:: Newsletter November 2007 ::

The month of November breezed by getting us close to the end of this year. It started with Diwali festivities and funfair in India and concluded with Thanks Giving celebrations in the US.

HMGS Bangalore wishes everyone a very happy Diwali and happy Thanks Giving.

The day of 16th Nov was a historic one for us as this is when we got a formal confirmation of the name change of TACT Global Services Pvt. Ltd. to Helios & Matheson Global Services Pvt. Ltd. This is a landmark in the evolution of HMNA's India operations.

Onsite operations gained momentum with Veeresh, Banita and Dhananjayan went to US for Mellon EOS Project. Several other H1 and B1 Visas were processed this month creating a pipeline of candidates ready to take off for the upcoming assignments.

On the domestic front, VBA team had a hectic month and is busy with multiple projects of eRT.

Please join me in congratulating Prakash S on successful completion of one year at TACT, now HMGS.

We begin the last month of this year, all geared up to face upcoming challenges. Lets get this year to a grand closure and prepare ourselves for the forthcoming opportunities. Remember, "Success is the sum of small efforts, repeated day in and day out". So deliver your best and success will be yours.

Happy Reading...

Sanjay Singh

	"Do not follow where the path may lead. Go instead where there is no path and leave a trail…" .
	Brought to U by Trinadh S.

	Projects...

	Professional Services Team Client:- eRT (eResearch Technology) eRT Customer Support Started Gen-Probe Phase III GENEXION- Support Started EAER - Test Script writing and Execution

	Oracle Team Client:- Pfizer The Oracle team has been involved in assisting the US Team in documentation needed for the knowledge transfer of ATLAS Territory Management Systems to SAMS (Pfizer/Infosys). They have successfully completed Design Documents, Architecture Scope Document and are currently working on Requirement Specification Document.

	QA Team Client:- Atlas The team completed the Matrix and Test cases for Atlas TMS. Client:- Mellon The QA team completed the first set of Test Cases for EOS Redesign Project.

	Compiled by Santosh & Vasudevan


	10 Simple Tips for Using Email
	We all use email, but, sometimes we use it too much or use it inappropriately. To get the most out of email we need to use it carefully and judiciously. These are 10 tips to get the most out of emailing. 1. Use different email accounts for different purposes. It is good to have separate email accounts for separate purposes. For example, you may have one for business and one for social activities. This means you can check the personal email in the evening without having to think / worry about business. If you see an important message from your boss it could ruin your weekend or evening. At the end of the day you want to be able to get away from work. Don’t allow email to make you a slave to work. Some people feel it is inconvenient to check 2 different email accounts. But the relative inconvenience is easily outweighed by the benefits. 2. Email is not always the best Form of contact. If you have a really important issue or you are upset with someone, emailing is often not the best answer. If necessary speak to the person directly, rather than through an email. 3. Don’t say anything you wouldn’t say in person. This advice has certainly been given before. But, it is always worth reminding ourselves about the importance of being polite and avoiding unnecessary rudeness. We will regret it later. Email makes it easier to use harsh words because it is impersonal. We need to be very careful. 4. Use a Good Title Many people ignore the title of an email. If the subject changes don’t keep using an old “re: irrelevant title” A good title increases the chance that people will actually read your email, rather than just leaving it for later. A bad title may even get deleted as spam. 5. Don’t Ignore Basics of English. Just because it is an email, doesn’t mean we have to write like a 5 year old or use text message language. This indicates laziness and a lack of care. If you haven’t time to respond properly, wait until you do. Keep emails brief, but don’t completely ignore the basic use of grammar and spelling. 6. Keep it Short Emails can be brief and to the point. If the message has to be long, make sure it is broken up in to different sections, which are easy to read. But, generally you should aim to keep it less that 5 sentences. This is good for both the writer and the reader. 7. Acknowledge Important Emails. If somebody sends some important documents, files or message, make sure you, at least, acknowledge their receipt. Otherwise they may be uncertain that they got them. It doesn’t have to be long; it can be quite short. 8. Create a Standard Responses If you find yourself sending similar answers to many people, compose a draft message and save it in your drafts folder (or write it in word). You can use this standard response for emailing many people. Don’t forget to personalize it by adding their name. . Be careful about Replying To All. If you are new to email make sure you know the difference between replying to one person and replying to everyone on the initial message. Suffice to say you will send many emails which you would not want to be seen by everyone. It can be extremely embarrassing to send a personal message for everyone to see - it does happen. If you have new workers, make sure they are aware of this distinction. It will save a lot of potential problems. 10. Compose Your Signature. Having a signature looks professional and saves typing the same information every email. Remember people may wish to contact you through over methods than email. So make sure you have a phone number and address. If relevant add any qualifications and websites that you have. This gives people a chance to find out more about you.

