Dr Sohag Sarkar

The EY and JPMorgan Chase & Co. quantum teams have collaborated to release a joint #Whitepaper on #cyberrisk in the #quantum era. This comprehensive whitepaper not only explains the quantum computing threat, but also explores various transition options to quantum-safe solutions.

Financial services enterprises across the globe are at an inflection point They are being challenged by disruptions caused by the pandemic, amongst other market developments To drive through this period of uncertainty and vigor, they are making strategic investments in the areas of digital payments, remote work operations, new business models or collaborations, and digital and data transformations
Data has emerged as a strategic asset within financial services, but the asset confidence… Show more

Financial services enterprises across the globe are at an inflection point They are being challenged by disruptions caused by the pandemic, amongst other market developments To drive through this period of uncertainty and vigor, they are making strategic investments in the areas of digital payments, remote work operations, new business models or collaborations, and digital and data transformations
Data has emerged as a strategic asset within financial services, but the asset confidence across the user community is not very high Therefore, it is imperative to understand the key data management challenges that are being faced today and the changes required to enable a data centric enterprise
We must revisit history to understand the real reasons for the data conundrum that global enterprises face today The constant struggle to keep pace with technology disruptions has resulted in gaps widening over time to effectively manage enterprise data with popular data management solutions (data warehouse, data lake, or data lake house) To master the art of data management, financial services players may follow the same approach they take to manage other assets brands or products The top three drivers that organizations must set ‘ to manage enterprise data effectively and enable a data driven culture include setting up bold data vision and strategy, defining a set of core data principles, and a robust data governance framework In addition, leading banks adopt a ‘data usage’ centric framework to manage risks, criticality, and opportunities arising from their data assets.
With data emerging as the new lifeblood for businesses, data experience (can be implied as the oxygen saturation level, i e maintaining an optimal value is critical for both survival and performance DX would drive organizational growth, sustenance, and customer advocacy In this journey, the role that would be played by Chief Data Officers ( would be crucial in driving this new metric of the future Show less

A remarkable growth has been illustrated by the Indian telecom industry. In terms of wireless customers, internet users and data consumption, the mobile communications sector has been at the forefront of this movement that will help India to be one of the biggest markets in the world.

Social media witnessed a similar evolution, that become a worldwide phenomenon by transcending regional borders. Nearly 73% of total web users use social networking sites in one way or the other. In North &… Show more

A remarkable growth has been illustrated by the Indian telecom industry. In terms of wireless customers, internet users and data consumption, the mobile communications sector has been at the forefront of this movement that will help India to be one of the biggest markets in the world.

Social media witnessed a similar evolution, that become a worldwide phenomenon by transcending regional borders. Nearly 73% of total web users use social networking sites in one way or the other. In North & South America, Western Europe, and Oceania, the number of social media users is humongous.

The research “Consumer behavior towards Mobile social media and OTTs from data monetization and customer engagement perspective” summarizes the findings of a pan-India study conducted with the main objective of researching customers’ behavior, expectations and key facilitators (Technology, Operation, Computer, etc.) that would then assist Indian mobile network operators (MNOs) to direct their strategy to monetize their data. It tracks user behavior towards social media platforms and offers perspectives from the marketing and customer care perspective on popular social networking, mobile phone items, devices, the effect of social networking / OTT platforms on the voice and messaging systems of the network, as well as the effect of customer interaction on social media.

Keywords: Digital Telco, OTT, Data Monetization, Data Monetization Strategies, Digital Business, Mobile Network Operator, Top OTTs, Top Social Media Show less

The research paper analyzes the myriad data monetization strategies that the Telco’s have and prioritizes their strategies and digital product/service initiatives to maximize data revenue monetization.

India has quickly evolved into a converged digital communications market. It is the second largest telecom market with close to 1.2 billion subscribers and third largest Internet market which is nearing 500 million users. The Digital disruption has changed the market dynamics and the way the Telcos operate today. This quicksilver Digital transformation has made way for this new makeover.

