAP Inside Track (SIT) Bengaluru 2024, bringing together a large community of technologists, developers, architects, and business leaders to explore the transformative power of AI and digital innovation. SIT brings forth a platform for the community members to showcase the latest offerings from SAP, and help build bridges across the ecosystem of partners and customers. This event, held at SAP Labs India’s Whitefield campus, attracted 1500+ SAP end users, including representatives from organisations such as Capgemini, Bosch, Cognizant, AWS, ExxonMobil, EY, Deloitte, Google, IBM, LTIMindtree, PWC, Schneider Electric, Siemens Engineer, TCS, Wipro, and Yokogawa, among others. The event showcased SAP’s commitment to driving AI-led business transformation through over 100 hours of immersive content delivered by 100+ speakers.

    The agenda featured hands-on workshops, thought-provoking keynotes, and deep-dive sessions tailored to inspire new ideas and advance skills. Participation from institutions like Bangalore University, Christ University, FAU University from Germany, Krupanidhi Group of Institutions, Ramaiah Institute of Technology, Manipal Academy of Higher Education amongst many other further underscored the event’s global appeal.

    The SAP Expert Zone served as a dynamic, interactive space where participants engaged one-on-one with SAP specialists, explored live demos, and discovered cutting-edge tools designed to solve today’s business challenges. Key topics included SAP AI, cloud transformation, and customer-centric strategies, equipping attendees with actionable insights to enhance their projects and workflows. A standout feature of SIT 2024 was the SAP Business AI track, offering participants a deep dive into the latest advancements in Generative AI, SAP’s AI assistant Joule, and the democratisation of AI across the SAP ecosystem. Experts demonstrated how AI is revolutionising business processes with unified setups, enhanced extensibility, and innovative solutions that deliver measurable success across industries. Adding to the innovation narrative was SAP Build, the go-to platform for SAP Extensions, App Development, and Automations, playing a pivotal role in achieving Clean Core goals by minimising customisations and reducing the total cost of operations.

    Further, SAP Build empowers businesses to modernise applications, foster innovation, and automate processes within a single suite of tools. This comprehensive approach enables organisations to outperform business KPIs across key functions like HR, Finance, Procurement, and IT.

    This dialogue helped the audience to witness a 360-degree view of partner and customer journeys. Speaking on the occasion, Sindhu Gangadharan, MD, SAP Labs India, and Chairperson, nasscom said, “SAP Inside Track is a vibrant celebration of the thriving SAP community in India. Driven by the people, for the people, it fosters collaboration, learning, and innovation. This edition highlights cutting-edge AI advancements, offering fresh insights into leveraging AI for business success. As a platform, it empowers end users to forge meaningful connections, stay updated on the latest SAP offerings, and get an outlook of SAP’s AI roadmap. Together, we are building a powerful community dedicated to nurturing the next generation of SAP experts and driving impactful contributions to the business world”.

    Valued customer Vishesh Kaul, CIO of Prestige Constructions, and partner, Saraswathi Kasturirangan, Chief Happiness Officer and Board Member, Deloitte South Asia joined the keynote to share their transformation journey, industry insights on AI, and the long-standing partnership with SAP.

  • Untether teachers from the front of the room with collaborative technology

    icon of a clockBy:

    Today’s students are digital natives who want engaging, interactive classroom experiences. They do not want to sit passively at their desks while teachers lecture in front of the class.

    To teach students more effectively, many schools and districts are modernizing their classrooms by equipping teachers with education technology, notebook computers, Wi-Fi access and other digital classroom tools, such as digital displays or interactive whiteboards.

    They are livening up their classrooms with multimedia lessons and enhancing student engagement through active learning activities. For example, educators can use laptops to show a video on the large classroom TV display or roam around the classroom and do small-group instruction.

    As most schools provide students with laptops, educators can take advantage of this by encouraging students to use them for independent learning or collaborating on group projects. After school, students can turn in assignments or ask questions through an online learning management system (LMS), and teachers can review the work and respond from their laptops.