	By Prakash S

	Vandana

			I was born in Kerala and brought up in Delhi and studied in the central school Kendriya Vidyalay, furthered up with a graduation in Commerce in Delhi University and pursued my masters in Information Technology. About my parents, my dad has retired as the director from the Central Water Commission and mom is a home-maker. I have over 7 years of experience and have been with TACT for almost a year now since December 2006. Priya and Mukil interviewed Vandana and the findings are below…
			How do your colleagues define you the best ? I’m not a mind reader. Your pastime. Eating, drinking, sleeping & dreaming Favorite sports. Mind games Favorite Food. Others’ Brains One dream holiday destination you would like to visit, why? Any serene location Your First Love Eating Favorite color. Actually depends on my mood, but Red is the color that soothes me. Dream date and where would you like to go on date with that person The guy of my dreams would be my dream date and I would like to go to a serene and cozy place with him. You hate I hate it when I’m forced to do things I don’t believe in. Most embarrassing moment. Was when I walked into a glass wall thinking there was nothing, in a client’s place Your idol. My dad How did u choose this profession? Love for this profession brought me here. Your type of music I love music, so I can listen to anything that’s good. Kenny G is one of my favorite. What is your greatest strength and weakness? My family and friends become both my strength and weakness What qualities do you admire most in people? Wit, sense of humor and strength shown in times of adversity are qualities I admire most in people.

			Brought to you by Priya & Mukil


	2 lakh Software testers required within '10 The software-testing arena in India is estimated to require more than 25,000-30,000 professionals, says TestingJobz.com… BANGALORE, INDIA: Yet another milestone in Indian software testing market, the global testing market accounting $13 billion as well as the Indian Software Testing companies making their remarkable presence in global testing market and demand for testing professionals increasing year on year really waved the path to launch largest software testing job portal TestingJobz.com. The portal will serve both Fresher and Experienced professionals looking for the job opportunities in Software Testing space. The software-testing arena in India is estimated to require more than 25,000-30,000 professionals within the year 2007 and grow to more than 2,00,000 professionals within 2010. TestingJobz.com is a unique portal dedicated for Software testing requirements to provide User Interface to both Job seeker and employer. Since the software testing market foreseeing tremendous growth in future the need of exclusive software testing job portal will be a top-up for the industry, the release adds. All the major Software Companies in India recruit testing professionals in large numbers through the job portals and portal exclusive for testing will really serve the demand. Today almost all the software products are passing the testcycle before the release where the company needs dedicated testers. Virtual Jobfairs are also one of the biggest achievements from testingjobz where the employers can recruit the candidates in shorter timeframe. TestingJobz offers free job posting for the Jobseekers and apparently guides the candidates applying for the jobs.

	iflex to become history Company to become a vital cog in Oracle's gameplan SAN FRANCISCO, USA: iflex could soon become history. But iflex would continue to live and even thrive, thanks to its transformation as Oracle’s Financial Services Global Business Unit (FSGBU) earlier this year in New York. Speaking at the Oracle Industry Leaders Media Roundtable at the sidelines of Oracle OpenWorld, Rajesh Hukku, head, FSGBU and chairman, iflex, hinted that the iflex brand would probably be subsumed by the stronger Oracle brand in the near future. “Though brand change is a marketing decision, ultimately it makes sense to maintain the bigger umbrella brand. However, individual iflex product brands like Flexcube, Revelus and others would continue to exist,” informed Hukku, currently running Oracle FSGBU based out of New York. This is in line with Oracle’s standard policy where strong product brands like Siebel, Hyperion continue to exist even after coming under the Oracle umbrella.

	The next wave in telecom Though the telecom industry is still witnessing growth in the metros, it is rural India that has become a hotspot for Service Providers… BANGALORE, INDIA: : For too long, mobile companies have ignored the Indian rural hinterland. Since 1995, when mobile telephony came into the country, all the mobile operators have been going hammer and tongs on the big metros. After tapping the urban India with their operations, service providers are now looking at expanding connectivity in rural areas as a prime focus. The next big wave in the telecommunications industry is reaching the rural mass. The reason? Well, commerce again. The big metros are saturated and there is more or less stagnant growth in terms of absolute volumes. Little wonder, service providers as well as infrastructure provider started taking bold initiatives to tap rural market. A head start Bharti Airtel has announced that it will collaborate with the Gujarat government in the prestigious eGRAM Connectivity Infrastructure Project. Under this project, Bharti Airtel will set up telecom infrastructure to connect 13,716 village panchayats and common service centers in the state. Once connected, the panchayat offices/eGRAMs are expected to form a socio-economic network supporting information dissemination and facilitating e-Governance initiatives in the state. Commenting on this significant partnership, Manoj Kohli, president & CEO, Bharti Airtel says, "It is a great opportunity to partner with the Gujarat government in the innovative and novel project of empowering its citizens. This partnership reiterates Airtel's endeavor to collaborate with the government's e-Governance plans and efforts to bridge the "digital divide" by providing connectivity to the rural masses. The e-enabling of the state is an important step as the country moves into the next phase of economic growth."
	Brought to you by Prakash S.

