SIDA News & Events

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:
LinkedIn Instagram Facebook Website

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.

 

SIDA Leadership Team Met Honourable IT Minister Read More »

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.

SIDA Coffee Chat – Innovator Insights with Alagu Periyannan Read More »

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!

SIDA SPEAKS – Government Schemes for IT/ITES Companies Read More »

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!

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

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!

SIDA SPEAKs: Compliance – A Key Business Enabler Read More »

SIDA Speaks: AI and ML & Analytics on AWS

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

Empowering the Future: SIDA’s AI/ML and Analytics on AWS Event 

On May 29, 2024, the Software Industries Development Association (SIDA) hosted a transformative event at the Courtyard by Marriott Madurai, focusing on the power of AI/ML and analytics on the AWS platform. Over 100 participants joined us for an enlightening day of insights and practical applications.

Event Highlights:

Welcome Address: Our Treasurer, Suresh, set the stage for an informative event.

Keynote Address by Gopalakrishnan Ramaswamy (AWS): Showcasing AWS’s commitment to AI/ML through services like Amazon SageMaker, AWS Trainium, AWS Inferentia, Amazon Bedrock, Amazon Q, and Amazon CodeWhisperer. The live demos on Amazon Q were a highlight!

 Technical Deep Dive by Dhanasingh Vinodh (AWS): Detailed insights into building, training, and deploying AI/ML solutions on AWS.

Collaboration with Workmates Core2Cloud: Melwyn Prabaharan and Nagesh Madastu highlighted collaborative opportunities and showcased their AI/ML and analytics expertise.

SIDA Updates and Member Recognition: President Prabhuram shared association updates and welcomed new members V Connect Management Services, V3 Analytics Private Limited, and Larch Technologies.

Vote of Thanks: Secretary Saravana Pandian thanked our speakers, sponsors, organizers, and attendees.

Key Takeaways:

  • Comprehensive understanding of AI/ML and analytics on AWS.
  • Insights into the latest trends and best practices.
  • Emphasis on the power of partnerships to accelerate innovation.

Acknowledgements:

A special thanks to:

  • Rajesh G (Workmates Core2Cloud): Event Coordinator
  • AWS and Workmates Core2Cloud: Event Sponsors
  • Suresh (Event Chairman): Leadership and Vision
  • SIDA Executive Committee Members: Kuttishnkar, Siva Shankar, Varadharajan, Ramesh, Subramanian, Sankar Ganesh, Ramesh iCANd, Tees Siva (Past President), and Manickavasagam M.P (Past SIDA Treasurer)

We are excited about the future and the opportunities AI/ML and analytics bring to our community!

Get Involved:

Interested in sponsoring future SIDA events? Contact our Treasurer, Suresh, at treasurer@sidatn.org.

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!

SIDA Speaks: AI and ML & Analytics on AWS Read More »

Know Your Member 2024: Meet & Connect! 

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

The Software Industries Development Association (SIDA) successfully hosted the “KYM 2024: Meet & Connect” event on April 29, 2024, at JC Residency, Madurai. This gathering was part of our ongoing effort to foster collaboration and innovation among our members.

Event Highlights

During this engaging afternoon, our newest members took the stage to share their innovative business insights and projects. The presentations covered a wide array of topics and demonstrated the vibrant entrepreneurial spirit within our community. Following the member presentations, our founders and earliest senior members, Mr. Ashwin Desai, Mr. Varadharajan Pandian, and Mr. Kathir A, each took a moment to share their thoughts and experiences, further enriching the session.

Special Recognitions

The event also served as a momentous occasion to honour our immediate past President, Mr. Teeyes Siva, immediate past Treasurer, Mr. Manickavasagam, and immediate past Secretary, Mr. Muneeswaran V. They were presented with mementoes for their unparalleled service and contributions to SIDA. Our esteemed founders and senior members made these presentations, celebrating the legacy and ongoing impact of our leadership.

Photo Memories

We captured the moments of inspiration and camaraderie during the event. We invite all members to view and share the photo album to relive the beautiful memories and perhaps spark further discussions and ideas.

