Your Tech Story

Jayshri

Jayshri is an Electronics Engineer, but her passion towards writing made her to be in this field. Apart from content writing, she loves reading, writing and surfing on various topics. In her free time, she likes to watch TV series and news. Sherlock Holmes is her all time favorite show. Jayshri loves cooking various Indian-western dishes.

KDDI Logo

KDDI – Born out of a merger with Kazuo Inamori’s DDI that revolutionized the Japanese mobile telecommunication industry

Japanese telecommunications organization called KDDI is known for providing cellular service in the country. It is born out of the merger of KDD, IDO, and DDI in 2000, renamed as KDDI. Headquartered in Chiyoda, Tokyo, the firm served various telecommunication services under various brands. Such as it has mobile cellular service under brand name au by KDDI, and international voice and data service are provided under the brand “an Hikari”. However, its brand-named au one net is related to ISP network services. In 2011, KDDI was in news for purchasing CDNetworks for big money.

KDDI backstory of foundation

Traces of KDDI’s establishment are found in the DDI’s history. DDA aka Daini Denden, founded by Kazuo Inamori shifted the focus on the cell phone business amid deregulation of the telecom industry of japan. That time, it got a golden chance to explore the business, the deal was to merge with KDD and IDO. So, that’s how it emerged as KDDI in 2000, and the Japanese witnessed the emergence second-largest telecom service provider in Japan.

Further exploration

Just after two years of merger, brand new KDDI boomed in the telecommunication industry of Japan. All get started with the launch of the 3G network, based on CDMA2000 1x technology. Thereafter, the firm launched the CDMA 1X WIN brand to provide EV-DO Rev 0 service. With this, the firm introduced fixed rated data subscriptions plans for the first time in Japan. It was the revolutionary step introduced in the Japanese telecommunication industry. Not only this but KDDI also launched the first carrier service with a data rate of 3.1Mbit/s in 2006. Prior to that, the firm also introduced a ringtone download service called Chaku Uta Full. More than 10 million full-length songs had downloaded through this service within six months.

KDDI also entered in wireless data services, with a brand called EZ. In fact, it is one of the successful service ranges enabled by KDDI. The firm never limits the business to specific services, rather it has plunged into a variety of telecom services as per the need. This strategy leads to the continual growth of KDDI.  One of such examples of this strategy is reflected in an agreement sign with the Myanmar state. As per the agreement, KDDI along with one more partner can operate mobile phone service in Myanmar from July 2014 till the next 10 years. As well, it has set consumer showroom called KDDI Designing Studio. It also became a partner with Ericsson to develop 5G technology that will be delivered in near future.

Other Services and Products

Being 2nd largest cellular operator in Japan, it has acquired many customers in the country. With affordable cellular plans and fixed data rates, it also has numerous 3G subscribers in the region. Apart from that, KDDI has also developed applications for its customers, like its Mapion Local Search. It is pointing local search application launched in 2006. It was the first-ever such kind of application introduced in Japan, powered by GeoVector. Another well-known product of KDDI is Media Skin. A brand-new designer phone which also displayed at the Museum of Modern Art, New York. Later on, in 2007, the firm started selling Media Skin.

Glimpse to Masterminds involved in KDDI Success

 KDDI founder Kazuo Inamori
Image Creator: Akio Kon | Image Credit: Bloomberg

Kazuo Inamori

Born in 1932, Inamori is a well-known businessman, philanthropist, and entrepreneur hailed from Japan. Apart from founding KDDI, he also helped in the foundation of Kyocera. As well, he served as a chairman at Japan’s airlines.

Early life and Career

Graduated from Kagoshima University, Inamori worked at Shofu industries as a researcher in his early career. At that time, he was part of many important developments in the telecommunication sector. For example, the development of high-frequency insulator components. With his colleagues, he also set Kyoto Ceramic later renamed Kyocera.

Well, this was the period when he created his very own Amoeba Management system for the company’s profit. In 1984, after deregulation of the Japanese telecom sector, he set up Daini Denden(DDI) Which later on became KDDI. Apart from industrial reforms, he also served as the international advisor of Goldman Sachs Group. As well, he became Japan Airlines CEO at the age of 77.

