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SIDA Speaks: November Edition – Cybersecurity for Small Businesses

SiDA News & Events, SIDA News & Events / / / , , , , , , ,

Date: November 27, 2024 | Location: JC Residency, Madurai

Event Recap

The November edition of SIDA SPEAKS brought members together for an enriching session on Cybersecurity and its Importance for Businesses, coupled with meaningful networking opportunities. The evening was filled with impactful discussions, actionable insights, and collaborative energy.

Highlights

  • High-Tea Networking: Members began the event with a lively networking session over delicious snacks.
  • Welcome Address: President Mr. Prabhuram delivered a warm welcome and set the evening’s theme: cybersecurity as a critical business need.
  • SIDA Updates: Secretary Mr. Saravana Pandian shared key developments, including:
    • The office bearers’ meeting with the Honorable IT Minister.
    • Collaboration with PSYEC on the CyberSecurity Cluster.
    • The launch of SIDA Tech Talks, with guidelines explained by EC Member Mr. Muthukumar.
  • Introduction of New Member: Mr. Ramasamy Kannapan Jegannathan introduced BS Technology and shared their organizational contributions.
  • Keynote Session: Mr. Ashok Kumar presented “Data Breaches in Small Businesses: How to Prevent Losses and Protect Your Business,” supported by real-life examples and practical solutions.
  • Demonstration: The Kriyavan Cyber Forensic Services team demonstrated common cybercriminal tactics and ways to counteract them effectively.
  • Speaker Felicitation: Mr. Yashwant Rao honored Mr. Ashok Kumar for his insightful session.
  • Closing Note: Treasurer Mr. Suresh concluded the evening with a vote of thanks, highlighting the memorable discussions and teasing exciting upcoming events.

Acknowledgments

The SIDA Leadership Team expresses its heartfelt gratitude to the attendees, speaker Mr. Ashok Kumar, and the team from Kriyavan Cyber Forensic Services. Special thanks to Mr. Ramasamy Kannapan Jegannathan for representing BS Technology and to EC Member Mr. Muthukumar for his efforts in guiding the SIDA Tech Talks initiative. Our sincere gratitude also goes to Treasurer Mr. Suresh for organizing the session and sharing his enthusiasm for future events.

Looking Ahead

SIDA is dedicated to fostering innovation and supporting SMEs in Tamil Nadu’s IT ecosystem. We remain committed to bringing more meaningful collaborations, events, and initiatives that empower our members and the industry.

Stay Connected

For more news and updates, visit our website.

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If you would like to organise similar initiatives, host a company visit, or refer new members to SIDA, please connect with us at: treasurer@sidatn.org.

 

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SIDA Leadership Team Met Honourable IT Minister

SiDA News & Events, SIDA News & Events / / / , , , , , , ,

Date: October 20, 2024. | Location: Madurai

News Update

On the pre-noon of October 20th, 2024, the SIDA Leadership Team had the distinct privilege of meeting with the Honourable Dr. Palanivel Thiagarajan, Minister of Information Technology and Digital Services, Government of Tamil Nadu, at his Madurai office. The team—President Mr. Prabhuram Ramamurthy, Treasurer Mr. N. Suresh, Secretary Mr. Saravana Pandian S.A., and Vice President Mr. M. Kutti Sankar—presented the vision and work of SIDA and engaged in a productive dialogue with the Honourable Minister. The discussion focused on shared goals of strengthening the IT ecosystem in Tamil Nadu, with a particular emphasis on IT SMEs.

Key Discussions

  • Silicon Valley Vision: The Honourable Minister shared his vision for creating a Silicon Valley-type IT cluster in Tamil Nadu, designed to foster innovation and technological growth.
  • Support for IT SMEs: The Honourable Minister spoke about the importance of mid-level IT companies and SMEs in driving economic and technological development in the state.
  • Commitment to Collaboration: Both SIDA and the Honourable Minister reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening the IT ecosystem and supporting businesses in Tamil Nadu.
  • Extensive Engagement: The meeting extended beyond the allotted time, with meaningful dialogue on leadership, innovation, and the future of IT in South Tamil Nadu.

Acknowledgments

The SIDA Leadership Team expresses its heartfelt gratitude to the Honourable Dr. Palanivel Thiagarajan for his time, insights, and continued support. Special thanks to our Vice President, Mr. M. Kutti Sankar, for his dedicated efforts in making this meeting happen. We also extend our thanks to the entire SIDA Leadership Team for facilitating this important conversation.

