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.

FIS

FIS – Journey to become the world’s largest payment processing firm under policies of Gary A. Norcross

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To beat a fast-evolving competitive scenario, and to run and grow several other businesses, FIS is playing a crucial role. Fidelity National Information Services i.e., FIS is a well-known firm globally. It is the ultimate companion for many merchants, capital markets, the banking sector, and many other businesses. The firm is recognizing for providing high tech solutions for businesses, including banking as well as capital markets. With dedication and expertise way, FIS has been helping to solve critical challenges that arise in business. Thus, assisting to grow the businesses faultlessly.

For the excellency and innovative approach, FIS is included in the list of Fortune 500 companies. Presently, Gary A. Norcross is serving as chairman, CEO, and president at FIS. Under his policies, the firm is focusing on driving 12-billion-dollar business on an international level. As well, the firm has become dominant in providing banking and financial software solutions. Additionally, it holds a high position in payment processing solutions as well.

FIS CEO and President – Gary A. Norcross

FIS CEO
Image Source: strategy-business.com

A president, CEO, and chairman, Gary is also a well-experienced businessman. He is recognized in the industry who helped to succussed many businesses. Before joining FIS, Gary worked at many other financial institutions. His journey in FIS has started in 1988 as an entry-level programmer. To reach the position he has today, Gary devotes his time and best efforts to the firm. Serving in many leading positions, he became president and CEO at FIS in 2018.

Role in FIS growth

Highly experienced in the financial market, Gary used a client-focused approach to grow the business of FIS. To provide the best and latest to the clients, FIS made several acquisitions under Norcross’s guidance. In 2019, the firm acquired Worldpay and became the largest payment service provider in the world. As well, the firm acquired SunGard and launched Derivatives utility for the first time. These all acquisitions are made under his policies. Apart from that, he helped to enlarge the area of business and the firm has grown to more than 55k employees all over the world.

Other Leaderships hold by Gary Norcross

Despite being a top industrial leader, Gary also holds several leading positions at many organizations. He is included in the advisory board of the dean at Sam M. Walton Schools of business, University of Arkansas. As a matter of fact, he studied business administration at the same university.  As well, Norcross is one of the board members at Guardian Life Insurance Company, America. Moreover, he is a board member of several other Schools like KIPP Impact School, Jacksonville.

About FIS

FIS

It is an American firm, offering multiple services and solutions for banking and capital markets. As well, it’s a wide range of financial products that are well-known on the international level. Started as a small financial solution provider, FIS has crossed the number of 55k employs recently. With highly expert peoples and deep research, FIS acquired a number of clients in a very short span. Currently headquartered in Jacksonville, Florida, the firm has its presence all over the world. Recently in 2019, the firm has set the record to make the largest deal in the industry. It acquired Worldpay for 35 billion dollars. Thus, making it the largest payment processing firm on the earth.

Other renowned acquisitions of FIS

Looking to the history of FIS, the firm has made dozens of acquisitions. The acquisition of Worldpay in 2019 is one of the remarkable acquisitions of FIS. In 2015, FIS has acquired SunGard and introduced Derivatives utility all over the world. This acquisition helped FIS to transform conventional BSPT processing world-wide. As well, it helped numerous merchants to focus on every client, and to reduce operational risk. Prior to that, the firm has acquired CMSI, Reliance Trust Company, and Clear2Pay in 2014.

Moreover, it has made several other acquisitions to enhance its network and improve the service. Alltel Information Services, Sanchez Computer Associates, BankWare, InterCept, and Aurum Technology are some of the acquisitions made by FIS.

Achievements and Recognitions

The firm has put immense effort to develop financial technology. Using an innovative approach, the firm is expertise in three primary sectors. One is Merchant solutions, the second is Capital market solutions, and last but most important is Banking solutions. FIS has many satisfied clients in all the sectors it is providing the service. Considering the annual business, FIS is processing 75 billion transactions approximately, having more than 20k clients all over the world.