Trimuph of Kazuo Inamori

He has been honored with many prestigious awards for his industrial as well as social work. Apart from that several Universities awarded him Honorary Doctorate. Some of the renowned awards of Mr. Kazuo are International Citizens Award (2011), and Othmer Gold Medal, 2011. Recently, in 2019, he has been honored as an honorary Knight Commander of the Order of the British Empire.

Takashi Tanaka

He is the present CEO at KDDI since 2018. Tanaka also one of the board members at Okinawa Cellular Telephone Co. In his early career, he served as Chairman for UQ Communications, Inc.

Deutsche Telekom

Deutsche Telekom – Evolution of the business from being government to a private company

Nowadays, most of the applications run on the internet. In fact, these applications are an integral part of our day-to-day life. Like chilling with Netflix, sending videos and images, connecting with friends online. As well, an internet connection is needed even for getting help from Alexa, Google assistance, and another similar device. However, for all this internet must be fast enough. As technology evolves the leads to many advances in devices. Thus, in such case, needed faster internet connectivity. It means both home and business need more data transfer at a higher speed.

While Deutsche Telekom is the one-stop for all such customer’s needs. Fulfilling the needs of 200+ million mobile users, and about 21 million broadband users, the firm also has over 27 million fixed network users. Started as a conventional telephone company, it has transformed into a new integrated telecommunication firm. Apart from the core business of selling networks and connections, it has also sought new opportunities from time to time. Thus, growing the business all across continents. Germany based firm Deutsche Telekom has its offices in 50+ countries.

About Deutsche Telekom

It is part of a group of leading integrated telecommunications firms on the planet. Primarily, it provides internet connectivity, fixed network, broadband, and other mobile communication services to the customers. As well, it offers IPTV products and ICT solution for small to large size businesses. Whereas, all services come with complete security storage, which is the need of the present world.

Deutsche Telekom
Image Source: asystems.as

On the international level, Deutsche Telekom is known for its efficient networks. In fact, its network solution is sufficient to meet the rising demand for broadband in the upcoming years. As well, it is way intelligent to kick start the new business. We can say it is sufficient enough to power up the entire industry. Like healthcare, the energy sector, the automotive industry, etc.

Services offered

Apart from offering the best service in network sales and connectivity, it also offers cloud-based services. In fact, it plunged into the new business fields as per the future requirements. Like IoT, M2M, and Industrial Internet. Deutsche Telekom is well-known for its wide range of integrated solutions, assist to shape other businesses.

How Deutsche Telekom is formed?

Well, it’s all get started in 1947. At that time, Germany was under the rule of the federal government. For the postal administration, the government created Deutsche Bundespost, which later on became west Germany’s key telephone firm. Meanwhile, in 1989, post office reforms in Germany gave birth to Deutsche Telekom. It was one of the parts of Deutsche Bundespost that were fragmented into three parts. Thereafter, the firm became private in 1996. Prior to that, Deutsche had a monopoly in Germany as a major Internet service provider. However, the firm has witnessed a major transformation in its business structure till 2005. In the same year, it started the Broadband /Fixed Network strategies business unit, out of the merger of its T-Mobile and T-Com units. Later on, this structure was also altered and it launched a new business unit called T-Home.

Triumphs of Deutsche Telekom

Deutsche Telekom and its other subsidiaries are working to accelerate innovation in the telecom sector. The launch of the Telecom Infra Project was one of the initiatives to do so. It was introduced in 2016 in association with big IT firms like Facebook, Intel, Nokia, and two others. On top of that, it joined a HAPS Alliance recently in 2020. With this, the firm is assisting to promote high-altitude vehicles for eliminating the digital divide. Recently, the subsidiary of Deutsche Telekom, T-Mobile US acquired Sprint this year.

Based on the vision to offer more, the firm never compromised its commitment to sustainable development. For that, it has also started the “We Care for Our Planet” program. This initiative turned out as a milestone for climate and resource protection.

