Startup
There is no single best approach to computing: Zaggle CTO Srikanth Gaddam
As the country shifts to decentralised IT systems, companies are leveraging both distributed cloud computing and edge computing for real-time data processing, problem-solving, and boosted security.
However, there is no single best approach to computing, said Srikanth Gaddam, CTO of B2B fintech startup,
.“There is no one approach: both are very good computing approaches, both solve very good use cases,” said Gaddam, in a fireside chat at DevSparks 2024, YourStory’s developer-focused conference, in Hyderabad.
“A lot of advances in the cloud have enabled both distributed computing and edge. What is changing is there are more devices which are getting more and more powerful, which we didn’t have earlier. Today, the number of IoT devices has crossed more than 50 billion; all these IoT devices are edge computing devices,” Gaddam told a packed audience.
Edge computing processes data directly on or near the device where it’s created, allowing for quick responses with minimal delay. While cloud computing handles large-scale data and complex analysis on remote servers. However, sending data to the cloud may take time due to data travel on the internet.
The Indian edge computing market is set to grow at a 13.40% CAGR from 2024 to 2032, according to IMARC Group. The distributed cloud market, valued at $4.2 billion in 2022, is expected to grow at a CAGR of over 19.5% from 2023 to 2032, according to a report by Global Market Insights.
Technology must solve problems
The tech leader believes that, ultimately, any innovation must focus on solving a particular problem.
Citing the example of self-autonomous vehicles, Gaddam highlighted how computing power has moved closer to vehicles, allowing self-autonomous vehicles to process large amounts of data—such as image and video data—from various sensors, directly on the device. This has to happen instantaneously.
“I wouldn’t say look at one particular approach, but it’s a mix of approaches which I have been following. That’s what would yield the results, because there’s a mix of both edge and cloud computing,” explained Gaddam, who was earlier the senior director of database engineering at HighRadius and the head of engineering at FITTR.
The CTO said that a lot of the problems that were unsolved earlier are being solved today just because of the availability of technology.
“We have CCTV surveillance everywhere. India is growing fast in CCTV surveillance. Now, can there be action taken through the CCTV surveillance? Think of the system, that particular camera that is recording. It captures an incident that could be a traffic coalition or an emergency. Now, can it assess what it is and provide the first-aid response and emergency response to that particular incident?” he said.
Developers turn entrepreneurs
Gaddam further noted the trend of many developers taking a leap into entrepreneurship. He stated that individuals from tech backgrounds are embracing entrepreneurship. The younger generation—often from families with tech industry ties—are willing to take risks and explore new ideas, rather than pursuing conventional roles in established companies.
Developers are looking to solve problems at scale and provide scalable solutions using technology. They are increasingly keen to wear the “business hat” and take their solutions to the market, he said.
“The awareness is lot more and people are not shying away from taking that risk to start up,” he added.
Gaddam, who previously co-founded MobileWays, a mobile app development company, also pointed out that developers often associate themselves as doers, and that must change.
“Both the doers and thinkers have to be the same. So developers associate themselves as doers. “Hey, tell me what to do and I’ll do’ … To all the developers, wear the hat of a thinker. Once you wear the hat of a thinker, you will get the chance to think deeper, than the product and the business. That’s when you transition into becoming leaders,” he remarked.
Gaddam has mentored startups through the Pilani Innovation and Entrepreneurship Development Society at BITS Pilani since February 2020. His expertise spans database engineering, security standards, and technology solutions.
What Zaggle does
Founded in 2012 by Phani N Raj, Zaggle stands at the intersection of software-as-a-service (SaaS) and financial technology, specialising in business spend management. The Hyderabad-based publicly listed company predominantly caters to corporate clients by streamlining their payment and expense processes.
Zaggle’s profit soared 8.3 times to Rs 16.7 crore in Q1 FY25, compared to Rs 2 crore in Q1 FY24. The firm’s revenue from operations more than doubled, reaching Rs 252 crore, up from Rs 118.4 crore in Q1 FY24.
Startup
Ola Electric’s Q2 loss narrows as revenue jumps 40%
‘s net loss narrowed in the second quarter of the current financial year (FY25) as the Bhavish Aggarwal-led EV maker reported a 39% jump in sales.
