Introduction

The BbyB Beacon is an electronic publication to keep the members of Bit by Bit informed about the current affairs of the company. It contains announcements of important events like training programmes, Management Review Meetings, etc.

Contact Information
 Any contributions to the newsletter in the form of technical articles, or items of general interest, are welcome. Please send them to padmabaliga@bbyb.sdc.int or padmabaliga@bbyb.com

Editorial                                                                                                                    (top)

Years ago, a perspicacious thinker said, “There are no great people in this world, only great challenges which ordinary people rise to meet.” Challenges surround us everyday and if faced head-on will bring out the best within each of us. Challenges are the core and the mainspring of all human activity. If there's an ocean, we cross it; if there's a disease, we cure it; if there's a wrong, we right it; if there's a record, we break it. Human beings are such surprising, marvellous creatures that they just have to be told something is impossible and, voila! consider it done. So, has life been throwing you any challenges recently? and are you meeting them?

We have two major festivals coming up this month, Vijayadashami, the last day of Dasara and Deepavali. Both celebrate the surmounting of obstacles and the accomplishment of victory. The BbyB Beacon wishes all its readers a happy Dasara and a joyous Deepavali. May the night sky be lit up with radiant smiles of happiness.

Padma

From The Management                                                                                       (top)
Dear All,  

Let me give you some news from the office front – we have signed a new contract with Tata Indicom / VSNL to get a leased line to the new offices. They have guaranteed us connectivity on or before 11th October. This should ease the pressure that PLs / PMs have been facing with regard to dial-in and uploading of files. The connection we have asked for is a dedicated leased line, which should give us about twice the upload speeds that we had from our previous office.

Starting 1st October, we will be having another Sumo to transport staff to the new offices. This one will be starting from Sreedhar's place and then coming to the new offices via the old office.

We are also planning to start a new batch of trainees starting 1st November. This batch will be smaller than the current one – may be about 4 people. If you have anyone you think would be suitable for the post, please contact Padma

Regards,
Raghu

Projects News

StaffBank                                                                                                            (top)

Two of the StaffBank clients St. Mary's and UCLH went live with AFC this month.

Usha was looking at AFC implementation for St. Mary's and UCLH along with handling day to day issues in StaffBank. Arun was looking at the issues in Auto Email and OCR. He also handled version releases to North Bristol Trust, Barnet and Chase and UHL.

Sachin worked on the Southport payroll. Sajayan was working on the design document for the change to activate-deactivate Agency Web Browser on specific conditions.

I released a version to Scot Nursing with new splits to their payroll.

Prathibha was busy with data prep for ScotNursing and Southport.

Jayashree tested AFC implementation for St. Mary's and UCLH. Saraswathi was busy testing StaffBank web version.

Development of StaffRoster is in full swing now. We started on a new fully web-based version of StaffRoster at the beginning of July. Currently, Sreedhar, Shenoy and I are involved in it. I am working on class libraries for roster whereas Sreedhar and Shenoy are looking at the user interface. We have managed to develop the basic rostering functionality within the first three months. We are planning to roll out the complete version of StaffRoster by the end of this year.

One of the members of StaffBank team, Uma M left BbyB this month. Let's wish her all the best for her future.

Chaitanya for StaffBank

MESaLS                                                                                                                  (top)

Mesals version 4.00.22 was released in the last week of August. It was a major release as there were many enhancements. After the release, clients came up with a few more changes, which have been completed and sent to them. There were no Go Live and dry runs in this month.

One of the BHP hosted sites, Kirklees, reported a few speed issues in using Mesals.
We carried out a few tests on Kirklees database on the BHP hosted site to record the average time taken to perform all important activities of Mesals. Simultaneously this benchmarking was carried out by BHP Mesals Helpdesk team also.

We found a few places where changes are needed to speed up the processes. These changes will be incorporated over next few days. The test results have also been forwarded to BHP for further verifications.

Divya for MESaLS

pFACT                                                                                                                   (top)

We had a major release this month for pFACT. Version 2.01 was released which covered the bulk of enhancements requested by the clients.
We also had bug fix releases for version 1.10 and 2.00.

This is my last writeup for pFACT. I enjoyed working with the pFACT team. I am grateful to them for their support and cooperation.

Krishnaprasad for pFACT

Sepia                                                                                                                   (top)

This month we had a version release for Dorset with some bug fixing and certain changes.

We had code reviews and test case reviews for the first time in the new premises, which helped us a lot to optimize the performance of the system along with the discussion of the new user group enhancement list.

As I had written last month, we had a beta release for the new user group enhancement list.

Apart from dealing with day-to-day issues, we were also working on the speed issues with Deleting and Restoration functionalities by indexing on Audit Tables.

Manoj’s last working day was on 26th Sep and he will be joining Thirdware Technologies. We wish him all the best for his future endeavours.