Awards and Rankings

FIS has been honor with many reputed awards. In 2020, it was the winner of the Privateequitywire US Award 2020. As well, it received many awards this year, including the Fintech Breakthrough award 2020 for the best business lending platform. Plus, it was honored with the AltCredit fund intelligence US award 2020. FIS is also known as Best Place to work in 2020, provides equal opportunities for the LGBT community. Last year, it was named as Fortune world’s most admired company, 2019. Apart from that, the firm has named multiple awards and ranked top in many lists issued by top organizations.

Charter Communications

Charter Communications – Journey to deliver high-speed broadband service even after lots of obstacles in the way

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An American telecommunication firm, Charter Communications Inc. is a well-known mass media company. It has more than 26 million consumers in almost 41 states in the USA, making it the second-largest cable operator in America. As well as the firm has been recognized as the third-largest pay-TV operator in the country. Apart from that, Charter Communications ranks fifth as the largest telephone provider as per the residential subscriber line count. The journey to achieve this level in business has never been easy for the founders and the firm. Started in 1993, Charter Communications has experienced many hustles and went through lots of controversies. However, the firm proved that with excellent service and continuous efforts, any company can make a stand, despite all odds.

About Charter Communications Inc.

Charter Communications is well-known broadband connectivity and cable operator in the USA. With more than 30 million customers, it is also NASDAQ listed firm. Over the years, the firm has been providing communications and entertainment solutions to personal and commercial users. It also offers multiple services like cable video programming, premium channels, and online video services. Also, it is the ultimate stop for services like telephone services, sports content, internet services, and several others.

Through the spectrum band, Charter Communications has enabled broadband connectivity in 41 states in America. With this spectrum business of charter, communication fulfills the needs of small and medium-sized firms. As well, it provides broadband service and products to large businesses including some government entities also. Moreover, the firm has listed at number 70 in the Fortune 500 list, 2019.

The founders in the limelight

Jerald L. Kent

He is a well-established entrepreneur and businessman in the telecommunication industry. Apart from working at Charter Communications, Kent also served as TierPoint’s CEO. As well, he was the CEO of Cequell III.

Barry Babcock

He was born in Minneapolis and brought up in Oklahoma City. Belonging to a lower-middle-class family, he had to left highschool for some personal reasons. However, he continued education at the University of Oklahoma. When Barry entered the cable industry, he had nothing. In fact, he had to borrow money to invest in Charter Communications.

Howard L. Wood

He is one of the founding members of Charter Communications. As well, he helped in setting Cequel III in 2002. Before that, he served as CEO at Centcom Cable Associates.

The backstory of foundation

Charter Communications
Image Source: deadline.com

The firm has originally started as Charter Communications CATV systems in 1980. However, in 1993, Howard Wood, Barry Babcock, and Jerald Kent made it exceptional under the name Charter Communications Inc. Since then the firm has flourished dramatically which turned out pioneering in the field of the cable industry. Today, it is one of the inseparable parts of the high-tech cable industry.

Growing the business

It was started in the era, where the cable network was started from hilltops and ending at homes. Over the period, this cable business has morphed into a much advance and high-tech cable industry. While Charter Communications also evolved and is in the leading position today. Through several mergers and acquisitions, the firm has time to time to fulfill the requirements of consumers. In fact, to do so, it has done over 10 major acquisitions in the late 20 century. The firm has acquired subscribers from dozens of cable system providers in the USA. Includes, 4 lakh subscribers from InterMedia Partners, and 4 Lakh and 60K subscribers from Interlink communications. Additionally, it acquired leading firms like Renaissance Media Group, Helicon Cable Communications, Vista Broadband Communications, etc.

Charter Communications implemented one more new strategy i.e., swapping customers. To improve geographic clustering the firm has swapped its customers with many leading cable service providers. One such customer exchange was made with AT&T corporation in 1999.

Controversies

The firm received lots of criticism in its history. Even it was listed as worst among 14 major internet service providers by PC World. As per the consumer report 2008, it was marked as the worst of national carriers. As well, the US department of justice investigated the Charter in 2002 for a lawsuit filed against the firm. Several other financial lawsuits have also filed on Charter Communication.

