Aditya Kuber

New articles

2005-10-04T09:36:00.000-07:00

September and October 2005 articles will be uploaded soon. Been a long time...

Show Windows The Door!

2005-06-01T22:16:00.000-07:00

Most of the computer-using world uses Windows while some use a Mac. But apart from these two, there is another Operating System (OS) that has gained acceptance and become popular with home and office users alike. Linux, christened after its original author Linus Torvalds, is an Open Source (meaning sources of information, code, pictures, maps, authors, and everything related is publicly viewable and openly modifiable). Linux was written when Torvalds was just a student at the University of Helsinki. In October, 1991 Torvalds posted the source code for the new kernel—the core component—version .02 on Usenet. Three years later, in 1994, version 1.0 was officially released.

Full Article
(c) The Herald

Lets Play

2005-05-26T22:25:00.000-07:00

By Aditya Kuber

Gaming consoles are starting to make a mark in India as more and more gamers discover the fantastic world of gaming. Here are some of the best options you could opt for if you are one of those who refuses to grow up!

Full Article (c) The Herald

Making Your Home A Wi-Fi Hotspot

2005-05-20T22:36:00.000-07:00

By Aditya Kuber

Wi-Fi (Wireless Fidelity) is the new buzzword and in the list of things that go to make a city the most wired one, the number of Wi-Fi hotspots is now playing a big part. Contradictory as that may sound, it’s true!
You don’t need to be a rocket scientist to figure this out. All you need is some more hardware and a few hours on a weekend and you can sit in your garden sending and receiving mails… that’s a pretty picture ain’t it?

Read Full Article
(c) The Herald

Software Industry is the top exporter

2004-11-04T03:32:00.000-08:00

A report on the rise in software exports from India and the subsequent position of the IT industry as the top exporting industry (in terms of value).
(c) The Herald

More Business Articles

Software, ITES exports surge

2004-10-09T21:25:00.000-07:00

Outcry against Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) notwithstanding, export of computer software, services and IT-enabled services grew 25 per cent during the last fiscal, clocking a whopping Rs 58,000 crore as against Rs 46,500 crore during 2002-03. A report.
(c) The Herald
More Business Articles

Technology comes before we expect it

2004-09-19T03:50:00.000-07:00

In conversation with Ajit Edlabadkar, Country Manager - India, Wind River on embedded technology and its future.
(c) The Herald
More Interviews

Me, Online!

2004-09-15T02:04:00.000-07:00

**This is just for my reference**

These are some of my articles available online:

Digit
Work Easier [PDF Warning!] - May 2005
More articles written for Digit are on The Scribbler.

Times Journal of Photography (TJP)

February 2002
Digital Camera Review
How To

March 2002
Special - Peter Lindbergh's Pirelli Calendar 2002
Digital Camera Review - Nikon Coolpix 5000
Compact Camera Review - Canon Prima Zoom 76
How To - Macro Photography
Trade Focus - Photoguide
Talk Shop - Yoshitomo Nagashima, Olympus

April 2002
Film Buying Guide - Film Guide 2002 (Cover Story)
How To - Use a Handheld Light Meter
Bookmark - Wedding and Portrait Photographers Handbook (Review)
Talk Shop - Rodd Harrison, GM, Greater Asia, Kodak

May 2002
World Class - Patrick Demarchellier
How To - Maximise Depth of Field
Self Assignment - Dabboo Ratnani
Trade Focus - Casio India (Jay International)

June 2002
How To - Saving Photos
World Class - Max Hilaire
First Frames - Women Pioneers of Photography (History of Photography)

July 2002
World Class - Tetsuro Takai
How To - Dramatise Your Photos
First Frames - Development of 35mm photography

August 2002
How To
Digital Camera Review - Kodak LS 420

December 2002
SLR Review - Nikon F80

January 2003
How To - Shooting Flowers

The Economic Times (ET)

Photo finish (Aug 18, 2003)
New Range of Nikon (Aug 27, 2003)
Zoom In (Sep 8, 2003)
Little things count (Sep 16, 2003)
Shooting Phone (Sep 28, 2003)
Killer looks (Oct 6, 2003)
Digital Curves (Oct 16, 2003)
Smile Please (Nov 10, 2003)
Click Tick (Nov 21, 2003)
A slim story (Dec 9, 2003)

Elsewhere
Acrticle from Herald referred to on Suresh Kalmadi's (MP) site (May 2004)
Article in Gomantak Times (Sept 2004)
Interview of Elizabeth Etienne on her site
Interview of Joe DiMaggio and JoAnne Kalish [PDF Warning!]

