News Snippets

Stepping in to the 10th year

2010-02-04T16:31:00.003+05:30

Cant imagine how days are rushing. I just remember catching hold of Kayal and 9 yrs got completed.

Layoff Tales

2009-04-06T14:16:00.001+05:30

http://specials.rediff.com/getahead/2009/apr/02layofftales.htm

No lay-offs, no matter how bad it gets, assures HCL Tech

2009-02-25T18:53:00.000+05:30

HCL Technologies, one of India's leading Information Technology firm, will not fire its employees even if the economic situation gets worse over the coming months, the company's chief executive officer told Hindustan Times. The company, like other corporates is cutting costs through other 0measures like reducing transport and electricity bills amongst others.

"We have not and will not lay off no matter how bad it gets, even if recessionary trends get worse," said Vineet Nayar, CEO, HCL Technologies. HCL Technologies employs around 55,000 employs across 19 countries.

Nayar said that the company's hiring plans were on track but declined to put a number to the target. On expected salary hikes for financial year 2010, Nayar said that the company will take a decision around June next year.

"We will take a decision around June and expect that most of the bad news will be behind us by then," said Nayar. "We will cut costs from all corners, through better utilisation of electricity, reducing cycle time from desire to implement of a project, controlling transportation and vendor bills," he said.

He declined to comment on how much the company is likely to save through these initiatives

Layoff News

2009-02-25T18:48:00.002+05:30

Company layoff news available @http://www.jobeehive.com/company/layoffs

IBM dismisses 700 freshers in India

2009-02-25T18:27:00.000+05:30

This may literally be a bolt from Big Blue! IBM is learnt to have delivered the pink slip to a sizeable chunk of its entry-level trainee programmers (ELTPs) across major offices in India.

Most of these ELTPs, who were engineering graduates, had put in nearly a year and were working in numerous technology practice groups under IBM India’s global delivery business.

Though IBM is silent on the actual number of ELTPs dismissed, the total is likely to be in excess of 700 across company locations nationally, including 180-odd in Kolkata alone.

ELTPs, who were essentially freshers, were asked to go based on their performance in aptitude tests that were recently conducted in undisclosed IBM India locations. It is learnt that action on the ELTP front in major IBM locations was an ultra hush-hush exercise about which many senior IBM managers were in the dark.

At present, the IBM India management is reluctant to go into the details of its latest HR exercise. But in a written response to ET’s email query, an IBM spokesperson said, “IBM is driven by a high-performance culture, a place where employees are able to contribute at the upper limits of their potential and continually build market-valued skills and capabilities in both formal training and experiential learning. In support of that expectation on the part of our workforce, we are pioneering new ways for our people to certify their skill levels as both a validation of their value to clients and to reinforce the quality of our employees’ personal skill sets.”

IBM has strongly refuted any possible link in the latest action on the ELTP front, with industry speculation about IBM’s global services business suffering a cash loss in India in 2007.

Source

http://loungerecruiters.wordpress.com/2008/02/05/ibm-dismisses-700-freshers-in-india/

500 TCS employees asked to leave

2009-02-25T18:24:00.001+05:30

India’s leading software services firm Tata Consultancy Services Ltd (TCS) said on Tuesday that about 500 of its employees were asked to look for another job after their performance was rated poorly.”Those who cannot meet the performance requirements of our company were asked to look for another job commensurate with their abilities,” TCS spokesman Pradipta Bagchi said here.In the quarter ending on December 31, TCS appointed 4,037 employees, taking its total headcount to 108,229, up from 83,500 a year ago.

The export-driven software services companies have been winning large outsourcing contracts from western clients, but recession fears in the US and a rising rupee against the dollar has considerably affected their profit margins in the recent past.

Source : http://loungerecruiters.wordpress.com/2008/02/05/500-tcs-employees-asked-to-leave/

Chennai News Snippets

2005-11-21T14:53:00.000+05:30

WORK on modernisation of Chennai airport next year
New Delhi: The Government plans to start work on modernisation and
restructuring of the airports in Chennai and Kolkata next year, the Minister for Civil
http://sify.com/finance/fullstory.php?id=14015164

INAUTIX sets up additional centre in Chennai
INAUTIX Tech expands Chennai operations
iNautix Technologies India Pvt Ltd, an affiliate of Pershing
LLC and a leading provider of global technology solutions to a wide range of ...
http://www.chennaionline.com/colnews/newsitem.asp?NEWSID=%7BCD8169CD-BC04-4B0B-8DC6-72E67CBF5EF8%7D&CATEGORYNAME=Chennai

http://sify.com/finance/fullstory.php?id=14013897

CHENNAI lecturer wins 12.5 lakhs in KBC
Jerad Suresh, lecturer in pharmaceutical chemistry at Madras Medical
College is the latest `brain' from Chennai to have fared well at KBC II. ...
http://www.newindpress.com/Newsitems.asp?ID=IE920051118085336&Title=Chennai&Topic=0

BANGALORE has several pressing problems
The Age (subscription) - Melbourne,Victoria,Australia
... exorbitant tariff. Some businessmen prefer to fly in from Madras in
the neighbouring state for meetings and fly back the same night. If ...
http://www.theage.com.au/news/technology/bangalore-has-several-pressing-problems/2005/11/17/1132016928102.html

MOTOROLA team visits Chennai; looking at investing up to $300 m
A TEAM from Motorola, the mobile handset and telecom equipment manufacturer,
was in Chennai on Thursday as part of the company's efforts to identify a location ...
http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2005/11/18/stories/2005111803300900.htm

UNIVERSITY of Middlesex opens regional Chennai
... The University provided the right ambience for Indian students seeking
studies in the UK and the Chennai office was counselling prospective students and ...
http://news.webindia123.com/news/showdetails.asp?id=165720&cat=India

IT Snippets

2005-03-04T19:20:00.000+05:30

SYNTEL to Invest Us$20 mln nn Chennai IT Corridor
.. US$20 million and hiring 1,500 people during this year, Syntel (India) Ltd today said that it had acquired 28 acres of land on IT corridor of Chennai and would ...
http://www.indiadaily.com/editorial/1774.asp
 
SYNTEL to have facility in Chennai
Outlining its plans that included new investments for 20 mn USD and hiring 1500 people during this year, Syntel (India) Ltd today said that it had ...
http://sify.com/finance/equity/fullstory.php?id=13683065

US visa to cost more
.. fee. These are part of new charges for consular services in American diplomatic missions in New Delhi, Chennai, Mumbai and Kolkata. ...
http://www.hindustantimes.com/news/5922_1263283,0015002100000000.htm

CALIFORNIA Soft approves pref issue
California Software Company, a Chennai-based IT firm, today said its Board had approved the issue of shares on preferential basis. ...
http://sify.com/finance/equity/fullstory.php?id=13684292

CHENNAI best destination for high-end BPOs
After being chosen by top IT firms for setting up of their development centres, Chennai is now emerging as the most preferred destination for ...
http://www.financialexpress.com/latest_full_story.php?content_id=84061
http://www.algorum.com/articles/articles.asp?id=1299&section=BPO

COGNIZANT'S retail practice expands fast
Cognizant Technology Solutions has announced that its retail practice continues to expand rapidly. It counts six out of ...
http://sify.com/finance/equity/fullstory.php?id=13683600

VESTAS plans 300 MW capacity addition, new plant in Chennai:
.. Given the enormous potential of wind power generation in India, ''we are also planning to set up a new plant in Chennai to manufacture blades and controllers ...
http://news.newkerala.com/india-news/?action=fullnews&id=78687

Infosys to acquire 350 acres of land  
Infosys Chairman and Chief Mentor Narayan Murthy today said that 350 acres of land will be acquired for expansion of Company's Bangalore Development Centre.
http://sify.com/finance/equity/fullstory.php?id=13684237

SATYAM gets 50 acres to expand in Chennai
Satyam Computer Services Ltd is being given 50 acres of land in this city for expanding operations. ...
http://www.newkerala.com/news-daily/news/features.php?action=fullnews&id=79104

IT News Snippets

2005-02-09T17:16:00.000+05:30

Travel and Tourism Fair opens in Chennai
Tamil Nadu today said its monuments and tourist centres were not affected by the tsunami and asked holiday makers and pilgrims to give a new ...

Xansa to expand operations in chennai
Xansa, the UK-based company, plans to expand operations in Chennai with the setting up of a new building in the next six months at a cost of Rs 22 ...

http://www.expressindia.com/fullstory.php?newsid=40871

Polaris, Cognizant likely to expand Toronto operations
IT majors, Cognizant Technology Services and Polaris Software Lab are looking at ramping up their Toronto operations, as part of a strategy to use ...

Chennai Co bags first outsourcing deal in US pension industry:
Chennai-based Congruent Solutions Pvt Ltd has become the first overseas company to provide back-end services to a retirement ...

American dream can turn nightmare

Flying to the US and living the rest of one's life in style is probably the most cherished dream of many Indians. But there are some people who would do anything to convince you not to do so.

http://www.expressindia.com/fullstory.php?newsid=40646

Infosys aims to add 6,000 staffs in Q4

Infosys Technologies Ltd has made 6,000 job offers for hiring later in 2005, a company official told a news conference.

http://www.expressindia.com/fullstory.php?newsid=40662

How Gurgaon clinched top vote for IT, BPO

Investors might want to take a second look at a recent survey that rated Gurgaon ahead of Bangalore, Pune and Hyderabad as most preferred IT and BPO destination.

http://www.expressindia.com/fullstory.php?newsid=41126

China no threat to Indian IT prowess

China may have stolen a march on India in manufacturing but it will take years before it can catch up with its neighbour in information technology, says McKinsey.

http://www.expressindia.com/fullstory.php?newsid=41425

SBC to cut 13,000 jobs after AT&T acquisition

SBC Communications Inc said it expects to eliminate about 13,000 jobs after its USD 16 billion acquisition of AT&T Corp closes, but the telephone company stressed that many of those positions can be cut through attrition rather than layoffs.

http://www.expressindia.com/fullstory.php?newsid=41507

Azim Premji's 8 steps to excellence!