Later Success

Currently, the firm has grown its cable network to more than 7.5 lakh miles, fulfilling the needs of more than 30 million consumers. The vast infrastructure of Charter Communications is now offering faster broadband, which once accused of providing the worst network. As well, it has enabled many other services like voice, telephone, and offers the best customer support. Being the leading broadband connectivity firm, the Charter is providing innovative services with the best customer satisfaction.

AT&T

AT&T – The subsidiary of Bell Telephone company that rise as an individual firm in a few years

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The telecommunication industry has experienced lots of changes in the near years. As well as it will further see tremendous changes in the upcoming year. In such a scenario, it will no doubt offers many opportunities for the firms working in this sector. AT&T is one of the largest firms in the telecommunication sector which inherently grabbing such opportunities since its emergence. Established in 1885, the firm has gained significant importance in the global market.

Apart from being a leading telecommunication firm, it is also providing services in multiple sectors. Such as television network service, film production, and premium pay services through WarnerMedia. Also, it is one of the well-known advertising services providers through its very own segment called Xandr. Moreover, the firm is expertise in local exchange and long-distance services.

Backstory of AT&T Establishment

The roots of AT&T’s foundation is in the establishment of Bell Telephone Company. In the mid of 19th century, Gardiner Greene Hubbard, A. Graham Bell, and Thomas Sanders set up Bell Telephone company. That time, in 1885, they acquired AT&T and made it one of the most important segments of the firm. AT&T stands for American Telephone and Telegraph Company, which remained the main firm even after it merged into Bell Telephone company. After a few years, the firm went to several reformations. In fact, U.S regulators limit its business to broke the monopoly of AT&T in the market.  It was the time when AT&T had to turned its regional subsidiaries into individual firms, known as Baby Bells.

The firm also renamed its name, which later on again replaced by original name i.e., AT&T. Today, it maps a large part of the Latin American telecommunication market.

Exploring the business

Even though the firm has experienced several breakups and reformations in history, it stood strong and compete with rivals like MCI and Sprint. Within 10 years, the firm has ranked 15th in the Fortune 500 list. The firm has acquired several businesses in the following years. It purchased Lusacell in 2014, and NII Holdings in the same year. Both were the top firms in the Mexican cellular and wireless business.

Recently, AT&T launched a mobile 5G network in 2018. Currently, available in 12 cities around America. After Verizon, AT&T became the second telecommunication provider to launch 5G. The success journey of AT&T has not been fulfilled yet. As per the vision and mission of the firm, it aims to become the most valuable and admirable firm on the planet. Presently, the firm is working in four segments called AT&T, Latin America, WarnerMedia, and Xandr.

Personalities involved in the success of AT&T

Gardiner Greene Hubbard-Founder

Born on 25 August 1822, Gardiner was a reputed financier, community leader, and lawyer in America. Apart from that, he was one of the founding members of Bell Telephony company, later on, served as the first president of the firm. As well, he was a founding member of the National Geographic Society and Journal Science. Despite being a lawyer by profession but Gardiner worked in almost all sectors.

Coming to his education, he studied at Phillips Academy. In 1841, he finished graduating from Dartmouth. Thereafter he joined Harvard to study law.

John T. Stankey-CEO

AT&T CEO
Image Source: variety.com

He is a well-known businessman in the USA and former CEO at WarnerMedia. Presently, serving as the CEO of leading telecommunication firm, AT&T. Before that, Jhon served in various positions in a similar firm. Jhon is graduated in finance and started his career at Pacific Bell. Thereafter, he got the chance to lead many positions. In fact, he shared a great contribution to the acquisition of DirecTV and Warner. These are some of the important acquisitions made by AT&T. Stankey currently guiding the policies of AT&T. Recently, the firm launched a 5G service, which he aims to explore further. As well, the firm has worked in streaming video services under Stankey’s policies.

Bottom Line

AT&T has a big name in the telecommunication industry, also captures a large part of the local and global market. The firm has grabbed the opportunities provided by the evolving telecommunication sector and strengthen its roots planted in 1885. Presently, it has huge importance in the industry and has millions of clients and customers. Through its top four segments i.e., AT&T, Latin America, WarnerMedia, and Xandr; the firm is playing a large role in the American telecommunication market.

