MAM
Microsoft and Toshiba strengthen ties, form HD DVD alliance
MUMBAI: Microsoft Corp. and Toshiba Corp., which already share a patent-sharing agreement on consumer electronics and personal computers, have now decided to further strengthen their ties. The two corporate giants announced in Tokyo today, that they would work together in developing next-generation DVD technology.
Microsoft and Toshiba will develop these by sharing each other’s respective hardware and software technologies. The expanded collaboration is designed to accelerate the availability of new devices for the benefit of customers, while demonstrating mutual respect for each company’s intellectual property rights.
“Microsoft values our strong relationship with Toshiba, a company we admire for its long-standing commitment to innovation. This agreement demonstrates our desire to share our innovations with other companies in ways that promote the spread of new ideas — and benefit customers by accelerating the development of exciting new products,” said Microsoft chairman and chief software architect Bill Gates.
The two companies have agreed to investigate development of HD DVD players using Microsoft Windows CE technology, by bringing together Microsoft’s expertise in software and PC technologies with Toshiba’s expertise in consumer electronics and computing. The companies also plan to strengthen their collaboration on iHD, the DVD Forum’s latest interactivity format.
As leaders in the PC industry, Microsoft and Toshiba promote joint ongoing projects in an effort to deliver breakthrough mobile PCs and expand the mobile market, showcasing integration of the key software features of the Windows operating system with the cutting-edge hardware technologies from Toshiba.
The companies have been working closely to promote Windows XP-based Tablet PCs and Media Center PCs on a worldwide basis, offering customers new PC work styles and benefits. Microsoft and Toshiba also expect to develop and deliver compelling mobile PCs with the next version of the Windows operating system, code-named “Longhorn.”
In April 2005 they signed a cross-licensing agreement to promote the exchange of innovations developed by each company. The licensing agreement covers developments in computer and digital consumer electronics areas. Microsoft and Toshiba both have traditions of investing heavily in research and development, a fact reflected in the depth of their respective patent portfolios and diverse products.
“We are very excited to take our long-standing partnership with Microsoft to the next level. Our companies have worked together since Toshiba launched the world’s first laptop PC back in 1985, and we enjoy a relationship rooted in mutual respect and understanding. We look forward to extending the scope of our relations to encompass HD DVDs, a major driver of the next-generation consumer electronics,” said Toshiba president and CEO Atsutoshi Nishida.
Microsoft and Toshiba will continue to introduce new breakthrough innovations that will bring about new scenarios for years to come.
Brands
Safex Group appoints Richa Malhotra as group chief financial officer
Former Standard Chartered executive to steer finance
NEW DELHI: Safex Chemicals has appointed Richa Malhotra as group chief financial officer, strengthening its leadership team as the company prepares for the next phase of expansion in specialty chemicals and global agrochemicals.
In her new role, Malhotra will lead the group’s financial strategy, capital architecture and governance framework as Safex scales operations across multiple verticals including branded formulations, specialty chemicals and contract manufacturing.
A chartered accountant and graduate of Shri Ram College of Commerce, University of Delhi, Malhotra brings more than two decades of experience in business finance, strategic planning, corporate banking and client management.
Before joining Safex, she served as executive director, financial markets at Standard Chartered, where she led teams across India and Sri Lanka and worked closely with large corporates, global subsidiaries and commercial banking clients. Her expertise includes capital structuring, treasury operations, risk management and financial markets led financing solutions.
Safex Group promoter director and joint managing director Piyush Jindal, said the appointment comes at a pivotal time for the company. “Safex stands at an inflection point as we build an integrated platform across branded formulations, specialty chemicals and contract manufacturing. Richa’s experience across global financial institutions will strengthen our financial discipline and help unlock value across the group,” he said.
Malhotra said she was looking forward to contributing to the company’s next chapter of growth. “Safex has built a strong reputation over 35 years with its focus on integrity, innovation and agricultural insight. I am excited to be part of the organisation as it expands its footprint in India and global markets,” she said.
The appointment comes as Safex continues to strengthen its financial foundations and scale operations internationally, positioning itself for future growth milestones.