The interesting ‘phase-shift’ phenomenon has been the switching of the most valuable contributor… Show more

India has quickly evolved into a converged digital communications market. It is the second largest telecom market with close to 1.2 billion subscribers and third largest Internet market which is nearing 500 million users. The Digital disruption has changed the market dynamics and the way the Telcos operate today. This quicksilver Digital transformation has made way for this new makeover.

The interesting ‘phase-shift’ phenomenon has been the switching of the most valuable contributor towards the overall ARPU (Average revenue per user). Data revenue has toppled voice to come on the top with a practical swap in the percentage contribution figures (44% vs 21%).

The telecom regulator (Telecom Regulatory Authority of India) re-christened itself as Digital Communications Regulatory Authority of India (DCRAI); while the Telecom Commission became Digital Communications Commission (DCC). The National Telecom Policy (NTP 2012) is gives way to National Digital Communications Policy (NDCP). This regulatory change has formalized the hitherto Telecom sector to become a Digital Communication sector and the Network Operators as Digital Telco.

To be relevant in the Digital era the Telco’s have to innovate and evolve their business models: The induction of telecom sector within the overarching Digital ecosystem or economy (including the much needed regulatory policies); thus opens new avenues for growth and innovation driven business models. The research paper analyzes the myriad data monetization strategies that the Telcos have and prioritizes their strategies and digital product/service initiatives to maximize data revenue monetization.

Keywords: Digital Telco, OTT, Data Monetization, Evolution of Telecom in India, Data Monetization Strategies, Digital Business, Mobile Network Operator. Show less

The publications highlights the shift from a traditional to a Digital Telco. It analyses the Indian telecom market which is going through consolidation (10 to 5 players), and the key performance indicators within the industry: namely voice vs data usage and impact on ARPU, subscriber base and impact of consolidation on Revenue market share (RMS).
It also highlights the market and regulatory outlook (especially National Digital Communications Policy 2018) going forward.

This article analyzes the growing uptake of Video streaming over smart devices and the limitless use cases of Live streaming. It further explores the key drivers have made live streaming truly mainstream.

The article describes the Blockchain technology and it's contemporary types. It analyses Blockchain as a disruptive technology which potentially impacts sectors beyond Banking and Finance especially Telecom. It elaborates the different use cases that may be relevant to the Telcom sector in the areas of new Products & Services or Operational improvement or risk management. It emphasizes the developments happening in the Financial sector and draws lights on the future outlook for Blockchain… Show more

The article describes the Blockchain technology and it's contemporary types. It analyses Blockchain as a disruptive technology which potentially impacts sectors beyond Banking and Finance especially Telecom. It elaborates the different use cases that may be relevant to the Telcom sector in the areas of new Products & Services or Operational improvement or risk management. It emphasizes the developments happening in the Financial sector and draws lights on the future outlook for Blockchain within the Telecom sector. Show less

The article analyzes the innovative and disruptive entry strategies adopted by potential telecom players who entered the Indian Telecom market. The primary target areas for such entry strategies has been around product & pricing, distribution, network and branding. The article introspects the preparedness of the key market players wrt to the entry strategy that has been used by the new player by means of the 'Happy New Year' offer.

The article analyzes the impact of digital infrastructure on digital economy and the growing monetization of digital content over new age channels: Video OTT. It summarizes the various business models that are being witnessed in the area of Video OTT. and highlights the key trends and value drivers that is fueling the growth of space & time shifted digital content over traditional TV.

The article highlights the changing market dynamics post the entry of a large Indian conglomerate into the Indian Telecom sector. It analyses the present state and performance of the telecom sector and the paradigm shift from hithertoi voice to data-centric business model. It puts into perspective the future trends and tries to find the ultimate winner of this "Game of Thrones".

Digital infrastructure can power the next mega trend as connected devices can converge bringing more efficiency and possibilities in the future. Industry players and society as a whole is expected to leverage digital infrastructure to create economic value.