    A survey by the American Federation of Teachers shows a whopping 97% of teachers use laptops, and 83% use them daily. It’s clear teachers have fully embraced educational technology for communication, planning, preparation, and instruction. Meanwhile, 74% of parents say educational technology has positively impacted their children’s learning, and 86% support the continued integration of technology in their children’s education.

    A teacher’s laptop is a central tool for modern education, and it should be thin, lightweight, and have a long battery life to support their teaching needs. A flexible tablet form factor also enables them to walk around the classroom and continue to teach.

    A two-in-one device — a laptop that doubles as a tablet, such as Samsung’s Galaxy Book4 360 — provides the flexibility and versatility teachers need.

    What is Galaxy Book4 360, and why is it ideal for education?

    Galaxy Book4 360, part of Samsung’s Galaxy Book4 Series, gives teachers a fully functional laptop and tablet, so they get the best of both worlds in one device. A 360-degree hinge enables faculty to convert the device from a laptop to a tablet — and back again.

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    The mobile device, which runs the latest Windows 11 operating system, features a fast Intel Core i5/i7 processor, a 15.6-inch screen, 16GB of RAM and 256GB/512GB of SSD storage.

    It’s fast and powerful enough for teachers’ needs inside and outside the classroom. The laptop allows teachers to design and build lessons and multitask outside the classroom. Inside the classroom, they can quickly access and simultaneously run multiple educational apps and websites without system lags or slowdown in performance.

    The 15.6-inch Super AMOLED (1920 x 1080) display provides rich, colorful visuals. With the touchscreen display and a Samsung S Pen (not included but optional), teachers can jot down ideas or make annotations on the screen.

    Galaxy Book4 360 also features a high-resolution, 1080p wide-angle webcam with a high-quality microphone and AI noise cancellation, so teachers can record short video lectures and upload them to the LMS for students to review.

    Similarly, they can use the webcam to record class sessions and upload them to the LMS, so students who missed class or want to review lessons can watch them online.

    The laptop’s keyboard also includes a Microsoft Copilot key, allowing teachers to chat with the AI assistant to boost their productivity.

    3 key features Galaxy Book4 360 provides educators

    Here are three more key features Galaxy Book4 360 provides educators:

    1. Wireless casting

    Teachers can wirelessly share their laptop screens to large digital displays or interactive whiteboards from anywhere in their classrooms.

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    Teachers can show videos or presentations or have students attend a virtual field trip. They can also have guest speakers speak to students from anywhere in the world through a videoconference. In this scenario, teachers can mirror their laptop screen onto a TV for students to view the guest speaker while positioning the laptop’s webcam to allow the speaker to see the class.

    Teachers can also use their finger or S Pen to write on the Galaxy Book4 360’s touchscreen and project the content onto the classroom display, allowing them to annotate websites or graphics in real time.

    Using Samsung’s Screen Share app, teachers have the option of simply sharing their laptop screen directly to student devices in the classroom.

    2. Portable, thin and compact

    Galaxy Book4 360 is designed for mobility. Teachers can use it as a laptop on the teacher’s desk, then turn the device into a tablet and walk around the class, either for small-group or whole-group instruction.

    The two-in-one device is extremely thin and light — 13.7mm and only 3.2 pounds — making it easy for faculty members to roam around the room and teach.

    3. Long battery life and fast charging

    Galaxy Book4 360’s battery lasts up to 22 hours so teachers can teach and work all day on a single charge. But if the battery runs low, teachers can use a compact charger to charge the laptop up to 39% in just 30 minutes.

    Modernizing classrooms with Galaxy Book4 360

    Schools and districts are investing in educational technology to transform classroom instruction, prepare students for their future, and teach them technology and other important skills, such as critical thinking, creativity, and collaboration.

    With laptops and other digital tools, teachers can adopt a blended learning approach that goes beyond traditional lectures, incorporating multimedia activities and collaborative small-group projects.

    Two-in-one laptops like Samsung Galaxy Book4 360 enable teachers to create a dynamic, agile classroom experience and keep students active, interested and engaged in learning.

    Learn more about Samsung’s education technology, including interactive whiteboards. And learn how to create engaging and inclusive learning environments with interactive technology.