Its been a while in the internal I used to hear from higher officials that ITC Infotech is going to acquire companies in India, esp on companies who have projects on Semi Conductor or embeded. All the roots have been looking for a niche player to engrave market. Yesterday I heard the news tha ITC Infotech acquired US-based Pyxis solutions. Congrats Infotechians to stepping one more step on the ladder.
The news here..
ITC Infotech, a global IT services company and fully owned subsidiary of ITC Limited, has acquired Pyxis Solutions, a US-based niche player offering Quality Assurance (QA) solutions and testing services.
The deal has been closed at $25 million, ITC Infotech MD Sanjiv Puri told reporters here today. "It has been an all-cash deal and funded internally", he said.
Pyxis offers a full spectrum of services in software Quality Assurance ranging from user-interface testing to QA process improvements, including QA management and consulting, quantiative analysis testing and data validation testing.
Describing it as a "strategic acquisition", Suri said, Pyxis brings on board "differentiated capabilities, domain expertise in capital markets, unique testing methodology and an impressive roster of customers" which will compliment ITC Infotech's service offering and will further strenghten its presence in US, in addition to building up capabilities.
For Pyxis, the deal would bring on board the "benefits of scalability, a robust global delivery model, strong offshore base and institutional strengths of being part of a larger group", to provide better services to our customers, he said.
The synergies between the two companies is expected to create large opportunities for cross selling by leveraging existing customer relationship of both Pyxis and ITC Infotech. and help enlarging the geographic reach of services offered and create new opportunities for diversified offerings.
Pyxis would continue to work under its founders and would be a subsidiary of ITC Infotech (USA), he said adding the deal was in line with company's vision of actively seeking synergestic partnerships around key industry verticals, solution areas and focus technologies.
Thanks : PTI
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
Monday, August 18, 2008
15 Style Mistakes You Can Fix Now
Let's face it, we all need help sometimes. And like it or not, we're judged by how we look and how we handle ourselves in social and professional settings.
The 15 style tips below aren't meant to turn you into a metrosexual—none, for instance, will instruct you to blow $600 on a pair of shoes. These tips are for the everyday guy. They're meant to help you gain confidence when you walk into a meeting or the next cocktail party, and they'll help make your wife or girlfriend feel proud to stand next to you. You're a grown man—it's time your wardrobe grew up too.
But, remember, it's not about being trendy, it's about looking good. Just follow these tips to looking better.
1. Match your belt and shoes. If you're wearing black shoes, put on a black belt. And brown shoes demand a brown belt. A good, general rule is to never mix the color of your leathers.
2. For crying out loud, pull your pants down. You may be pushing 40, but you don't need to hike up your pants like you're ready to start walking the mall. And it's even worse if you tuck in your shirt like Napoleon Dynamite.
3. On the flip side, pull up your pants. Seeing some 19-year-old's boxer shorts is bad enough; we don't need to see your tighty whities. You should have stopped buying "baggy cut" jeans years ago.
4. Pay attention to your shoes. You could be wearing $100 jeans with a sharp-looking shirt, but you'll still embarrass your wife or girlfriend with those old loafers that should have been pitched in the 1990s. Buy quality shoes that look smart and stylish. Remember, people check out shoes. Potential employers often will look at them to judge a candidate's attention to detail. Good rule of thumb: Spend your money on shoes, not shirts and pants. Also, match your socks to your shoes (very easy) or at least make sure they are a nice "bridge" from the shoes to the pants. Save the tube socks for the gym and lounging on weekends.
5. Wear clothes that fit properly. At this age, trying to look trendy is a cry for help. And just because that fitted (another term for "your nipples are showing") medium T-shirt looks good on Jake Gyllenhaal, that doesn't mean it looks good on you.
6. A side note to No. 5; if you're short and stocky, don't wear horizontal stripes—you'll look 3 feet tall. (My wife has to remind me of this once a year).
7. Don't worry if you're a little chunky; just wear what looks good on a guy with a little heft. You can't go wrong with black. It's slimming, classy and makes you reek of confidence.
8. Put away the tank top—even at the gym. You're not 12 years old anymore, and no one wants to smell your pits.
9. If your woman's not happy, you're not happy. After getting ready to go out, if you see concern on her face when she looks you over, change your clothes. There's a 98.9 percent chance she's right.
10. Man boobs are our kryptonite, and we have to fight back. They're an immediate turnoff to women, even though most don't mind a plump guy. Attack the problem head-on: Go to the gym, and wear clothes that don't cling to your body. We have Phil Mickelson to thank for officially raising this to a national emergency. We're at Defcon 1.
11. If you wear glasses, remember they're a window into who you are. Update them at least every other year and consider style when choosing them. And don't skimp. Expensive glasses are infinitely better than those $50 specs on special at the local mall.
12. Drop the baseball hat. Yes, it was standard issue in college, but those days are gone. The only exceptions to this rule: Working in the yard, casually hanging out, or playing drums for the Red Hot Chili Peppers.
13. If you have to wear cologne, tone it down. You get points for wanting to smell good, but those points are immediately taken away when your co-workers can smell you in the break room—10 minutes after you left. Just spray a small amount into the air and walk through it. Less is more.
14. If you have a hairy chest, you cannot wear a V-neck without an undershirt. This is not 1977 and your name isn't Smokey. Or Simon Cowell, for that matter.
15. No socks with sandals. And if you do wear open-toed sandals, keep your feet groomed. Have you even looked down there since last summer? Trust us on this one.
Thanks Craig Playstead
The 15 style tips below aren't meant to turn you into a metrosexual—none, for instance, will instruct you to blow $600 on a pair of shoes. These tips are for the everyday guy. They're meant to help you gain confidence when you walk into a meeting or the next cocktail party, and they'll help make your wife or girlfriend feel proud to stand next to you. You're a grown man—it's time your wardrobe grew up too.
But, remember, it's not about being trendy, it's about looking good. Just follow these tips to looking better.
1. Match your belt and shoes. If you're wearing black shoes, put on a black belt. And brown shoes demand a brown belt. A good, general rule is to never mix the color of your leathers.
2. For crying out loud, pull your pants down. You may be pushing 40, but you don't need to hike up your pants like you're ready to start walking the mall. And it's even worse if you tuck in your shirt like Napoleon Dynamite.
3. On the flip side, pull up your pants. Seeing some 19-year-old's boxer shorts is bad enough; we don't need to see your tighty whities. You should have stopped buying "baggy cut" jeans years ago.
4. Pay attention to your shoes. You could be wearing $100 jeans with a sharp-looking shirt, but you'll still embarrass your wife or girlfriend with those old loafers that should have been pitched in the 1990s. Buy quality shoes that look smart and stylish. Remember, people check out shoes. Potential employers often will look at them to judge a candidate's attention to detail. Good rule of thumb: Spend your money on shoes, not shirts and pants. Also, match your socks to your shoes (very easy) or at least make sure they are a nice "bridge" from the shoes to the pants. Save the tube socks for the gym and lounging on weekends.