There are more that will be put up here regularly.

EDS expands operations in Pune

2004-09-09T21:19:00.000-07:00

A news report published on the expansion plans announced by EDS in Pune. EDS had set up their Pune operations on the day after offices in Hyderabad and Chennai.
(c) The Herald

More Business Articles

“We are not product hawkers”

2004-08-30T02:03:00.000-07:00

Interview with Rakesh Pandey, CEO, Kaya Skin Clinic.
(c) The Herald
More Interviews

Tata Honeywell recognised for best practices

2004-08-05T04:35:00.000-07:00

Tata Honeywell, one of the leading integrated automation software companies acknowledged for best practices.
(c) The Herald
More Business Articles

“This is a long-term Budget”

2004-07-03T01:06:00.000-07:00

Interview with Atul Kirloskar, former President, Mahratta Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture (MCCIA), Pune (India) on the Union Budget 2004-05. Excerpts.
(c) The Herald
More Interviews

“Visiting Barista is an experience”

2004-06-01T01:32:00.000-07:00

Interview with Brotin Banerjee, Head - Marketing, Strategy and Corporate Communication, Barista Coffee Co Ltd on the Indian coffee market and Barista’s expansion plans

What is your existing network like?
As of right now, we have nearly a 120 outlets in

India

and Dubai. We are planning another 60-70 this year as part of the expansion plans. Of these new outlets, 2-3 will be for Pune.

How have your revenues changed?
There has been a 20-25 per cent rise in revenues over the past year. We expect it to grow by 30-35 per cent this year. The retail industry as such gives you a low return on investment but we seem to be doing well.

How will you be expanding?
Apart from the new outlets, we will also be increasing our presence in places like malls, airports, shop-in-shop and generally widening our portfolio. Another concept that we would be introducing soon is the Corner bookstore concept. We will also be introducing a sub-brand of Barista that will cater more to the 'on-the-go' consumers who can pick up beverages and food or consume it faster. We will announce something to this in the next six months.
We have already submitted tenders for outlets in airports, mainly in Mumbai, Delhi and othermajor airports. We are also aggressively looking at expanding to mini-metros like Nasik and Nagpur and also in the Southern states.

What is the investment made per store?
We invest between 30-40 lakh per store but it can vary depending on location and the city.

What is the new Summer menu you have announced?
Seasonality is the key in the beverage business. Cold beverages do better in the summer and vice-versa. We have launched new flavours in the granitas and also introduced a frozen coffee especially for the summer.

What is the contribution of food and non-coffee products to your revenues?
Food contributes almost 35 per cent to our revenue. Tea is another good seller and almost 10 per cent of sales are of tea.

Is coffee a preferred drink in

India

?
Surprisingly, for a tea-drinking country like

India

, coffee is a popular beverage. Moreover, though, being seen in a Barista is an aspiration. Like I said, visiting a Barista is an experience.

What about competition from local brands?
Local competitors will be present in every market. But the point remains that a Barista gives you the best coffee and a hangout with it. We never pressurise our customers to buy anything. We have people coming in and sitting over a cup for hours. It's an experience being in a Barista.

As published in The Herald, Pune

“We are not interested in small outlets”

2004-05-01T01:55:00.000-07:00

Says Amit Jatia, Joint Venture Partner and Managing Director, McDonald's India Pvt Ltd

What are your expansion plans for the city?
We will be opening at least two more stores in Pune in the next 6-9 months. We are looking for the right property and then we will make the investment. But one more outlet will definitely open this financial year. We are also talking to the upcoming ICC (International Convention Centre) on Senapati Bapat Road for setting up there.

What do you look for when investing in a property?
The place has to be easily accessible. It should not be a destination. It also has to be on the main road. Moreover, the place should have a prominent frontal that would draw the crowd. There are also some specific needs the insides should fulfil. Earlier, so many requirements would make it difficult for us to get the right place and therefore, we now involve ourselves in the construction from the starting stage itself.
We were focussed on being on MG Road, but had to have the right property and when INOX came about, we grabbed it.

