Your Tech Story

Founder

AT&T

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

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

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

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

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.

Nikon

Nikon- The firm that made the world beautiful and memorizing through its world-class camera ranges!

Today, Nikon is one of the leading firms that enabled high-class camera ranges all over the world. However, the rising of Nikon as the world’s favorite and trusted brand is appreciable. Originally established as Nippon Kogaku Kogyo Kabushikigaisha, later on, became Nikon. Nikon in fact shared a great contribution in refurbishing the photography industry of Japan. When it comes to quality and reliability, Nikon’s products best match these requirements. Moreover, it comes with a precision that matters a lot in photography.

Currently, we see Nikon as a successful firm, but it had been gone through lots of ups downs. Like the saturation point for the camera’s market, recurring earthquakes, and several other obstacles Nikon had to face in its flourishing phase.  Meanwhile gifting Nikon heavy expenditure and losses. Despite that, the firm hit back into the market with high-quality cameras as well, cameras for professional photographers. The firm not limits its ranges of products in cameras and plunged into the making of other semiconductor devices. Thus, rise as a dominant firm in the semiconductor industry as well.

The backstory of Nikon

Koyata Iwasaki’s vision leads to the formation of Nikon. Back in 1917, when three successful optical manufacturing companies came together resulted in the establishment of Nikon. It was the ground-breaking firm that started the production of fully integrated optical devices. Initially, it was recognized as Nippon Kogaku Kogyo Kabushikigaisha. How the firm transformed into Nikon has its own story. During that time, when the firm developed a compact camera, it launched it with the name Nikorette. Later on, renamed as Nikko and finally became Nikon. So that creating a more masculine impression in the Japanese language.

Flourishing the Business

During the initial days, the firm went through several glitches. However, the business reached a peak at the time of the second world war. Not only focusing on single product production, but Nikon also delivered items like lenses, binoculars, periscopes, etc. These products, in fact, turned useful to the Japanese Military during the war period. It was the golden time for Nikon, the firm expanded the business impeccably and started over nineteen factories. Thereafter, the firm shifted its focus towards products useful for common people. Yet, received a huge response from the market and continue its success. In this era, the SLR (Single-lens reflex) Camera of Nikon was a milestone in its success.

Apart from manufacturing cameras, Nikon started manufacturing optical lenses. Prior to that, Japan had to import photographic lenses to run its photography industry. While Nikon introduced lenses in Japan’s market, this dependency has been lower down. Anytar 12cm f/4.5 was the first lens introduced by Nikon.

Image Source: videolinks.com

Other products of Nikon

No doubt, Nikon provides leading camera ranges all over the world. However, its other products such as sunglasses, glasses frames, monoculars, etc are also popular. Apart from that, it also manufactures metal 3D printers, binocular telescopes, equipment for cell storage, ophthalmic equipment, and many others.  Recently in 2019, Nikon started manufacturing Lidar Sensors in partnership with Velodyne.

Exhibitions and awards that Nikon held

The Japanese firm Nikon runs some clubs and exhibitions. As well, it arranges a few awards to promote and encourage photographers. Nikon Salon exhibition is one of the well-known exhibitions of Nikon run in Japan. It runs the Nikkor Club for the experts in photography. Apart from that, Nikon is the planner of awards like the Miki Jun Award, Nobuo Award, and Miki Jun Inspiration Awards.

As well, it is a sponsor of awards like the Nikon-Walkley Press Photographer of the Year award and Nikon Photography Prizes.

The person behind Nikon’s formation- Koyata Iwasaki

Born in 1897, Iwasaki was a brilliant student during his school days. He attended the University of Cambridge’s Pembroke College. Prior to that, Koyata also went to the University of Tokyo, which he left after one year. In 1905, he was awarded a bachelor’s degree in Art specialized in history, geography, and sociology. After that, he helped in setting Nikon as well as served as a Mitsubishi’s president for a long time.

Bottom Line

Nikon is known for its best cameras that never compromise in quality and precision. Thus, many photographers as well as photography lovers prefer Nikon. In fact, Nikon is the Official Camera of Walt Disney World Resort. Apart from that, the firm believes in high values, reflects in its basic corporate social responsibility.  As a part of CSR, the firm offers scholarships to the needy, as well as offers financial support to disaster-hit areas. Also, served nature through several environmental improvement projects.