5. Wear clothes that fit properly. At this age, trying to look trendy is a cry for help. And just because that fitted (another term for "your nipples are showing") medium T-shirt looks good on Jake Gyllenhaal, that doesn't mean it looks good on you.
6. A side note to No. 5; if you're short and stocky, don't wear horizontal stripes—you'll look 3 feet tall. (My wife has to remind me of this once a year).
7. Don't worry if you're a little chunky; just wear what looks good on a guy with a little heft. You can't go wrong with black. It's slimming, classy and makes you reek of confidence.
8. Put away the tank top—even at the gym. You're not 12 years old anymore, and no one wants to smell your pits.
9. If your woman's not happy, you're not happy. After getting ready to go out, if you see concern on her face when she looks you over, change your clothes. There's a 98.9 percent chance she's right.
10. Man boobs are our kryptonite, and we have to fight back. They're an immediate turnoff to women, even though most don't mind a plump guy. Attack the problem head-on: Go to the gym, and wear clothes that don't cling to your body. We have Phil Mickelson to thank for officially raising this to a national emergency. We're at Defcon 1.
11. If you wear glasses, remember they're a window into who you are. Update them at least every other year and consider style when choosing them. And don't skimp. Expensive glasses are infinitely better than those $50 specs on special at the local mall.
12. Drop the baseball hat. Yes, it was standard issue in college, but those days are gone. The only exceptions to this rule: Working in the yard, casually hanging out, or playing drums for the Red Hot Chili Peppers.
13. If you have to wear cologne, tone it down. You get points for wanting to smell good, but those points are immediately taken away when your co-workers can smell you in the break room—10 minutes after you left. Just spray a small amount into the air and walk through it. Less is more.
14. If you have a hairy chest, you cannot wear a V-neck without an undershirt. This is not 1977 and your name isn't Smokey. Or Simon Cowell, for that matter.
15. No socks with sandals. And if you do wear open-toed sandals, keep your feet groomed. Have you even looked down there since last summer? Trust us on this one.
Thanks Craig Playstead
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
Frustrated by Marketing calls? National Do Not Call Registry
You are in midst of your better half's call and found an another call in waiting. You hold sweetheart's call and expect the other call is important.
"Hello **** Sir, Good Morning"
What a manager, wishing and calling to offer a job. "Yes Madam, Good Morning. How are you Doing?
"Doing great Mr.*****. Is n't pleasant morning today?"
"Yeah, hectic traffic though"
"We are calling from **** bank and we offer life time free credit card.."bla bla..
"Sigh"
This incident happens to everybody in our country and I remember my MD got a marketing call when he was in conf call. And you can imagine what happend later :). I understand these calls are bread and butter for them, however it is irritating for others, can't help it.
So what is the solution for this?
Since most people are disturbed on their cell phones by telemarketer these days, Telecom Regulatory Authority of India has instituted National Do Not Call Registry (NDNC Registry) is to curb Unsolicited Commercial Communication (UCC).
A Mobile or landline subscriber, who does not wish to receive telemarketing calls, can request their telephone number be included in the NDNC Registry. Such requests are sent through their telecom service providers which will be stored in National Do Not Call Registry. Subscribers can make a Do Not Call requests via Letter, phone, SMS or on-line.
The telephone number "1909" is designated for registering your request in the National Do Not Call Registry. Registrations can be done either by calling or sending SMS with keywords "START DND" to "1909". Telephone calls/SMS to this number are Free of cost. The telecom service provider will acknowledge the request within ten days. Requests will become effective in 45 days from the date of request.
For more details, please click the following link http://ndncregistry.gov.in/ndncregistry/index.jsp.
A Mobile or landline subscriber, who does not wish to receive telemarketing calls, can request their telephone number be included in the NDNC Registry. Such requests are sent through their telecom service providers which will be stored in National Do Not Call Registry. Subscribers can make a Do Not Call requests via Letter, phone, SMS or on-line.
The telephone number "1909" is designated for registering your request in the National Do Not Call Registry. Registrations can be done either by calling or sending SMS with keywords "START DND" to "1909". Telephone calls/SMS to this number are Free of cost. The telecom service provider will acknowledge the request within ten days. Requests will become effective in 45 days from the date of request.
For more details, please click the following link http://ndncregistry.gov.in/ndncregistry/index.jsp.
Hope this works :)
Thursday, July 17, 2008
How to Stop Gossip, Rumour and Backbiting
In ancient Greece, Socrates was reputed to hold knowledge in high
esteem. One day an acquaintance met the great philosopher and
said, "Do you know what I just heard about your friend?"
"Hold on a minute," Socrates replied. "Before telling me anything I'd
like you to pass a little test. It's called the Triple Filter Test."
"Triple filter?"
"That's right," Socrates continued. "Before you talk to me about my
friend, it might be a good idea to take a moment and filter what you're
going to say. That's why I call it the triple filter test. The first filter is
Truth. Have you made absolutely sure that what you are about to tell
me is true?"
"No," the man said, "actually I just heard about it and."
"All right," said Socrates. "So you don't really know if it's true or not.
Now let's try the second filter, the filter of goodness. Is what you are
about to tell me about my friend something good?"
"No, on the contrary..."
"So," Socrates continued, "you want to tell me something bad about
him, but you're not certain it's true. You may still pass the test though,
because there's one filter left: the filter of usefulness. Is what you
want to tell me about my friend going to be useful to me?"
"No not really …”
"Well," concluded Socrates, "if what you want to tell me is neither true nor good nor even useful, why tell it to me at all?"
This is why Socrates was a great philosopher & held in such high esteem.
esteem. One day an acquaintance met the great philosopher and
said, "Do you know what I just heard about your friend?"
"Hold on a minute," Socrates replied. "Before telling me anything I'd
like you to pass a little test. It's called the Triple Filter Test."
"Triple filter?"
"That's right," Socrates continued. "Before you talk to me about my
friend, it might be a good idea to take a moment and filter what you're
going to say. That's why I call it the triple filter test. The first filter is
Truth. Have you made absolutely sure that what you are about to tell
me is true?"
"No," the man said, "actually I just heard about it and."
"All right," said Socrates. "So you don't really know if it's true or not.
Now let's try the second filter, the filter of goodness. Is what you are
about to tell me about my friend something good?"
"No, on the contrary..."
"So," Socrates continued, "you want to tell me something bad about
him, but you're not certain it's true. You may still pass the test though,
because there's one filter left: the filter of usefulness. Is what you
want to tell me about my friend going to be useful to me?"
"No not really …”
"Well," concluded Socrates, "if what you want to tell me is neither true nor good nor even useful, why tell it to me at all?"
This is why Socrates was a great philosopher & held in such high esteem.
Tuesday, July 08, 2008
Blaming?
