SoftAge at Gitex 2014

12th to 16th October 2014 marked one of the most noteworthy convergence points for the leaders and members of the Information and Communications Technology (ICT) industry around the world. This was when the 34th GITEX Technology Week was held, in the Dubai World Trade centre.
Launched in 1981, GITEX is considered the business gateway to the Middle East, Africa and South Asia Region by ICT industry experts. The event offers a unique for international entities to come together under one roof and strike long-term alliances which foster innovation, drive revenues and heighten consumer engagement, said Trixie LohMirmand, senior vice-president, exhibitions and events management, Dubai World Trade Centre.
The themes of GITEX 2014 were Cloud, Big Data, Real-time Mobile and Smart Destinations. These indeed are the current global ICT trends, and since SoftAge Information Technology Limited believes in constant innovation, its products & services aligned seamlessly with these themes. SoftAge therefore participated in the forum in order to showcase, partner, learn and contribute in terms of expertise.
The key aim remained to stay relevant, to garner knowledge and alliances which would help provide the best possible services and the most sophisticated technology to organizations across the globe.
The focal service was SoftAge’s unique End-to-End Document Management Service. This is a complete basket of products and services which includes all logistics, software, IT support, expertise and infrastructure which an organization requires in order organize and manage its paper documents and digital information effectively. This includes document pickup, digitization, data processing, image scanning, warehousing and secure shredding. This is accompanied by an eDMS software with a convenient UI for hierarchy-based information access as well as a swift retrieval facility for the physical document.
In the gamut of ICT products and IT enabled services showcased at GITEX, this services stood out as a holistic solution of organizations’ document management needs.
As the curtains came down on the 34th Gitex Technology Week 2014, exhibitors, organizers and visitors hailed the event for its inclusive insights into the latest issues and trends in the ICT industry. SoftAge has striven to bring these valuable insights into the organization, with the fortitude to constantly evolve its products and services.

Social Initiatives

SoftAge Foundation
The idea behind the creation of the SoftAge foundation has always been to provide all the

possible help to those juveniles who have been the fatal heirs of mentally deranging diseases. The foundation is willing to help anyone and everyone, and is at present focusing on the children and the relatives of the employees. One paisa per processed form is contributed to the foundation and medical and financial aid is provided wherever required.
In an earnest endeavour to abate differences and the feeling of being unfortunate, the foundation is ready to put in endless efforts to make it happen. As it has been rightly said, “Charity sees the need, not the cause”, SoftAge foundation also provides financial aid for the education of children, especially the girl child. With these initiatives the foundation hopes to extend a helping hand to the society and contribute to the county’s overall development.
Rural  Employment

In our populous India, a ballpark figure, 60% of the population belongs to the rural part of the country. Out of this huge chunk of countryside dwellers, 10.1% are still unemployed. As an attempt to lessen this unemployment, SoftAge seeks to generate employment in rural India, through the document Verification – Digitization - Archival - Retrieval process. This is done by providing employment in the home town itself, so that it doesn’t lead to migration of village folks to metropolises. An idea that promotes modernization without urbanization, and also doesn’t leave rural areas deserted. In this way, the people don’t have to leave their native towns and can be employed while staying with their families.
And as a future strategy, we have in mind the idea of establishing rural BPO and institutions where document management courses could be conducted. This would serve the purpose of creating employment on an even larger scale while developing finer human resource for the organization. 
Environmental Awareness

As the father of our nation had stated, “The Earth provides for every man’s need, not every

man’s greed”, SoftAge makes serious efforts to maintain the piousness of our environment. Following the three R’s; Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle, as the judicious use of environment’s resources is extremely crucial, our family hopes to spread this message of taking care of our planet far and wide.
As a Document Management Company, in our process, we use recyclable cardboard cartons to store documents in our warehouses and paper envelopes. We also discourage the use of plastic and other non-biodegradable materials. 

Our Services

Document Collection: Documents can be collected from client site or client point of sale from the remotest of locations across length and breadth of India through a highly experienced team of document collection professionals. Our complete document data collection services include service customization to client’s specific needs which helps your business deliver better performance. High-volume document data collection can be availed 24 x 7.

Document Verification: The collected documents go through a rigorous audit process and are verified as per the respective client's norms by the company's specially trained verification executives. The entire verification process involves reviewing, inspecting, and testing to establish that the document meets the regulatory standards or respective norms as specified by the client. Audit and verification processes emphasize on giving the clients complete information, genuineness and reliability of documents. 
Today's growing population supplemented by huge migrations has led to identity related issues. SoftAge plays an active role in resolving such issues by providing address verification services through Address verification agents by visiting even the remotest locations in the country.

Image Processing: SoftAge offers a comprehensive document scanning service which encompasses all major formats such as TIFF, PDF, PDF searchable and OCR to Word format. The initial stage comprises of preparing files for scanning and unitization by removal of unwanted materials such as staples, pins etc to ensure that every image/document is processed correctly and accurately. Scanning of documents is carried out on one of the high speed scanners using the latest technology which ensures best possible image capturing facilities. Image enhancements such as cropping, deskew and despeckle is done to further ensure the best possible result.