You have also been making changes to your menu regularly. Why?
People who visit a McDonald's like the experience, enjoy the quality and want something new whenever they return. We have always had a dynamic menu that introduces new tastes.

You have also started offering warm beverages of late. How is the response?
The response has been very good and in fact we will be introducing Cold Coffee and Iced Tea also within a week. Coca-Cola produces the Georgia brand of coffee for us in India exclusively and this will now be taken around the world. Apart from the cold beverages, we will also be adding to the dessert options this year.

How much do the beverages contribute to your revenue?
Beverages are 15 to 20 per cent of the overall sales and these include shakes as well.

Your recent ad campaign has shifted slightly from the 'Family Restaurant' theme. Is this a conscious effort to re-position yourself?
No, we are still a family restaurant. But, we realise that even within a family, there are individuals who have their needs and this campaign is to affirm that McDonald's caters to them as well. The Happy Price Menu is all about that, in fact.

What about expanding to more malls or coming up with smaller outlets for corporates?
We are not interested in small outlets. It has to be a full-fledged restaurant.

What new initiatives are you starting next?
In Mumbai, we have recently started home delivery and the same shall start in Pune in the next 3-4 months. In Mumbai, it is accounting for almost 15 per cent of the sales and we expect the same in Pune.

What about expanding to other cities in Maharashtra?
We are here for the long run and will not be in these places anytime soon. The Indian eating out market is hardly big right now. We want to drive the market first and increase this. We want to give people a reason to go out.

As published in The Herald, Pune

“We are selective about where we stock”

2004-03-01T00:12:00.000-08:00

Interview with Rajiv Merchant, CEO, Portico New York,

India

on the home décor market in

India

How important is the festive season for you?
For any company in this category, this season accounts for nearly 50 to 60 per cent of the annual turnover. Most of us stock up for the season and look for returns. We have an advertising budget of nearly Rs 4 crore and are aiming for a turnover of Rs 12 crore.

Do you normally reach the market through the retail route or through your flagship stores?
In Pune, we have no flagship stores except the one at Shopper’s Stop. In Bangalore, however, where we had the real estate, we have three. However, our plans are to expand the retail route. Add to this the fact that major furniture stores generate 30 per cent of their sales through home décor products including bath products. We are also selective about where we stock our products.

Who is your competition?
For us, Bombay Dyeing is a competitor. Currently, they account for Rs 60 crore of the market. But an even bigger competitor is the unorganised sector that is responsible for the rest of the Rs 1800 crore bed and bath market. But we look at the opportunity that exists and are sure that this is the right time to enter this market. The next player will have to invest even more to make a mark.

Who are responsible for your designs?
We have an internal design team that creates the designs. We don’t want to go in for high-flying designers and would rather invest in creating a name of our own. Portico is an investment and we need to get it to a certain level. We take on some of the best designers from places like NID and also work with international design houses for the best designs.

What are your plans for the future?
Pune is an important market for us and we are bullish about it. We have plans to expand to 15 outlets soon. We believe that Pune, Bangalore and Hyderabad are the ideal markets for promoting anything new.

What is the company’s financial situation like?
We are an export company and are worth Rs 300 crore. We have been supplying to brands like Fubu and Dockers and also have a presence overseas.

As published in The Herald, Pune (March 2004)

A slim story

2003-12-08T21:13:00.000-08:00

The new EX-S3 is equipped with a 3.2 megapixel CCD for high-resolution, clear images, and a 2.0-inch LCD monitor screen for composing and viewing images. Everything comes packed in a thin and stylish design.
(c) The Economic Times 2003.

More Reviews

Click Tick

2003-11-20T21:14:00.000-08:00

The Caplio G3 Model S from Ricoh shows a major shift in design from all previous digital cameras. The new model S has a body made from die-cast magnesium, an innovative material, both durable and attractive.
(c) The Economic Times 2003.

More Reviews

Smile Please

2003-11-09T21:14:00.000-08:00

Pentax’s Optio 550 bears a strong resemblance to its predecessors in control layout and overall design. With the lens put away, the Optio 550 measures 3.9x2.3x1.6 inches, which is just a bit too large for most average shirt pockets.
(c) The Economic Times 2003.

More Reviews

Digital curves of the Mju

2003-10-15T22:12:00.000-07:00

The Mju series of camera has now gone digital with the Mju 300 Digital. It features a 3.2-megapixel CCD, 3x lens, “all-weather” body design, and a compact size.
(c) The Economic Times 2003.

