It’s a wrap: News this week (Oct 14 – Oct 20)

There have been multiple developments this week on the tech front. From Pixel manufacturing in India to Microsoft India revenue, this is the list of the most important developments for a quick catch-up:

Google for India 2023

Google organised the ninth edition of the Google for India event in New Delhi. Artificial intelligence was the overarching theme, in line with the evolving technology landscape globally. Key announcements made at the event include the manufacturing of Pixel smartphones in India, the launch of generative artificial center of excellence with Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology’s (MeitY) indic language initiative Bhashini, and AI-based enhancements to the Search function.

IBM-MeitY partnership

MeitY signed three memoranda of understanding with global technology company IBM in the areas of artificial intelligence, semiconductor technology, and quantum computing.

This week, MeitY also announced the launch of a state-of-the-art Silicon Photonics Research Centre of Excellence at Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras). Within the next five years, the center is targeting achieving self-sufficiency and driving product commercialisation through start-ups.

Microsoft India revenue rises

Microsoft India saw its operating revenue rise 39% to ₹19,229 crore in the year ended 31 March from the previous year, according to its regulatory filing with the ministry of corporate affairs’ registrar of companies on Thursday. Net profit for the year rose 30% to ₹649 crore, while employee benefit expenses increased 16.5% for the year to ₹1,411 crore.

On a global level, Microsoft is set to sign a billion-dollar deal with Amazon for a period of five years, as reported by Insider. Under this deal, Amazon will be Microsoft’s customer for its 365 cloud productivity tools.

Infosys-Google Cloud partnership

Infosys has extended its collaboration with Google Cloud for enterprises to leverage AI capabilities using Topaz offerings in conjunction with Google Cloud's generative AI solutions. As part of this partnership expansion, Infosys is launching the global Generative AI Labs that will focus on crafting industry-specific AI solutions and platforms and enabling businesses to seamlessly incorporate generative AI into their operations. Additionally, Infosys aims to train 20,000 professionals in Google Cloud's gen AI solutions, ensuring proficient support for various generative AI projects. 

This week, Infosys also inaugurated its state-of-the-art development center in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh. This development center is spread across 83,750 sq. ft. of area and will accommodate 1,000 employees. The Visakhapatnam center is expected to offer greater flexibility to employees to work in hybrid mode and closer to their home, the company said.

Cisco’s Secure Networking approach in India

American IT networking company Cisco announced on Friday the launch of its secure networking approach in India. This innovative approach combines advanced networking and cybersecurity capabilities and is built on the concept of zero trust. Its goal is to provide businesses with seamless and secure connectivity to address the cybersecurity risks in a hybrid world.