An obsession for excellence is what makes a company successful, says Wipro Chairman Azim Premji.

http://www.rediff.com/money/2005/jan/17spec.htm

Bangalore, hottest for IT

A good premium for their stocks will help banks grow earnings strong enough to offset the impact of a higher equity base.

http://www.rediff.com/money/2005/jan/18spec.htm

Interview with TCS CEO S Ramadorai

The TCS CEO spoke about the IT major's operations in Canada.

http://www.rediff.com/money/2005/jan/24inter.htm

Mumbai is the biggest job creator

An Assocham survey says the IT and ITeS sector was the largest employer, with 44% of the total jobs advertised in the last 2 months from this sector.

Mumbai city is set to create over 8 lakh (800,000) job opportunities by 2015, with the retail, manufacturing and construction sectors being the major job creators.

http://www.rediff.com/money/2005/jan/24mumbai.htm

http://www.rediff.com/money/2005/feb/01jobs.htm

10 lakh IT jobsin 2005

India's information technology industry is estimated to cross Rs 1 lakh crore in 2004-05 and employ over 10 lakh knowledge professionals, according to Nasscom.

http://www.rediff.com/money/2005/feb/03jobs.htm

Convergys to hire 4000 more

Business process outsourcing company Convergys India will open a new call centre office near Mumbai by June. The company, which currently employs 10,000 people in India is looking to further increase its manpower by 4000.

http://www.rediff.com/money/2005/feb/08bpo.htm

Chennai News Snippets

2005-02-07T15:07:00.000+05:30

Chennai co wins 1st BPO contract in US
Chennai: Chennai-based Congruent Solutions Private Ltd has become the first overseas company to provide back-end services to a retirement funds consulting firm ...

Eveready tech park on Chennai plant plot
Calcutta, Feb. 2: Eveready Industries is setting up a state-of-the-art technology park in Chennai in collaboration with Khivraj Tech Park.

EIIL to set up Tech Park in chennai
... value of its assets, Eveready Industries India Ltd (EIIL) on Wednesday announced a new initiative that is aimed at creating the latest infrastructure in Chennai ...

Russian firm eyes 49% in Aircel
... Televentures for $450 million. Aircel provides cellular services in the Chennai and Tamil Nadu circles. Sistema, which is currently ...

Startup sees market for Linux offshore support
Slash Support Inc., a five-year-old California and Chennai-based startup, has partnered International Business Machines (IBM) to boost offshore support for ...

Accenture ups India staff to 11,000
Finally, the most wanted of Accenture's India numbers are officially out. The global consuting, technology and outsourcing ...

HLL launches its water purifier `Pureit` in Chennai
FMCG major Hindustan Lever Limited (HLL) is targeting Chennai's Rs 800-crore purified water market with its 'Pureit'. Pureit filters ...

CII and ELCOT to promote software park in Coimbatore:
Industry body CII and the state-owned Electronics Corporation of Tamil Nadu would jointly promote a software park at ...

Chennai co wins 1st BPO contract in US
Chennai-based Congruent Solutions Private Ltd has become the first overseas company to provide back-end services to a retirement funds consulting firm ...

News Snippets

2005-02-07T15:00:00.000+05:30

IT deductions: HRA and interest benefits
... An amount equal: a) Where accommodation is situated in Mumbai, Calcutta, Delhi or Chennai, 50 percent of salary in the relevant period. ... There is nothing in the provisions which restricts claiming of exemption on HRA as well as deduction on interest paid for a housing loan.

Hundred movies in one DVD?
... for packing one hundred movies in one DVD is not there yet, but a Singapore company, listed in Australia but doing development work in Chennai, is almost there ...

Chennai costliest metro

2004-12-17T01:38:00.000+05:30

I somehow tend to disagree with this finding. I still think Chennai is far cheaper if you have to rent a place to stay. Much much cheaper than Bangalore or Mumabi (other hotspots for IT - Information Technology). Kolkotta is probably not any cheaper than Chennai (but I'm not too sure).

If you had to buy a place, Chennai is costlier than B'lore, and probably cheaper than the other metros (Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkotta). Even otherwise most the day to day stuff appears cheaper to me, than other places.

Unless you are using the autos in Chennai ! If you are the type who can actually afford to hire an auto in Chennai, you must really be filthy rich ! :) The autowallahs (auto drivers) in Chennai are notorious for harassing passengers for exorbitant fares. A 1 kilometer trip could cost you anywhere between Rs.20-100 depending on your bargaining skills and whether you are a localite or tourist ! If you are a "real" Chennaiite, you know better than to take an auto. There are however some friends of mine who are probably some of the "best deal negotiators in the world" and can actually drive a bargain with these auto drivers ! I'm constantly amazed at their skill :)

[ On a side note, here's an old joke about Chennai autos : Aziz Premji, the owner of Wipro Technologies, and one of the top 5 richest men in India is supposed to actually drive an old car or quite often take the auto in Bangalore. When news of his auto trips reached Chennai, people started telling that his immense wealth would be depleted in no time if he were to ever try using autos in Chennai ! Such is Chennai auto fame :) Ok, I may be exaggerating it a bit, however this is indeed an old joke! ]

BTW, here's the article which seems to have a slightly different take on the whole thing. Maybe a conspiracy against Chennai :)

With scores of knowledge economy firms making a beeline for Chennai, bringing with them thousands of highly paid employees, the cost of living in Chennai is going through the roof. It is, in fact, the costliest metropolis in India. This may shatter many a myth about the high cost of living in Delhi or Mumbai.

According to the latest consumer price index for urban non-manual employees (CPI UNME) brought out by the Central Statistical Organisation (CSO), the cost of living in Chennai is a whopping 116% higher than the cost of living in Kolkata, 85% higher than Mumbai and 73% higher than Delhi. In other words, an average Chennaite shells out more than double for his or her living compared to the cost of living in Kolkata.

...

Read the complete article here.

Yahoo, HP centres in Chennai soon

2004-12-17T01:35:00.000+05:30

Now, this is real interesting news !!

Internet major Yahoo Inc and Hewlett Packard are in the process of setting up their development centres in Chennai and will soon be launching their operations, IT Secretary of Tamil Nadu, Vivek Harinarain said in Chennai on Thursday.

"Yahoo is currently in the process of setting up its development centre and is expected to launch its operations on December 24.

In the next couple of months, Hewlett Packard will be starting its operations in Chennai with a total headcount of around 500 and plans to take it to 1000 in the next couple of years," he said, while addressing a two-day conference on 'Creating a New Generation of Entrepreneurs.'

...

Read the complete article here.

[Fwd: Fw: One Bedroom Flat (TRUE Story - Good One)]

2004-11-02T23:29:00.000+05:30

>Ponderable...is't it.....(This is a true Story)
>
>As the dream of most parents I had acquired a degree in software
>Engineer and joined a company based in USA, the land of braves and
>Opportunity.
>
>
>When I arrived in the USA, it was as if a dream had come
>true.Hereat last I was in the place where I wanted to be. I decided I
>would be
>staying in this country for about Five years in which time I would
>have earned enough money to settle down in India.
>
>My father was a government employee and after his retirement,the
>onlyasset he could acquire was a decent one bedroom flat.I wanted to
>do
>some thing more than him. I started feeling homesick and lonely as
>the time passed. I used to call home and speak to my parents every
>week using cheap international phone cards.
>
>Two years passed, two years of Burgers at McDonald's and pizzas and
>discos and 2 years watching the foreign exchange rate getting happy
>whenever the Rupee value went down. Finally I decided to get
>married.Told my parents that I have only 10 days of holidays and
>everything
>must be done within these 10 days.
>
>
>
>I got my ticket booked in the cheapest flight. Was jubilant and was
>actually enjoying shopping for gifts for all my relatives and
>friendsback home.If I miss anyone then there will be talks. After
>reaching home I
>spent home one week going through all the photographs of girls
>andasthe time was getting shorter I was forced to select one
>candidate.
>In-laws told me, to my surprise, that I would have to get married in
>2-3 days, as I will not get anymore holidays soon and they cannot
>wait for long.
>
>
>After the marriage, it was time to return to USA, after giving
>somemoney to my parents and telling the neighbors to look after them,
>we
>(I was lucky and managed to get the visa of my wife early) returned
>to USA.
>
>My wife enjoyed this country for about two months and then she
>started feeling lonely. The frequency of calling India increased to
>twice in a week sometimes 3 times a week as she also has to call her
>parents. Our savings started diminishing.After two more years we
>started to have kids.Two lovely kids, a boy and a girl, were gifted
>to us by the
>almighty. Every time I spoke to my parents, they asked me to come to
>India so
>that they can see their grand-children.Every year I decide to go to
>India.But part work, part monetary conditions prevented it. Years
>went by
>and visiting India was a distant dream.Then suddenly one day I got a
>message that my parents were seriously sick.I tried but I couldn't
>get any holidays and was stuck up in the procedures and thus could
>not go to India. The next message I got was my parents were passed
>away and as there was no one to do the last rites the society
>membershad done whatever they could. I was depressed. My parents
>passed
>away without seeing their grand children.
>
>After couple more years passed away, much to my children's dislike
>and my wife's joy we returned to India to settle down.
>
>I started to look for a suitable property, but to my dismay my
>savings were short and the property prices had gone up during all
>these years. I had to return to the USA. My wife refused to come
>back with me and my children refused to stay in India. My 2 children
>andIreturned to USA after promising my wife I would be back for good
>after two years.
>
>Time passed by, my daughter decided to get married to an
>American and my son was happy living in USA. I decided that enough
>is enough and wound-up every thing and returned to India. I had
>just
>enough money to buy a decent Two-be droom flat in a well-developed
>locality. Now i am 60 years old and the only time I go out of the
>flat is
>for the routine visit to the nearby place of worship. My faithful
>wife has
>also left me and gone to the holy abode.
>
>Sometimes I wondered was it worth all this? My father, even after
>staying in India, had a house to his name and I too have the same,
>nothing more.
>
>
> I lost my parents and children for just ONE EXTRA BEDROOM. Looking
>out from the window I see a lot of children dancing.This damned
>cable TV has spoiled our new generation and these children are losing
>their values and culture because of it.I get occasional cards from my
>children asking I am alright.Well at least they remember me. Now
>perhaps after I die it will be
>the neighbors again who will be performing my last rites,God Bless
>them.
>
>
>But the question still remains 'was all this worth it?'
>
>
>I am still searching for an answer................

