Dell, Samsung in $16-billion strategic pact
Dell and Samsung Electronics Co Ltd on Monday announced that they have entered into a strategic, multi-billion dollar technology and research-and-development agreement. Under the $16 billion global agreement, Samsung will ensure supply of memory components, liquid-crystal displays (LCD), monitors and optical disk drives to Dell for use in the manufacturers of its line of computer system products. The companies have also agreed to collaborate on research and development efforts.

Packet telephony solutions from Hughes Software
Hughes Software Systems Ltd said on Monday that it has teamed up with Motorola to deliver smart networks-enabled packet telephony solutions. Hughes, while informing Bombay stock exchange, said Motorola had announced an agreement to bundle its network and signalling software stacks and frameworks with Motorola's smart networks enabled packet telephony solutions.

EDS plans aggressive foray into India
Global IT major EDS is planning aggressive forays into the growing Indian business process management sector eyeing vast areas of governmental and corporate business. The multi-billion US-based company, which has a dominant presence in as many as 61 countries, has already tied up with the Delhi-based New Shonkh Technologies to cater to the governmental business the company was targeting, Mr Ram Seshadri, managing director of EDS Indian operations, told PTI.

Escotel refinances Rs 5.25 bn domestic debt
Escotel, the cellular service provider for UP (West), Haryana and Kerala, on Monday announced the execution of the financial documents in respect of its long-term rupee debt facilities aggregating Rs 5.25 billion. ICICI was the lead arranger for the entire rupee debt. It has also announced the restructuring of its offshore debt of $75 million from external commercial agencies and commercial lenders, under which Escotel has got an extension to the moratorium period by two years.

Doordarshan to telecast live the GSLV launch
Doordarshan would telecast live the launch of country's Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV) on Wednesday from Sriharikota. Doordarshan's national network would start the telecast of the launch at about 3.15 pm. A curtain raiser programme on GSLV would also be telecast, arelease from the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) said on Monday.

Mistral Software completes first round of funding
Bangalore-based Mistral Software Pvt Ltd has announced the completion of its first round of funding through Mauritius-based eTEC Ventures Ltd. Mistral has divested 20 per cent of the equity to bring in $3 million investment. eTEC Venture has invested through India Direct Fund Advisors, the Indian partner of the fund which manages close to $61 million.