Reliance Jio

Reliance Jio – Indian company that started the wave of the wireless 4G network all across India

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Everyone demands a faster network and in fact, it is the need of the present era. However, Reliance Jio started the wave of 4G in the Indian telecom market in 2016. With affordable prices and a faster network, Reliance Jio became much popular in India. In fact, it became India’s largest mobile operator as of 2019. As well, it is 3rd largest mobile network operator in the world. Presently, the firm has been covering more than 22 telecom circles, and about 38.75 million uses the Jio network. The firm has also launched fiber to home service recently in 2019.

All About Reliance Jio

An Indian telecommunication firm Reliance Jio is well-known all over the world. It is headquartered in Mumbai, India. The firm is known for introducing LTE network all across the country, covering more than 22 telecom circles. As well, the firm made use of voice over LTE to enable voice service on the 4G network.

In 2015, the firm launched Jio soft as a beta version. Initially, it was limited to employees and partners. While it was made public in 2016 and soon became a major mobile network operator in India. The firm also launched fiber to home service in 2019. With this, it enables services like home broadband, TV, and telephone services. Recently, the firm was in the news as it raised about 21 billion dollars in 2020. For this, Jio sold 32.97% equity stakes in the Jio platform.

The person behind Jio’s success- Mukesh Ambani

Mr. Mukesh Ambani, the head of the Reliance industry is one of the successful industrial leaders of India. This person not only maintains the name of Reliance but also grow the network of the business all over the world. One of such milestones led by Mr. Mukesh is Reliance Jio. Today, it became some of the most expansive 4G broadband wireless networks in the world. Apart from the business, he holds many prestigious memberships of international organizations. He is a member of the World Economic Forum’s Foundation board. As well, he is having the membership of the United States National Academy of Engineering.

History

Initially, the firm was registered with the name Infotel Broadband services Limited in 2007 at Ambawadi, Gujarat. After three years, the Reliance industry acquired IBSL with 95% stakes. At that time, the firm has already had 4G broadband spectrums in all 22 circles in India. Since then it is one of the subsidiaries of the Reliance industry. In 2013, the firm has entered the telecommunication market with the name Reliance Jio Infocomm Limited.

Reliance Jio
Image Source: counterpointresearch.com

Launching the 4G service for free

The firm launched 4G service in 2015. But initially, it was for an internal purpose, for employees and the office. However, it was made available for consumers in 2016. For almost one year, Jio offered free data and voice services which later on extended to March 2017. With this free offer, Jio has acquired a number of users, crossing the number of 1.6 crores. In just 83 days, the firm set the record by acquiring more than 50 million subscribers. As well, it also reached 100 million subscribers in a year.

Controversies

Just after it entered the consumer market, the Centre for Public Interest Litigation filed a PIL in SC against JIO. As per that PIL, the Indian government accused of granting a pan-India license to JIO. It also alleged JIO for taking additional fees for voice telephony with its 4G data service. However, the Supreme court revoked the PIL as the government and Jio explain the rules which they followed.

Products and services

The firm entered the market with 4G broadband service in 2016. As of 2018, the firm introduced Jio GigaFiber as well as broadband internet. As well, it launched television and landline service in the same year. On the third anniversary of Jio, it made a surprising announcement to offer streaming of films in theatre for JioFiber subscribers.  Currently, the firm covers the network of more than 250k km of fiber optic cables in India. By way of launching 4G all across India, Jio has started offering free wi-fi services in cities all across the nation.

Introducing JioPhone

In 2017, the JioPhone create a buzz in the mobile industry for its affordable price that actually works on the 4G network. Many consumers booked the JioPhone overnight and enjoyed the speed of 4G. With the huge popularity of the first model, the firm unveiled the second version of it in the following year. JioPhone became hit among mid-age persons as it is simple to use yet, comes with advanced features.  As well, Facebook, Whatsapp, and Youtube can be accessed easily on JioPhone.