Looking Ahead

SIDA remains committed to fostering an environment that supports innovation and growth in the IT sector, particularly for SMEs. We look forward to future collaborations and initiatives that will drive our shared vision forward.

Thank you to all who continue to support SIDA. Stay tuned for upcoming news and initiatives as we work together to build a brighter future for Tamil Nadu’s IT industry.

Stay Connected

For more news and updates, visit our website.

Follow us on:
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If you would like to organise similar initiatives, host a company visit, or refer new members to SIDA, please connect with us at: treasurer@sidatn.org.

 

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SIDA Coffee Chat – Innovator Insights with Alagu Periyannan

SIDA News & Events, SiDA News & Events, SIDA Speaks / / / , , ,

Date: October 11, 2024
Location: JC Residency, Madurai

Event Recap

On October 11th, 2024, SIDA held a memorable Coffee Chat session with Alagu Periyannan, technology entrepreneur and former CTO of BlueJeans Network. Despite the Pooja holidays, 32 members gathered, showing their enthusiasm for engaging in an insightful discussion on tech innovation and leadership. The session, hosted by Mr. Ashwin Desai and SIDA President Mr. Prabhuram Ramamurthy, allowed attendees to learn from Alagu’s journey from Madurai to Silicon Valley.

Event Highlights

  • Innovation Strategies: Alagu shared valuable insights on staying ahead in a constantly evolving tech landscape.
  • Product Management Expertise: His approach to product innovation and scaling ventures globally provided actionable advice.
  • Silicon Valley Insights: Alagu recounted his experiences at Apple during the acquisition of his company, reflecting on leadership and entrepreneurial growth.
  • Commitment to SIDA: He expressed interest in future meet-ups and pledged to support SIDA members during his visits to India.
  • Extended Discussion: The interactive Q&A extended the session, with attendees actively engaging in meaningful dialogue on leadership, entrepreneurship, and innovation.

Acknowledgments

Special thanks to Mr. Ashwin Desai and Mr. Prabhuram Ramamurthy for their excellent hosting. We extend our gratitude to Alagu Periyannan for sharing his incredible journey, and to the 32 members who attended, demonstrating their dedication to learning and networking.

Looking Ahead

SIDA is committed to providing enriching experiences for our members. We look forward to hosting more insightful events like this to inspire and support our community’s growth.

Thank you for your continued support. Stay tuned for upcoming events, where we’ll continue to explore innovation, leadership, and technology in today’s fast-changing world.

Stay Connected

For more event highlights and to explore future opportunities, visit our website.

Follow us on:
LinkedIn Instagram Facebook Website

If you would like to organise similar events, host a company visit, or refer new members to SIDA, please connect with us at: treasurer@sidatn.org.

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SIDA SPEAKS – Government Schemes for IT/ITES Companies

SiDA News & Events, SIDA News & Events, SIDA Speaks / /

Date: August 28, 2024
Location: JC Residency, Madurai

Event Recap

On August 28th, 2024, the Software Industries Development Association (SIDA) hosted an insightful session titled “SIDA SPEAKS – Government Schemes for IT/ITES Companies” at JC Residency, Madurai. The event brought together industry professionals and experts to explore various government schemes designed to support the growth and innovation of IT/ITES companies in India.

Event Highlights

  • Welcome Address: SIDA’s President, Mr. Prabhuram, kicked off the evening with a warm welcome and a review of SIDA’s recent activities. His address highlighted the crucial role of government support in fostering industry growth.
  • Research Collaboration Opportunities: Mrs. Jeyalakshmi delivered a compelling presentation on the research collaboration opportunities available to industries, emphasizing how strategic partnerships supported by government initiatives can drive innovation.
  • Keynote Session by Dr. Gokulakrishnan: The evening’s keynote session was led by Dr. R. Gokulakrishnan, Additional Director of the Software Technology Parks of India (STPI). He provided an in-depth overview of:
    • STPI’s objectives and contributions to the Indian IT industry.
    • Strategies for managing software exports for both B2B and B2C markets.
    • STPI’s services, including Data Centers, VPAT, Incubation, Project Management, and High-Speed Data Connectivity.
    • How to effectively leverage government schemes designed to support IT/ITES businesses.
  • Interactive Q&A Session: Attendees actively participated in a Q&A session with Dr. Gokulakrishnan, gaining practical insights on how to make the most of the available government schemes. The interactive discussion provided actionable advice tailored to the needs of IT/ITES companies.
  • Vote of Thanks and Networking: The event concluded with a vote of thanks from SIDA’s Secretary, Mr. Saravana Pandian, followed by a networking session over high tea. This provided an excellent opportunity for participants to connect, share experiences, and explore potential collaborations.