A boy was born to a couple after eleven years of marriage. They were a loving couple and the boy was the gem of their eyes. When the boy was around two years old, one morning the husband saw a medicine bottle open. He was late for office so he asked his wife to cap the bottle and keep it in the cupboard. His wife, preoccupied in the kitchen totally forgot the matter. The boy saw the bottle and playfully went to the bottle fascinated by its color and drank it all. It happened to be a poisonous medicine meant for adults in small dosages. When the child collapsed the mother hurried him to the hospital, where he died. The mother was stunned. She was terrified how to face her husband. When the distraught father came to hospital and saw the dead child, he looked at his wife and uttered just five words.
The husband just said "I am with you Dear". The husband's totally unexpected reaction is a proactive behavior. The child is dead. He can never be brought back to life. There is no point in finding fault with the mother. Besides, if only he had taken time to keep the bottle away, this would not have happened. No one is to be blamed. She had also lost her only child. What she needed at that moment was consolation and sympathy from the husband. That is what he gave her. If everyone can look at life with this kind of perspective, there would be much fewer problems in the world. "A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step" . Take off all your envies, jealousies, unforgiveness, selfishness, and fears. And you will find things are actually not as difficult as you think.
MORAL OF THE STORY:
Sometimes we spend time in asking who is responsible or whom to blame, whether in a relationship, in a job or with the people we know.
By this way we miss out something called L.I.F.E.
The husband just said "I am with you Dear". The husband's totally unexpected reaction is a proactive behavior. The child is dead. He can never be brought back to life. There is no point in finding fault with the mother. Besides, if only he had taken time to keep the bottle away, this would not have happened. No one is to be blamed. She had also lost her only child. What she needed at that moment was consolation and sympathy from the husband. That is what he gave her. If everyone can look at life with this kind of perspective, there would be much fewer problems in the world. "A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step" . Take off all your envies, jealousies, unforgiveness, selfishness, and fears. And you will find things are actually not as difficult as you think.
MORAL OF THE STORY:
Sometimes we spend time in asking who is responsible or whom to blame, whether in a relationship, in a job or with the people we know.
By this way we miss out something called L.I.F.E.
Thursday, June 05, 2008
Its Vacation Time
It's been more than a year I left india. And Yes I miss my country, state and weather a lootttttttt. Now I am taking a deep breathe and taking off on saturday by Virgin Atlantic.(Guys, let me know if you any experience travelling in virgin atlantic). Hopping at London, mumbai and bangalore.(that is the cheapest itinerary I got). Will be back to USA end of June.So, Busy in packing my bags and ready to fasten my seat belts.
Till then .. bye bye
Monday, May 19, 2008
Bushkill falls
Yet another, unplanned trip, however ended with an awesome experience. We were uncertain about for a dayout on this Sunday (May-18-2008) untill we started.
Reasons are
1. My self and bro attended a party on Saturday and got latenight when reached my friends place and started playing carom with my fellow blogger. When we completed one board my opponent got a call from another blogger and they started discussing/quarrelling about a blog post. I waited for him for a while, since he didn’t come back, I gone for bed where Samuel Adams begging me for a good sleep.
2. Weather report predicts a rainy day in Delaware Water Gap.
3. Haven't browsed about the place and not planned till the end.
4. What else, Its Lazy Sunday.
Sunday, I woke up by 9:15 am and actual plan was to start by 8:00 AM. I thought of continuing my sweet sunday resting however I haven’t given any chance. Had our coffess and started by 10:30am to Delaware Water Gap. While keyin the destination in GPS we all 3 looking at others face as no body knows the destination. Wondering about our smartness, co blogger have been to his house back with the address. It’s a quite decent drive, had breakfast at DDonuts and lunch at Subway. As per GPS plan we should have reached in 1:40 mins, but we took 3 hrs, becoz of long breaks and drizzles.
On the way we found Welcome Center(information center) and being advised that the day is not good for visiting. Great, we started heading to the last attraction marked by the Gentleman in the welcome center which is BUSHKILL Falls.
About Bushkill falls:Falls located in Northeast Pennsylvania's Pocono Mountains. Beginning at the headwaters of Bushkill Creek, the water descends the mountain, toward the Delaware River, forming Bushkill Falls, Bridal Veil Falls, Bridesmaid Falls, Laurel Glen Falls, Pennell Falls, and three additional, unnamed falls.
- Bushkill Falls was opened to the public in 1904 by Charles E. Peters.
- Falls is a series of eight waterfalls, the tallest of which cascades over 100 feet. Bushkill Falls is often called the "Niagara of Pennsylvania. I feel it is too much. No where it can be compared to Niagara.
- Bushkill Falls is owned and operated by the Peters family.
- Contact Bushkills Falls: 570.588.6682
We reached the place, Less people around, lush green surroundings, strong meadows, fresh (unpolluted) air, pin drop silence, smell of a thick forest made me crazy and sure you will refresh yourself before reaching the falls. Entrance fees per Adult is $9 and for kids $4.
The steps were built by wood and guide you through the falls from top to bottom, a great plan. Looks like human untouched place. The falls aren't huge, but very nice to look at with the nature surround water falls noise. Then the photography session started. Enjoyed climbing the steps with chilled rain drizzle and sprinkled water from falls. Better not to go with kids, since the steps are too deep. Excellent network of hiking trails and bridges affording fabulous views of the falls all made by wood. We took more than an hour to look at, grounds are very scenic and every photographer would like this place to digitalize. Outfitters store and a restaurant also around in the entrance.
Then we saw Arrow Island, Delaware water gap overlook and Mt.
Tammany which were okay kind of places. We didn’t have enough time to move around to other places and weather also not allowed to hang around. Had a deep breathe of Pocono's fresh air in a place where we can have a scenery view and drove back to NJ. It was a nice trip, driver was good as usual and my photographer bro(clicked 800+). Thanks for both guys who made the wonderful and unforgettable trip.
Thursday, May 01, 2008
US slowdown will keep India as hot IT offshore
The US economic slowdown will lead buyers of IT services to consider increasing the percentage of their labour in offshore, lower-cost locations. India will remain the dominant location for IT offshore services for North American and European buyers as a result of its scale, quality of resources and strong presence of local and traditional service providers, according to Gartner.
With concerns that the US economic slowdown could extend to other geographies, organisations are refocusing on IT cost reduction and taking steps to accelerate the use of offshore labour, Gartner said. Buyers of IT services will shift from cost-containment goals to a greater focus on cost reduction and productivity increases in their sourcing decisions.
This will lead to a steady increase in the adoption and expansion of offshore services - primarily from India, but increasingly from other countries as well.
“Factors that will give India the edge over other offshore locations are scale and quality of labour. North American and European buyers of IT services have been the force behind a growing offshore services market and India is central to almost any discussion of offshore services delivery for these buyers,” said Gartner research director TJ Singh.
Gartner sees two possible scenarios that will have an impact on offshore services adoption in the coming months: temporary economic downturn (best case scenario) or a more sustained recession (worst case scenario). According to Gartner vice-president Allie Young, “In the best case scenario, buyers will aggressively seek cost-saving measures by accelerating offshore delivery or, for first time users, moving IT services to offshore locations.”