Ola Electric reported a net loss of Rs 495 crore for the July-September quarter, down from Rs 524 crore in the year-ago period. The company’s revenue from operations jumped to Rs 1,214 crore in Q2 from Rs 873 crore a year earlier.
However, on a quarterly basis, Ola Electric’s loss widened from Rs 324 crore in the April-June quarter. The company’s sales declined from Rs 1,644 crore in the previous quarter.
The results come days after the EV-maker’s share price fell below its listing price, two months after the company listed on Indian stock exchanges. On Friday, Ola Electric’s share price closed at Rs 72.67 apiece, down 2.53%. Ola Electric got listed on India’s stock exchanges on August 9 at Rs 76 per share. The company had hit an all-time high of Rs 157.40 apiece.
Ola Electric, currently the market leader in the E2W segment, has also come under intense scrutiny over rising consumer complaints pertaining to its vehicles. In October, the company received a show cause notice from the Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) seeking alleged violations of consumer rights, misleading advertising, and unfair trade practices.
The company, in a BSE filing on October 22, said it has provided all requested information and clarification sought by the consumer watchdog. Additionally, Ola Electric said it resolved 99.1% out of 10,644 complaints it received from the CCPA.
The SoftBank Group-backed firm has since doubled down on expanding its service centers and hiring service technicians to help streamline operations and clear backlogs.
Startup
Workplace boundaries: 5 things not to share with coworkers
In today’s workplace, building relationships and open communication are highly encouraged. A collaborative environment can foster trust, creativity, and productivity among colleagues. However, there is a fine line between being friendly and sharing too much. Revealing certain personal information to your coworkers can blur professional boundaries and even affect your career negatively. In a world where first impressions and professionalism matter, knowing what to keep private is crucial to maintaining respect and credibility.
This guide highlights five essential things you should never share with colleagues. From sensitive financial details to personal beliefs, these are boundaries that every professional should respect for the sake of both personal privacy and workplace harmony.
1. Financial information
Discussing your financial situation at work—whether it’s your salary, debts, or even that new loan you’ve taken out—can lead to misunderstandings, envy, or resentment. Salary disparities, in particular, are a sensitive topic and can create friction in the workplace if colleagues perceive unfairness. Moreover, sharing details about your finances could unintentionally set you up for gossip or judgment from others, which could alter their view of your professionalism. If you’re asked directly, a polite but firm response, such as “I prefer not to discuss personal finances,” can help maintain boundaries.
2. Political and religious beliefs
In an era of heightened political polarisation and strong opinions on various social issues, discussing your political or religious beliefs at work can be risky. Even casual remarks can lead to disagreements and, in worst cases, workplace conflicts. This doesn’t mean you should hide your identity, but it’s wise to avoid diving into discussions that might alienate or offend others. Maintaining a neutral stance on sensitive topics can help create a respectful, inclusive work environment.
3. Personal health issues
Your health is deeply personal, and sharing too much about any physical or mental health challenges can lead to unintended consequences. While close friends may share personal health information, colleagues don’t need to know the specifics of your medical history. Revealing health information might result in unwanted sympathy, awkwardness, or even doubt about your ability to perform your job effectively.
4. Negative opinions about colleagues or management
It might feel cathartic to vent about a difficult coworker or a strict manager, but sharing these thoughts with other colleagues can easily backfire. Not only can it damage your reputation, but it could also harm your professional relationships if your words get back to the person in question. Criticising team members or managers can make you seem untrustworthy or negative, both of which can hinder your career progression. Maintaining a neutral or positive stance will reflect professionalism and emotional maturity.
5. Ambitions for a new job or career move
Sharing your plans to apply for a new job or change careers might seem harmless, but it could shift how your colleagues or managers view your commitment. If your supervisor learns that you’re planning to leave, it could lead to fewer opportunities or even less favourable treatment as they prepare for your departure. To protect your current position, focus on your work, and wait to share the news until you’re ready to make a formal exit.
Conclusion
In a professional setting, boundaries are essential for a healthy work environment. While sharing parts of your personal life can help build connections, knowing where to draw the line is equally important. By keeping your financial matters, health concerns, personal beliefs, and career ambitions private, you’ll be better able to maintain a positive reputation, foster respectful relationships, and ultimately advance your career without unnecessary complications.