Later achievements under Timotheus Höttges

He is active as the CEO of Deutsche Telekom form 2014. Earlier, he was a member of the board of management at the firm. Timotheus played an important role to extend the broadband and fixed network business in Germany. One of the business segments of Deutsche Telekom, T-Home had dominated the telecom market under his policies. Also, he implemented several strategies to cut down the cost in business.  Well, his experience as a project manager, helped in acquisition strategies of Deutsche Telekom.

Rogers Communications

Rogers Communications – See how Father-Son Duo helped in commercializing the Radio industry in Canada

Canada-based Rogers Communications is primarily operating in the field of wireless communications for a long time. The inventor of the AC heater filament cathode, Edward Rogers Sr. built the strong foundation of Rogers Communications, and the legacy is continued by his son Edward Jr. Headquartered in Toronto, Ontario, the firm us providing miscellaneous service in internet connectivity, cable television, and other telecommunication and mass media-related service.

In Canada, Rogers’s communications is a tough rival of Bell Canada, Telus, and Shaw Communications. As well, it is one of the communications providers in a region which dominates the market. Presently, it has many subsidiaries like Rogers Bank, Rogers Cable, Chatr, and Fido Solution. Rogers Telecom, Rogers Sports & Media, and Rogers Wireless are also some of the subsidiaries of the firm.

Rogers Communications Backstory

The roots of the foundation of Rogers’s communications were found in the establishment of the CFTO television station. Prior to that, Edward Rogers Sr. had enabled radios that can be powered by electric current. It was the result of his invention, the AC heater filament cathode for radio tube changed the whole scenario. This invention brought revolution and did a crucial role in commercializing radio reception. After establishing the CFRB radio station, he also focused on Television. But unfortunately, he died in the middle of his radar experiment.  Thereafter, his son Edward Jr. also known as Ted decided to follow in his father’s footsteps.

In the year 1960, Edward Jr. and his friend Joel Aldred acquired an FM radio station CHFI. Plus, this duo later established CFTO-TV as the foremost television station own by a private company. Back in 1967, they started Rogers Cable which was later renamed Rogers Communications in 1986. Just within 20 years, the firm has achieved popularity in the market. It also purchased the Canada based cable system in 1979. Thereafter, the firm has marked its name in the list of Toronto Stock Exchange.

The masterminds behind Rogers Communications success

Rogers Communications
Image Source: rogers.com

Edward Rogers Junior

Ted Rogers also famous as Edward Rogers Jr. has continued the legacy of his father and flourish the business built on his father’s dream. Apart from being a well-known businessman, he is a philanthropist and was among the richest persons in Canada. Born to a scientist and businessman, Ted also put his best efforts to follow the path of his father. Coming to his education, he attended Upper Canada College, Trinity College, and Osgoode Hall Law school. While studying, Ted purchased the shares in the home-grown radio station CHFI. After several hard works, he could collect the money to fulfill the dream venture of Mr. Edward Sr.    

Besides serving as a long time CEO and president at Rogers Communications, he was also appointed at several reputed positions. Such as the Grade of Officer of the order of Canada. He had been honored with the Golden Plate Award in 1990. It is one of the highest awards given by the American Academy of Achievement. As well, both father and son were inducted into the Telecommunication Hall of Fame of Canada.

Present CEO- Joe Natale

He is serving as the president and CEO at Rogers Communications. Joe Natale is the President and Chief Executive Officer of Rogers Communications. Prior to that, he served as Telus corporation’s CEO and President. He has put his efforts into building the globally recognized firm that Telus is today. After working at several leading firms in the wireless telecommunication industry, he is now driving the business of Rogers Communications. However, Joe entered the telecommunication industry in 1987, as an employee of Accenture. At that time, Rogers Communications was a dream company of many, which he became an important part of after working at several firms.

Studied at the University of Waterloo, Joe has a Bachelor’s degree in Applied Science. Apart from that, he along with his wife involved in many social works.  He is one of the board trustees at Toronto’s Hospital for sick children. As well, the couple supports many arts and healthcare initiatives. Joe was also honored with the Top 40 under 40 Award, Canada.