In the worst case scenario, if a more sustained economic slowdown leads to a prolonged recession in the US, Gartner expects a more-aggressive movement to cut IT budgets
With concerns that the US economic slowdown could extend to other geographies, organisations are refocusing on IT cost reduction and taking steps to accelerate the use of offshore labour, Gartner said. Buyers of IT services will shift from cost-containment goals to a greater focus on cost reduction and productivity increases in their sourcing decisions.
This will lead to a steady increase in the adoption and expansion of offshore services - primarily from India, but increasingly from other countries as well.
“Factors that will give India the edge over other offshore locations are scale and quality of labour. North American and European buyers of IT services have been the force behind a growing offshore services market and India is central to almost any discussion of offshore services delivery for these buyers,” said Gartner research director TJ Singh.
Gartner sees two possible scenarios that will have an impact on offshore services adoption in the coming months: temporary economic downturn (best case scenario) or a more sustained recession (worst case scenario). According to Gartner vice-president Allie Young, “In the best case scenario, buyers will aggressively seek cost-saving measures by accelerating offshore delivery or, for first time users, moving IT services to offshore locations.”
In the worst case scenario, if a more sustained economic slowdown leads to a prolonged recession in the US, Gartner expects a more-aggressive movement to cut IT budgets
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
Thursday, April 24, 2008
A Leader Should Know How to Manage Failure
In Corporate always the failures goes to bolt and nuts, not to the leaders/managers. None of the managers hold the responsbility when it comes to failure, at the same time when there is a success most managers comes forward and take the honor. But this incident shows a different view.
(Former President of India APJ Abdul Kalam at Wharton India Economic Forum, Philadelphia, March 22,2008)
Question: Could you give an example, from your own experience, of how leaders should manage failure?
Kalam: Let me tell you about my experience. In 1973 I became the project director of India's satellite launch vehicle program, commonly called the SLV-3. Our goal was to put India's 'Rohini' satellite into orbit by 1980. I was given funds and human resources -- but was told clearly that by 1980 we had to launch the satellite into space. Thousands of people worked together in scientific and technical teams towards that goal.
By 1979 -- I think the month was August -- we thought we were ready. As the project director, I went to the control center for the launch. At four minutes before the satellite launch, the computer began to go through the checklist of items that needed to be checked. One minute later, the computer program put the launch on hold; the display showed that some control components were not in order. My experts -- I had four or five of them with me -- told me not to worry; they had done their calculations and there was enough reserve fuel. So I bypassed the computer, switched to manual mode, and launched the rocket. In the first stage, everything worked fine. In the second stage, a problem developed. Instead of the satellite going into orbit, the whole rocket system plunged into the Bay of Bengal. It was a big failure.
That day, the chairman of the Indian Space Research Organization, Prof. Satish Dhawan, had called a press conference. The launch was at 7:00 am, and the press conference -- where journalists from around the world were present -- was at 7:45 am at ISRO's satellite launch range in Sriharikota [in Andhra Pradesh in southern India]. Prof. Dhawan, the leader of the organization, conducted the press conference himself. He took responsibility for the failure -- he said that the team had worked very hard, but that it needed more technological support. He assured the media that in another year, the team would definitely succeed. Now, I was the project director, and it was my failure, but instead, he took responsibility for the failure as chairman of the organization.
The next year, in July 1980, we tried again to launch the satellite -- and this time we succeeded. The whole nation was jubilant. Again, there was a press conference. Prof. Dhawan called me aside and told me, 'You conduct the press conference today.'
Abdul kalam said, I learned a very important lesson that day. When failure occurred, the leader of the organization owned that failure. When success came, he gave it to his team. The best management lesson I have learned did not come to me from reading a book; it came from that experience.
(Former President of India APJ Abdul Kalam at Wharton India Economic Forum, Philadelphia, March 22,2008)
Question: Could you give an example, from your own experience, of how leaders should manage failure?
Kalam: Let me tell you about my experience. In 1973 I became the project director of India's satellite launch vehicle program, commonly called the SLV-3. Our goal was to put India's 'Rohini' satellite into orbit by 1980. I was given funds and human resources -- but was told clearly that by 1980 we had to launch the satellite into space. Thousands of people worked together in scientific and technical teams towards that goal.
By 1979 -- I think the month was August -- we thought we were ready. As the project director, I went to the control center for the launch. At four minutes before the satellite launch, the computer began to go through the checklist of items that needed to be checked. One minute later, the computer program put the launch on hold; the display showed that some control components were not in order. My experts -- I had four or five of them with me -- told me not to worry; they had done their calculations and there was enough reserve fuel. So I bypassed the computer, switched to manual mode, and launched the rocket. In the first stage, everything worked fine. In the second stage, a problem developed. Instead of the satellite going into orbit, the whole rocket system plunged into the Bay of Bengal. It was a big failure.
That day, the chairman of the Indian Space Research Organization, Prof. Satish Dhawan, had called a press conference. The launch was at 7:00 am, and the press conference -- where journalists from around the world were present -- was at 7:45 am at ISRO's satellite launch range in Sriharikota [in Andhra Pradesh in southern India]. Prof. Dhawan, the leader of the organization, conducted the press conference himself. He took responsibility for the failure -- he said that the team had worked very hard, but that it needed more technological support. He assured the media that in another year, the team would definitely succeed. Now, I was the project director, and it was my failure, but instead, he took responsibility for the failure as chairman of the organization.
The next year, in July 1980, we tried again to launch the satellite -- and this time we succeeded. The whole nation was jubilant. Again, there was a press conference. Prof. Dhawan called me aside and told me, 'You conduct the press conference today.'
Abdul kalam said, I learned a very important lesson that day. When failure occurred, the leader of the organization owned that failure. When success came, he gave it to his team. The best management lesson I have learned did not come to me from reading a book; it came from that experience.
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
Kuruvi mp3 songs download
Kuruvi Mp3 songs -download from here
Disc: I dont own any rights on the source or destination. I am just a forwarder, as usual.
Disc: I dont own any rights on the source or destination. I am just a forwarder, as usual.
Wednesday, April 09, 2008
Stop the War on Journalists in Sri Lanka
International Federation of Journalists (IFJ), an organization which aims to protect and strengthen the rights and freedoms of journalists is calling for a Global Day of Action on the 10th of April, titled Stop the War on Journalists in Sri Lanka. Thanks to Mathy for sharing ...For More info
I dedicate my 300th post to my fellow tamilians who shedding blood for their rights and lives in SriLanka.
Tuesday, April 08, 2008
A simple solution
We know Pencil-moon-russian-USA and Japanese Soap boxes-Fan kinda incidents and its way of simple solution, I got a mail today which shows the similar kind of, however it is a story. Here we go.
Hero went to a psychiatrist.
"I've got problems. Every time I go to bed, I think there's somebody under it. I'm scared. I think I'm going crazy."
Doctor repled, "Come and talk to me three times a week, and we should be able to get rid of those fears after powerful councellings"
"How much do you charge?"