IT News Snippets

2004-11-02T22:56:00.000+05:30

OfficeTiger acquires Devonshire group
Officetiger, the New York-headquartered business process
outsourcing company with a large operation in Chennai, has
acquired Devonshire group of the UK ...
http://sify.com/finance/fullstory.php?id=13600143

CII moves into posh new office
... 'The southern region headquarters in Chennai would play
a larger role in making Tamilnadu a forerunner in industrial
development. ...
http://newstodaynet.com/31oct/bu1.htm

Cognizant to add 9,000 people in India
Cognizant plans $76m expansion
Plans to spend about $76 million on expanding its current
facilities in Chennai, Pune, Kolkata and Bangalore, besides
a training academy in Chennai. ...
http://www.ciol.com/content/news/Investment/2004/104102702.asp
http://sify.com/finance/equity/fullstory.php?id=13598428

Engineering a software success story Comments
With the support of the infotech and BPO revolution, India
today boasts of an excellent talent pool for IT services
and products fuelled by a friendly eco-system and lowered
development costs.
http://www.expressindia.com/fullstory.php?newsid=37830

BPO: India to get major boost
A PricewaterhouseCoopers study says 29 per cent of US and
European firms plan to increase outsourcing to support their
financial functions in the next 12-24 months.
http://www.rediff.com/money/2004/oct/29bpo1.htm

Bush victory = more BPO: Survey
Nearly half of the business and technology professionals
quizzed in a survey conducted in Silicon Valley, said that
offshoring will increase if President George W Bush is
re-elected.
http://www.rediff.com/money/2004/oct/29bpo.htm

Krishna fumes over bad roads
... not improved. "Local companies may opt for Hyderabad or
Chennai. But what about the biggies? They may relocate to
China. Eventually ...
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/903420.cms

City still tops in IT occupancy
... list. In the first half of the year, occupants from the
IT industry occupied 1.8 million sq ft, beating Hyderabad and
Chennai. Senior ...
http://www.business-standard.com/iceworld/storypage.php?hpFlag=Y&chklogin=N&autono=171338&leftnm=lmnu9&leftindx=9&lselect=0

Real estate zooms on BPO bike
BPO has not only fuelled the rise in job opportunities but
also the prices of real estate.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/905621.cms

48,000 US jobs lost to BPO in Jan-March
HOUSTON: Of the jobs lost, Mexico takes the biggest pie followed
by China and India.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/887600.cms

http://mohanrajkumar.blogspot.com/ http://javoo.blogspot.com/
http://masalamix.blogspot.com/ http://sudhir-lp.blogspot.com/

IT News Snippets

2004-11-02T12:15:00.000+05:30

Real estate zooms on BPO bike
BPO has not only fuelled the rise in job opportunities but
also the prices of real estate.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/905621.cms

48,000 US jobs lost to BPO in Jan-March
HOUSTON: Of the jobs lost, Mexico takes the biggest pie followed
by China and India.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/887600.cms

http://mohanrajkumar.blogspot.com/ http://javoo.blogspot.com/
http://masalamix.blogspot.com/ http://sudhir-lp.blogspot.com/

Chennai IT News

2004-10-27T09:48:00.000+05:30

Cognizant will increase India invest
Cognizant Technology Solutions has said that it will further
expand its techno-complex capacity in Chennai, Pune, Kolkata
and Bangalore. ...
http://www.newindpress.com/Newsitems.asp?ID=IEB20041026121411&Title=Business&Topic=0

WorldSpace Lounge launched in Chennai
WorldSpace Satellite Radio recently launched a WorldSpace Lounge
for music lovers in Chennai. The lounge will be in Phase ...
http://www.indiantelevision.com/mam/headlines/y2k4/oct/octmam94.htm
http://www.newindpress.com/Newsitems.asp?ID=IEB20041021102553&Title=Business&Topic=0

IT outsourcing and BPO will converge
... worldwide. Another 23 acres has been acquired at Chennai. ... Syntel.
The Chennai facility is coming up at the IT Corridor near SIPCOT soon. ...
http://www.ciol.com/content/news/BPO/2004/104102601.asp

India's Birlasoft eyes acquisitions
... "While one center will come close to the existing facility of
the company in Chennai, for the other two centers we are looking
at different centers ...
http://www.atimes.com/atimes/South_Asia/FJ27Df05.html

Birlasoft to hike headcount to 3500
... up in two successive years. A center with over 600 IT professionals
became operational in Chennai in August 2003. It also acts as ...
http://www.ciol.com/content/news/Investment/2004/104102502.asp

http://mohanrajkumar.blogspot.com/ http://javoo.blogspot.com/
http://masalamix.blogspot.com/ http://sudhir-lp.blogspot.com/

News Snippets

2004-10-26T10:15:00.000+05:30

Yahoo to start Chennai operations
Chennai: Internet major Yahoo Inc will own a 25-member high-skilled
software professional team in Chennai, after it acquired US-based
Stata Labs. ...
http://sify.com/finance/equity/fullstory.php?id=13597240

Facelift for Chennai airport
The government has decided to modernise and upgrade the Chennai
airport through JV route, involving private companies and MNCs..
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/898968.cms

Love Chennai, hate Chennai, but that's the way it is
For the techies who land in Chennai from all corners of the
country to strike it big, the city is no more the conventional
south Indian metropolis it ...
http://www.newindpress.com/Newsitems.asp?ID=IET20041025115133&Title=Southern+News+-+Tamil+Nadu&Topic=0

OPD's the next big thing for India!
India is emerging as one of the most preferred destinations
and the leader for outsourced product development, says Gowri
Shankar Subramanian, CEO, Aspire systems.
http://www.rediff.com/money/2004/oct/25inter.htm

i-flex to hire 1200 in 5 months
... in the next five months to become a 5000-strong organisation
by March 2005 with most of the recruitment taking place at its
Pune and hennai development centres ...
http://inhome.rediff.com/money/2004/oct/25iflex.htm

WORLDSPACE sets up shop in Chennai
WorldSpace Satellite Radio on Thursday launched its ÂWorldSpace
Lounge' in Chennai at Phase III, Spencer Plaza. The lounge ...
http://www.newindpress.com/Newsitems.asp?ID=IEB20041021102553&Title=Business&Topic=0

News Snippet

2004-10-25T15:14:00.000+05:30

Syntel to expand in India soon
... the Indian subcontinent. These include development centres and
BPO structures in Pune, Mumbai and Chennai. Talking to presspersons
http://sify.com/finance/fullstory.php?id=13596827

Malaysian nasi kandar a hit in Chennai
Nasi kandar, the hot and spicy curry rice dish concocted by Indian
Muslim migrants to Malaysia, is being enjoyed not only by Malaysian
curry lovers ...
http://biz.thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2004/10/24/business/9218350&sec=business

Melaka keen on tie-ups in IT, biotech
... Ali Mohd. Rustam, chief minister of Melaka said at a meeting
organised by Confederation of Indian Industry in Chennai.
Acknowledging ...
http://inhome.rediff.com/money/2004/oct/23it1.htm

IT, ITES driving realty demand in Chennai and Bangalore
Information technology (IT) and IT-enabled services (ITES) sectors will
continue to drive the real estate demand in Chennai and Bangalore in ..
http://www.financialexpress.com/fe_full_story.php?content_id=72190

India much beyond outsourcing label
The first global study on media perceptions of India around the
world shows that the country is perceived as having thrown off
its isolationist, self-sufficiency mindset for the most part.
http://www.expressindia.com/fullstory.php?newsid=37531

Bangalore's IT chiefs complain to Rahul
Rahul Gandhi has been in Banglore for two days on a private,
low profile visit.
http://www.expressindia.com/fullstory.php?newsid=37505

New Zealand ICT cos turn to India Inc
After South Korea and Germany, it is now the turn of New Zealand
to look at forging new partnerships with India Inc.
http://inhome.rediff.com/money/2004/oct/21nz.htm

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News Snippets

2004-10-21T10:58:00.000+05:30

Canon India to invest Rs.10cr
After launching its fourth photo retail store, Canon Digiclick
zone, in Chennai, an official of Canon India said that the
company will be investing Rs 10 crore ...
http://sify.com/finance/equity/fullstory.php?id=13594329

Advantage India: IT means gain
HOUSTON: India would profit from increased investment in
offshore IT services, says a new study.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/893594.cms

Cost of car ownership up:Study
Due to an increase in cost of operations, the cost of
ownership of cars has gone up.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/892135.cms

Telstra ships 400 jobs to India
Australia's IT and telecom major Telstra has decided to shift
about 400 landline billing jobs to India, a move criticised
by the trade unions in the island.
http://www.rediff.com/money/2004/oct/20bpo2.htm

How to choose the right BPO
Zia Shiekh offers suggestions on how you can make the right
choice of employer in the BPO industry.
http://www.rediff.com/getahead/2004/oct/20ga-bpo.htm

Laptops @ Rs 55000!
Hewlett-Packard on Wednesday launched a series of digital
entertainment notebook computers which, it said, would create
a new segment in the market and account for 50 per cent of all
portable computer sales in the next 12 months.
http://www.rediff.com/money/2004/oct/20hp.htm

HCL charts 'big plans' for Chennai
Shiv Nadar, the Chairman, President and CEO of HCL
Technologies, today met the Tamil Nadu chief Minister
Jayalalitaa and informed her of the company's expansion
plans in Chennai.
http://www.hinduonnet.com/thehindu/holnus/006200410202209.htm
http://www.dailythanthi.com/article.asp?NewsID=144414&disdate=10/21/2004

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Shiv Nadar meets TN CM Jayalalitha.

2004-10-21T10:12:00.000+05:30

HCL charts 'big plans' for Chennai
Shiv Nadar, the Chairman, President and CEO of HCL
Technologies, today met the Tamil Nadu chief Minister
Jayalalitaa and informed her of the company's expansion
plans in Chennai.

Nadar was accompanied by Ranjit Narasimhan, chief operating
officer and S Savarkar, vice-president (facilities management),
HCL Technologies BPO Services Ltd., Chennai, an official release
said here.