Acknowledgments

We extend our gratitude to our past President, Mr. Varadharajan, for honoring the speakers, and to Mr. Sankar Ganesh for his outstanding coordination efforts. We also appreciate the continued support from our EC Team members: Mr. TS Siva, Mr. Suresh, Mr. Kuttishankar, Mr. Sivasankar, Mr. Subramaniam, Mr. Muthukumar, and Mr. Ramesh.

Looking Ahead

SIDA is dedicated to providing valuable insights and support to the IT/ITES community. We are excited to continue hosting events that help businesses capitalize on government resources to achieve their objectives.

Thank you for your continued support. We look forward to seeing you at our future events, where we will continue to explore and grow in technology and innovation.

Stay Connected

For more event insights and to explore upcoming opportunities, visit our website.

Follow us on:
LinkedIn Instagram Facebook Website

If you would like to organize similar events, arrange a visit to your company to share your story, or refer a new company for SIDA membership, please connect with us at: treasurer@sidatn.org.

Thank you for your continued support. Stay tuned for more exciting updates as we continue to explore and grow in technology and innovation!

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SIDA TREKs: A & T Video Networks Pvt. Ltd. Visit

SIDA News & Events, SiDA News & Events / /

SIDA TREKs: Visit A & T VIDEO NETWORKS PRIVATE LIMITED

Event: SIDA TREKs
Date: 26th July 2024 (Friday)
Time: 15:30 – 17:00
Host: Mr. Ashwin Desai, MD and CEO of A & T VIDEO NETWORKS PRIVATE LIMITED, Past President & Founding Member of SIDA

We had an exceptional SIDA TREKs session, where Mr. Ashwin Desai set a high bar for future events. The event began with a tour of A & T Video Networks Ltd, showcasing their 25-year history and advanced facilities. Mr. Desai shared his entrepreneurial journey, emphasizing how he adapted his business to market changes, the importance of customer care, and key lessons learned.

Key Insights:

  • Run with passion, not just for financial gain.
  • Collaborate with partners to overcome weaknesses.
  • Balance Marketing, Operations, and Innovation.
  • Train consistently, like top athletes.
  • Prioritize cash flow alongside top and bottom lines.

Attendees toured A & T’s manufacturing facility, explored various video conferencing products, and learned about potential collaboration opportunities for SIDA members. The event concluded with delicious snacks and tea, leaving everyone inspired and appreciative of the insights shared.

Thank you, Mr. Ashwin Desai, for the warm hospitality and invaluable insights. Thanks to all SIDA members for your continued support!

Thank you for your continued support. We look forward to seeing you at our future events, where we continue to explore and grow in technology and innovation.

We would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone who joined and contributed to making this event a success!

Stay Connected:

For more event insights and to explore upcoming opportunities, visit our website.

Follow us on:
LinkedInInstagramFacebookWebsite

If you would like to organize similar events or arrange a visit to your company to share your story, or if you’re interested in sponsorship opportunities,  please connect with us at:  treasurer@sidatn.org

Thank you for your continued support. We look forward to seeing you at our future events as we continue to explore and grow in technology and innovation. Stay tuned for more exciting updates!

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SIDA SPEAKs: Compliance – A Key Business Enabler

SiDA News & Events, SIDA News & Events / /

🌟 SIDA Speaks: Amazing Session on HR Compliance! 🌟

We had a fantastic session on HR Compliance – A Key Business Enabler with Mr. Ganesh and Mr. Navaneethan on Thursday, 27th June 2024 from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM IST at StartupTN Madurai Regional Hub, Corporation Office, Madurai 625020.

They expertly navigated through the maze of labour and procedural compliance with ease.

Key Takeaways:

  • Understanding acts, rules, and applicability
  • Employer obligations towards employees
  • Essential procedural compliance
  • Exemptions for the IT/ITES industry
  • Industry best practices and guidelines

Mr. Ganesh and Mr. Navaneethan kept us engaged with practical examples and FAQs that answered common queries from software companies like ours.

Special Thanks to @startuptn for sponsoring the venue and Mr. Vinoth for sharing their activities.