Jio apps

Like the grand entry in 4G service, Jio launched a number of apps on Google Play. These apps are free and available in various segments. Like health, entertainment, Messaging, as well as apps for backups. Only one thing is needed to enter in Jio’s app world, i.e., Jio number. Some of the apps in the entertainment segment are JioCinema, JioTV, JioNews, JioSaavan, etc. For chat and video calls, the apps are JioPages, JioMeet. Other apps are JioHealth, JioMoney, JioVoice, MyJio, and many others that are available on the play store.

cisco

Cisco – Journey from developing a simple router to becoming pro in networking and telecommunication sector

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The present world we are living in is complex, and much progress, and more communicative. While advanced networking is responsible to connect us to any corner of the world. However, many firms working in this field made communication easier, and more efficient. Cisco Systems is doing an excellent job since its foundation. It is set up in 1984 by a scientist at Stanford University, who also contribute to connecting computers at the university. That is Leonard Bosack and Sandy Lerner. Today, the firm has counted in the leading companies that manufacture world-class network infrastructure. As well, the firm explored its business all over the world. Currently, it is having more than 75K employees and networking experts. 

About Cisco System

A USA based multinational company Cisco is headquartered in San Jose in California. Recently in 2020, Cisco ranked fourth as per the Fortune Magazine. Thus, became the part of 100 best companies to work for in 2020. However, the firm is well known for manufacturing both software and hardware for network infrastructure. As well as manufactures high-tech products and telecom equipment that are known as promising in the international market. Apart from being expertise in the networking field, it also specializes in explicit tech markets. Such as domain security, IoT, and energy management. Jabber, Webex, OpenDNS, Jasper, etc are leading subsidiaries that Cisco acquired to compete in the changing market.

The backstory of foundation

As said earlier, Cisco is born out of the unique idea of computer scientists at Stanford University. As per the part of the research and need to connect computers they created the technology on the campus. For this, the founder Leonard and Sandy developed a router called ‘Blue Box’. With this, each computer could communicate with other computers easily. It was no doubt a small size network infrastructure, later on, shaped as Cisco system in 1984. As a matter of fact, the idea of the name “Cisco” has come from the city name San Francisco.

However, the firm had gone through lots of hurdles in the initial days. During the first phase of development, the founders unfortunately were accused of stealing the idea. This matter closed after both of them resigned from the firm. No matter what, but the firm has offered miscellaneous service in the networking field. In fact, it was the first firm to introduced multiple network protocol routers in the market. After 1990, Cisco expanded the business with the acquisition of several leading companies like OpenDNS, Webex, etc.

Glimpse on founders’ lives

Bosack and Learner build the base of the Cisco system with the implementation of research of William Yeager’s. For this, they had to face lots of hustles. Even both of them accused of stealing the idea, software, and hardware design. This dispute ends after leaving the firm that they build with great vision. Though, they played an applausive role in Cisco’s establishment that today known as one of the leading companies all over the world.  

Cisco
Cisco Founders: Leonard Bosack, Sandy Lerner
Image Source: fortune.com

Leonard Bosack 

Despite belonging to a catholic family, Bosack was interested in technology. He attended La Salle College High School. Thereafter, he went to the University of Pennsylvania for graduation. Leonard then joined a digital equipment corporation just after his graduation. During this job, he found interest in network technology. To follow his interest and to work in this field, he registered at Sandford University in computer science. While studying at Stanford, he met Sandy learner, who later became his partner in life as well as in business.

Sandy Lerner 

She is hailed from North California, attended California State University for under graduation. Thereafter, Sandy attended Claremont Graduate School to study econometrics. As well, she also went to Stanford University to study statistics and computer science. In 1984, Lerner’s cooperation resulted in the formation of the Cisco system.

Later Success of Cisco

After lots of up-downs, the firm went public meanwhile. Thereafter, it started the expansion of the business all over the world including India. The firm has never compromised its products and services. As well, it evolved as per changing technology and appropriately noted the requirements of the market from time to time. To advance in and achieved supremacy in modern technology, the firm used an acquisition strategy. ParStream, AppDynamics, Lancope, Accompany these are some of the noticeable acquisitions that Cisco made.