Bottom Line

Today, Rogers Communications is one of the dominant wireless communication service providers in Canada. With the long list of old clients in telephony services, high-speed internet services, and other IT services, the firm has also followed the trends to acquire new customers. The firm has been not only dominating the Canadian wireless industry but also is one of the tough competitors in the international market.

NCR

NCR – Output of John Patterson’s vision to start Modern American Company aka America’s Model Factory

USA based software firm NCR (National Cash Register) is known for its wide range of services. Apart from providing complete software solutions, it also develops several other products. The firm is also known as America’s Model Factory, and the founder John Patterson is recognized as the father of industrial welfare. Why so? Because the firm has been performing extensive welfare work for a long time. In fact, it is a pioneer firm in America that start the welfare department for doing this work actively. 

Started in 1884, the firm has seen reconstructions of its business several times. In 1991, AT&T acquired NCR, which again re-established in 1997. Because the reconstruction of AT&T had made in the previous year. Since then it became a separate firm as one of the modern American firms.

NCR Backstory of Foundation

The invention of the mechanical cash register in 1879 led to the formation of the National Manufacturing Company, Dayton. It was purely to manufacture and handle the marketing of that register. While in 1884, the Patterson brothers purchased the patents of the mechanical cash register along with the company. In the same year, they re-established it as National Cash Register. Patterson brothers transformed these firms into a modern corporation, considered as one of the foremost modern American companies. T. J. Watson, Sr., Charles Kettering, and E. Deeds also played important role in the early days of NCR. 

NCR
Image Source: wikimedia.org

As mention earlier, the firm has witnessed lots of variations in its structure. One of such re-construction made in 1974, also the firm renamed as NCR corporation at that time. Recently, in 2018, the firm has shifted the headquarter at Midtown Atlanta from Duluth, Georgia. 

John Patterson and Early Busines of NCR

At the time when the Patterson brothers bought the firm, the manufacturing cost of cash registers was high and it was not so popular. Thus, the final price of registers was high, as well, very few cashier machines were in use. Patterson’s idea to increase the demand, and ultimately reducing the cost played well. He introduced the first-ever sales squad known as “American Selling Force”. Those sales persons were trained to demonstrate to the people how to use the machine, its advantages, and all other queries related to that. For this, he also created a formal sales training academy. John is also a pioneer to start direct mail advertising, he advertised the products by sending details of products in the mail. In fact, he started the first advertising campaign in the world known as the “Get A Receipt campaign”.  

Being a born businessman and a salesperson, he is also a pioneer to start the first-ever daylight factory. As well, he is credited to formed NCR as one of the first modern American companies. Patterson made this possible by introducing novel, aggressive business tactics, and sales methods. Also, he is the one to introduce an inclusive social welfare program for his factory laborers. In his last years, he hands over the business to his son who made it public in 1925. 

Expansion of the business

Patterson put his immense efforts to expand the business of NCR, and it has soon shown a result. Just after 4 years, the firm became multi-national. As well, it further explored the business with the acquisition of many small cash register firms. With excellent marketing technic, NCR managed to sell one million machines by 1911. The firm has initially dominated 95% of the American Market. 

Later on, NCR shifted the focus to scanners and computers. As of the legacy to develop efficient products, it also created the best scanners of the time. In fact, its scanners set the record to scan the items with Universal Product Code/UPC at the supermarket checkout. 

Extensive Welfare work for Workers

The firm not only focused on the satisfaction of customers but also performed excellent work for its workers. For this, it is referred to as America’s Model Factory. As a part of welfare initiatives, it introduced back support for workers who operate machines, as well, the ventilation systems for clean air. NCR also introduced a special provision for women workers. It also transformed the working space into the first daylight factory, thus providing fresh air and daylight. 

Later Business under Mike Hayford’s policies

After 1925, the firm sold 55 million dollars of shares as a public offering. It was the major offering for the public of that period. As a part of its further expansion, the firm extended its self-service portfolio into the digital broadcasting market too. 

In 2018, after Mike Hayford became a CEO, the firm completely changed its business strategy. Rather than focusing on hardware only, NCR now became a software-service-led technology provider. As per the announcement made in 2019, NCR will be taking the initiative to build a campus in Belgrade, Serbia. 