"150Rs per visit" replied the doctor.
Hero nodded and left the hospital.
Six months later the doctor met hero on the street.
"Why didn't you ever come to see about those fears you were having?" asked the psychiatrist.
"Well, Rs150 a visit three times a week for a year is an awful lot
of money! A bartender cured me for Rs 120. I was so happy to have saved all
that money I went and bought me a new pickup!"
"Is that so! And how, may I ask, did a bartender cure you?"
"He told me to cut the legs off the bed! - Ain't nobody under there now!!"
Hero went to a psychiatrist.
"I've got problems. Every time I go to bed, I think there's somebody under it. I'm scared. I think I'm going crazy."
Doctor repled, "Come and talk to me three times a week, and we should be able to get rid of those fears after powerful councellings"
"How much do you charge?"
"150Rs per visit" replied the doctor.
Hero nodded and left the hospital.
Six months later the doctor met hero on the street.
"Why didn't you ever come to see about those fears you were having?" asked the psychiatrist.
"Well, Rs150 a visit three times a week for a year is an awful lot
of money! A bartender cured me for Rs 120. I was so happy to have saved all
that money I went and bought me a new pickup!"
"Is that so! And how, may I ask, did a bartender cure you?"
"He told me to cut the legs off the bed! - Ain't nobody under there now!!"
Friday, April 04, 2008
Friday Fun-Ctrl C & V
1. Long back, a person who sacrificed his sleep, forgot his family, forgot his food, forgot laughter were called "Saints" But now they are called..
"IT professionals"
2. An interesting line written at the back of a Biker's T Shirt:
" If you are able to see this, Please tell me that my galfriend has fallen off"
3. Most Relationships fail not because of the absence of love..
Love is always present..
Its just that,
One loves too much,
and
The other loves too many,
4. Employee: Boss, Now i have got married..! Please increase my salary..!
BOSS: Factory is not responsible for accidents occuring outside the company..!
5. Philosophy of life
At the begining of married life, every gal treats her husband as GOD,
Later on somehow the alphabets got reversed..!
6. What is a Fear?
Fear is the Deep, Wrenching feeling in your stomach When pages of your book still smell new and Just few hours left for your exams..!
7. Someone has rightly said, "A fool can ask More questions that a wise man cannot answer". No Wonder why so many of us speechless when lecturers ask question..!
8.Girl: Do you have Cards with sentimental Love quotes?
Shopkeeper: Oh sure..@! How about this card, it says "To the only boy I ever loved.!"
Girl: Thats good, Give me 12 of them..!
9.After reading the form filled by an applicant.. The employer said: " WE do have an opening for you..!
Applicant: What is it?
Interviewer: Its called the "door..!"
10. A Banner cum Sign Board In front of an IT company..
Drive Slowly, Dont kill our Employee...
..... Leave them to us
"IT professionals"
2. An interesting line written at the back of a Biker's T Shirt:
" If you are able to see this, Please tell me that my galfriend has fallen off"
3. Most Relationships fail not because of the absence of love..
Love is always present..
Its just that,
One loves too much,
and
The other loves too many,
4. Employee: Boss, Now i have got married..! Please increase my salary..!
BOSS: Factory is not responsible for accidents occuring outside the company..!
5. Philosophy of life
At the begining of married life, every gal treats her husband as GOD,
Later on somehow the alphabets got reversed..!
6. What is a Fear?
Fear is the Deep, Wrenching feeling in your stomach When pages of your book still smell new and Just few hours left for your exams..!
7. Someone has rightly said, "A fool can ask More questions that a wise man cannot answer". No Wonder why so many of us speechless when lecturers ask question..!
8.Girl: Do you have Cards with sentimental Love quotes?
Shopkeeper: Oh sure..@! How about this card, it says "To the only boy I ever loved.!"
Girl: Thats good, Give me 12 of them..!
9.After reading the form filled by an applicant.. The employer said: " WE do have an opening for you..!
Applicant: What is it?
Interviewer: Its called the "door..!"
10. A Banner cum Sign Board In front of an IT company..
Drive Slowly, Dont kill our Employee...
..... Leave them to us
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
New business models for IT
The Indian IT industry has witnessed an exceptional growth over the last two decades, led by the 1990s, when companies were notching up 50-100 percent growth rates. Such was the momentum that even the dot-com bust of the early 2000 and the global economic slowdown only marginally impacted growth, keeping it above the 30 percent mark. The excellent performance was in large part due to the vast talent pool harnessed by industry leaders and their investments in process capability.
The global delivery model, created as a result, was a disruptive innovation enabling the industry to comfortably ride the economic downturn of the early 2000. The model is now being universally adopted, leading to commoditization of traditional IT services around vanilla technologies. Companies are differentiating their services by moving up the value chain and acquiring domain capabilities.
Seeing the rapid acceptance of the lower-cost offshoring model, global multinational consulting firms have dramatically scaled up their presence in India. From less than 10,000 people in 2002, the top six global consulting firms now account for a headcount of more than 150,000. This rapid growth and our own success in scaling business have put huge pressure on sourcing and retaining quality talent. As a result, wages are increasing, adding to the overall cost of doing business.
The twin challenges of the appreciating rupee and rising cost structures are accelerating the search for non-linear business models, where revenue expansion does not imply a proportionate headcount increase. The industry is exploring new services for exploiting the offshore potential, building Internet Protocol (IP)-based software assets that can be customized to rapidly deliver solutions, or simply creating innovative commercial models that shift the terms of engagement away from headcount. As I had mentioned at a recent Nasscom meet, three non-linear business options are promising.
Managed services: Services around applications, development and maintenance (ADM) were the first to be offshored. According to a 2006 Nasscom-McKinsey study, this is a $35 billion opportunity. It indicates that offshore services around IT operations represent a $75-$80 billion market. While more than 30 percent of the ADM offshoring opportunity has been penetrated, the field of IT operations is wide open for Indian IT services players.
IT infrastructure has traditionally not been offshored largely because of inadequate communications infrastructure, high perceived risks and limited automation tools. These notions are beginning to disappear.
The remote infrastructure management services segment is growing rapidly, with large organizations providing a complete end-to-end solutions portfolio. This market, incidentally, is not just for big players. Mid-sized organizations, too, have established their presence in it. Global research body Forrester in its report, Smaller India-Based Infrastructure Providers Can Be The Right Size For The Right Clients, has showcased a clutch of smaller organizations building successful models in this space.
IP asset-based services: Delivering solutions around IP assets (frameworks, reusable components, and productized services) is a powerful service differentiator and a significant margin lever. Implementing such solutions requires significant customization—a strength of Indian services providers. Contracts can include both licensing and services components, with support revenue streams, making it another good non-linear option.
Compared with the pure-play products business, IP asset-based solutions will be easier for the industry to adopt. Large players are investing in this capability although revenue streams currently are a small part of their business. Smaller players are taking the inorganic route to acquire such IP assets.
