The technology tradition!!

The technology tradition!!

I had mentioned about my involvement rather participation in the mobile app development.

Ever since I experienced internet someday in the late 1990s, technology is always one of my active passions. I still remember that day, running up the stairs of Rosy Tower on Nungambakkam High Road (now called Mahatma Gandhi Road) and sitting before the computer. It was the Madras branch office of Microsense the reseller of internet connection for RPG Sprint. The first search the executive did was ‘rubber’ because MRF was a leading brand then seen very often in the media. Sanjay and Anand were with me and we were ogling at the screen.

From that day to the day I started a web application development company and now coordinating the development of a mobile application for Android and iPhone, my passion is growing exponentially. Technology never fails to enthrall me.

When Girish, the development team head, said that he has setup a team in Chennai for developing mobile applications we discussed on the focus verticals. Girish suggested we do one for our music sharing portal www.sangeethapriya.org. When we mooted this idea to our portal management team, they said it is too early for all these. Then Girish and I discussed various options and were adamant in developing one for Carnatic music or around it.

The discussion led us towards developing an app for musicians. The immediate choice was Sanjay Subrahmanyam. Why Sanjay? Because Sanjay was the 1^st Carnatic musician to have a website (he has closed it and now for the mobile app we have revived it). Sanjay was the 1^st to run a bulletin board for Carnatic music called sangeetham.com. Sanjay is very active in blogosphere, tweeting, et al. So, we have every reason to go to Sanjay.

Now how to contact Sanjay? I have not been interacting with Sanjay for well over 4 years. Reason could be that both of us were busy with our work. I know you all decline to believe it. Honestly, I don’t know why we didn’t. Anyway, I called Sanjay and asked him if we could meet. Believe me I went back 5 years. Yes, Sanjay was the same Sanjay I last spoke with 5 years ago.

I met Sanjay at his home. I didn’t beat around. When I told about developing a mobile app for him, he immediately agreed. Then I took Girish to Sanjay’s home. We discussed on the features, timeline etc.

Now the after almost 4 months the mobile app is ready for commercial launch. The Android version is ready and the iOS version is waiting for Apple’s approval.

Wait for a week and I shall share with you the screen shots and the download link.

Be connected with tradition, always, technologically!!

Tradition meets Technology!!!

As described by all 'ligists' and 'ians', India is beyond doubt a continent.  A land of diversity. And as diverse as having people meandering in the cities half-naked in the name of fashion and nomads living scantily draped.

We have the best of traditions not just surviving but also thriving against all odds. The millennia old delicious food recipes, effective medicinal concoctions, exciting handicrafts, stunning architecture, flamboyant jewellery, exquisite draperies, and what not, are making the world look at India for the best resources. And,  it doesn’t stop with this. The fad of the last millennium technology is also not left behind by Indians.  Today Indians have contributed immensely to some of the finest developments in science and technology.

Many Western instruments have now become an integral part of Indian classical music concerts. Some of the leading technology brands have their manufacturing base in India. India is a major revenue earner for almost all the global companies.

The technology development and adoption by the Indian media and entertainment  industry is on par with the US. Mobile phones footprint is one of the largest in the world. Digital cinema filming and projection has a viral growth in India.

When we in India have about 55 crore mobile phone users, are we taking maximum advantage of this population? Are the mobile users deriving the full benefit of the mobile technology? Are the mobile service providers delivering what their consumers want? What kind of benefits can be provided to users? Who all can provide?

Ok, I can understand your impatience. You want to know, why am I writing about this in my blog? You all know am not an economist. Or a technologist. Or a mobile retailer. But most of you know me as a gadget freak or can be called a gizmo maniac.

Mobile service runs predominantly on GSM technology in India, sharing about 20% to CDMA technology. Now in India, Symbian platform based handsets enjoy an enviable share, but has slowly started losing the market to Android based phones. Thanks to Japan, Korea and Taiwan based brands, the prices are now affordable. For below 10,000 we get very good handsets with exciting features.

Now we need some great mobile apps. And mobile apps from across verticals. Mobile apps from banks, FMCG companies, service companies, media & entertainment companies, Govt. departments like Law & Order, Transport, Tourism, Electricity, PDS etc. And, we also need good apps from academicians, teachers, performing artistes too.

One such app will be unleashed in the next 2 weeks from Chennai. And I'm involved in it. What is my involvement in it? Did I conceive it, design it, develop  it? No. I just coordinated with the performing artiste and the developing team.

When I say performing artiste, I mean a Carnatic musician. I'll call him the GenX musician! Technomusician.  A first mover towards technology who leads the pack - definitely. A constant learner, for excellence. Wait for 3 more days to know more on this.

Can we call this the emergence of a technology tradition!!!