The business article analyzes the challenges and opportunities for Telecom service providers in 2016

India is the third-largest economy in the world in terms of purchasing power parity (PPP) with a 6.4% share of the worldwide gross domestic product (GDP) on a PPP basis. The country also ranks second in terms of population, with more than 1.2 billion people, out of which, nearly one-third are urban dwellers. The urban proportion in the country has increased from 17.3% in 1951 to 31.2% in 2011.
Urbanization is now a global megatrend and by 2050, around 64% of the developing world and 86% of… Show more

India is the third-largest economy in the world in terms of purchasing power parity (PPP) with a 6.4% share of the worldwide gross domestic product (GDP) on a PPP basis. The country also ranks second in terms of population, with more than 1.2 billion people, out of which, nearly one-third are urban dwellers. The urban proportion in the country has increased from 17.3% in 1951 to 31.2% in 2011.
Urbanization is now a global megatrend and by 2050, around 64% of the developing world and 86% of the developed world is expected to be urbanized. Rapid urbanization is putting a strain on the infrastructure, environment and social fabric of cities. In addition, the existing physical, urban and social infrastructure is unable to meet and sustain city requirements and needs an overhaul.
The new Indian government has proposed transformation strategies & implementation plans to leverage the smart city concept that entails utilization of technology, streamlining existing as well as planned infrastructure investments in order to provide higher quality of living to residents, creating a conducive investment climate for businesses and optimizing resource utilization with transparency.
Telcos are on the look-out for new sources of revenue, as the subscriber growth alone would not increase the revenue and stakeholder value. The huge retail demand for data is doing little to step the losses from voice and text. Perhaps the opportunity lies, amongst other things, in Smart cities. Telcos are inherently technology-oriented and has significant experience in multi-year infrastructure projects.
An important requirement is Smart cities is high-speed connectivity which Telcos can address. Combined with the opportunity to then break into adjacent service domains, example: Analytics, Cloud and mobility, the upside for Telcos seems boundless. Show less

The Enterprise Network Industry is transforming itself to keep pace with the market disruption brought about by technology innovations on the digital front. The adoption of pure play data services (4G-LTE) across the globe has been proceeding at a faster pace than its predecessor technologies (traditional voice and video).

With the increased adoption of data services (or digitization); a number of new horizons and opportunities would open up for Telcos; thus requiring the Telcos to… Show more

The Enterprise Network Industry is transforming itself to keep pace with the market disruption brought about by technology innovations on the digital front. The adoption of pure play data services (4G-LTE) across the globe has been proceeding at a faster pace than its predecessor technologies (traditional voice and video).

With the increased adoption of data services (or digitization); a number of new horizons and opportunities would open up for Telcos; thus requiring the Telcos to develop deeper understanding of consumer preferences and other Industry verticals:
1. Customer Engagement
2. Content & Services Show less

The Telco-OTT strategy empowers the MNOs not just to gather back some of the revenue lost to the traditional OTT players; but also to work agnostically across other operators and gain revenue in the process. It is more prudent for single geography or smaller MNOs to work out a collaborative or partnership model with the OTT players; while larger incumbents with multi-geography presence can leverage the strength of their subscriber base to introduce their own OTT services. The resistance… Show more

The Telco-OTT strategy empowers the MNOs not just to gather back some of the revenue lost to the traditional OTT players; but also to work agnostically across other operators and gain revenue in the process. It is more prudent for single geography or smaller MNOs to work out a collaborative or partnership model with the OTT players; while larger incumbents with multi-geography presence can leverage the strength of their subscriber base to introduce their own OTT services. The resistance demonstrated by the consumer protection bodies or forums to upkeep the net neutrality principles may force the MNOs to sway away from the confrontation or counter strategies; and perhaps re-look at the collaboration or ‘Telco-OTT’ strategies. Show less

India serves more than 250 million Internet subscribers and majority of these users are accessing the Internet over mobile based technology. The popularity of the mobile services has by grown leaps and bounds and the success may be attributed to the continuous evolution of mobile communication technologies decade over decade. Technology evolution has resulted in a paradigm shift from the hitherto “voice centric” to a “data focused” business.