Just Quizzing...

Ethics Exercise

Two ethical questions:

Question 1: If you knew a woman who was pregnant, who had eight children already, three who were deaf, two who were blind, one mentally retarded, and she had syphilis, would you recommend that she have an abortion? Remember your honest answer and go to question 2.

Question 2: It is time to elect the world leader, and yours is the deciding vote. Here are the facts about the three leading candidates:

Candidate A: He associates with crooked politicians, and consults with astrologers. He's had two mistresses. He also chain smokes and drinks up to ten Martinis a day.

Candidate B: He was ejected from office twice, sleeps until noon, used opium in college and drinks a large amounts of whiskey every evening.

Candidate C: He is a decorated war hero. He's a vegetarian, doesn't smoke, drinks an occasional beer and hasn't had any extra-marital affairs.

Which of these candidates would be your choice? Decide. .
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Answer.

Candidate A ... is Franklin D. Roosevelt

Candidate B ... is Winston Churchill

Candidate C ... is Adolph Hitler

And by the way the answer to the abortion question.....If you said yes, you just killed Beethoven

Brought to you by Doda Veeresh Reddy

Laugh out Loud…

Not ALL rules can be followed!!!

A lady manager of a big reputed office noticed a new man one day and told him to come into her office.

"What is your name?" was the first thing she asked the new guy.

"John," the new guy replied.

She scowled, "Look... I don't know what kind of a namby-pamby place you worked before, but I don't call anyone by their first name. It breeds familiarity and that leads to a breakdown in authority.

I refer to my employees by their last name only ... Smith, Jones, Baker ...that's all.

I am to be referred to only as Mrs. Robertson. Now that we got that straight, what is your last name?"

The new guy sighed, "Darling............ My name is John Darling."

"Okay John, the next thing I want to tell you is . . .." :-)

Courtesy : Raveendranath

Diwali Celebrations

Celebrations @ HMGS, IN

Celebrations @ HMNA, NJ

Party @ HMNA, NJ

Brought to U by Vandana & Bhagya



The Tradition of Rangoli



Rangoli is a Hindu folk art, generally created on a floor on special festive occasions. The origin of this art can be traced to the Puranas (works on hindu mythology). Simply put, Rangoli means a row of colors. The tradition of Rangoli originated in Maharastra and slowly disseminated to other parts of India. Origin Rangoli, also known as Kolam in South India, Chowkpurana in Northern India, Madana in Rajasthan, Aripana in Bihar, Alpana in Bengal is the ancient Hindu religious floor art. According to a legend recorded in Chitra Lakshana, the earliest treatise on Indian painting, a king and his kingdom were steeped in sorrow at the death of the high priest's son. Everybody prayed to Lord Brahma, who moved by the prayers, asked the king to paint a portrait of the boy on the floor so that he could breathe life into it. And with that the art of floor painting came to life. And that is how rice, flour and flowers were transformed into picturesque offerings to God in the form of floor painting. Creative Expression 'Rangoli' is a sanskrit word which means a creative expression of art through the use of color. In ancient India, rangolis were used to decorate the entrances of homes, a floor-painting which provided a warm and colorful welcome to visitors. In Indian cultures, all guests and visitors occupy a very special place, and a rangoli is an expression of this warm hospitality. In particular, the Diwali festival is widely celebrated with rangolis, since at this time, people visit each other's homes to exchange greetings and sweets. In a rangoli, powdered colors are sprinkled on cleaned and dusted floors to form decorations. Rangolis can be vivid, three-dimensional art complete with shadings or they can be the traditional plain, yet as beautiful as, two-dimensional designs. The colored powder is usually applied 'freehand' by letting it run from the gap formed by pinching the thumb and the forefinger. In ancient times, rangolis were actually decorations made on the entrances and walls of houses to brighten up and add color to occasions being celebrated, like weddings, births and significant religious days. They also signified a warm welcome for visitors. In fact in Maharashtra, India, housewives make them each morning. The designs would be simple and geometrical but could invoke symbolic forms. Oil lamps (diyas) would be placed in the rangoli to give it yet another dimension. Thus, reflecting regional beliefs and aesthetics based on a common spiritual plane the art of floor painting is one which has survived all influences and retained and transmitted the spirit of Indian life.