 

CommScope

CommScope – An American company that enable faster, smarter, and more sustainable global network infrastructure solutions

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In the present scenario, most organizations prefer a novel structure i.e. network infrastructure. Because it is less hierarchical, more dispersed, and most importantly, flexible than other structures. As well, both external and internal coordination and monitoring are easily possible with network infrastructure. Currently, the value of the global infrastructure market is over 32 billion US dollars. So, in such a situation, numerous global network infrastructure providers have emerged. However, CommScope Inc. is one such name that is doing excellent work in this sector.

It is a USA based firm, best known in America as well as all over the world. Presently operating in more than 130 countries with around 20,000 employees. To explore the business further, the firm has time to time acquired several businesses working in this field. One of such acquisition is announced two years back in 2018. That is the acquisition of Arris International. Let’s overlook the journey of CommScope and its founders which is inspirational for many emerging firms in the industry.

The backstory of CommScope

What the CommScope is today is totally different from the time it was getting started. Earlier, it was a renowned product line of Superior Continental Cable. However, in 1975, Jearld Leonhardt and Frank Drendel bought this product line and re-started it as a CommScope. Thereafter, it was renamed as Valtech. During this period, the firm links the C-SPAN studios to the U.S. House of Representatives using a fiber optics network. Thus, U.S. Congressional proceedings had broadcast live for the first time.

After that, the firm became part of the cable home group for M/A-COM and plunged into Network Cable division for the LAN. As well, entered into data communications, specialized wire markets, etc. Sooner or later, CommScope raised its name in the international market as a global network infrastructure provider. Presently, it headquartered in Hickory, North Carolina since 2000.

Acquisition strategy

The firm has gone through lots of evolution and always maintain the best strategy to explore its business. Apart from acquiring Avaya in 2004, it also acquired Andrew Corporation in 2007. The previous acquisition was of the Connectivity Solutions business. However, the second acquired firm was a manufacturer of telecommunications devices such as antenna, amplifiers, transceivers, etc. CommScope also purchased TE connectivity’s unit in 2015, following the acquisition of small cells and femtocells manufacturing firm Airvana. Finally, the most important acquisition in CommScope’s history was Arris International and RUCKUS, held in 2019.

Products and solutions of CommScope

The firm is best known for manufacturing unshielded twisted pair cables, fiber optics cables, connector panels, metals, and racking. As well, it manufactures, many other products useful in the telecom network. CommScope similarly manufactures DSL applications and cabinets for FTTN that are environmentally secure. It also offers solutions for macro cell sites, small cell densification, In-building cellular, fixed wireless access, and spectrum management solution. 

Masterminds at CommScope

Image Source: sec.gov

Frank M. Drendel

He is one of the founding members of CommScope, served as a chairman of the board from 2011 to 2020. Prior to that, he was the long-time CEO of the firm since its establishment in 2011. In his tenure, CommScope has achieved much recognition on an international level. Frank’s policy leads the firm to unstoppable success. Apart from that, he is a director of the National Cable & Telecommunications Association. As well, served as one of the board directors at Tyco International, Ltd, and Sprint Nextel Corporation. Because of his service in the cable and telecom industry, Drendel was inducted into the Cable Television Hall of Fame (2002).

CEO- Marvin S. Edwards

Presently serving as the chief executive officer at CommScope, Marvin is a well-experienced business leader. He played several leading roles at Wireless Network Solutions. Like general Manger, Executive Vice President of Business Development, etc. Before the acquisition of Andrew by CommScope, he was Chairman of the Board of Directors of a wholly-owned subsidiary. Apart from that, he worked at OFS Fitel as a CEO and president. As well, served as a president at many leading firms such as Alcatel North America Cable Systems, Alcatel North America Cable Systems, etc.

Bottom Line

CommScope is based on values to provide greater solutions in a sustainable way. Today, it is the combination of many leading firms like RUCKUS and Arris International. So, it can offer excellent solutions and technology to the growing needs and changing world.