Source :
http://www.hinduonnet.com/thehindu/holnus/006200410202209.htm
http://www.dailythanthi.com/article.asp?NewsID=144414&disdate=10/21/2004

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News Snippets

2004-10-19T11:03:00.000+05:30

Chennai-based Take Solutions acquires New Jersey firm
The Chennai-based Take Solutions, which has 300 employees, will
retain all the 40 employees of cliMetrics, assisting the company
to enter the large North ...
http://www.newkerala.com/news-daily/news/features.php?action=fullnews&id=37328

24/7 Customer expands BPO operations in Chennai
24/7 Customer, a leading provider of outsourced contact center
and BPO services to Global 1000 companies announced the expansion
of its operations in Chennai. ...
http://www.onlypunjab.com/real/fullstory-newsID-7551.html

Multimedia centres in classrooms!
All it needs is a power connection and a white wall. ... Fifteen
schools in Chennai are using the K-Yan at present. ...
http://news.newkerala.com/india-news/?action=fullnews&id=37013

Cognizant tops Forbes' '200 best small companies' list
This is the fifth time that the Chennai-based Cognizant figures in
the list, second straight year at number one and third number one
ranking overall, Cognizant ...
http://www.hindustantimes.com/news/181_1060416,0003.htm

Delhi's youngsters best suited for call centre jobs, says study
Delhi's youth rank highest in English Fluency and other required
skill sets under voice testing for a BPO says a survey report
placing Chennai on second ...
http://www.htnext.com/news/5922_1060466,001500230001.htm

Bad accent dogs call centres
... executives in English. Delhi came up tops, followed by Mumbai,
Chennai, Bangalore, Hyderabad and Kolkata. Even southern executives ...
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/887459.cms

SPI Tech to open new service centre
Independent content outsourcing services provider SPI Technologies
will open a new service centre in Chennai as part of its continued
India expansion plans. ...
http://sify.com/finance/equity/fullstory.php?id=13590131

RAMCO Industries: Buy
.. The track record of the promoter group - its part of the Ramco
group, which also owns Madras Cements - is also a factor that inspires
confidence. ..
http://sify.com/finance/equity/fullstory.php?id=13591579

ONGC, Reliance greenest companies
ONGC has been adjudged the greenest company in the country while
Reliance has been ranked second by a survey conducted by Business
Today-ACNielsen ORG-MARG.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/889923.cms

Attention America: 'Indians racing us to top'
Sometimes it's useful to stand back and ask yourself: If I could
vote for anyone for president other than George W Bush or John Kerry,
whom would I choose?
http://www.expressindia.com/fullstory.php?newsid=37370

Bangalore thrives, chokes on outsourcing flood
When narrow colonial-era streets get jammed with evening traffic
in Bangalore, the radio disc jockey on car stereos turns agony aunt.
http://www.expressindia.com/fullstory.php?newsid=37354

India's Chinese challenge in perspective
The release of the Global Competitiveness Report has put IndiaÂs
ranking at 55th in a class of 104, China is in 46th position.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/889145.cms

Premji is ET's business leader
The suspense for India Inc is over. Meet the winners of the Economic
Times Awards for Corporate xcellence.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/889108.cms

IT News Snippets

2004-10-15T14:11:00.000+05:30

SPI Tech to open new unit in Chennai
Largest independent content outsourcing services
provider, SPI Technologies on Thursday announced
the opening of a new service centre in Chennai as part ...
http://www.hinduonnet.com/thehindu/holnus/006200410150372.htm

SSI Ltd loses 70% in a single day
The Chennai-based SSI Ltd saw a steep erosion of 70
per cent value in a single day of trading. According to
brokers, investors lost ...
http://sify.com/finance/equity/fullstory.php?id=13589848

IT firms try out bonds to retain talent
Faced with strong attrition rate, the country's top IT
companies are resorting to signing bonds (kind of contracts)
with employees to retain talents.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/884362.cms

Patni Comp to buy Cymbal for Rs 312 cr
In the largest cross border deal by an Indian IT firm,
Patni Computer Systems Ltd is to acquire Cymbal Corporation
for Rs.312 crore.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/883075.cms

Infosys rides high on BPO wave
Infosys posted 49 pc profit, biggest quarterly jump in three
years, as outsourcing accelerated in US.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/882022

China, rising wages pose test for Indian IT giants
China, already the workshop of the world, will give Indian
IT firms a run for their money before long in the market for
outsourced services, an executive of India's largest software
services firm said.
http://www.expressindia.com/fullstory.php?newsid=37142

Outsourcing controversy in US is over: Infosys
Infosys Technologies Ltd, India's second-largest software
services firm, said the controversy in the United States over
outsourcing appeared to be over.
http://www.expressindia.com/fullstory.php?newsid=37144

Infosys to hire 4,000-4,500 techies this year
Infosys Technologies Ltd plans to hire 4,000-4,500 people over
the next two quarters, Hema Ravichandar, head of human resources,
told a news conference.
http://www.expressindia.com/fullstory.php?newsid=37161

Move to increase H1B visa allocation gets a thumbs up from India
Even as a couple of senators are pushing for increasing the H1B
visa allocation, the corporate America too is playing a significant
role in the process.
http://www.expressindia.com/fullstory.php?newsid=37181

India is world's 3rd best FDI destination
India may be preferred over US for FDI soon. Both
countries neck and neck in A T Kearney list.
http://www.rediff.com/money/2004/oct/13fdi.htm

'Bush only prez to lose jobs'
John Kerry, the Massachusetts senator, however, acknowledged
that outsourcing could not be stopped.
http://www.rediff.com/money/2004/oct/14bpo.htm

Pay more for same in India!
Your favourite car, laptop is cheaper in New York than in New Delhi.
http://www.rediff.com/money/2004/oct/15spec.htm

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Chennai IT Snippets

2004-10-12T10:37:00.000+05:30

READYTESTGO to invest $1m in Chennai
.. with the Institute for Development and Research in Banking
Technology (IDRBT) and was investing a million US dollar in
expanding the infrastructure at Chennai. ...
http://sify.com/finance/equity/fullstory.php?id=13587106

OVER 25,000 IT jobs in Chennai
The manpower ramp-up plans announced in quick succession by
IT companies in Chennai in the last one month have set the
job market on fire. ...
http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/articleshow/881830.cms

Outsourcing: Getting your feet wetâ€¦
Legal IT - London,United Kingdom
... India-based outsourcing company OpenWave, which is based
in Chennai, is typical of the new breed of firms hoping to
capitalise on the trend. ...
http://www.legalit.net/ViewItem.asp?id=21615

100% healthy ?

2004-10-11T17:48:00.000+05:30

100% healthy? You may not be!

Your body is shaping just the way you want it to.
But you can't help think you are not totally healthy.
You might have a point.
Here is a checklist of some of the most common problems that at most times don't seem like 'health problems,' but are indicators of your health.
The good news is, these problems are minor and their solutions simple!

Symptom 1: Hair fall

What you should know: The average human being loses about 100 hairs a day.
You have cause to worry when you see hair scattered over the carpet or floor of your home, stuck in your combs or brushes, or the drain of your bathroom.

The reason? Severe restrictive dieting.

The cure: One of the most common causes of sudden increase of hair fall in dieters is Iron Deficiency Anaemia.
~Check your haemoglobin levels at least once in four months.
~If you are anaemic, take iron supplements. Consult your doctor before you get started.
~Increase your iron intake with dark green leafy vegetables, whole grain cereals and pulses, dry dates, eggs and liver.

Other causes: Hormonal imbalance, stress, thyroid malfunction.

Symptom 2: Dark circles

Your under eye cream is hugely ineffective. And the area under your eyes is getting darker.

The reasons: Irregular sleep patterns, a hectic lifestyle and improper rest, among others.

The cure: It's the iron deficiency anaemia factor at work again!

When your haemoglobin level drops, so does blood circulation to this sensitive portion just below your eyes, making the area look darker.
~Get a blood test done.
~Go in for iron supplements along with a proper intake of the iron rich foods mentioned above.

Symptom 3: Brittle nails

Your nails break easily or you can tear them off with ease.

The reason: You lack mineral zinc.

Zinc is found in dry fruits, cereals and pulses.
~Zinc supplements with Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin B6, niacin, calcium and iron will help.
~Make sure you get adequate nutrition, especially in protein.
~Use gloves when washing dishes.
~Avoid using drying chemicals, like nail polish remover.

Other causes: Thyroid malfunction and poor blood circulation.

Symptom 4: Constant cold

You are one of those who catches nearly everything that is in the air, be it the flu or any other infection.

The reasons: Lack of immunity and lack of zinc in your body.

The cure:

~Increase your zinc intake. Your immunity will strengthen.
~Drink plenty of water. It increases immunity.
~Make sure you take Vitamin C rich foods like fresh fruits and vegetables.

Other causes: Late bedtimes and poor sleep.

Symptom 6: Halitosis/ bad breath

What you should know: Most people are not even aware they suffer from bad breath!
One way to find out if you have bad breath: Lick the back of your hand and smell it.

The reasons: Poor dental hygiene, gum disease or eating too many 'smelly foods', like onions and garlic.

The cure:
~Drink plenty of water -- at least ten to 12 glasses every day.

Other causes: Lack of exercise and a sedentary lifestyle.

Symptom 7: Body odour

What you should know: Everybody sweats. Sweat is your body's way of regulating temperature.
On average, we lose over a litre of sweat a day.
Sweat is actually odourless.

The reason: When bacteria feed on the sweat from the armpits and groin, it gives rise to certain chemicals that emit an odour.
The more you sweat, the more likely you will have body odour.
Not washing yourself regularly, and wearing unwashed clothes day after day will add to body odour.

The cure:

~Avoid foods like onion, fish, garlic and spicy foods.
~Exercise, anxiety, hot weather, and certain medical conditions make the body sweat more. So change clothes daily and wash them regularly.
~Use deodorants.
~Maintain an ideal weight.
~Drink lots of water.
~De-stress!

Symptom 8: Excessive sweet craving

The reason: Lack of the trace mineral, Chromium, in your diet.

What you should know: Chromium helps the body stabilise blood sugar levels and makes better use of insulin.
This lessens the urge to dive into those delicious, appetising sweets.
Chromium also promotes muscle growth and decreases body fat.
Chromium is found in cereals and pulses.

Other causes: Lack of self-control, avarice!

Symptom 9: Acne/ pimples

The reason: Hair follicles in the skin have sebaceous glands that produce an oily substance called sebum. This sebum makes the skin feel greasy.

What you should know:

~Along with dead skin cells, this sebum blocks the hair follicles (pores), which increases inflammation. Sometimes, it engenders bacteria.
~Acne is not caused by poor hygiene and is not infectious.