Remember, in the workplace, less can often be more. Protect your privacy, and you’ll find it easier to focus on what truly matters—your professional growth and contributions.
Startup
Taming the restless ‘Monkey Mind’: 6 signs and calming tips
Do you ever feel as if your thoughts are racing, jumping from one idea to the next without pause? This restless state of mind, commonly known as the “monkey mind,” can leave you feeling overwhelmed, distracted, and unable to focus. Imagine a monkey swinging from branch to branch—never still, always moving. The monkey mind does something similar, dragging your attention in multiple directions at once. In a world filled with constant notifications, endless tasks, and overstimulation, it’s no wonder our minds are often buzzing with a mix of unfinished thoughts, worries, and ideas.
Recognising and managing a monkey mind can be a game-changer for mental clarity, productivity, and peace. In this article, we’ll dive into six telltale signs of a monkey mind and explore proven strategies to calm it down and regain focus.
6 Telltale signs of a monkey mind
1. Constant overthinking
A classic sign of a monkey mind is constant overthinking. You may find yourself analysing every detail, reliving past conversations, or stressing over hypothetical situations that may never happen. This mental loop can keep you from moving forward or making decisions, trapping you in a cycle of what-ifs.
Try to channel overthinking into action by setting a time limit for worrying or planning, and then move on. Journaling can also help you process your thoughts and release them from your mind. Practicing mindfulness by focusing on what you’re doing right now can redirect your attention away from endless what-ifs.
2. Difficulty focusing on a task
If you find yourself switching tasks frequently, unable to concentrate on one thing for long, it’s a clear sign your mind may be restless. The monkey mind is easily distracted, often drawn to anything that promises novelty or instant gratification.
Implementing techniques like the Pomodoro Method—where you work for 25 minutes and then take a 5-minute break—can improve focus. Create a designated workspace, eliminate distractions, and try using noise-cancelling headphones or listening to concentration-friendly music to help you stay on task.
3. Procrastination and avoidance
A monkey mind often leads to procrastination, especially when faced with big or daunting tasks. The mind can become overwhelmed by the task’s complexity, prompting you to avoid it entirely and instead focus on smaller, less important activities.
Break tasks into smaller, manageable steps to make them feel less overwhelming. Set a specific goal for each work session, even if it’s just to complete a small portion. Reward yourself for each accomplishment, no matter how small, to keep your momentum going.
4. Heightened anxiety or stress
With the mind constantly jumping from one thought to another, stress and anxiety levels can increase. A monkey mind often dwells on worst-case scenarios and hypothetical fears, causing a continuous cycle of worry and tension.
Incorporate regular deep-breathing exercises or meditation into your day. Slow, mindful breathing can help activate the body’s relaxation response, lowering stress levels and bringing a sense of calm. For some, a quick physical reset—such as stretching or walking—can break the anxiety loop and help you feel grounded.
5. Trouble sleeping
If your mind feels like it’s in overdrive at night, it could be because of a monkey mind. Endless thoughts and worries can make it hard to fall asleep or stay asleep, leaving you feeling exhausted the next day.
Establish a calming bedtime routine to signal your mind and body that it’s time to wind down. Avoid screens at least an hour before bed, and consider listening to a guided meditation or calming sounds to lull your mind into relaxation mode. Journaling before bed can also help you clear your mind by putting your thoughts on paper.
6. Feeling constantly distracted
A monkey’s mind craves stimulation and often finds it challenging to stay present. You may find yourself constantly checking your phone, seeking out new content, or even daydreaming when you should be focused on a task at hand.
Practice “mindful breaks” during your day—short intervals where you put down your devices, observe your surroundings and ground yourself in the present. Limiting the number of things you try to multitask can help, too. Start by giving your full attention to one task, and slowly build your focus endurance from there.
Conclusion
Our minds are naturally curious, and having occasional restless thoughts is normal. However, when the monkey mind takes over, it can disrupt our peace, productivity, and well-being. Recognising the signs of a monkey mind and incorporating calming strategies—like mindfulness, structured work sessions, and relaxation techniques—can help you regain control over your mental landscape. The next time you find your mind swinging wildly, try one of these calming techniques to bring yourself back to a state of balance and clarity.
By making mindfulness a habit and addressing the monkey mind head-on, you’ll be able to cultivate a deeper sense of peace, focus, and contentment in your daily life.
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