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If looks could shoot

2003-10-05T22:15:00.000-07:00

There are two features that people consider while buying a product. One is the performance and features while the second is the looks and design
(c) The Economic Times 2003.

More Reviews

Little things count

2003-09-15T22:18:00.000-07:00

The Canon Digital IXUS range of cameras has an addition in the form of Digital IXUS 400 – a 4.0mp ultra-compact digital camera. With the IXUS 400, Canon has gone for a clean look.
(c) The Economic Times 2003.

More Reviews

Photo finish

2003-08-17T22:19:00.000-07:00

With digital photography, your photos are now ready in a snap, literally. Here we take a look at Kodak, which has been a major player in digital photography with its EasyShare system.(c) The Economic Times 2003.

More Reviews

The Times Journal of Photography [JUL 2002]

2002-07-06T04:50:00.000-07:00

People who changed Photography [Feature-Part III]
Development of 35mm camera and photography

Dramatise your Photographs [Tutorial]
A 'How To' on making your photos more attractive

Vivitar Vivicam 3725 [Product Review]
Vivitar is a name that is very well known in amateur photography circles for the entry level SLR's that have been so popular for the last few years.

Kodak EasyShare 4900 [Product Review]
The Kodak DX4900 was announced two days before PMA 2002 and has recently made its way to India.

Tetsuro Takai [Interview]
We had taken a peek into Tetsuro Takai’s fascinating world of photography in our special issue in January 2002. We caught up with him again and probed deeper to understand what goes in HIS world...

The Times Journal of Photography [JUN 2002]

2002-06-04T04:39:00.000-07:00

The Digital Revolutionaries [Cover Story]
The top four D-SLRs compared

People who shaped photography [Feature-Part II]
Women photographers from the early years

Saving Photographs [Tutorial]
The best ways to save your photographs!

Nikon Coolpix 2500 [Product Review]
The Nikon Coolpix 2500 was announced as a part of Nikon's new product range at PMA 2002. The 2500 is targeted at a young and trendy user, who is looking for quick easy to use and good-looking digital cameras but cameras which can also deliver a certain level of image quality.

Max Hilaire [Interview]
"Photography was a second choice career after French literature...

The Times Journal of Photography [MAY 2002]

2002-05-03T04:32:00.000-07:00

Which entry-level SLR to buy? [Review]
Choices are plenty and it can be quite a difficult decision to make when it comes to choosing your first SLR.

Patrick Demarchelier [Interview]
Patrick Demarchelier's career in Photography - beginning 1963 - has spanned more than three decades, a period that has witnessed major shifts in the ways that the photographic image is looked at and understood.

People who shaped photography [Feature]
A look at the people who shaped photography over the centuries

Maximise Depth of Field [Tutorial]
An oft spoken of subject in photography is Depth-of-field. How to make the most of it? How to get it most?

Dabboo Ratnani [Tutorial]
Personal work shared exclusively with TJP.

Casio GV 10 [Product Review]
This is a camera that looks cute rather than elegant. It is the kind that will appeal more to the Generation-X than serious photographers.

Jayesh Mehta [Interview]
“No MNC can ignore us.”

Articles published in 'The Times Journal of Photography'. (c) The Times Journal of Photography

The Times Journal of Photography [APR 2002]

2002-04-02T03:17:00.000-08:00

Film Guide 2002 [Review]
Who hasn’t overheard a customer in a photo shop saying, “I’d like a roll of film, please,” followed by the reply “Certainly. What kind?” which causes a puzzled look to appear on the shopper’s face.

Is this Kodak’s best ever? [Exclusive Review]
Adaptability, Flexibility, Resourcefulness, Usefulness… can also be described in just one word- Versatility. Or as photography lexicon would now know it, Kodak Max!

Using handheld light meters [Tutorial]
Since the advent of the early selenium cell light meters in the 30s, light meters have come a long way.

Olympus Camedia C-2100 UZ [Review]
From the back it would be easy to confuse the C-2100UZ with a C-2020Z, except for the larger storage compartment / hand grip and electronic viewfinder.

Subhash Sharma [Review]
A mechanical engineer from the University of Pune, Subhash has been doing digital photography for the last 2 years.