Files are converted into the required file format and processed to achieve the highest quality, accuracy and validation. Scanned images are then systematically tagged so they can be easily searched and retrieved in a timely manner. After this all scanned images are transferred to suitable storage medium such as DVD, hard disk, or uploading to FTP servers for immediate access. Quality check & review for each functional area is conducted to ensure that all project requirements are met and that no variation is introduced to the process.

Data Processing: The activity involves data conversion into electronic format. It is characterized by accuracy, cost effectiveness and timely record creation in terms of volume and project size. The company offers the flexibility of processing the documents for manual or online data entry from any format – hand written originals, typed copy, online sources or scanned images. Data coding of collated information by experienced data entry operators is conducted in a customized database followed by thorough quality checks to ensure first stage data entry is 99% accurate. The data is provided to the clients in specific formats. 
The following forms may require manual data entry at some point, often in large numbers: 
Feedback forms

Customer application forms
Job application forms
Personnel forms
Company details
Reports
Warranty cards
Student enrolment forms
Online data capture services
Data entry from images
Data entry from product catalogs to web based systems
Data entry from hard/soft copy to any database format

Storage: SoftAge has ideally designed its Document Warehouse secure storage system to store highly confidential documents requiring long term preservation. When a file box comes to our facility it is entered into our state of the art tracking system containing a bar coded box number. Archive containers are tracked by means of bar codes. Documents are indexed to File or Box level and can be tracked, retrieved by means of a secure web based system. Our document storage services enable you to store your company's critical records offsite with peace of mind. Our state of the art complex ensures you the highest level of protection to ensure the records are there when you need them. Access to our records management system which is well connected with internet is possible 24/7 via the web. The system can be customized to meet any company's needs. Our storage facility is monitored by security CCTV video recording, 24/7/365 security guards, burglar and fire alarm systems, and various fire suppression systems and water sprinklers to ensure documents and records are stored safely. The entire complex is temperature controlled. If a box or file is needed simply call, fax, or e-mail us and our staff will be able to get what you need. We can deliver electronically within minutes, or place the actual file in your hand within hours to ensure you get the document when you need the most.

The data storage devices are used for backup and archiving of data. We offer a number of different data storage solutions to store the electronic versions of our clients paper files and database, our solutions will vary depending on the volume of paperwork and the security required. Below are some of our most popular options:

• Magnetic media (hard drives)
• Magneto –Optical storage
• Compact discs, CD–ROM
• DVDs
• WORM (Write Once , Read Many)
• USB data stick
• Passport hard drive

Search and Retrieval: SoftAge complete document management solution (DMS) process helps to quickly search through thousands of documents in order to pinpoint the information they need. Indexing of every word in document and keywords allows users to quickly sort large volumes of data to find the right document in the shortest time possible. The computer–aided retrieval system ensures quick access to stored documents. With multiple methods of indexing, retrieval of relevant documents becomes fast, easy and efficient ensuring optimum time and cost efficiency. The entire DMS process has strong software support to back up our services.

IT Support: We provide customized software for the managing the whole life cycle of document. Various MIS are also provided as per requirement for reporting, analyzing and surveying purposes. Some of the major services delivered are:
Server monitoring
On-site technical consultancy
Network/server support
Software/Hardware procurement
Data backup and recovery
Permanent on-site personnel or teams
HR Support: Trained human resource is provided at any level of the document management process. We provide manpower if required by client throughout the document management process for data entry, scanning, auditing / complete life cycle. We help our clients save costs with our managed service programs.

Our Geographical Footprints

SoftAge define, designs and delivers Document Management Solutions and Services that help companies to focus on their core business. These solutions focus on providing strategic differentiation and operational superiority to clients. With SoftAge, clients are assured of a transparent business partner, world-class processes with speed of execution.

SoftAge headquartered in Gurgaon, India, expanded its footprints in India by establishing its delivery centers across states of Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Rajasthan, Punjab, Haryana, Maharashtra, Goa, West Bengal, Assam & North East, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Bihar, Jharkhand and Himachal Pradesh. A business requirement, in 2012, took SoftAge one step ahead. The result was operating from 565 processing units based in district headquarters. There are around 4200 back end executives and 3500 pickup executives working for these centers.

In 2011, SoftAge expanded its operations by opening its first international office in Dubai to cater to the need of Middle East and African Market. In 2012 SoftAge, expanded its geographical footprint by operating from Nairobi and Lusaka. Projects are lined up in countries like Tchad, Gabon, Malawi and Burkino Faso.

Ozair Yasin, The Man behind SoftAge

Early Life and Education: Ozair Yasin was born on 20 May 1964 in a small town known as Araria in Bihar.  After Completing his early education from Araria only, later shifted to Patna to pursue graduation from Magadha University. He has a bachelor degree in Science. He did PGDCA from ICS Patna.  By taking up an advance Computer course at NIIT New Delhi, he further polished his IT skills.