Diwali in history



The history of Diwali is replete with legends and these legends are moored to the stories of Hindu religious scriptures, mostly the Puranas. Though the central theme of all legends point out to the classic truth of the victory of the good over the evils, the mode of their presentation and the characters differ. Diwali, being the festival of lights, lighting the lamp of knowledge within us means to understand and reflect upon the significant purpose of each of the five days of festivities and to bring those thoughts in to the day to day lives. The five day of Diwali The first day of Diwali is called Dhanvantari Triodasi or Dhanwantari Triodasi also called Dhan Theras. The second day of Diwali is called Narak Chaturdasi. It is the fourteenth lunar day (thithi) of the dark forthnight of the month of Kartik and the eve of Diwali. On this day Lord Krishna destroyed the demon Narakasur and made the world free from fear. The third day of Diwali is the actual Diwali. This is the day when worship for Mother Lakshmi is performed. On the fourth day of Diwali, Goverdhan Pooja is performed. The fifth day of the diwali is called Bhratri Dooj. It is a day dedicated to sisters. Hindu Mythology The Story of Rama and Sita: Lord Rama was a great warrior King who was exiled by his father Dashratha, the King of Ayodhya, along with his wife Sita and his younger brother Lakshman, on his wife's insistence. Lord Rama returned to his Kingdom Ayodhya after 14 years of exile, in which he put an end to the demon Ravana of Lanka, who was a great Pundit, highly learned but still evil dominated his mind. After this victory of Good over Evil, Rama returned to Ayodhya. In Ayodhya, the people welcomed them by lighting rows of clay lamps. So, it is an occasion in honor of Rama's victory over Ravana; of Truth's victory over Evil. The Story of King Bali and Vamana Avatar(the Dwarf): The other story concerns King Bali, who was a generous ruler. But he was also very ambitious. Some of the Gods pleaded Vishnu to check King Bali's power. Vishnu came to earth in the form of a Vamana(dwarf) dressed as priest. The dwarf approached King Bali and said "You are the ruler of the three worlds: the Earth, the world above the skies and the underworld. Would you give me the space that I could cover with three strides?" King Bali laughed. Surely a dwarf could not cover much ground, thought the King, who agreed to dwarf's request. At this point, the dwarf changed into Vishnu and his three strides covered the Earth, the Skies and the whole Universe! King Bali was send to the underworld. As part of Diwali celebrations, some Hindus remember King Bali. The Defeat of Narkasur by Lord Krishna: Lord Vishnu in his 8th incarnation as Krishna destroyed the demon Narkasura, who was causing great unhappiness amongst the people of the world. Narkasura was believed to be a demon of filth, covered in dirt. He used to kidnap beautiful young women and force them to live with him. Eventually, their cries for rescue were heard by Vishnu, who came in the form of Krishna. First, Krishna had to fight with a five-headed monster who guarded the demon's home. Narkasura hoped that his death might bring joy to others. Krishna granted his request and the women were freed. For Hindus, this story is a reminder that good can still come out of evil. Krishna and The Mountain: In the village of Gokula, many years ago, the people prayed to the God Indra. They believed that Indra sent the rains, which made their crops, grow. But Krishna came along and persuaded the people to worship the mountain Govardhan, because the mountain and the land around it were fertile. This did not please Indra. He sent thunder and torrential rain down on the village. The people cried to Krishna to help. Krishna saved the villagers by lifting the top of the mountain with his finger. The offering of food to God on this day of Diwali is a reminder to Hindus of the importance of food and it is a time for being thankful to God for the bounty of nature. Sikh Festival Diwali In Sikh perspective, Diwali is celebrated as the return of the sixth Guru, Guru Hargobind Ji from the captivity of the city, Gwalior. To commemorate his undying love for Sikhism, the towns people lit the way to, Harmandhir Sahib (referred to as the Golden Temple), in his honour. Jain Festival Diwali Among the Jain festivals, Diwali is one of the most important one. For on this occasion we celebrate the Nirvana of Lord Mahavira who established the dharma as we follow it. Lord Mahavira was born as Vardhamana on Chaitra Shukla 13th in the Nata clan at Khattiya-kundapura, near Vaishali. He obtained Kevala Gyana on Vishakha Shukla 10 at the Jambhraka village on the banks of Rijukula river at the age of 42.

Compiled by : Prabhu