Software as a service (Saas): The philosophy behind Saas rests on the concept of positioning an application as a set of services as opposed to a licence. The customer is charged for usage rather than outright ownership. Recently, enterprise solutions giant SAP announced its “Business by Design” programme in the US, where it will offer its applications at a charge per user per month, which is a path-breaking development in the packaged software world. Saas by its very definition is non-linear, since revenues are linked to usage and the transactions performed. Being a relatively new concept, it’s too early for market sizing but it remains one of the most promising disruptive approaches to delivering IT solutions.
The global delivery model that emerged from India has changed the way IT services are delivered. The industry, in essence, redefined software development by converting the art form of programming into an engineering discipline. The industry has benefited from the early-mover advantage of adopting this innovative process. However, with increased global presence offshore and a challenging environment, Indian IT services providers will need to transform with newer services.
The global delivery model, created as a result, was a disruptive innovation enabling the industry to comfortably ride the economic downturn of the early 2000. The model is now being universally adopted, leading to commoditization of traditional IT services around vanilla technologies. Companies are differentiating their services by moving up the value chain and acquiring domain capabilities.
Seeing the rapid acceptance of the lower-cost offshoring model, global multinational consulting firms have dramatically scaled up their presence in India. From less than 10,000 people in 2002, the top six global consulting firms now account for a headcount of more than 150,000. This rapid growth and our own success in scaling business have put huge pressure on sourcing and retaining quality talent. As a result, wages are increasing, adding to the overall cost of doing business.
The twin challenges of the appreciating rupee and rising cost structures are accelerating the search for non-linear business models, where revenue expansion does not imply a proportionate headcount increase. The industry is exploring new services for exploiting the offshore potential, building Internet Protocol (IP)-based software assets that can be customized to rapidly deliver solutions, or simply creating innovative commercial models that shift the terms of engagement away from headcount. As I had mentioned at a recent Nasscom meet, three non-linear business options are promising.
Managed services: Services around applications, development and maintenance (ADM) were the first to be offshored. According to a 2006 Nasscom-McKinsey study, this is a $35 billion opportunity. It indicates that offshore services around IT operations represent a $75-$80 billion market. While more than 30 percent of the ADM offshoring opportunity has been penetrated, the field of IT operations is wide open for Indian IT services players.
IT infrastructure has traditionally not been offshored largely because of inadequate communications infrastructure, high perceived risks and limited automation tools. These notions are beginning to disappear.
The remote infrastructure management services segment is growing rapidly, with large organizations providing a complete end-to-end solutions portfolio. This market, incidentally, is not just for big players. Mid-sized organizations, too, have established their presence in it. Global research body Forrester in its report, Smaller India-Based Infrastructure Providers Can Be The Right Size For The Right Clients, has showcased a clutch of smaller organizations building successful models in this space.
IP asset-based services: Delivering solutions around IP assets (frameworks, reusable components, and productized services) is a powerful service differentiator and a significant margin lever. Implementing such solutions requires significant customization—a strength of Indian services providers. Contracts can include both licensing and services components, with support revenue streams, making it another good non-linear option.
Compared with the pure-play products business, IP asset-based solutions will be easier for the industry to adopt. Large players are investing in this capability although revenue streams currently are a small part of their business. Smaller players are taking the inorganic route to acquire such IP assets.
Software as a service (Saas): The philosophy behind Saas rests on the concept of positioning an application as a set of services as opposed to a licence. The customer is charged for usage rather than outright ownership. Recently, enterprise solutions giant SAP announced its “Business by Design” programme in the US, where it will offer its applications at a charge per user per month, which is a path-breaking development in the packaged software world. Saas by its very definition is non-linear, since revenues are linked to usage and the transactions performed. Being a relatively new concept, it’s too early for market sizing but it remains one of the most promising disruptive approaches to delivering IT solutions.
The global delivery model that emerged from India has changed the way IT services are delivered. The industry, in essence, redefined software development by converting the art form of programming into an engineering discipline. The industry has benefited from the early-mover advantage of adopting this innovative process. However, with increased global presence offshore and a challenging environment, Indian IT services providers will need to transform with newer services.
Monday, March 10, 2008
1 mn Jobs in India
Read a news today which states that
" New Delhi, March 10: It is good news for those fresh out of college or for those who are keen for a job change, as a leading HR consultancy firm has predicted one million new jobs in India this year.
Ma Foi Employment Trends Survey (METS), conducted by Ma Foi, one of India's largest HR consultancy firm has predicted a three per cent increase in employment in 2008.
The largest chunk of the new jobs according to the survey would be generated by hospitality sector which is riding high with the tourism boom in the country.
"The Hospitality sector will generate the maximum number of employment in 2008. 426,668 jobs are going to be generated by the Hospitality sector. This sector is closely followed by Health at 295,829 and Education Training & Consultancy at 166,005," says the survey.
It adds that an estimated USD 11.41 billion is expected to be seen in the Hospitality sector in the next two years and that India is likely to have around 40 international hotel brands by 2011.
"The boom in the tourism industry has had a cascading effect on the hospitality sector, which was a result of the increase in the occupancy ratios and average room rates. With the demand continuing to surge, many global hospitality majors have evinced a keen interest in the Indian hospitality sector," says K. Pandia Rajan, Managing Director, Ma Foi Management Consultants Ltd.
While, IT and ITES sector continues with high growth in recruitment at 7.3 and 7.2 per cent, the survey says that it is the Health sector which shows the highest growth in recruitment at 8.9 per cent. "
Coming to the point //IT and ITES sector continues with high growth in recruitment at 7.3 and 7.2 per cent//, is nt crazy where people are getting fired everyday from top level companies with their (HR's) strong judgement, as recession being supplimentary and strategic of the HR?
" New Delhi, March 10: It is good news for those fresh out of college or for those who are keen for a job change, as a leading HR consultancy firm has predicted one million new jobs in India this year.
Ma Foi Employment Trends Survey (METS), conducted by Ma Foi, one of India's largest HR consultancy firm has predicted a three per cent increase in employment in 2008.
The largest chunk of the new jobs according to the survey would be generated by hospitality sector which is riding high with the tourism boom in the country.
"The Hospitality sector will generate the maximum number of employment in 2008. 426,668 jobs are going to be generated by the Hospitality sector. This sector is closely followed by Health at 295,829 and Education Training & Consultancy at 166,005," says the survey.
It adds that an estimated USD 11.41 billion is expected to be seen in the Hospitality sector in the next two years and that India is likely to have around 40 international hotel brands by 2011.
"The boom in the tourism industry has had a cascading effect on the hospitality sector, which was a result of the increase in the occupancy ratios and average room rates. With the demand continuing to surge, many global hospitality majors have evinced a keen interest in the Indian hospitality sector," says K. Pandia Rajan, Managing Director, Ma Foi Management Consultants Ltd.
