Mediaware Infotech Ltd, Mumbai-based I.T. solutions provider, recently launched its pan-Arab operations “Mediaware Gulf” earlier this month.
Providing I.T. solutions for the advertising and media industry for the past 11 years, Mediaware is now the undisputed leader in the business, with more than 500 installations across the Indian sub-continent. An impressive range of modules provides complete solutions to ad agencies, media specialists, TV channels, radio stations, newspapers, magazines and corporate marketers
Since its inception in 1995 with its first client, (Enterprise Communications, now part of Bates India), Mediaware now services the best names in the business. These include GroupM, Y&R, Publicis, Starcom, MEC, Bates, Saatchi, Carat, MPG, FCB, TBWA, BBDO, Dentsu, Hakuhodo, Bozell, Star and Sony. Not to mention well-known Indian brands like SaharaTV, RajTV, HindujaTMT, Videocon, India Today, Reliance Infocomm, Cavinkare, Life Insurance Corp, Parle Products.
Being a comprehensive I.T. solutions company, it goes beyond just developing software and manages databases that are “married” to their software modules. The pan-Gulf media database makes life easier for media specialists. This database tracks 450 newspapers and magazines of this region, along with 100 TV channels and 50 radio stations. Information includes card rate, contact details, standard packages, colour, position loading surcharges, mechanical details (for print), and channel-wise program diary (radio and TV). A special data store is also available for agencies to store client-wise negotiated rates. (Mediaware’s Indian Media Database maintains over 7,000 publications, 250 TV Channels, 300 Radio Stations, 25,000 Outdoor and Internet Sites.)
Mediaware India is currently working on a service to inter-connect agencies, clients and media owners. Mediaware has already released an online Print Ad Material Server (currently in Beta) that is seamlessly linked to their ad agency software - facilitating material transfers between agencies and publications. Also on offer is the Photo/Image Server software for managing enterprise-wide images and photos. Plus a News Aggregation Server that helps news organizations like dailies, news channels and PR agencies to track news by category/keywords. Additionally, Mediaware develops state-of-the-art websites, online marketing and promotions.
“Contrary to common opinion, 80% of the software development effort involves gathering knowledge of the application domain. To that extent, it is really our team’s in-depth knowledge of the domain, as well as commitment to the advertising and media industry, that sets Mediaware apart. This was illustrated recently when a Gulf-based media house asked us for a new software. Even though we did not have a ready software module, we were able to deliver in record time. All because of our team’s ready knowledge of the domain,” says Biswajit Das, CEO Mediaware.
The Arab media has been burgeoning at exponential growth rates. New publications, TV and radio channels are taking birth almost everyday, not to mention out-of-home media. And online media is just around the corner. Managing today’s increasingly complex workflows is a challenge – as it involves near-instant responses and handling a growing choice of media. This is where Mediaware Gulf hopes to make a difference – with their rich experience in the more complex Indian media scene, they are strategically positioned to play a major role in the pan-Gulf region.