The cure:

~Get a good supply of Vitamin A. This is present in green leafy vegetables, yellow and orange fruits, vegetables, milk and some oils.
~Get a good supply of Vitamin C -- present in fresh fruits and vegetables -- Vitamin E and zinc.
~Make sure you drink around eight to ten glasses of water a day.
~Keep the skin clean and free of excess grease. Use a medicated lotion or gel from the pharmacist.

Other causes: Some people find they get more spots after they have eaten certain foods, or if they are under stress.
In these cases, avoid these triggers!

Source : http://www.rediff.com/getahead/2004/oct/11ga-ill.htm

News Snippets

2004-10-11T17:35:00.000+05:30

ReadyTestGo to invest $1m in Chennai
... with the Institute for Development and Research in Banking
Technology (IDRBT) and was investing a million US dollar in
expanding the infrastructure at Chennai. ...
http://sify.com/finance/equity/fullstory.php?id=13587106

Conference Preview: Offshore outsourcing
Legal IT - London,United Kingdom
... aware of the gradual movement of work activities such as
call centres, help desks and word processing to offshore
locations like Manila, Bangalore and Chennai. ...
http://www.legalit.net/ViewItem.asp?id=21585

Helios & Matheson bags orders from Hughes and Sasken
IT services company Helios & Matheson today said it has been
chosen by telecom software firms Hughes Software ...
http://www.hinduonnet.com/thehindu/holnus/006200410111460.htm

SGS to scale up India operations
... The Geneva-based global major, active in India since the 1950s,
to start with, has upgraded its presence in Chennai and set up its
first Asian testing and ...
http://sify.com/finance/equity/fullstory.php?id=13586478

H1-B visas for 2005 over, but IT firms not worried
... And this year, all records have been broken. Ashish Srivastav,
a software engineer from Chennai, says most companies don't put
all their eggs in one basket. ...
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/879921.cms

L&T to set up two plants near Chennai
Larsen and Toubro (L&T) Ltd, leaders in the construction industry,
has embarked on an expansion programme in the current year. ...
http://www.financialexpress.com/fe_full_story.php?content_id=70924

Now, MNCs outsourcing manufacturing
Knowledge-based manufacturing has put India on the global sourcing
map with MNCs increasingly positioning the country as a low-cost,
high quality sourcing hub for various products.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/880585.cms

India next global hub for software
Infy chief Narayan Murthy sees India emerging as a global player
in software products.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/880381.cms

Wipro to build domain skills
Wipro is building strong domain skills with internationally certified
insurance consultants for servicing insurance firms.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/878859.cms

Germany opens arms for IT guys
Indian IT pros will gain from German emigration laws that have
been vastly eased.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/877255.cms

UK firm to move 1,100 jobs to India
UK Insurer Royal & Sun Alliance will move 1,100 jobs from the
UK to India to cut costs, the company said on Monday.
http://www.expressindia.com/fullstory.php?newsid=37123

Outsourcing, job losses have no links
Fears that an exodus of white-collar jobs to India will lead to
massive employment losses in rich countries such as the US and
Britain are not backed up by the facts.
http://www.expressindia.com/fullstory.php?newsid=37030

Interview: Wipro staff to double, talent hunt on
Indian software services company Wipro Ltd sees its staff doubling
in the next three years as outsourcing booms, but says the days of
single, multi-billion-dollar deals are over.
http://www.expressindia.com/fullstory.php?newsid=37015

US tech edge is slipping in the hands of Asians
US technological superiority, long taken for granted, may be
slipping and 'the most serious threat' is coming from Asian
countries like India, China, Singapore, South Korea and Taiwan,
a media report says.
http://www.expressindia.com/fullstory.php?newsid=37005

Reuters to hire 850 people
Global information group Reuters on Thursday said it plans to
triple its workforce at its India centre here to reach 1,200
people by 2005-end.
http://www.rediff.com/money/2004/oct/07jobs.htm

Skills war? 'India will beat US'
India, China and other emerging economies will beat United States at
the 'skills war' unless it improves the teaching standards resulting
an increase in outsourcing, an American businessman has said.
http://www.rediff.com/money/2004/oct/08india.htm

World's smallest PC for Rs 38,000!
IBM on Monday launched the world's smallest full functional desktop
computer in India within weeks of its worldwide launch to increase
its share of the commercial PC market.
http://www.rediff.com/money/2004/oct/11ibm.htm

News Snippets

2004-10-07T10:13:00.000+05:30

Airtel brings broadband home, ties up with HCL
Bharti's Airtel Broadband & Telephone Services will
push high-speed Internet for home users. People buying
Airtel's landline connection will be able to opt for a
PC on instalments, with some initial payment, and connect
to broadband.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/876101.cms

US looking beyond quality in call centres
Date: Wed, 06 Oct 2004 06:44:57 GMT
Patriotism affects American purchasing decisions, in
fact about 65 per cent of consumers may alter their
buying behaviour if they knew or thought that a
company with which they were doing business used an
offshore call centre.
http://www.expressindia.com/fullstory.php?newsid=36923

Outsourcing to India: Global firms reaping profits
Date: Wed, 06 Oct 2004 06:44:57 GMT
Painting a rosy picture of outsourcing in India,
Britain's leading insurance company Prudential said
that it had effected a pound 60 million cost savings
owing to its call centres and back office operation
opened in India 18 months ago.
http://www.expressindia.com/fullstory.php?newsid=36911

Global headhunters scout out hot Indian job market
Global head-hunters are seeking partners and acquisitions
in India, where a sizzling job market is creating tens of
thousands of jobs a year.
http://www.expressindia.com/fullstory.php?newsid=36831

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News Snippets

2004-10-06T10:54:00.000+05:30

NASSCOM opens regional office in Chennai
The ... in the country. Shiela Gandhi has been appointed as
Regional Director of the Nasscom Chennai office. ...
http://www.hinduonnet.com/thehindu/holnus/006200410041921.htm

SCOPE Intl to hire 500 in India
Scope International, a wholly owned subsidiary of Standard Chartered
Bank, is planning to get its additional facility at Chennai ready by
this November, a top ...
http://inhome.rediff.com/money/2004/oct/04jobs.htm
http://newstodaynet.com/05oct/bu6.htm

Leading BPO to hire 1,000
WNS Global Services is on a hiring spree. WNS HR head Gautam
Chainani tells you how to cash in on the job opportunity.
http://www.rediff.com/getahead/2004/oct/05ga-bpo.htm

Syntel to set up second facility in Chennai
Syntel, the US-based software services provider with three
offshore delivery centres in India, has embarked on a major
expansion programme in Chennai ...
http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/articleshow/874936.cms

Britain fears: India poses threat to its prosperity
Warning that the rising economic might of India and China poses
a threat to Britain's prosperity, the country's Chancellor of
Exchequer Gordon Brown has asked businesses to do more to meet
the growing strategic threat to their markets.
http://www.expressindia.com/fullstory.php?newsid=36866

H1-B shortage will hit US: Nasscom
The National Association of Software and Service Comapanies,
expects the US government to increase the number of H-1 B
visas by February following the US presidential elections.
http://www.rediff.com/money/2004/oct/05visa.htm

It's no more H1-Bs this year. The decision is going to
affect not only pros who want to work in US but also the
Indian IT industry.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/873429.cms

Jobs, jobs everywhere... only temporary ones
Jobs galore! But only temporary ones!
As pink slips and layoffs take the edge out of 'lifetime jobs',
temporary employment is fast emerging as a viable option
across various sections of the industry including IT, BPOs,
ITES and FMCG.
http://www.expressindia.com/fullstory.php?newsid=36901
http://www.rediff.com/money/2004/oct/05jobs.htm

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News Snippets

2004-10-04T14:21:00.000+05:30

Why are the TN techies heading home?
It's a billion dollar puzzle that the Karnataka government wants
to crack desperately. How come frontline IT firms are logging out
Bangalore from their investment map and heading to Chennai ?...
http://www.newindpress.com/Newsitems.asp?ID=IEN20040926092530&Title=Infotech&Topic=0&amp

Trinity to hire 700 more people by 2005
Trinity Partners Inc, business process management and IT delivery
solutions provider to the mortgage industry, has drawn up plans
to increase its India headcount by more than 300 per cent in the
next 15 months
http://www.rediff.com/money/2004/sep/27bpo1.htm

60 Degrees acquires Indian Idol business
360 Degrees a brand of Times Infotain-ment Media Limited has recently
acquired the on-ground activation for Sony Entertainment TelevisionÂs
Indian Idol.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/869726.cms

Finally, Indias economic potential is being recognised worldwide
Today, businessmen abroad treat Indians with respect even though they
may not want to be part of India's cumbersome business environment.
Some weeks ago, Newsweek ran a cover story on India's economic might.
http://www.expressindia.com/fullstory.php?newsid=36774

Desi players top acquisition space
It is not the foreigners, but the Indian entrepreneurs who are more
active in the acquisition play in the country.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/872444.cms

Nasscom gets cracking to address clients' worries
Nasscom is preparing security audit of its 860 member companies by a
reputed consultancy firm to allay the rising fears in the US and UK
about data protection and customer privacy - especially in BPO units.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/872443.cms

US pharma Cos hiring Indians
A host of American generic pharma companies are hiring Indian scientists
to man their large manufacturing facilities and labs.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/869735.cms

H1B over with in a Day
The annual limit for the controversial guest worker programme through
the H1B visas, which help many Indian technology professionals to
emigrate, has been filled for the whole fiscal year in record time,
with the cap of 65,000 closing at the opening day itself.
http://www.expressindia.com/fullstory.php?newsid=36826

Maruti plant to generate 1.3 mn jobs
The proposed car plant of auto market leader Maruti will generate 1.3
million jobs besides contributing Rs 20,000 crore to the country's
GDP, once it is fully operational.
http://www.expressindia.com/fullstory.php?newsid=36779

Sachin, Sourav, Dravid play for Team BCCI and not for India!
Sachin Tendulkar, Sourav Ganguly, Rahul Dravid and ... play for the
official team of the Board of Control for Cricket in India and not
the official team of India.
http://www.expressindia.com/fullstory.php?newsid=36740

Realty bites
As more malls dot the horizon, real estate developers lose
bargaining power to etailers
http://www.rediff.com/money/2004/sep/22betterlife2.htm

http://mohanrajkumar.blogspot.com/ http://javoo.blogspot.com/
http://krishnamoorthy.blogspot.com/ http://sudhir-lp.blogspot.com/