Ron Rosenstock [Interview]
I have always been a visual person. I can remember when I was less than a year old, lying on a blanket in my Grandmother’s garden, watching the clouds go by.

Anil Kathuria [Interview]
We spoke to him and found out more about the company and its history, activities and plans for the future.

Rod Harrison [Interview]
“We don’t really have any competition” feels Rodd Harrison, Regional Product/Marketing Manager for Inkjet & Display Products, Greater Asia Region, Kodak.

The Times Journal of Photography [MAR 2002]

2002-03-04T02:58:00.000-08:00

Macro Photography [Tutorial]
Simply speaking, taking close-up pictures of small things is called ‘macro photography’.

Nikon Coolpix 5000 [Product Review]
The Coolpix 5000 is a 5-megapixel-prosumer camera that can easily be regarded as the one of the best available in the market right now. It borrows its design hints from the 885 than previous prosumer Coolpix models.

Canon Prima Zoom 76 [Product Review]
Digital or conventional is the major question today. Once you have decided on that, however, comes an even deeper question. Which one? Well… the choices are plenty.

Peter Lindbergh’s Pirelli Calendar 2002 [Review]
For the 2002 Pirelli Calendar, actresses were chosen instead of models, and in true Pirelli style, they are tastefully clothed, giving the calendar a subtle and transparent vulnerability. In keeping with current contemporary trends, Pirelli believes that total nudity is no longer fashionable and have created a masterpiece that will remain timeless.

Yoshitomo Nagashima, Olympus [Interview]
"There is a decreasing demand for conventional products" feels Yoshitomo Nagashima of Olympus. We caught up with him at Photofair 2002 and found out what he has to sya about the Indian market and the exhibition.

A World of Photography [Interview]
Photography stores are a world in themselves. But only rarely do you encounter an establishment that offers you everything under the photographic sun.

All articles published in
'The Times Journal of Photography', November 2001.
(c) The Times Journal of Photography

The Times Journal of Photography [JAN 2002]

2002-01-04T03:48:00.000-08:00

A link on Jay Silverman's website about his interview that was published in TJP's Anniversary issue. His Interview.

The Times Journal of Photography [DEC 2001]

2001-12-04T02:22:00.000-08:00

Rakesh Srestha [Interview]
He recommends photography as a profession to everybody all the time. In the past 20 years, he has captured more glamour in his camera than anyone else. Meet Rakesh Shrestha. His dream now is to start an academy where he can train the future photographers of India. In a candid talk, he took us on a ride through his life and let us in on some of his thoughts and ideas. Click here for the full interview.

Paul McGregor [Interview]
He’s married to a photographer. His twin brother is a photographer. “Perhaps this is a family passion after all”, he says. With an open mind to learn ‘something new’ everyday, he steps out on to some of the most competitive arenas in the world. And he always comes back with the winners- his photographs. Meet Paul McGregor, the source of those breath-taking photos you see ever so often.

Ian Lockwood [Exhibition Review]
October threw up enough on view in terms of variety in the exhibitions on display throughout Mumbai. The first one to open was a unique concept. Artistes and Architects at the Cymroza Art Gallery. This was followed by Western Ghats - A Panorama by Ian Lockwood.

Photofair 2001 [Exhibition Preview]
It’s back! And it’s bigger than ever. Photofair 2002 at the NSE Grounds, Goregaon, Mumbai promises to be a must-see affair. Not only for the photo-enthusiast, but also for the trade, it is a must-be-there situation. Product launches, announcements, events… it’s all there.

Nikon F80 [Product Review]
A Single Lens Reflex Camera. One of the most popular and accepted tools in photography. Be it amateurs or serious photographers, almost every photographer worth his salt owns a SLR. It is only fair that the consumer gets his money’s worth.

Samsung Fino 60S [Product Review]
Samsung, a long time leader in consumer electronics is now a serious player in the camera market. Some of their more recent launches – aimed obviously at the ‘style conscious’ photo-enthusiast rather than the serious photographer – are worth mentioning.

Kodak Digital Camera [Product Review]
This is one attractive camera. It is not as sleek or small as an IXUS, but its just as good. Nice firm grip and all controls on one side make it easy and fast to use. Viewfinders in digital cameras are always small. Nothing different here.

All articles published in 'The Times Journal of Photography', November 2001.(c) The Times Journal of Photography