The event was a great success, with @Ramesh as MC, @Sivasankar delivering the welcome address, @Saravanapandian giving the vote of thanks, and @Muneeswaran, @Kuttisankar, and @subramaniam honoring the dignitaries.

We ended with networking and announced an upcoming business survey to list our member capabilities.

Thank you to everyone who joined and contributed!

Follow us on:

LinkedInInstagramFacebookWebsite

Thank you for your continued support. We look forward to seeing you at our future events, where we continue to explore and grow in technology and innovation.

Stay tuned for more!

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Workshop on “Go To Market Strategy”

SIDA, SIDA Speaks / /

On the 5th of September, 2023, the Marriott in Madurai was abuzz with enthusiastic professionals and entrepreneurs. The event, jointly hosted by NASSCOM and SIDA, titled “Arriving at the Right Go-To-Market Strategy,” was an overwhelming success, providing attendees with unique insights into the world of marketing.

A hearty thank you to NASSCOM for collaborating with SIDA to make this event possible. Such partnerships are a testament to our shared commitment to fostering knowledge-sharing and growth in the industry.

We were honored to have Mr. Ajeesh Venugopal as the key speaker for the event. His expertise and insights into marketing strategies were enlightening. Ajeesh seamlessly covered various critical aspects of marketing, right from the basic differences between marketing and sales to the intricate details of brand positioning. Every topic he touched upon was backed by real-life examples, making the session both informative and engaging.

Kudos to Guhan from NASSCOM for moderating the session. His ability to steer the conversation and ensure a smooth flow of the workshop is truly commendable.

Some of the significant takeaways from the workshop were:

  • Understanding the subtle differences and interplay between Marketing vs. Sales.
  • Tailored Marketing Techniques suitable for both product and service-based companies.
  • The synergy of Marketing Driven Sales & Sales Driven Marketing.
  • Building a robust Business Model and its essentials.
  • Crafting impactful Go-to-Market Plans.
  • The art and science behind effective Brand Positioning.
  • Exploring the ever-evolving world of Digital Marketing Strategies.

The interactive nature of the session was its highlight, with members from both SIDA and NASSCOM actively participating in the discussions. It was heartening to see so much passion and curiosity about the trends in the marketing field.

Furthermore, the event provided a wonderful opportunity for members from both organizations to network, share experiences, and forge new connections.

To all our members and attendees, thank you for making this event a memorable one. We look forward to many more such enlightening sessions in the future.

For more updates on upcoming events and news, stay tuned to our website!

 

If you missed the event, don’t worry – we’ll be sharing more updates and insights from the event on our social media channels.

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Thank you for your continued support, and we look forward to seeing you at our future events!

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cybersecurity

Cybersecurity – Risks and Mitigation on July 4, 2023

SIDA, SIDA Speaks / / /
We are excited to share the enlightening sessions delivered by our esteemed speakers, Prabhuram Ramamurthy, and Manikandan S., during the “SIDA SPEAKS: Cybersecurity – Risks and Mitigation” event held on July 4, 2023. Prabhuram Ramamurthy, CEO of Ramar Tech, provided valuable insights into cybersecurity risks by highlighting real-time events and their implications. His expertise shed light on the following key areas:
  • Understanding Cybersecurity Risks: Prabhuram explained organizations’ various internal and external risks in today’s digital landscape. He created awareness about the potential consequences of cyber intrusions and attacks by examining real-life examples and case studies.
  • Security Audits and Protection Strategies: He emphasized the importance of regular security audits to identify vulnerabilities and implement effective protection strategies. Prabhuram shared best practices and proactive measures to safeguard systems and sensitive data from unauthorized access.
On the other hand, Manikandan S., IT Insurance consultant and Joint Managing Director at SM Insurance Zone, focused on cybersecurity insurance policies and raising awareness within organizations. His insights covered the following key aspects:
  • Cybersecurity Insurance Policies: Manikandan explained the significance of cybersecurity insurance in providing financial protection to organizations during cyber incidents. He detailed the coverage options available, such as data breach response, business interruption, and network security liability, helping organizations make informed decisions about their insurance needs.
  • Raising Awareness: Recognizing cybersecurity as a collective responsibility, Manikandan emphasized the importance of creating a cybersecurity-aware culture within organizations. Organizations can significantly reduce the risk of successful attacks by promoting awareness and educating employees about cyber threats.
We extend our heartfelt appreciation to Prabhuram Ramamurthy and Manikandan S. for their valuable contributions to educating and creating awareness about cybersecurity risks and insurance policies. Their insights will help organizations enhance their cybersecurity posture and mitigate potential threats. If you missed the event, don’t worry – we’ll be sharing more updates and insights from the event on our social media channels. Follow us on

Thank you for your continued support, and we look forward to seeing you at our future events!