National Telecom Policy (2012) approved full… Show more

India serves more than 250 million Internet subscribers and majority of these users are accessing the Internet over mobile based technology. The popularity of the mobile services has by grown leaps and bounds and the success may be attributed to the continuous evolution of mobile communication technologies decade over decade. Technology evolution has resulted in a paradigm shift from the hitherto “voice centric” to a “data focused” business.

National Telecom Policy (2012) approved full VoIP as part of unified license; thus allowing local termination of calls over fixed or mobile connections.

Another paradigm shift that has been witnessed is in the manner in which communication and social interaction happened – with Social Media and Over-the-top (OTT) applications emerging as a front runner when compared to hitherto popular communication mediums like: mobile voice, SMS or email. Industry has also witnessed the cannibalization of the ‘walled garden’ approach adopted by Mobile network operators (MNO) to offer value added services (VAS); caused by the growing popularity of Internet or ‘free-to-use or free-to-download content’ over the Internet.

But now the MNOs have started to realize that some of the OTT players are providing complementary services using their ‘data pipe’ thus impacting their revenue and relevance factor.
And when they started to think of innovative monetization models; is when the world started to question their intensions on ‘net neutrality’.

The paper tries to demystify the net neutrality conundrum. Show less

The Telecom Service Providers (TSPs) have introduced “unlimited data usage” plans to attract more customers towards their next generation data services (3G/Wi-Fi/4G). Everything was hunky-dory until the TSPs started to realize that some of the OTT players were providing complementary services using their own assets which started to cannibalize their revenue.

The ‘data pipe’ which the TSPs owned has started to impact their own revenue and relevance factor:

To counter the treat… Show more

The Telecom Service Providers (TSPs) have introduced “unlimited data usage” plans to attract more customers towards their next generation data services (3G/Wi-Fi/4G). Everything was hunky-dory until the TSPs started to realize that some of the OTT players were providing complementary services using their own assets which started to cannibalize their revenue.

The ‘data pipe’ which the TSPs owned has started to impact their own revenue and relevance factor:

To counter the treat caused by the OTTs, the TSPs introduced innovative ways to monetize their ‘data pipe’ but were caught in the net neutrality trap.

The growth in the user-generated content and success of cost effective OTT services have forced the mobile operator to re-think their delivery strategy. To uphold their control & relevance over traditional services, global operators’ have resorted to different options (3C Strategy) to counter the OTT Players: Confrontation, Contest and Collaboration.

The hitherto quest for “own-it-all” business model is leading (or has lead) the Telcos across the globe to adopt a Telco-OTT Strategy. The Telco-OTT strategy empowers the TSPs not just to win-back some of the revenue lost to the traditional OTT players; but also to work agnostically across other operators or geographies and gain revenue in the process.

The article tries to illustrate the various business models that Global Telcos have adopted to counter the OTT treat. Show less

Business Standard magazine: Indian Management Cover Story titled "The Spectrum Auction: Survival of the richest?" (January 2015 edition)

The article provides analysis on the Telecom Spectrum auction planned in March 2015:
Key players (Incumbents, Challengers, New entrants and spectators) contending for the valuable spectrum bands to offer varied services i.e. 2G, 3G or 4G (considering a technology neutral auction).
Impact of the present auction on existing customers (83% of the… Show more

Business Standard magazine: Indian Management Cover Story titled "The Spectrum Auction: Survival of the richest?" (January 2015 edition)

The article provides analysis on the Telecom Spectrum auction planned in March 2015:
Key players (Incumbents, Challengers, New entrants and spectators) contending for the valuable spectrum bands to offer varied services i.e. 2G, 3G or 4G (considering a technology neutral auction).
Impact of the present auction on existing customers (83% of the subscribers who contributes 77% of the overall revenue) as the license to serve the customer comes to an expiry (across 17 out of 22 telecom Circles) for the incumbent operators namely Airtel, Vodafone, Idea and Reliance. Show less

In the new age world of digitization or data-enabled services, the MNOs may depend heavily on their hitherto network equipment or infrastructure providers to derive customer experience insights, marketing & service oriented value propositions. The Customer Experience Management platform is emerging as one of the strategic business driver for the new age MNOs.