Chennai IT Snippets

2004-10-04T12:44:00.000+05:30

IT'S destination Chennai
.. space for their expansion plans. All this is happening not in
Bangalore or Hyderabad but in Chennai. In 2003, nearly 1.4 million
...
http://www.hindustantimes.com/news/181_1038875,0006.htm

ALTAIR to increase manpower
.. in India and the total strength will be increased to 100 by the end
of this year, Rajneesh Shinde, marketing manager of the US-based company,
said at Chennai. ...
http://sify.com/finance/equity/fullstory.php?id=13577320

TN an attractive FDI destination, says ad in US daily
... the reforms undertaken by her government for the emergence of the
state as a home to many multinational companies, she said, "In 1995, Ford
came to Chennai. ...
http://www.hinduonnet.com/thehindu/holnus/001200410021103.htm

INDIA: Levi Strauss on expansion in India
... The raw material for the innerwear products would be sourced
from India. The company has an India sourcing centre for denims in
Chennai. ...
http://www.bharattextile.com/newsitems/1992019

Helios & Matheson focus on healthcare vertical
Chennai based software services company, Helios & Matheson (H&M)
has announced its decision to position itself as a niche player
in the healthcare sector and ...
http://newstodaynet.com/01oct/bu3.htm

HEXAWARE bags major Lufthansa contract
Hexaware Technologies, a Chennai-based software company listed on
Indian and London stock exchanges, has bagged a contract from German
company Lufthansa ...
http://us.rediff.com/money/2004/sep/28hexaware.htm

US-BASED BPO to hire 1,000 IT experts
... Sutherland has already received $30 million in the first round of
funding, and was supporting 4 offshore customer management centres in
Chennai and Mumbai, the ...
http://www.business-standard.com/bsonline/storypage.php?bKeyFlag=BO&autono=4538

130 students leave for China to pursue MBBS
... medical education, an area less sought after hitherto in that country,
as the first batch of 130 students left here by a chartered flight to
Chennai. ...
http://www.deepikaglobal.com/ENG3_sub.asp?ccode=ENG3&newscode=73485

SERVION to increase workforce to 350 before Dec-end
Chennai-based Servion Global Solutions on Monday said it plans to enhance
its work force to 350 from the existing 270 people in the quarter ending
December ...
http://www.hindustantimes.com/news/181_1028466,0003.htm
http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/businessline/blnus/15271704.htm

PENTASOFT to hive off training division
The Chennai-based company also decided to retain its authorised capital
at Rs 200 crore, dropping its earlier move to hike the authorised capital
to Rs 225 ...
http://www.business-standard.com/bsonline/storypage.php?bKeyFlag=BO&autono=4519

INDIA'S soaring realty market
... Whether in the political or financial capitals of Delhi or Mumbai,
information technology hubs of Bangalore or Hyderabad, Kolkata or Chennai,
the property ...
http://www.atimes.com/atimes/South_Asia/FI25Df03.html

WIPRO to get 85-acre land in Chennai for software centre
IT major Wipro Corporation will be alloted 85-acre land at the proposed
Knowledge Industry township at Sholinganallur ...
http://www.hinduonnet.com/thehindu/holnus/006200409241490.htm

NEC group scouting for acquisitions
... Second, it has set up a new company, Niteo Technologies (P) Ltd in Chennai,
"to integrate offshore software delivery and BPO capabilities into its solutions ...
http://sify.com/finance/fullstory.php?id=13573953

http://mohanrajkumar.blogspot.com/

IT News Snippets

2004-09-27T14:29:00.000+05:30

HCL to create 250 jobs in N Ireland
Indian IT major HCL Technologies Ltd has decided to
create 250 jobs in Northern Ireland as part of its
call centre expansion plan thus reversing the trend
of outsourcing at a time when Britain is debating
over offshoring of jobs to countries like India.
http://www.rediff.com/money/2004/sep/27bpo.htm
http://www.expressindia.com/fullstory.php?newsid=36589

Wipro gets 85 acres in TN
CHENNAI: Tamil Nadu government has allotted 85
acres of land to Wipro in the planned Knowledge
Industry Township.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/862840.cms

India is a dumping ground for e-wastes
The electronic waste contains several hazardous and
toxic materials like lead, mercury, cadmium, PVC
plastics and brominated flame retardants, which are
known to cause severe defects in human bodies.
http://www.rediff.com/news/2004/sep/26pak.htm

Got the pink slip? No need to feel blue
Lost A Job? Down In The Doldrums? Perk Up. Companies Are Now
Taking A Compassionate View While Retrenching Employees,
<i>Sunday Times</i> discovers.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/863774.cms

US elections outcome will not impact BPO
Former US deputy secretary of state Strobe Talbott on
Saturday said outsourcing of American IT and BPO jobs
to India would continue irrespective of the outcome of
the US presidential elections to be held in November.
http://www.expressindia.com/fullstory.php?newsid=36549

Four IT parks coming up in Bengal
KOLKATA: Speaking at a seminar Bengals IT secretary
G D Gautama said four new IT parks would be set up in
the state.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/863548.cms

Indian CEO charged with fraud in Silicon Valley
Former Computer Associates International Inc Chief
Executive Sanjay Kumar was charged on Wednesday with
securities fraud and obstruction of justice stemming
from a two-year investigation of improper accounting
at the software maker.
http://www.expressindia.com/fullstory.php?newsid=36472

It's time for America to turn South
If John Kerry is elected President of the United States
in November, the election could initiate a sea-change
in US-Latin American relations - even though he has never
shown much interest in the region. George Bush has largely
ignored it since the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001.
http://www.expressindia.com/fullstory.php?newsid=36526

News Snippets

2004-09-24T11:11:00.000+05:30

BANGALORE not hot for IT: CEOs
... However, a Nasscom-KPMG study says that Bangalore and Chennai
are extremely attractive in terms of human resources with NCR
(Delhi/Gurgaon/Noida) and Mumbai ...
http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/articleshow/861615.cms

Investing in stocks? Becareful
As an investor, we believe that it is better to be conservative
and be worried more about the downside than the upside when it
comes to investing in stocks.
http://www.rediff.com/money/2004/sep/22invest1.htm

TAMIL Nadu is leader in e-governance, IT use
[Business India] Chennai, Sep 22 : Tamil Nadu has been given
the "leader" rank in e-readiness by the central government and
the World Bank in an assessment of ...
http://news.newkerala.com/business-news-india/?action=fullnews&id=32601

NEC sets its foot in India
CHENNAI: The $47 billion NEC has finally set its foot directly into
the booming Indian IT space, with the announcement of operations of
its wholly owned ...
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/860893.cms

MAKING TN the BPO capital of the world
... Chennai and suburbs continued to be the major software exporting
centres with exports of Rs 7,558 crore, followed by Coimbatore at Rs
46 crore and Tiruchi at ...
http://newstodaynet.com/22sep/rf5.htm

'TN govt determined to make state No 1 in IT'
CHENNAI: The Tamil Nadu government was determined to secure for the
state the leadership position in information technology industry,
Law and IT Minister D ...
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/859758.cms

IT roadshow Connect 2004 begins in Chennai
News, Chennai, Seven international delegations and more than 100
Indian exhibitors feature in Connect 2004, the fourth edition of
Tamil Nadu's biggest annual ...
http://www.keralanext.com/news/?id=50098

PREMJI bullish on Bengal's IT potential
.. the state. "Our entry in Kolkata has been very promising," Premji
told TOI on the sidelines of a CII meeting at Chennai. "It has ...
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/861059.cms

Low-cost computers from Wipro soon
Indian software giant, Wipro said on Thursday that it was developing
a low-cost computer that would run on low power and would have inbuilt
source of two hours of standby power supply.
http://www.rediff.com/money/2004/sep/23wipro.htm

India on huge growth path: NYSE
There is growing recognition in the US that India stands on the
threshold of tremendous growth and influence as an economic power
in the global community, NYSE CEO said.
http://www.rediff.com/money/2004/sep/23pm1.htm

The Rs 14.72 lakh cellphone!
Handcrafted phones manufactured by Vertu, a unit of cellphone
giant Nokia, are the world's most expensive cellphones.
http://www.rediff.com/money/2004/sep/23look.htm

We can't blindly follow the US
We are not waiting for a certificate from some junior-level American
that India is a great country and can be a superpower.
http://www.rediff.com/news/2004/sep/22guest.htm

Aviva to hire 3,300 people in India
Aviva Plc, the fifth largest insurer globally, will hire about 3,300
more people in India and Sri Lanka by 2007, as part of its strategy
to outsource some of its life and non-life services.
http://www.rediff.com/money/2004/sep/22bpo.htm

Indians top list of Hotmail loyalists
Brand loyalty may be a dying concept worldwide but Indians still
seem to live by it. An online survey conducted across 13 countries
by MSN Hotmail shows that Indians top the list of Hotmail loyalists.
http://www.expressindia.com/fullstory.php?newsid=36480

India among top 4 Asian investment destinations
The 2004 World Investment Report of Unctad, released on Wednesday,
has a few positives for India.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/860359.cms

CHENNAI, Ennore ports to be expanded
CHENNAI: The Chennai and Ennore Ports will soon be expanded to
handle larger vessels, M Raman, Chairman-cum-Managing Director
of Ennore Port, said. ...
http://www.newindpress.com/Newsitems.asp?ID=IET20040923124014&Title=Southern+News+-+Tamil+Nadu&Topic=0

News snippets

2004-09-22T14:01:00.000+05:30

CONNECT 2004: Showcasing TN's IT prowess
Connect 2004, the fourth edition of Tamil Nadu's ICT show, will
commence on Wednesday at the Chennai Trade Centre in Chennai.
The ...
http://inhome.rediff.com/money/2004/sep/21connect.htm

BOOM time in some Indian cities
CHENNAI, that densely packed southern city in India, long known
as a centre for classical Carnatic music and the Bharata Natyam
dance, is observing the 350th ...
http://straitstimes.asia1.com.sg/commentary/story/0,4386,273807,00.html

IGATE Plans Second Facility In Chennai, To Up Headcount
GATE to double IT workforce in Chennai
IGate Global Solutions plans to invest around Rs 53 crore
for the expansion of its Bangalore and Chennai operations.
IGate ...
http://www.financialexpress.com/fe_full_story.php?content_id=69394
http://www.business-standard.com/bsonline/storypage.php?bKeyFlag=BO&autono=4371