While, IT and ITES sector continues with high growth in recruitment at 7.3 and 7.2 per cent, the survey says that it is the Health sector which shows the highest growth in recruitment at 8.9 per cent. "
Coming to the point //IT and ITES sector continues with high growth in recruitment at 7.3 and 7.2 per cent//, is nt crazy where people are getting fired everyday from top level companies with their (HR's) strong judgement, as recession being supplimentary and strategic of the HR?
Tuesday, March 04, 2008
Bits and Pieces of Feb-8
1) I just learned that PlateSpin, leader in the P2V migration market, has been acquired by Novell. Platespin, as per my concern and everybody's an expensive product for converting the Physical Servers(mostly) to Virtual servers(VMware).
I Started working with Novell Technology as my first networking OS which provided major jobs at that time on Networking, mid of 1997. Before completing my course Microsoft's WinNT gained the market and insisted me to get to GUI based OS which is feeding me till now, Touch wood.
Here is the news about the acquistion.
2) Information technology (IT) firms appear to have lost their appeal at the Indian Institutes of Technology (IIT). Campus recruitment figures by major Indian and foreign IT firms have dipped this year, raising further concerns of an industry slowdown.
Firms like IBM, HCL, Hughes Software and CSC opted out of placements this year and hiring by firms like India’s largest IT services provider Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), Infosys and Wipro has dropped.
Bush, said that this is only slow down- a better political word. I know this is going to be a collapse in IT market and will take some to gain, at that time China will be the pioneer and we will fly to China for onsite. So I am packing my bags along with Chinese to Eng books.
3) JetAirways- My understanding and feedback thro friends, shows that it has good service and yes tickets are cheaper than others. AirIndia is the only flight which competes with the ticket prices obvsly not in the service. I guess, from this year onwards I may not get a chance to fly by my fav. BA.
4) Able to read more blogs thro blogkut and finding lot of friends thro blogs. Sameera is one among them who inspired me a lot in these days, she is really in enthu person. The other who is really amzing is Archana. roping them to my mind. I hope most of my CSC friends stopped blogging(seems they gotta work in these days after a decade).
5) Chinmayi- Again blogging more and rejecting my most of criticising comments. I guess, I am the only guy who criticise her for more than 3yrs of blogging tenure. Girls, never liked being suggested and criticised.. is it true?
6) Freezed the coding of BLOGKUT and concentrating more on my new venture classfieds.
I Started working with Novell Technology as my first networking OS which provided major jobs at that time on Networking, mid of 1997. Before completing my course Microsoft's WinNT gained the market and insisted me to get to GUI based OS which is feeding me till now, Touch wood.
Here is the news about the acquistion.
2) Information technology (IT) firms appear to have lost their appeal at the Indian Institutes of Technology (IIT). Campus recruitment figures by major Indian and foreign IT firms have dipped this year, raising further concerns of an industry slowdown.
Firms like IBM, HCL, Hughes Software and CSC opted out of placements this year and hiring by firms like India’s largest IT services provider Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), Infosys and Wipro has dropped.
Bush, said that this is only slow down- a better political word. I know this is going to be a collapse in IT market and will take some to gain, at that time China will be the pioneer and we will fly to China for onsite. So I am packing my bags along with Chinese to Eng books.
3) JetAirways- My understanding and feedback thro friends, shows that it has good service and yes tickets are cheaper than others. AirIndia is the only flight which competes with the ticket prices obvsly not in the service. I guess, from this year onwards I may not get a chance to fly by my fav. BA.
4) Able to read more blogs thro blogkut and finding lot of friends thro blogs. Sameera is one among them who inspired me a lot in these days, she is really in enthu person. The other who is really amzing is Archana. roping them to my mind. I hope most of my CSC friends stopped blogging(seems they gotta work in these days after a decade).
5) Chinmayi- Again blogging more and rejecting my most of criticising comments. I guess, I am the only guy who criticise her for more than 3yrs of blogging tenure. Girls, never liked being suggested and criticised.. is it true?
6) Freezed the coding of BLOGKUT and concentrating more on my new venture classfieds.
Tuesday, December 18, 2007
Asians-Tougher time to enter UK
The UK government will on Tuesday be releasing new proposals that lay down stiffer conditions for getting a visa to enter that country. This is not yet even close to becoming law but if and when it does, it will be a lot more difficult to go for a holiday to the UK.
Even before the British government officially announced the new visa proposals, there were angry reactions especially from the UK's large South Asian community who say the changes are discriminatory and unfair and will hurt poorer families the most.
Families in the UK will have to pay a bond to ensure that their relatives from outside the EU leave. If the visitors don't leave on time the money is forfeited, and it's recommended that tourists from outside the EU should now get visas for just three months instead of siz.
The UK government says the new rules are necessary to check illegal immigration, and they have already made it more difficult for people to bring their spouses into the UK.
However, the labour government could lose the South Asian community's support over the latest proposals. Anticipating their anger the UK's immigration minister has planned a trip to India in February to explain why the move is needed.
The new immigration and visa rules are clear indication to Non-EU populations that they are no longer welcome, unless they fit the criteria immigration minister Liam Byrne has chalked out, and families stand to lose a lot of money, if they do not leave.
The UK is trying to tighten its borders, and in the process is giving out a strong message that discourages Asians from trying to make this their home.
Meanwhile, the British High Commission in New Delhi has called the planned tightening of immigration rules as an attempt to make the system both more secure but also to ensure that we maintain the UK's position as the destination of choice.
Even before the British government officially announced the new visa proposals, there were angry reactions especially from the UK's large South Asian community who say the changes are discriminatory and unfair and will hurt poorer families the most.
Families in the UK will have to pay a bond to ensure that their relatives from outside the EU leave. If the visitors don't leave on time the money is forfeited, and it's recommended that tourists from outside the EU should now get visas for just three months instead of siz.
The UK government says the new rules are necessary to check illegal immigration, and they have already made it more difficult for people to bring their spouses into the UK.
However, the labour government could lose the South Asian community's support over the latest proposals. Anticipating their anger the UK's immigration minister has planned a trip to India in February to explain why the move is needed.
The new immigration and visa rules are clear indication to Non-EU populations that they are no longer welcome, unless they fit the criteria immigration minister Liam Byrne has chalked out, and families stand to lose a lot of money, if they do not leave.
The UK is trying to tighten its borders, and in the process is giving out a strong message that discourages Asians from trying to make this their home.
Meanwhile, the British High Commission in New Delhi has called the planned tightening of immigration rules as an attempt to make the system both more secure but also to ensure that we maintain the UK's position as the destination of choice.
Thursday, December 06, 2007
Talent mismatch hits customer services
At a time when India Inc. is facing severe talent shortage, a recent study highlights existing talent mismatch in the customer service function across sectors. The survey estimates that only 20 percent of people working in customer service profile have the perfect orientation towards such jobs. India’s largest skill assessment firm MeritTrac has conducted the study.
The study also points out that if an employee has a high orientation towards the job/function, the productivity per employee increases by 314 percent. As a result, several local companies in the services sector are losing out on maximum return out of their employee talent pool.