He also has a PPL (Private Pilot License) to his credit and was into flying, in Patna Flying Club, for

almost 3 years. But the computer boom in the late eighties attracted him towards IT.

Career: Ozair started his career at Sulabh International, an NGO , at Patna, as a Computer Programmer in charge of the newly installed Computer Section of the organization. In the same year he was transferred to New Delhi. After a two year stint at Sulabh International, establishing its Computer Section, he joined a data processing organization, Inca Telecomine Pvt Ltd (1989-1994) as there was not much to do in IT in Sulabh.

Ozair founded SoftAge as SoftAge institute of Information Technology, along with his wife Fahmida Ozair in 1994 with an initial capital injection of Rs. 14,000. Initially into computer education later focus shifted to data processing.

SoftAge went on to establish its name as a pioneer in document management solutions. It has since then been managing documents of leading financial institutions, banks, insurance sector, and tele-communication companies.

From a 6 person enterprise based in one room to the 12,000 employee workforce organization spread all over India, Middle East and Africa; Ozair Yasin is the man behind SoftAge. Only with his far-sighted vision that ensured that the growth curve always points up, could SoftAge evolve and attain the many accolades it is proud of, today.

Ozair Yasin is a simple and down to earth person. He doesn’t have any pompous principles. He believes that by sheer hard work you can carve your own destiny, and live a fulfilled and satisfied life. He doesn’t know about what the future holds for SoftAge. He just has a never-ending thirst for growth exponential, for the company he formed back in 1994 and nurtured through his years.

Personal Life: His Wife, Fahmida Ozair, with an economics and IT background helped her husband realize his dreams. Presently, she is the CEO of SoftAge and takes care of the Finance, Operations and Human Resource departments of the company. Other than looking after the 12,000 employee workforce, Fahmida enjoys travelling, reading, driving and cooking. She also does philanthropic work through the SoftAge Foundation.

He has 2 Sons. Danyal Ozair who is the elder has done BE in computer Science from BITS, Dubai and is the Co-founder of Websters. Sherjil is pursuing Bachelors in Computer Science from IIT, Delhi and has interned in organizations like Google, Microsoft Research, Flutter, Universities of Trinity and Montreal.

Interests: When not busy managing and flying to-and-fro between the SoftAge  offices, Mr. Yasin takes pleasure in traveling around the world, going for a swim once in a while in the neighborhood club, and playing Badminton with his sons, Danyal and Sherjil. He enjoys driving, and is sure to try out the roads of each country he visits.

Word of Advice: “With not a single penny in my pocket to invest and start a business, I was able to achieve all this because it was all hard work. My office timings for eight years had been from 9:30 am to 10 -11 pm, though working for some other company. Finishing the day’s work on the same day had been my mantra. Nothing is to be left for tomorrow.” – Ozair Yasin

Raise the curtain for our new “SoftAge" Blog

Hello and welcome to the new SoftAge blog. Here’s where you’ll find the latest & greatest news on everything about SoftAge – from cool product/service updates to interviews with SoftAge employees (yes, there are wildly interesting people running around here starting with me of course).

Plus you’ll see SoftAge fans/reader in the spotlight with our weekly member profiles. Along the way, we’ll try to make this blog a touch more interesting to read than your refrigerator’s user manual.

So bookmark this blog, email to a friend/colleague, and let’s pump up the volume on news at SoftAge. And of course, we’d love getting your feedback on the blog — and what you want to see showcased in the future.

Our Small Business in 1994

Established in 1994, SoftAge is a Document Management Service Provider with more than 12000 employees. From a capital of 350 US $, we have grown to become 32 Million US $ Company.

In our journey of 20 years, we have catalysed various processes to handle gigantic number of documents.

Milestones:

2014

ISO/IEC 27001:2005 Certification

2013

Work force strength: 11467

Set up of operations in Lusaka, Zambia

Collaborations in UAE and KSA

Operating from 537 Spokes, 20 Hub Offices and 18 Warehouses

Development of various document management and scanning products 

2012

Our workforce: 9000 plus

Processes 4,00,000 documents per day PAN India

Processed over 300 million files till date

900 million documents stored in our warehouses till date

Operating from 64 hub offices and document warehouses

Expertise in end to end document management solution and served almost every sector

2011

Launched/Inaugurated offices in Dubai and collaborated in Nairobi

Rated as the best medium enterprise in IT & ITeS sector by Dun and Bradstreet

2010

Nominated for ET Now Leaders  of Tomorrow award

SoftAge foundation in established

Reverification of 5 crore KYC’s for telecom giant in 6 months
Became member of Nasscom

2008

ISO certification

2006

Address verification of 30 lakhs mobile phone subscribers of telecom company in six months

2005

Warehousing services launched

2004

Launched data processing and scanning services in other states of India

2003

Launched its scanning services by processing PAN cards for Govt. of India with workforce of 100

2002

Launched document verification services

Processed 1crore plus applications for financial institution

Completed the first offsite project, in the most difficult and challenging areas of India, for an IT company

2000

Registered as limited company based in Delhi with workforce of 100

Until next time friends…
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