LANCESOFT sets up Chennai operations
Business Line - Chennai,India
The US-based LanceSoft Inc., a value added integrated IT solutions
provider, is setting up operations here to provide service and support
to their ...
http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/businessline/blnus/15171306.htm

American firm to hire 1,700 more people in India
Real estate and data service provider First American Corp's Indian
arm said it planned to recruit 1,700 software and back-office
workers over three years to take its staff strength to 4,200.
http://www.expressindia.com/fullstory.php?newsid=36419

PRESIDENTIAL polls fail to shut out US firms from India
... Apart from the regular favourite Bangalore, other centres like
Chennai, Mumbai, Pune, Kolkata and Gurgaon are also getting investments,
buoyed by the ready ...
http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/articleshow/859082.cms

NOW, it's offshoring of presentations
India has emerged as a kitchen for sourcing power point presentations
for McKinsey's global operations. The global business ...
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/856257.cms

Aztec to acquire Disha Tech for $12.1 mn
Aztec Software and Technology Services Ltd said it has entered into an
agreement to acquire Disha Technologies India to $12.1 million in stock
and cash deals.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/856829.cms

Quark starts new venture in India
United States-based software giant Quark, coming up with a high-tech
business and technology workplace near here, has said outsourcing is
"good" for America and the world.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/858932.cms

US continues losing IT jobs: Study
The IT industry in the US has lost nearly 403,300 jobs from the start
of the recession in March 2001 to April 2004, with nearly half of those
jobs disappearing after the recession was officially declared over in
November 2001.
http://www.expressindia.com/fullstory.php?newsid=36322

BPO industry gears for outside challenge
India, the uncrowned king of the BPO world, may be in for some rough
ride with national and international studies pointing at competition
from a range of countries including China, the Philippines, South
Africa, Mauritius, Malaysia, Australia, Ireland and New Zealand.
http://www.expressindia.com/fullstory.php?newsid=36363

Intel-Reliance deal to push broadband
Reliance and Intel have joined hands to make available high speed
Internet connectivity to consumers. Intel has signed up GIDs (genuine
Intel dealers), who sell assembled computers, to offer Reliance mobile
and fixed wireless service along with a data cable for Internet connectivity.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/859124.cms

The 'cheese' is moving in business too
The movement is happening on account of diverse factors, some of which
are obvious such as technology; the globalisation and internationalisation
of business; freer trade of ideas, services and goods, etc.
=http://www.rediff.com/money/2004/sep/21guest.htm

'Ghost' forces institute to close
What are the odds of ghost closing your school?
Indian Stat Inst students are visiting temples rather than studying
the laws of probability.
Fear of a ghost who knocks on doors and wafts the scent of aftershave
lotion along corridors has forced a prestigious college for statisticians
in the New Delhi to close.
http://www.expressindia.com/fullstory.php?newsid=36373
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/858414.cms

What NASA offers enthusiastic students
An opportunity to fly on its famous 'Weightless Wonder' aircraft.
http://www.rediff.com/news/2004/sep/21nasa.htm

Choosing broker: Do's and Don't
As much as stock selection is a systematic and an extremely essential
aspect to equity investing, so is choosing the right broker.
http://www.rediff.com/money/2004/sep/17perfin.htm

MENACE on a wing, Chennai on a prayer
The rains may have brought relief for some, but it has unleashed
the mosquitoes in the city in a big way. Residents, especially ...
http://www.newindpress.com/Newsitems.asp?ID=IET20040920134841&Title=Southern+News+-+Tamil+Nadu&Topic=0

TATA launches new car in Chennai
India's leading automotive manufacturer Tata Motors,
today launched its new estate, the Tata Indigo Marina in Chennai
today. ..
http://www.deepikaglobal.com/ENG5_sub.asp?ccode=ENG5&newscode=72600

BMW officials hold talks with Kerala
BMW on Indian roads soon
... sources said. Engineering consultant CR Narayana Rao also
held presentations. Rao was the consultant behind Ford's plant
in Chennai.
http://www.atimes.com/atimes/South_Asia/FI22Df03.html
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/857203.cms

7 Indians among world's top 100 scientists
Seven Indian origin scientists, including Srinidhi Varadarajan who
built a super computer from off-the-shelf commercial products, were
named among the world's top 100 young researchers.
http://www.expressindia.com/fullstory.php?newsid=36394
http://www.rediff.com/news/2004/sep/21sci.htm

News Snippets

2004-09-17T11:01:00.000+05:30

FIRE Cripples Indian Call Centers, Affects US
A fire at a telecommunications hub in Chennai, India, crippled
call centers across the country yesterday, and voice and data
service interruptions continued ...
http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/articleshow/853628.cms

IDENTITY crisis: Namesake worries Infy
The Chennai branch of the Intellectual Property Appellate Board
(IPAB) has ruled that Infosys Technologies cannot hold a monopoly
on trademark 'Infosys'. ...
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/853768.cms
http://www.hindustantimes.com/news/5983_1009585,00430001.htm
http://www.business-standard.com/bsonline/storypage.php?bKeyFlag=BO&autono=4265

TELEDATA acquires Bitech's Dubai arm
Teledata Informatics, a Rs 60-crore software solutions provider
for the marine and education sectors, has acquired Bitechâ€Âs
subsidiary in Dubai. ...
http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/articleshow/852202.cms

HYUNDAI to expand Chennai plant
The Hyundai Motor India Limited (HMIL), the second largest car
manufacturer in the country, has plans to expand the production
capacity of its Chennai plant to ...
http://sify.com/finance/equity/fullstory.php?id=13567538

CHENNAI plant runs into troubled waters
Soon after gifting water-starved Chennai a Rs 1,000-crore
desalination plant, the Central Public Health & Environmental
Engineering Organisation (CPHEEO), a ...
http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/articleshow/853628.cms

8 Indian cos make it to Forbes list
Indian biggies like Reliance, Wipro and Infosys have made it to
the Forbes A-list.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/851133.cms

A million telematics jobs in India soon
Globally, IT and automotive together are a $4.5 trillion industry,
and telematics forms a big part of this. Telematics is set to grow
in a big way and can create a million-plus jobs in India over the
next 5 years, says Prof Sadagopan.
http://www.rediff.com/money/2004/sep/16inter.htm

IT sector sees brisk hiring

2004-09-14T10:39:00.001+05:30

If it was retrenchment and pink slips a few summers ago after the tech
bubble burst and 9/11 attacks impacting investments and recruitment in
the technology sector, it is a different story now.

...

HCL saw its employee roster expand by close to 70 per cent.

Source: http://sify.com/finance/fullstory.php?id=13566013

Complete article:

> If it was retrenchment and pink slips a few summers ago after the tech
> bubble burst and 9/11 attacks impacting investments and recruitment in
> the technology sector, it is a different story now.
>
> Companies are hiring rapidly to induct more techies and fight higher
> levels of attrition. Trends indicate that IT is back as a career
> destination with a bang.
>
> According to National Association of Software and Services Companies
> (Nasscom),"The Indian ICT industry, after a three-year lull is back on
> track, and hiring rapidly. The global economic downturn, which lasted
> over three years and brought in its wake pink slips, benching and
> retrenchment, appears like a thing of the past. Indian IT services
> companies, which were impacted by this slowdown and put a cap on their
> hiring to cut costs and maintain momentum, are getting back into the
> swing of things and its beginning to look like business as usual."
>
> There appears to be an upsurge in demand for professionals with
> specialised expertise. This demand has picked up since most large IT
> players have moved up the value chain, transcending the software coding
> and maintenance barriers to get into the high-end IT consulting, systems
> integration, infrastructure management, package implementation and
> product development realms. But the availability of for highly skilled
> manpower is becoming acute. This heightened recruitment has been further
> fuelled by transnational companies setting up R&D centres in the
> country.
>
> A recent market survey by McKinsey featuring 5,500 senior corporate
> leaders, one-third of European companies with revenues higher than $1
> billion, prefer India to China as an R&D destination. Within Asia
> Pacific, India is looked upon as a source of talent. The survey revealed
> that 71 per cent of respondents considered India a key source for
> talent.
>
> Outlining the Indian tech scenario, Nasscom noted that Indian IT
> companies expanded their employee base by almost 45 per cent during
> 2003-04 and reported brisk hiring in the first quarter of 2004.
>
> MNCs too are focussing on expansion and hiring. As competition,
> particularly within the offshore IT services outsourcing market is
> heating up, leading global MNCs in the country are beefing up their
> operations and manpower base to face the challenges. The idea is to
> combat the strength of Indian companies, which have made tremendous
> headway in the IT services exports segment and have large software
> development facilities across the country.
>
> While Accenture, Ernst & Young and IBM Global Services stepped up hiring
> during 2003-04, domestic majors such as Wipro added around 12,000
> employees for its outsourcing business by the fiscal year ending March
> 31, 2004.
>
> Infosys added over 8,000 people in 2004 - - that works out to about 52
> per cent of its employee base in 2003. Satyam added 44 per cent of its
> 2003 employee base during 2004. HCL saw its employee roster expand by
> close to 70 per cent.
>
> Infosys, Wipro, Satyam, HCL, Hughes Software, i-flex, Mastek and Patni
> together added over 26,000 people in 2003-04.
>

Chennai Snippets

2004-09-14T10:39:00.000+05:30

24/7 to acquire US entity soon
24/7 Customer to add 1000 jobs in Chennai
The company also announced on Monday plans to add
1000 new jobs in Chennai, over the next 6 to 9 months.
The Chennai facility, which ...
http://www.business-standard.com/iceworld/storypage.php?hpFlag=Y&chklogin=N&autono=166993&leftnm=lmnu9&leftindx=9&lselect=0
http://www.ciol.com/content/news/BPO/2004/104091301.asp

LASER Soft plans $1 mn capex
The Chennai-based banking solutions firm Laser Soft Infosystems
Ltd has earmarked around $1 million as capital expenditure
(capex) for ...
http://www.hinduonnet.com/thehindu/holnus/006200409121123.htm

DOG day in Chennai
In the first ring, Kalakrishnan's German Shepherd from Chennai bagged
the first place in the championship while S Pathy's doberman from
Coimbatore got the ...
http://newstodaynet.com/13SEP/SS2.HTM

DD to begin DTH service later this month
The previous government had introduced CAS on an experimental
basis in the four Metros. But it could implement it only in Chennai. ...
http://www.hinduonnet.com/thehindu/holnus/001200409120311.htm

SEBI bars DSQ, fines Rs 630 cr
In addition, Sebi has cancelled the registration of three venture
capital funds, including Chennai-based TVS Venture Fund Trust.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/847101.cms

INFOSYS Consulting pegs offshore formula
The US-based arm of Infosys Technologies, said it can manage a
40 percent cost advantage during a recent meeting with analysts
in Chennai, India, where the ...
http://news.zdnet.com/2100-9597_22-5362066.html

POLARIS in outsourcing deal with US-based CTG
Information technology major Polaris Software Lab said it has
entered into a strategic alliance with US-based IT services firm
CTG to provide ...
http://www.atimes.com/atimes/South_Asia/FI11Df01.html

24/7 Customer to add 1000 jobs in Chennai

2004-09-13T21:19:00.000+05:30

CIOL - India
Will expand the Chennai facility to add 1000 new jobs, over the next 6 to 9 months and plans to close the financial year with 7000 employees.