Analysis on the Telecom Investment in 2014:
The market stabilization in 2013 has provided the much needed respite (Optimism) to all the players in the telecom ecosystem; as they await (Cautiously) the next set of rules (to be set forth by the government and the regulator) to further the telecom revolution to the next level. This year therefore would be the “Year of Cautious Optimism” and the operators would show signs of bringing back the sector to its lost glory:

My articles that has featured in the Mobile Operator Guide: Innovation & Transformation 2014 published by SAP.

This is their 2nd annual publication released worldwide.

The article describes how Wearable Technology is providing a new fillip to the M2M Industry and how Operators can capitalize this space. Also, if the Wearable Technology poses any threat to the evolution of Smart Phone Industry.

Review on Indian Telecom's Spectrum Auction that was conducted in January 2014

Round up on the Indian Telecom performance in 2013 and predicting the key events and happenings in 2014.

The paper analyzes the end-to-end process of Telecom Business Transformation (which can be applied to other Industries as well). Today majority of the Telcos around the globe are engaged in a business transformation in some form or the other. A business transformation is required to keep pace with the internal and/or the external factors within the Telco. An internal factor maybe defined as an initiative which is driven from within the organization, example “Sustenance like keeping pace with… Show more

The paper analyzes the end-to-end process of Telecom Business Transformation (which can be applied to other Industries as well). Today majority of the Telcos around the globe are engaged in a business transformation in some form or the other. A business transformation is required to keep pace with the internal and/or the external factors within the Telco. An internal factor maybe defined as an initiative which is driven from within the organization, example “Sustenance like keeping pace with the subscriber growth”. While on the other hand, an external factor may also drive an organization to initiate a business transformation like the readiness for Mobile Number Portability.

Business Transformations are critical to the success of an organization in near as well as long term. The same is required to provide the necessary fillip to an organization and the competitive advantage in the market place. Therefore, getting a business transformation “first time right” is crucial and the paper analyzes all aspects that essentially contribute to the success of a transformation program: Definition of Business Case, Resource deployment, Planning & Budgeting, Partner & Product Selection, Stakeholder Management, Performance Management, Change Management and overall Program Management.

The paper aims at assimilating the knowledge garnered during the implementation of large scale telecom business transformations within and outside the country. And present the key challenges faced by various Telcos in an anecdote manner and introspects the proactive resolution that would have helped in the transformation journey. Show less

The article was published in the October 2013 Special Edition focusing on "Impact of Currency Volatility" of Communications Today magazine.

The article analyzes the overall telecom debt in the present context and in wake of sudden rupee depreciation vis-a-vis dollar. The impact on currency volatility has been analyzed across some of the key incumbents namely Bharti Airtel, Idea Cellular and Reliance Communications. The publication further introspect the impact on Operator's Operating… Show more

The article was published in the October 2013 Special Edition focusing on "Impact of Currency Volatility" of Communications Today magazine.

The article analyzes the overall telecom debt in the present context and in wake of sudden rupee depreciation vis-a-vis dollar. The impact on currency volatility has been analyzed across some of the key incumbents namely Bharti Airtel, Idea Cellular and Reliance Communications. The publication further introspect the impact on Operator's Operating expenses and on the Equipment Manufacturers. Future telecom outlook in wake of upcoming auctions has also been analyzed. Show less

The article was published in the August 2013 Financial Special Edition of Communications Today magazine.

The article analyzes the Financial Heath of the Indian Telecom Industry. It defines the contemporary challenges being faced by the Indian MNOs and provides a perspective on the key factors responsible for the current state.The article further adds some of the solutions that has been introduced by the regulator or the government that would alleviate the industry from the debt burden.

The article was published in the June 2013 Technology Special Edition of Communications Today magazine.

The global paradigm shift in the Telecom sector has been defined as the primary reason why Telcos are looking forward to next generation data technologies like 4G. The critical aspects of 4G Deployment Strategy has been illustrated through the R.I.T.E.S. Model defined by the Author. The relevance of 4G in India has also been touched-upon in the publication.