#SIDASpeaks #CybersecurityRisks #CybersecurityInsurance #Awareness #SIDAEvents #SoftwareIndustry #SIDATN

Prabhuram

Prabhuram Ramamurthy (CISA)
CEO, Ramar Tech
IT Audit and Cybersecurity expert

Mani

Manikandan S. (CISA)
JMD  SM Insurance Zone
Renowned IT Insurance consultant

We would like to extend our sincere gratitude to all of SIDA’s executive committee members for their tireless efforts and dedication to the organization. Their hard work and commitment have made it possible for SIDA to provide valuable resources and opportunities to its members.

Our sincere thanks to our EC members,

And members for their support in conducting such a fantastic event.

We would also like to express our thanks to all of the attendees who have supported SIDA’s events and initiatives. Your presence and participation have been critical to the success of our events and we appreciate and and look forward  your continued support in the future.

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AI & ML with AWS’s Ramanuja Vidyanta on March 27th, 2023

SIDA, SIDA News & Events, SIDA Speaks / / / , , , , ,

We’re excited to announce that the SIDA SPEAKS Event AWS’s AI & Machine Learning Services was a great success! The event took place on 27th March 2023 at the Courtyard by Marriott Madurai, and more than 50 member companies participated.

During the event, Mr. Ramanuja Vidyanta, an AI & ML Specialist from AWS, provided valuable insights into how AI & Machine Learning can help improve operational processes, reduce risk, increase revenue, enhance customer experience, and innovate on new products and services. He also discussed the services’ breadth and how to use them to infuse ML in applications or build new models. The event also showcased prominent use cases across various industries, such as Financial Services, Manufacturing, Retail, Media, and Healthcare.

We’re grateful to all the attendees who made this event a success. We’re committed to providing value to our members, and we believe that events like this are crucial for our community’s growth and development. SIDA will continue to organize informative events that help our members stay ahead of the curve and thrive in their respective industries.

If you missed the event, don’t worry – we’ll be sharing more updates and insights from the event on our social media channels. 

Follow us on

to stay up-to-date with our latest news and events.

Thank you for your continued support, and we look forward to seeing you at our future events!

#SIDAEvents #AI #MachineLearning #AWS #Innovation #BusinessGrowth

 

Mr. Suraj Ramesh

AI & Machine Learning Specialist, AWS
 
 
 
 

We would like to extend our sincere gratitude to all of SIDA’s executive committee members for their tireless efforts and dedication to the organization. Their hard work and commitment have made it possible for SIDA to provide valuable resources and opportunities to its members.

Our sincere thanks to our EC members,

And members for their support in conducting such a fantastic event.

We would also like to express our thanks to all of the attendees who have supported SIDA’s events and initiatives. Your presence and participation have been critical to the success of our events and we appreciate and and look forward  your continued support in the future.

AI & ML with AWS’s Ramanuja Vidyanta on March 27th, 2023 Read More »

Exclusion from ‘tech city’ undermines Madurai’s growth potential: IT cos

SIDA News & Events / /

MADURAI: Madurai-based IT companies feel that the city should have been included in the state government’s plans to set up Tamil Nadu Tech City (TN Tech City) as it has high growth potential with a big manpower to boot. Chennai, Coimbatore and Hosur were proposed in the state budget for the project to promote Tamil Nadu as a global hub for IT and ITES, and cater to the growing need for office space.

Techies in Madurai point out the interest evinced by investors in city-based IT companies. India’s top SaaS (software-as-a-service) firm, Zoho, is looking to hire around 1,300 employees for its new office under construction in Kappalur. Experts say if a market leader like Zoho is ready to invest in the Madurai region, it shows the potential of the city. Members of Software Industries Development Association (SIDA), a cluster of 55 IT and ITeS industries in Madurai, said big companies are acquiring Madurai-based companies as they are performing well. Recently, Happiest Minds Technologies acquired Sri Mookambika Infosolutions for Rs 111 crore. Teeyes Siva, president of SIDA, said, IT companies in the city have to group under a single umbrella to show the city’s potential to the state. “In Madurai, we have IT companies in all domains,” he said.

Read more at:
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/98930939.cms?utm_source=contentofinterest&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=cppst

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