“The situation is quite alarming since customer service jobs account for a large chunk of hiring across sectors, especially banking, financial services, insurance, retail and telecom,” MeritTrac vice president Arvind T said.
The study was undertaken with a total sample size of 507 people with 0-3 years of experience across sectors.
The study has also analysed candidates on three critical parameters of a customer service role — personalised service, persuasive service and helpful service.
On the personalised service (how an employee approaches a customer) parameter, the survey shows that 5 percent of the candidates have a high orientation with the majority 82 percent with medium-level orientation.
On persuasive service (how to convince customers) parameter, employees have fared better. The study notes that nearly 58 percent of the candidates have a high inclination towards persuasive service with just 1 percent having a low inclination. However, high level of persuasive service and less towards personalised service show a sense of detached professionalism,” said Arvind.
In helpful service (how fast employees respond to customer needs), 30 percent of the candidates have high orientation, 61 percent have medium-level orientation and balance 9 percent has low inclination.
This is the only parameter with a fairly equitable distribution showing they are more adaptive towards responding than going that extra mile to build a rapport — essential for repeat purchase and loyalty, the study notes.
“The study has analysed executives on their basic orientation towards the job. These are basic soft skills, which a person can hardly acquire through experience. Since customer service roles are becoming critical, companies need to focus much more on their selection process,” added Arvind.
The study also points out that if an employee has a high orientation towards the job/function, the productivity per employee increases by 314 percent. As a result, several local companies in the services sector are losing out on maximum return out of their employee talent pool.
“The situation is quite alarming since customer service jobs account for a large chunk of hiring across sectors, especially banking, financial services, insurance, retail and telecom,” MeritTrac vice president Arvind T said.
The study was undertaken with a total sample size of 507 people with 0-3 years of experience across sectors.
The study has also analysed candidates on three critical parameters of a customer service role — personalised service, persuasive service and helpful service.
On the personalised service (how an employee approaches a customer) parameter, the survey shows that 5 percent of the candidates have a high orientation with the majority 82 percent with medium-level orientation.
On persuasive service (how to convince customers) parameter, employees have fared better. The study notes that nearly 58 percent of the candidates have a high inclination towards persuasive service with just 1 percent having a low inclination. However, high level of persuasive service and less towards personalised service show a sense of detached professionalism,” said Arvind.
In helpful service (how fast employees respond to customer needs), 30 percent of the candidates have high orientation, 61 percent have medium-level orientation and balance 9 percent has low inclination.
This is the only parameter with a fairly equitable distribution showing they are more adaptive towards responding than going that extra mile to build a rapport — essential for repeat purchase and loyalty, the study notes.
“The study has analysed executives on their basic orientation towards the job. These are basic soft skills, which a person can hardly acquire through experience. Since customer service roles are becoming critical, companies need to focus much more on their selection process,” added Arvind.
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
Going global: Indian firms create jobs in US
Indian firms are not just taking up outsourcing any more, but have in fact invested a whopping $6 billion in the United States and created 40,000 jobs with quite a few of them going to the Americans. If a Janaki posing as Janet at call centres in India has been servicing customers in the US, many a Jane and John employed by India Inc. in the US is now helping travellers worldwide book a flight or send flowers and gifts to loved ones in America.
A group of 34 Indian companies represented in the India Business Forum (IBF), launched in June 2006, structured at the initiative of the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), has made investments in such diverse sectors as technology, pharmaceuticals, manufacturing and gems and jewellery. The Indian companies with 40,000 employees have invested about $6 billion in the US this year alone through acquisitions and mergers. While there are more Indian nationals in the service sector, the number of local employees goes as high as 95 percent in the manufacturing sector. The Tata Group alone has invested over $2 billion in the last couple of years through acquisitions and mergers in the US with 16 of its companies from hotels to manufacturing employing 16,000 people, about 5,000 of them local.
The local American employees work in all Tata companies, but heavy concentrations are in the hotels, manufacturing, telecommunications, engineering and software and in beverages besides two call centres in Ohio and Florida. The group provides engineering and software services through Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) and INCAT/Tata Technologies with TCS earning 53 percent of its $4.3 billion revenue from the US. And in telecommunications, VSNL, a 74 percent Tata owned company, emerging as the largest voice provider in the US offering competition to the likes of AT&T and Verizon. Tatas' call centre business, SerWiz Solutions Limited, has 250 full-time employees at its Milton, Florida, centre and 260 such employees at Reno, Ohio. "Both centres are currently in a hiring mode," says Ricardo Layun, vice president, Customer Care Operations.
At the moment, the two call centres support one of the world's leading online travel companies, a large US airline carrier, and the American region of a large Asian airline carrier, large domestic and international airlines. They also seasonally support a leading telephone and online retailer of flowers and gift sales. The Tatas have been expanding these call centres since acquiring them in April 2006 as "we have found that the US communities in which we operate provide a strong workforce, competitive economic conditions, and positive growth potential," said Layun. Both call centres operate 24/7, but "We have not experienced an issue with staffing after hours. We have found that offering these night shifts provides employees opportunities to attend day-time college courses or avoid day-care costs," he said.
Crazy 'huh'
A group of 34 Indian companies represented in the India Business Forum (IBF), launched in June 2006, structured at the initiative of the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), has made investments in such diverse sectors as technology, pharmaceuticals, manufacturing and gems and jewellery. The Indian companies with 40,000 employees have invested about $6 billion in the US this year alone through acquisitions and mergers. While there are more Indian nationals in the service sector, the number of local employees goes as high as 95 percent in the manufacturing sector. The Tata Group alone has invested over $2 billion in the last couple of years through acquisitions and mergers in the US with 16 of its companies from hotels to manufacturing employing 16,000 people, about 5,000 of them local.
The local American employees work in all Tata companies, but heavy concentrations are in the hotels, manufacturing, telecommunications, engineering and software and in beverages besides two call centres in Ohio and Florida. The group provides engineering and software services through Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) and INCAT/Tata Technologies with TCS earning 53 percent of its $4.3 billion revenue from the US. And in telecommunications, VSNL, a 74 percent Tata owned company, emerging as the largest voice provider in the US offering competition to the likes of AT&T and Verizon. Tatas' call centre business, SerWiz Solutions Limited, has 250 full-time employees at its Milton, Florida, centre and 260 such employees at Reno, Ohio. "Both centres are currently in a hiring mode," says Ricardo Layun, vice president, Customer Care Operations.
At the moment, the two call centres support one of the world's leading online travel companies, a large US airline carrier, and the American region of a large Asian airline carrier, large domestic and international airlines. They also seasonally support a leading telephone and online retailer of flowers and gift sales. The Tatas have been expanding these call centres since acquiring them in April 2006 as "we have found that the US communities in which we operate provide a strong workforce, competitive economic conditions, and positive growth potential," said Layun. Both call centres operate 24/7, but "We have not experienced an issue with staffing after hours. We have found that offering these night shifts provides employees opportunities to attend day-time college courses or avoid day-care costs," he said.
Crazy 'huh'
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