The article was presented at the International Conference on "Managing Change in Business and Economy" under the track titled "Contemporary Marketing Practices and Framework for Change".

Authored the article titled “Fillip to Growth - State rides on strong telecom infrastructure” on Gujarat Telecom Infrastructure which has been published in the Second Anniversary Edition of Gujarat Infrastructure Magazine (2011)

About the Magazine: The mission of Gujarat Infrastructure is to put a spotlight on infrastructure development in Gujarat. It will track key developments, analyse emerging trends, discuss key issues, highlight key initiatives, profile noteworthy projects and… Show more

Authored the article titled “Fillip to Growth - State rides on strong telecom infrastructure” on Gujarat Telecom Infrastructure which has been published in the Second Anniversary Edition of Gujarat Infrastructure Magazine (2011)

About the Magazine: The mission of Gujarat Infrastructure is to put a spotlight on infrastructure development in Gujarat. It will track key developments, analyse emerging trends, discuss key issues, highlight key initiatives, profile noteworthy projects and organisations, feature stakeholder perspectives and prescribe policy recommendations. It is published quarterly.The present edition is a special issue on Vibrant Gujarat held in January 2011.

Magazine URL: http://www.indiainfrastructure.com/mags.html Show less

Authored the article titled “The Art of Socializing, Mobilizing, Localizing, & Monetizing” on Location based Mobile Social Networking.

Magazine URL:http://thinkingaloud.in

A FICCI-KPMG Report entitled ‘Broadband for All’ reveals that telecom companies, whose operating margins are under pressure due to usage of multiple SIMs, multiple tariff corrections and rising competition, are keenly awaiting the roll-out of 3G and BWA to bolster the maturing urban markets and enhance margins.

The report was released by Mr. Kapil Sibal, Union Minister for Communications & IT, at the inaugural session of ‘India Telecom 2010’. Also present on the occasion were Mr. Gurudas… Show more

A FICCI-KPMG Report entitled ‘Broadband for All’ reveals that telecom companies, whose operating margins are under pressure due to usage of multiple SIMs, multiple tariff corrections and rising competition, are keenly awaiting the roll-out of 3G and BWA to bolster the maturing urban markets and enhance margins.

The report was released by Mr. Kapil Sibal, Union Minister for Communications & IT, at the inaugural session of ‘India Telecom 2010’. Also present on the occasion were Mr. Gurudas Kamat and Mr. Sachin Pilot, Ministers of State for Communications and IT, Mr. R Chandrasekhar, Secretary, Department of Telecommunications & IT and Mr Rajan Bharti Mittal, President, FICCI, Dr. Amit Mitra, Secretary General FICCI and Mr. Romal Shetty, Head of Telecom, KPMG in India

The primary aim of the ‘Broadband for All’ movement is to ensure that all Indians are able to connect with the world and are able to remotely access basic facilities like health, education, banking, commerce, entertainment, utility and e-governance services to enhance their quality of life.

The title chapter "Broadband for All" has been written by Sohag Sarkar

Publication Release Event URL: http://www.ficci.com/past-Events-page.asp?evid=20473 Show less

Authored the article titled “Monetizing the Convergence of Social Networking, Mobile Phones & Location based Services” on Location based Mobile Social Networking which has been published in the Telecom Business Review yearly magazines.

Magazine URL:http://sitm.ac.in/SITM_corner_telecom_business_review.asp

This report provides an overview of how the telecom industry has developed over the last few years, with a special emphasis on key trends impacting the industry today. This report also discusses the impact that this sector has had in promoting the agenda of inclusive growth.

The chapter titled "Global Telecommunications Market" has been written by Sohag Sarkar.

"I am delighted to address the special session on Telecom for Inclusive Growth. I extend my greetings to the… Show more

This report provides an overview of how the telecom industry has developed over the last few years, with a special emphasis on key trends impacting the industry today. This report also discusses the impact that this sector has had in promoting the agenda of inclusive growth.