Egnyte

Egnyte – One-stop secure content platform empowering the businesses to safeguard, connect and unlock value from content

In the world of digitalization, we generally store content in the form of files on an electronic platform. With the large capacity memories, drives, and other storage devices, many files can be stored. As well, easy file transfer is possible in this era. However, data security is the main concern when comes to sharing the data across devices, apps, or another system. Business, however, needs to store the personal data of employees, as well as other sensitive information of the business. Not only stored but this content also needs to sprawl across disconnected systems, devices, locations, and at many places. Thus, the business needs data-centric security and governance over data storage and transfer. Because cyber attackers are the main threat to the rising as well as well-established businesses.

So, should a business stop store and sharing content online? Should they maintain physical records as past days? Nope, it’s impossible to find such a solution in this era. Well, few firms are helping businesses in this case. California-based Egnyte is one such firm that enables the ultimate secure content platform. It is dedicated to businesses that assure complete data security, governance as well as control across a hybrid content stack. Therefore, it enhances the experience of employees with assure data protection. Also, allow the business to connect with needed applications that business users know without any hesitation.

About Egnyte

Established back in 2007, Egnyte headquartered in California. The firm is co-founded by a self-made Indian entrepreneur, Mr. Vineet Jain. It enabled the best platform for businesses that allows them to connect, safeguard, as well as reveal value from all their content. For this, the firm uses a SaaS platform.

Egnyte CEO Vineet Jain
Image Source: venturebeat.com

Presently, the firm has offices in WA, London, Poland, Raleigh, NC, and Spokane. However, it acquired top investors such as Goldman Sachs, Kleiner Perkins, Google Ventures, and Caufield & Byers.

Glimpse to founder’s life

A well-experienced business leader and entrepreneur Vineet Jain helped in founding the Egnyte. Presently, he is serving as the CEO of the firm. He was born in India, and he spent his life there until his education. Jain attended Delhi College of Engineering. After completing his education, he decided to explore the areas of his career overseas. Before moving to the US, he worked for some time in the UK. Vineet has worked in the B2B technology industry for more than 25 years in Silicon Valley. After serving at many senior top-level positions, he urged to plunge into entrepreneurship. Thus, established Valdero as his first business venture. It was a platform for supply chain solution provider. Then he finds interest as well as the future in SaaS, the outcome as the establishment of Egnyte.

Exploring the business

After establishment, Egnyte attracted 1 million dollars seed venture capital in the same year only. It also received seed venture capital of 6, 10, and 12 million dollars in 2009, 2011, and 2012 respectively. The firm also received top investors like Polaris partners, Google Ventures, Kleiner Perkins, and many more in a very short duration.

For any business to grow what matters is the values, mission, and strategy to convert it into reality. That’s what was implemented by Egnyte. Like its vision and mission to “transform the business through smarter content”, Egnyte achieved it through its world-class service. On top, it empowered many organizations to safeguard, connect, and unlock value from content. Moreover, the firm has launched a mobile app for easy file sharing. Presently, more than 16k customers use the Egnyte platform.

Services Provides

The firm enabled content services platform specifically designed for businesses. Apart from that, Egnyte offers full project management that comes with technical and functional staffing. Since its establishment, the firm successfully helping numerous businesses to create a roadmap for content collaboration strategy. For this, Egnyte first considers the desired business outcomes and then accordingly assists the organizations. Other services of Egnyte includes data migration, remote or onsite deployment, permission migration, pre-production testing, etc. With a highly dedicated and expert team, Egnyte also provides in-class training.

Triumph of Egnyte

In the last two years, Egnyte honored with seven awards, 5 which of them represented in 2019. It includes the awards as Best company happiness, Best leadership team 2019, Best Company Work-Life Balance. As well, it also won Best CEOs for Diversity and Best CEO in the same year. Egnyte also won the Best CEOs for women 2020 award along with Best Professional Development 2020.

All firms know the value of customer satisfaction. However, Egnyte also knows the value of employee’s satisfaction. It scored 85 out of 100 in employee ratings, suggesting one of the best workplaces.