Fiserv

Fiserv – The Dream of Dalton and Muma to build a national data processing firm in America.

The whole world has been changing so fast that it demands newer technology in every part of life. No matter then it is healthcare service, or entertainment and traveling, or financial services. In this all, innovative technology raised the expectations of people, asking for the cut edge technology in every sector. When it comes to money transfer and data processing related services, Fiserv is one of the leading firms in the financial industry. It made it easy to transfer money as well as information to one another. With Fiserv’s platform, one can transfer money when and where as needed, at the point of thought. Thus, meeting all the expectations of the present high-tech world.

The best-known financial solutions it has enabled, assisting many individuals and businesses currently. Being a global leader, the firm is connecting consumers, merchants, businesses, and financial institutions with each other. This process has been done every minute of every day; we can say millions of times a day. Established in 1984 by George Dalton and Leslie Muma, having clients in more than a hundred regions all across the world. That strong foundation has led to the dominant financial service provider Fiserv is today. Despite having tough rivals, the firm has also offer tough competition through its innovative financial services and experience of more than 30 years in the field. Alltel Information Services, Affiliated Computer Services, M & I Data Services, and BISYS Group are some of the competitors of Fiserv. 

Fiserv Journey

Fiserv’s both Founders, and friend Muma and Dalton were in the business of data processing. But both were working separately. However, the idea of merging the businesses pop into their mind in the late 1970s. This idea turned into reality in 1984, the merger of the first data processing of Milwaukee, and Tampa’s Sunshine State System goes well. That, later on, resulted in the formation of Fiserv, which became the USA’s fastest-growing financial data processing firm in the near year.

Fiserv
Image Source: fiserv.com

Founders George Dalton and Leslie Muma’s role

The founders and presidents at Fiserv, Muma, and Dalton wanted to build a national data processing firm. Which later on they built in the form of Fiserv. It was the time when businesses’ mindset was to develop their own data processing system for limited deals. In this all, they had to pay big money and still no reliability in service. While Fiserv successfully changed this scenario under the guidance of Dalton and Leslie. Thus, the constantly escalating cost and insecurity had reduced, relieving the clients.  All the credit goes to George and Muma, who set the strong foundation of the firm.

George Dalton

Being well-experienced and well-reputed in the data processing industry, George served as the first CEO at Fiserv. He was one of them, who believes in hard work. Throughout his tenure, he built the policies based on thorough planning, implemented through hard work. Started the journey as a stock boy at some grocery store, Dalton, later on, learned German and served in World War II. While he shifted his focus on data processing during his high school days.

Thereafter, he joined Northwestern University, which he left to start working at the data processing unit of Bell & Howell Co. Despite a lack of banking knowledge, he handled the position of the data processing unit of Marine Bank. It was all due to his passion for and interest in data processing. Apart from that, he also served at Midland National Bank and First Bank System. With the helped of Muma, he then started his own dream business venture, Fiserv.

Leslie Muma

When he befriended Dalton in setting up Fiserv, Leslie was in his mid-30s, but having excellent knowledge of data processing system. His educational background helped him to work as a data processing consultant. A person who has studied theoretical mathematics, having a master’s in business administration, and top of that extremely knowledgeable in data processing, offered much more effort to raise the business of Fiserv. He became CEO of Fiserv after Dalton retired in 1999.

Boomed in the Financial industry

The top-notch service and acquisition strategy of the firm paid off soon. The business of the firm raised to 700 million dollars, reaching 800 financial institutions, and about 19 million individual clients. It also reduced the cost of financial service offering reliable and secure service to the customers. In fact, in the early 1990s, the firm has acquired a larger client base. One of the known acquisitions of Fiserv is the data processing division of Citicorp for 49 million dollars.

Thereafter, the firm managed to continued steady growth by providing innovative solutions to the clients. As well, the firm soon focused on abroad expansion of the business. Presently, it is one of the three largest data processing firms in America. Most importantly, it is the largest independent processor of checks in the country.

