PLDT rolls out app targeting rural banks
TO return to its growth track, PLDT Inc. rolled out in early May a mobile-based loan application targeting rural banks. The user of the app is allowed to apply for a loan using an Internet-connected mobile device. The user gets notified of their loan application within the same day, PLDT said. The roll out of the app comes days after PLDT reported declining revenues year-on-year and a “negative momentum of the topline”. PLDT’s wireless service revenues (net of interconnection costs) was 16 percent lower than the previous year. Quarter-on-quarter, fixed service revenues increased by 4 percent while wireless revenues declined 4 percent, the company said on May 16. Rizal Raoul Reyes
Hitachi unit launches new version of platform
HITACHI Data Systems (HDS), a wholly owned subsidiary of Hitachi Ltd., announced on May 25 it launched the latest version of its content platform “HCP Anywhere”. According to the company, the platform adds more collaboration, usability and data-protection capabilities with a refined user experience, allowing organizations to transform to a digital workplace that is virtual, mobile and highly collaborative. The platform is the industry’s only private enterprise mobility solution that allows employees to collaborate with coworkers and external parties to share files or folders anytime, anywhere, on any device, without compromising security or control of corporate information, the company said. Ned E. Capotse
Shopee, Facebook announce partnership
SOUTHEAST Asia mobile shopping app Shoppee announced recently it has partnered with Facebook to discuss with over 100 Filipino sellers how entrepreneurs can leverage digital marketing skills to increase online sales. “Currently, the Philippines is one of the highest digital population in the world. There are over 47 million active Facebook accounts in the country,” Deepish Trivedi, Facebook head of retail and ecommerce for Southeast Asia, was quoted in a statement as saying. “We see this as a great opportunity in helping Filipinos grow their business and guide them on how to optimize our marketing tools”. Alladin S. Diega
Sony launches color variants of PS4 units
SONY Interactive Entertainment Hong Kong Ltd. Singapore announced on June 9 the release of two new color variants of its standard PlayStation 4 (PS4) CUH-2000 series. The SRP of the gold and silver PS4 is at P15,500, the company said in a statement. Rizal Raoul Reyes
SellUP buys e-mail marketing agency
SELLUP Inc., an e-mail marketing company with offices in New York and Manila, announced on June 5 its acquisition of global e-mail marketing agency, Alchemy Worx. Established in 2001, Alchemy Worx currently creates, manages and deploys consumer and business e-mails for international brands and Fortune 500 companies. SellUP, who offer analytics-driven, global B2C strategies, will gain a formidable asset in Alchemy Worx, bolstering efforts to build relationships with larger companies reaching beyond retail. SellUP said it will extend the support of its design and coding teams and data scientists to strengthen analysis and production for Alchemy Worx clients. Oliver Samson
Warren & Brown buys AC Technologies Ltd.
AUCKLAND, New Zealand-based company AC Technologies Ltd. said it has been purchased by Warren & Brown Technologies Pty Ltd (WBT) group of companies. AC Technologies said its owner and Managing Director Brian Barnett will continue in the business “ensuring a smooth transition.” “I have built the business over the last 25 years but I felt the time was right to move the business to the next level.” WBT is a long established (95 years) and successful manufacturer and supplier of telecommunications network and connectivity infrastructure to telecom operators and enterprise customers worldwide. It has a manufacturing facility in the Philippines. Oliver Samson