Hema for Sepia

Other News                                                                                                          (top)

Farewell

We bid farewell to three of our colleagues in September, Uma, Manoj and KP. We wish them all the best!

Uma left on September 22 and has joined MindTree Consulting as Engineer C2 Level in R&D Services. Uma says she started her career with BbyB and that she will always be grateful to Raghu for giving her an opportunity to make a start. “It’s been great to work here and I’d also like to give a special thanks to the StaffBank team,” says Uma. She adds that she is leaving with good memories of her stay here.

Manoj left BbyB on September 25th and will be joining ThirdWare Software as Sr. Software engineer. Manoj who was with the Sepia team ever since he joined BbyB a year ago is full of praise for his excellent PL, Devaki. He says he will always remember her friendly and helpful nature. Manoj also insists that he will miss the great atmosphere and colleagues at BbyB.

Krishna Prasad KP, as he is better known, left on September 29th and will be joining Cognizant Technology Solutions (CTS) as Associate Software Engineer. KP was associated with the ClubCard and pFACT projects and was Project Leader of pFACT since January 2006. He says that to be a part of the BbyB family for nearly 3 years is a memorable experience. “ I liked the homely atmosphere at the office. I thank all those who supported me all these years.” adds KP.

Manu Makes a Match

Manu, our tall and handsome testing engineer from the pFACT team has finally made a match of it with Anita B.T. who is a software engineer with Infinite Computer Solutions, Bangalore. The engagement (an informal affair, insists Manu) took place on September 10th and the marriage has been fixed for November 17th. We wonder whether his mobile provider has noticed a sudden, dramatic surge in his telephone bills ever since.

Holidays                                                                                                                 (top)

BbyB looks forward to two holidays this month. October 2, Monday, is a national holiday in memory of the Father of the Nation, Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi. This year, we also observe Vijayadashami, the last day of the Dasara festivities, on October 2. Make a trip to Mysore to see the magnificent Dasara procession in person or catch it on TV.
October 20, Friday is a holiday on account of Naraka Chaturdashi.

Training and Education                                                                                         (top)

Our first batch of trainees have finished their training period and will start working on different projects from next month. We wish them all the best.

Meetings and Events

A follow-up internal audit is in progress and will continue in to the first week of October.

Colleagues Cognizant                                                                                           (top)


This month, the focus is on Manu and Sajayan, for both of whom the last two months have been an exciting time. Manu became engaged a couple of weeks ago and Sajayan became a father in August.

Manu
Manu, unlike his namesake, the Sage Manu of ancient times, is popular with both the sexes. His quiet sense of humour and his “can-do” spirit have won him many friends. Like Sage Manu, our Manu also has his personal philosophy of life. He feels that whatever comes into one’s life, one should take it as a challenge and accept it calmly without getting worked up. That will help one to find a solution. We should not give up and feel that something is impossible and beyond our capabilities. His principle, he says, is to live and let live.

When did you join BbyB?
May 23, 2005

Whom did you first meet in BbyB? What were your quick reactions?
I joined through an employee referral and so obviously, I knew Aruna and Naveen very well. Arun conducted my test. When I interacted with Arun, I found him to be such a friendly person that I hoped that I would get the job as I was sure I would feel at home here.

You always tell us that working with pFACT team is a good experience. Can you elaborate?
As a testing engineer, I feel that pFACT is a great project to work on. There’s always a lot of work on hand and so one is always busy and one is always learning. pFACT is a great team

Ever since you engagement, Manu, we have noticed that the phone is glued to your ear. Is there any connection between the two events?
Actually, the phone is always glued to my ear (I have FM Radio on my phone). Now probably, there is an increase in talk time and (grins widely) I find that I have to recharge my phone twice a day. And no, I haven’t received my mobile bill as yet, but it is sure to be VERY HIGH.

How do you plan to spend the last days of your bachelorhood?
I am planning to go on a trek with my bachelor friends. I am not really sure whether I’ll get to spend the same amount of time with my friends after marriage. Actually, the engagement was a sudden affair and I don’t know whether I am fully prepared (mentally) for marriage.

Many of your colleagues admire your style. Who’s your style guru?
Hey, I didn’t know I was such a stylish person. I don’t have a style guru. I just rely on my instinct and buy stuff that I like.

You are often heard expressing a desire to have a 30-hour day. Why?
After my engagement, I feel that the day is just not long enough for all the things I want to do. So yes, I do wish I could have a 30-hour day.

Your hometown is Mandya but you have settled down in Bangalore. In what way are the two places different?
Mandya does not have the kind of traffic and pollution that Bangalore suffers from. I prefer life in Mandya where one has more peace of mind. Life in Bangalore is quite mechanical, at times. I always hope that BbyB opens a branch in Mandya ‘cause that’s where I’d like to be.

Who do you vibe with?
I am on friendly terms with all at BbyB, but obviously, one hangs out with a certain crowd with whom one feels more comfortable.