T-Mobile

From the consumer’s favorite, how T-Mobile US became the third-largest wireless carrier in America?

USA based wireless network operator T-Mobile US has started in 1994. While it is still a dominating wireless service provider in America. It is providing data services and wireless voice services all across the country. Headquartered in Bellevue, Washington, the firm is known as the third-largest wireless carrier in America. The firm has also crossed over 100 million customers in 2020. Magenta & Magenta Plus, and T-Mobile Essentials are some of the well-known plans of the company.

The backstory of T-Mobile Foundation

The roots of T-Mobile US have traces in the establishment of VoiceStream Wireless PCS. Back in 1994, the firm had started as one of the subsidiaries of Western Wireless Corporation. While after five years, the firm got separated from the parent firm. In 1999, Deutsche Telekom AG purchased VoiceStream Wireless and renamed T-Mobile USA in 2002. However, in 2013, it got merged with MetroPCS and was again renamed T-Mobile U.S.

About T-Mobile US

T-Mobile
Image Source: t-mobile.com

American wireless carrier T-Mobile US is the third-largest firm in the country in that sector. The first owner of the firm Deutsche Telekom holds 43% shares of T-Mobile US. While SoftBank Group owns 24% shares, and the remaining 33% shares come under public holding. T-Mobile US is primarily providing wireless data and voice services in America. As per the consumer report 2015, the firm ranked first among other American Wireless carriers.  Recently, Sprint Corporation and T-Mobile US have merged, making Sprint a subsidiary of T-Mobile. 

Further exploration of business

Within five to six years of establishment, the firm focused on the acquisition of regional network operators. So that the network of T-Mobile US can map most of the regions in the country. Aerial Communications Inc. and Omnipoint corporation are examples of such acquisitions, made in the year 2000. Thereafter, the firm bought licenses to operate a cellular communications network, providing coverage in many parts of America. In 2017, the company purchased a 600 MHz nationwide license. Recently, this network reaches 8,900 towns and cities, covering over 248 million users. It also provides an LTE network that supports VoLTE, like JIO’s LTE, which operates in India. However, the firm had launched its first-ever 3G phone in the market in 2007.

Products and Plans for users

Magenta & Magenta Plus, T-Mobile ONE, T-Mobile Essentials are some of the well-known products of the company. In fact, Magenta plans are the next level of T-Mobile One Family of plans. It is actually based on the existing features of the previous one, but with add-ons. Like HD streaming, 20GB HotSpot Data, etc. As well, the firm offers specialized plans for seniors, Military Personnel, and most importantly, the first responders. For them, the firm provides offers like 50% off the pricing of Magenta and Magenta plus plans.

T-Mobile Essentials, another plan of the firm offers other wonderful services to the users. It comes with unlimited Talktime, SMS plan, and data service. The cost of the plan is in fact lower and affordable to all.

Awards and Achievements

The firm has received numerous workplace awards and appraisals for delivering the best in the wireless industry. Disability Equality Index which shows the disability inclusion allotted 100 points to the firm. As well, the Human Rights Campaign honored it as the best place to work for LGBT Equality for back to back four years. Military Friendly also marked its name in the list of top 100 Military Friendly Employer. Most importantly, the company is among the firms recognized as Most Ethical Companies in the world. Apart from many such renowned awards, the firm has been awarded on a local basis as well.

Policy Maker and President at T-Mobile US- Michael Sievert

He is CEO, president, and one of the board of directors. Earlier, he worked at IBM, Clearwire. While Michael started his career at Procter & Gamble. As well, he served as an executive vice president at E-trade. In his past career, apart from being a CEO of Discovery Bay Games, Sievert also worked at AT&T wireless. Additionally, he played an important role at Global Windows Group of Microsoft. There he was a part of the team that worked to launch Windows Vista. Apart from serving as an employee, he also helped in founding Switchbox Labs. Later on, this business was acquired by Lenovo.

Coming to the journey of Michele at T-Mobile US, he joined the firm as CMO. After that, he became COO and reached the post of CEO in the year 2020. Sievert’s contribution to rebranding and marketing the business of T-Mobile US is remarkable.