Details here.

Not Rana Pratap, Shivaji was his model, Mr Aiyar

2004-09-13T11:14:00.000+05:30

http://www.sulekha.com/redirectnh.asp?cid=403043 Not Rana Pratap, Shivaji was his model, Mr Aiyar
Tuesday September 7 2004 11:31 IST
S Gurumurthy
"I am a Brahmin from Tanjore district. Yet I eat beef. I threw my sacred thread. I married, not a Brahmin, but, a non-Hindu. I am so secular." He went on. Not in a private talk, in a public speech. Sounds like Mani Shankar Aiyar? Right, it is he. This was in early 1980s at a seminar on secularism in Chennai. Arun Shourie, N. Ram among others were present. After giving my introductory address I too listened to what Mani claimed as his ''secular'' credentials. On this test, for a Muslim to claim 'secular' status, he must eat pork, cut off his beard and marry non-Muslims. But, for Mani, Muslims are, by birth, 'secular'. Only Hindus have to turn un-Hindus to be 'secular'.
Undoubtedly it is perverse. But it offers a clue to what is central to a fraudulent secularism in practise in this country. Demeaning and trivialising all symbols of reverence to Hindus is the very essence of this 'secular' outlook. Now it is easy to understand why Mani demeaned Savarkar, an icon of those who worship this nation as what Maharishi Aurobindo or Swami Vivekananda had perceived it to be. But as most Indians are told only about Nehru, Indira and now, Sonia, they are kept ignorant about Savarkars. That is Mani's jackpot.
Few Indians know Savarkar was the father of the Indian revolutionary movement. Even fewer know about his valour. Like when arrested and brought in a ship to India he crushed himself through the toilet exit to escape and swam to Marseilles in France even as bullets rained on him. Still few know that he was re-arrested by British Police in French territory, brought to India and given double life sentence for 50 years. Yes for 50 years! Branded dangerous he was consigned to the cellular jail in Andamans. Handful only have heard how Savarkar was beaten mercilessly day after day and made to do manual labour for years. Also how he was so solitarily confined that for years he did not know that his own brother was his neighbour in the same jail!
Savarkar spent 11 years in this condition, double the time Pandit Nehru spent in first class jail where in peace he could write his Discovery of India! A visit to the cellular jail which is full of names of martyrs from Punjab and Bengal is a greater lesson in nationalism than a library full of sermons on patriotism. Imagine a Nehru had spent a day in cellular jail. It would have become a pilgrimage point for all Congressmen. But, the cellular jail was not so fortunate. It had no first class facilities for receiving Nehrus.
Yes, when his health was failing Savarkar wrote to the British, accepted non-violence and constitutional form of work. This was after 11 years of painful torture which people like Mani cannot even imagine. Why did Savarkar choose not to die in pain in jail? Simple. He was cast in the mould of Chhatrapathi Shivaji. For Shivaji, action, victories were important. He would retract where he had to and attack where he found advantage. This is war strategy. Bhishmapitamaha in his exposition on 'Rajadharma' and Tsun Tsu in his Art of War have commended it. In contrast another icon of Indian struggle against aliens, Maharana Pratap, was a model of valour. He would rather die than retrace his steps.
Of the two models, against ruthless enemies who had no idea of 'dharma', it was the Shivaji model that succeeded, not Maharana Pratap's. Maharana Pratap was a great hero because of his valour, but Shivaji was a greater hero because of his success. Shivaji knew that for a wounded civilisation success was the cure, not valour in defeat. So he relentlessly worked for success. Savarkar, being a fellow Maharashtrian, adopted his model. Rather than languish and die in solitary jail he wanted to be out to work. In fact the Congress movement then worked to get Savarkar released.
Back from Andamans, Savarkar was kept under house arrest. Revolutionaries like Bhagat Singh, Rajguru, Bhai Parmanand visited him, seeking guidance. Mahatma Gandhi and Subhas Bose also consulted him. After Savarkar's demise, Indira Gandhi honoured him with a stamp, despite his arrest and acquittal in the Gandhi murder case. The Indira government citation on Savarkar hailed him as a great patriot whose memories will remain etched in the hearts of Indians. So despite differences, no one denied Savarkar his due place, then or later. Only recently the Italian-born Sonia objected to Savarkar's portrait in Parliament. Now Mani has removed the Savarkar plaque from cellular jail. They have merely betrayed their pettiness. In the process, they have hurt the sentiments of millions of nationalists just as part of vote bank politics. That is the truth.

Weekend news figuring Chennai ...

2004-09-13T10:20:00.000+05:30

HIV vaccine trials to begin in Chennai, Pune:
New Kerala - Ernakulam,Kerala,India
[Health India] Chennai, Sep 12 : India will soon begin human trials of HIV vaccines at research hospitals across the country, a top health official has said. ...

TECHIES look for psychiatrists for counselling
Indian Express - New Delhi,India
Chennai, September 11: Leena and Manish both working as software professionals, married for a year, have been seeking psychiatric counselling for the past ...

ONLY virgin brides wanted in India: Survey
Hindustan Times - New Delhi,India
... The questions were posed to men between aged between 18 and 55 in cities including New Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai and Bangalore, the magazine said.

Wanted: Office staff for rebel group

2004-09-10T20:08:00.000+05:30

A separatist rebel group in India's turbulent northeast has published job advertisments for office secretaries and assistants for a parallel government it has run for decades.

The National Socialist Council of Nagaland (Issak-Muivah), fighting for a separate state for Christian-majority Naga people, said it would conduct a written test at its headquarters next month after screening applications.

More details here.

Narayana Murthy (Infosys co-founder) in the News !

2004-09-10T14:57:00.000+05:30

THE Narayana Murthy dialogue
Times of India - India
The world of micro-processors has never been so cool. Infosys chairman NR Narayana Murthy interviews celebrated inventor Danny Hillis. ...

NARAYANA Murthy in Time's Tech list
Sify - Delhi,India
Infosys founder NR Narayana Murthy is among Time magazine's ten global leaders helping shape the future of communications. Murthy ...

NARAYANA Murthy releases book on corporate ethics
The Hindu - Chennai,India
... Chairman and Chief Mentor NR Narayana Murthy, today released a book on corporate ethics, 'Ethics Incorporated - Top Priority and Bottomline', authored by ...

NARAYANA Murthy Speaks
CXOtoday.com - India
... The idea of starting a ‘Infosys’ began as an experiment in wealth creation, according to Infosys Chairman of the Board and Chief Mentor NR Narayana Murthy. ...

Illegal phone exchanges mushroom in India ...

2004-09-10T12:40:00.000+05:30

ndia's state-run telecommunication firm is facing competition from an unlikely source -- illegal telephone exchanges, some 200 of which have been detected across the country over the past six years.

These illegal exchanges - operated from little cubicles or private residences or shops -- are causing huge losses to the government, some estimates putting the figure at Rs.5 billion (Rs.500 crore) a year.

...

Read the complete story here.

Wireless Security News : 10-Sep-2004

2004-09-10T11:37:00.000+05:30

AIRDEFENSE Partners with the CWNP Program; CWSP Wireless Security ...
Business Wire (press release) - San Francisco,CA,USA
... The CWSP class gives IT professionals the necessary skills for implementing and managing wireless security in the enterprise by creating solutions using tools ...

WIRELESS security remains as main threat to mobility
Ottawa Business Journal - Ottawa,Ontario,Canada
... According to Victor Shevchenko, director of business development for the Global Mobile Enterprise 2004 Conference, wireless security will be a main discussion ...

MANHATTAN presents wireless security challenge for RNC
ComputerWorld - USA
... IT security researchers uncovered an unsettling number of unencrypted wireless devices that they say create a potential information security nightmare for ...

WI-FI Alliance certifies first products for WPA2 wireless security
PC Pro - UK
The Wi-Fi Alliance has announced the first products certified with the new WPA2 wireless security system. WPA2 (W-Fi Protected Access ...

INTEL improves Centrino wireless security
The Inquirer - England,UK
... This allows corporations to authenticate users, and also includes better auto-detection and auto-select security. The wireless kit supports both wi-fi ...

REVIEW: LucidLink Gives SMBs Strong Wireless Security
Information Week - USA
... de-authorized users are prevented from accessing the wireless network only when their computers try to re-authenticate. This is a security concern especially ...

IEEE 802.11i and wireless security
Help Net Security - Croatia
Because the market will demand products that provide this security, it's also a good idea to understand IEEE's new 802.11i security standards for wireless LANs ...

HP Enhances Wireless Security for Handhelds
Wi-Fi Planet - Darien,CT,United States
... group that certifies interoperability of wireless LAN products based on the IEEE 802.11 specification, WPA is a standard to improve wireless network security. ...

CHANTRY Networks to Speak about Wireless Integration and Security ...
Business Wire (press release) - San Francisco,CA,USA
... Sweeney will also participate in an invitation-only roundtable discussion called "Wireless Security Roundtable" designed to provide technology Directors, CIOs ...

FUTURE portables go much faster all day, says Intel
ZDNet.co.uk - UK
... this event is focused on the seven most important investment areas as identified by your peers: e-business, mobile and wireless security, software licensing ...