Thank You to Our Members

A heartfelt thank you to all the presenters and participants who made the KYM 2024: Meet & Connect not just a meeting but a milestone event in the annual SIDA calendar. Your participation and enthusiasm are what make our community great!

We look forward to seeing you at our future events and continuing to build on the success we achieve together.

Stay Engaged

Keep an eye on our website and official communications for upcoming events and engagement opportunities. Remember, every interaction is a step towards collective growth and innovation.

If you missed the event, don’t worry – we will share updates and insights on our social media channels.

Follow us on:

LinkedIn Instagram Facebook Website

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!

Know Your Member 2024: Meet & Connect!  Read More »

Software Quality Assurance Mastery – March 22, 2024

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

Closing the financial year of 2023-24, SIDA successfully hosted a pivotal event at the Courtyard by Marriott Madurai. This gathering was both a celebration of the year’s achievements and a significant moment for leadership transition within the organisation.

We had the privilege of welcoming Mr. Yeshwanthrao Tharkeswar, a renowned authority in the technology industry. His extensive experience, shaped by prominent roles at global powerhouses such as Unilever, TCS, British Telecom, and Barclays Bank Plc, enriched the event with unparalleled SQA insights. Particularly noteworthy is his international exposure, especially in the UK market, which he generously shared with our attendees.

Session Insights

Mr. Tharkeswar’s presentation focused on contemporary challenges in software development. He shared his profound philosophy, “Quality is not an act; it is a habit,” which echoes Aristotle’s wisdom and encapsulates the essence of enduring quality practices.

Customer Expectations and Quality Assurance

Delving into customer expectations, Mr. Tharkeswar addressed crucial software attributes and emphasised that quality assurance is a proactive practice. It plays a vital role in identifying potential risks and issues at early stages, ultimately leading to resource-efficient and competitive outcomes.

4P Principle of Quality Assurance

The event highlighted the ‘4P’ principle as a foundational concept in SQA, which includes Process, Philosophy, Problem Solving, and People. This framework emphasises the importance of standards and continuous improvement in the quality assurance process.

Essential Components for SQA

Mr. Tharkeswar’s talk encompassed vital SQA components like software engineering standards, technical reviews, error correction, testing, metrics, change management, vendor management, and risk management. He underscored ongoing education as essential for keeping pace with the evolving industry.

Benefits of Robust SQA Processes

The session underscored the tangible benefits of robust SQA processes, which increase customer satisfaction, software reliability, time and cost efficiency, and compliance with regulatory standards.

Leadership Transition

In a momentous segment of the event, we welcomed the new team of office bearers entrusted with guiding SIDA into a promising future:

  • President: Mr. Prabhuram Ramamurthy, CEO of Ramar Tech
  • Treasurer: Mr. N Suresh, Managing Director of Innervex Technologies Private Limited
  • Secretary: Mr. S.A. Saravana Pandian, Managing Director of Embien Technologies India Private Limited
  • Vice President: Mr. M Kutti Sankar, Director of Saravana Infotech
  • Joint Secretary: Mr. D.Siva Sankar, Managing Director of Zealsoft Technology Solution

These leaders are committed to propelling SIDA’s mission of fostering excellence in the software industry. Their collective vision and dedication are the keystones upon which SIDA’s future endeavours will be built.

Networking and Conclusion

The day concluded with a networking dinner, creating an ideal environment for forging new professional relationships. The dinner underscored the event’s spirit of collaboration and collective advancement.

As we look ahead, we celebrate the success of this event and the direction it sets for the future. Under the stewardship of our new leaders, SIDA eagerly anticipates what lies ahead on our journey to uphold and advance excellence in the software industry.

If you missed the event, don’t worry – we will share updates and insights 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. 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!

 

Mr. Yeshwanthrao Tharkeswar

 

Oyyar Consulting Services
Independent Associate

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.

Software Quality Assurance Mastery – March 22, 2024 Read More »

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

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

Join SIDA NOW
Join SIDA NOW