The chapter titled "Global Telecommunications Market" has been written by Sohag Sarkar.

"I am delighted to address the special session on Telecom for Inclusive Growth. I extend my greetings to the organizers, members from the industry, government and academia and distinguished guests. Today morning, I received the "Indian Telecom Success Story" prepared as a part of "India Telecom 2009" by FICCI and KPMG. This document is very comprehensive and my greetings. In the conclusion of this document, the need and importance of telecom penetration in the rural areas, with value added services has been highlighted. It also brings out the need for provision of broadband connectivity to the rural areas. Based on this conclusion, I re-arranged my talk this morning to emphasize the need of connecting a billion people for inclusive growth. Hence the title of my talk is "Connectivity for the Billion"
- Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam, President of India; Address during the special session on Telecom for Inclusive Growth – India Telecom 2009 Show less

The Business Paper titled "Impact of Celebrity Endorsement" tries to look beyond the benefits that might be derived out of celebrity endorsement. It tries to understand the process of consumer psychology and impact of celebrity endorsement on the overall process of brand building. The in-depth study of various models brings to light the complexities pertaining to celebrity endorsement. Analyzing its success is as much a necessity as is the understanding of its need. The importance of celebrity… Show more

The Business Paper titled "Impact of Celebrity Endorsement" tries to look beyond the benefits that might be derived out of celebrity endorsement. It tries to understand the process of consumer psychology and impact of celebrity endorsement on the overall process of brand building. The in-depth study of various models brings to light the complexities pertaining to celebrity endorsement. Analyzing its success is as much a necessity as is the understanding of its need. The importance of celebrity management has been emphasized to realize success or failure in its true sense. A symbiotic model has been proposed to define: how to make celebrity endorsement a win-win situation for both the brand and the brand-endorser.

This business paper was selected and awarded by CoolAvenues.com

Publisher URL: http://www.coolavenues.com/know/mktg/sohag_sarkar1.php Show less

The research paper highlights the various components of a Telecom Billing Solution and describes the concept of Convergent Billing in the Telecom space.

Publisher URL: http://sitm.ac.in/Studentprojectlist.aspx?cat=RP

“There are no such things as limits to growth, because there are no limits to the human capacity for intelligence, imagination, and wonder"
-Ronald Reagan

“Incredible India” is a theme which is promoting brand “India”. And sixty percent of India comprises of rural India. Unless you are a good sales executive; it is difficult to pronounce anything incredible happening in the rural part of India.

E-commerce together with Information & Communication Technologies (ICT) holds great… Show more

“There are no such things as limits to growth, because there are no limits to the human capacity for intelligence, imagination, and wonder"
-Ronald Reagan

“Incredible India” is a theme which is promoting brand “India”. And sixty percent of India comprises of rural India. Unless you are a good sales executive; it is difficult to pronounce anything incredible happening in the rural part of India.

E-commerce together with Information & Communication Technologies (ICT) holds great promise for the socio-economic development of rural hinterlands in India. The growth of Indian economy depends upon the growth of so-called population that forms the “Bottom of the Pyramid” of which Mr. CK Prahalad speaks of. It is also difficult to attain the 10% growth rate which we strive to achieve every year. The agricultural contribution towards the GDP is on a decline. This paper tries to explore how the use of e-commerce can bring about changes in the lives of the rural population and fuel economic growth & development.

The use of e-commerce by the rural poor leads to efficient price discovery and offers economy of transaction for agricultural trading. Above all it tries to acknowledge the problem of “Asymmetry of Information”. And unless this is not done away with, we cannot provide a level-playing field to the people of rural India.

By this paper, the implementation of a rural e-commerce project has been proposed by using a strategic model. And various rural e-commerce applications have been recommended together with success stories of similar projects. Presently the policy makers, administrative workers and citizens are at a loggerhead while rural businesses are still waiting to take off. To carry forward the “India shining” campaign, all we need to do is to:

“Act, act in the present. And trust no future however pleasant”

Publisher URL: http://www.coolavenues.com/paper/papers_2.htm Show less