And finally, what has been your most memorable experience at BbyB so far?
The trips at BbyB (I have gone on 3) – they are unforgettable and one can never forget them.

Sajayan
Sajayan is the quintessential "nice guy". He is known to be helpful and friendly and is not above pulling someone's leg. Sajayan is the proud father of little "Siddarth" who is a little over a month old and the apple of his father's eyes.

When did you join BbyB?
July 1st 2005

Tell us something about your work.
I am working with the StaffBank on Web project. It’s a nice experience to be part of the StaffBank team. The team spirit and the working nature in this team is really inspiring.

Congratulations on becoming a father. Can you tell us about your first moments as a Dad?
I think it's not easy to express these feelings in two or three sentences. I started from Bangalore at 6:40 am on August 20th after receiving the all-important phone call from home and reached the hospital only at 11 pm.

I think that was the longest journey I ever made. Those 15 hours were just like 15 years for me. Anyhow, it was a great feeling to hear that I am a father.

Do you see any changes in yourself after becoming a father?
I haven't seen any changes in me.

You are known to be a methodical person. What made you so?
I am really very happy to hear that I am a methodical person. If I am so, I don't know what made me like that.

What do you look forward to everyday when you start work in the morning?
The only prayer is that I must be able to overcome whatever issues come up in my life as well as in my work.

How have you adjusted to Bangalore?
Even now I have adjusted to only 50% of the pace of Bangalore.

What dreams do you have for yourself? and your son?
I want to be someone who can deliver something to our society. Whatever the field my son chooses, I want my son to be a 100% professional in that field.

Weekend Jaunts                                                                                                  (top)
   

Looking at the Mohini Shikara from the base of the Bhairaveshwara Shikara

Yana is situated in the lush evergreen forests of the Sahyadri Range of Mountains. It is 25 km from Kumta and can also be approached from Sirsi, which is about 40 km. Away. Sirsi is around 400 Km from Bangalore. From Bangalore you go to Sirsi though Haveri where the major portion of the drive is on NH4, else you can take the Shimoga route, along the Bangalore – Honnavar highway. We took the Shimoga route towards Kumta and arrived at a place that is 14 km from Yana. We started the trek at this point around 12 noon.

The entire mountain range with its green cover of trees invited us to explore further. It was very soothing to be in this wilderness without the noise and pollution of the concrete jungle. There is a well-defined path from here to Yana used by both devotees and trekkers.

Another view of the Bhairaveshwara shikara

After walking for 14 km. all of a sudden appear two gigantic peaks towering over all the forests and mountains, the Bhairaveshwara Shikhara and the Mohini Shikhara. They are a solid composition of black, crystalline limestone. These two peaks are unique in their formation and one wonders how they could have sprung up in this forest terrain.

Forests surrounding the Yana Peaks

Still mesmerized by the peak we walked to its base. Here, we saw a cave temple, a natural formation. Water drips from the projecting rocks over the linga, and devotees call it Gangodbhava. The cave also has a bronze icon of Chandika, an incarnation of mother Goddess Durga. A grand jatra is held every year during Shivaratri for 10 days which is attended by around 10,000 people. Devotees are allowed inside the cave only on these days. These peaks have a mythological association as Lord Vishnu, as Mohini, is said to have killed Bhasmasura here.

Mohini Shikara standing tall above the surrounding forests. Steps leading out of this temple take one to the Mohini Shikhara, a descent of 30 to 40 feet. At the foot of the shikhara is Goddess Parvati’s udbhava murti. Here we find many pitch-dark caves and can hear the eerie noises of the bats. The rock formations are terrific. Some of rocks sit precariously at the edges of other rocks and look as though they may roll down any time. But they wont! We explored a bit around these areas. We had a local guide to help us explore this area. A guide is recommended, as it is very easy to get lost in this area if we miss a turn. The variety of flora is amazing with various colourful wild flowers and creepers. It is a treat to see unspoilt nature at such close proximity. We went around the shikhara and found the place to be a very good spot for rock climbing.

These rocks come in all levels of difficulty to satisfy any avid rock climber. If you are not used to rock climbing, better not try, as the chances are you will also become a relic along with the rocks. Many caves are present amongst these rocks and offer a good place for camping. With the approaching darkness, it was time to get back. The terrain makes it very difficult to walk in the darkness even with torches, as it is very dicey with all the slopes covered by trees and shrubbery. In the darkness the peaks look ominous as they are pitch black and are a formidable sight.

Hema

Birthdays                                                                                                             (top)

Five BbyBers will be celebrating their birthdays next month and the Beacon wishes them a wonderful year ahead. Remember to be at the dining room at 4 p.m. on those days to watch them cut the cake.

Manu Gupta's Birthday Snaps

Sanath's Birthday Snaps

Sukanya's Birthday Snaps

Yogita's Birthday Snaps