Ganesha Chathurti Celebrations at Inatech Cunningham Office Bangalore.

Aug 28th 2009 @ 6.p.m Inatech Cunningham office was fully decorated with colourful origami, Flowers, Fruits, Sweets, with Lord Ganesha Idol for the Ganesha Chathurti celebrations.

The priest who had come to perform the pooja of Lord Ganesha was dressed in yellow silk dhoti; he started the pooja and invoked life into the idol of Ganesha by Chanting Mantras, Stotras. Through out the day all Inatech employees participated in the Pooja celebrations.

Inatech's activities included a devotional song sung on Ganesha by Shwetha, the sharing of sweets among the team and the company's monthly Birthday Bash.

Clamp down on dodgy licenses

Microsoft is clamping down on rogue traders as dodgy licenses become rife in the IT industry.

Managing licenses and ensuring they are legitimate and the company owns the relevant rights is a tricky area for many businesses. Inatech has provided a short guide to ensuring you and your business is on the right path to success, security and avoiding massive penalties.

Integrating multiple technologies; improving efficiency; or reducing costs – There are a number of elements to the Service Level Agreements (SLAs) that will ensure you maximise the productivity from your chosen systems. Is your company under using the technology, or are you breaching your agreement?

1. Supplier technology licenses are not entirely risk free. There is a risk of infringement, check how your processes interact with licenced technology

2. Some open source software licences impose contractual obligations, especially if you are using them in connection with other products – some open source licences are incompatible

3. Professional legal teams have not assessed some licenses. It is important to ensure the company declaring ownership of the product is, in fact, the valid owner.

4. Expanding into new international regions may mean countries have different policies surrounding the ownership of a technology.

5. The product you are using may have a joint ownership. This may be problematic if there is not an agreement with a co-owner for you to use the technology.

As the recession bites suppliers are more likely to challenge existing customers license agreements for much needed income. Further, if you are under-using a license you need to renegotiate or change how you are using the product. Otherwise you are pouring money into an endless pit.

SMEs need IT support too

A survey by YouGov of over 1000 small businesses found that more companies are doing their own marketing that is going to have a direct impact on the security of their IT infrastructure.

The more time a company invests in marketing, particularly as the internet increases as a major channel to reach out to buyers, IT networks need to be secure and to be able to handle great wealth of information and data-sharing.

A managed service will ensure that systems are running 24/7 with immediate support if there is a problem.

Inatech becomes community tier sponsor for OUG

Inatech is now a proud Community Tier sponsor for UK OUG. The IT specialists in Oracle platforms will be continuing its commitment and support to all Oracle User Group sessions and members in the UK.

Following a successful year gallivanting across the British countryside on the UKOUG tours, the Inatech team are preparing for another successful year providing insight to Right-Shoring, Data protection, security, Siebel, and Business Intelligence.

Workers in India struggle with work-life

An article on Silicon today discusses the impact that the outsourcing industry is having on Indian IT workers. The managed services industry through offshore service provisions has boomed in the last year, the article asks at what costs?!

The day-to-day experiences of managed service staff is continually changing, it is one of the most dynamic industries where employees will face new challenges daily. For many who have the training and developed an expertise their specialist knowledge is key to client's success and IT robustness. It's true that new graduates struggle to adapt to the full-time working culture, but that is true to say for any country or industry globally.

Inatech prides itself on its MAC support desk that operates 24/7 providing employees with a shift system that is flexible and ensures the team enjoys a work-life balance. The MAC teams cultural and religious diversity means that each employee takes their annual leave plus additional days to celebrate events.

Onam Festival 2 September

Inatech is preparing for another holiday festival this time in the Chennai office. September 2nd is marked as the Onam Festival.

The day is the celebration of Lord Mahabali when on the 10th day he visits his people. Similar to a 'spring clean', people will clean the house and decorate a flower mat in the front courtyard to welcome the spirit of the legendary King who is so much appreciated by his people centuries after his golden reign. The day starts early with special prayers performed to invoke divine blessings.

Throughout the day a grand meal will be prepared - called Onasadya - to impress the spirit of the king showing their happiness and to wish him well. The evenings will be spent with family and friends playing games and engaging in cultural events. Many communities will also present fireworks and entertainment displays.

On this day it is an opportunity to illuminate the town, cities and personal dwellings and make the most of what people have.

Inatech presents at Chicago OUG, 21 August 2009

Inatech took part in another OUG event, this time in America. The event was the North Central Oracle Apps User Group NCOAUG on Friday 21 August in Oakbrook Terrace, Chicago.

It had approximately 400 customers and partners in attendance for the days presentation of Oracle Applications. The focus was R12 and the latest functionality, Inatech presented "The benefits of UPK to Oracle and non-Oracle applications".

Steve Duff commented on the event: "we had 30 people attend and there was very positive feedback from Oracle and several customers. We are currently touring to provide insights into how UPK can be used with Oracle apps and Non Oracle Apps. The events are going extremely well, it is an area, many businesses are unsure of."

Inatech was joined by USG Corporation, Camping Solutions, Tootsie Roll, NAAP eBiz, Rail Road, AAR Corporation, and Life Fitness among others.

India Independence Day

15 August Independence Day commemorates its independence from British rule and birth as a sovereign nation in 1947. Across the country, flag-hoisting ceremonies are conducted with the main event taking place in New Delhi. The Prime Minister hoists the National Flag at the Red Fort and delivers a televised speech. He talks of the government’s achievements, raises important national issues and sets a call for further development. The Prime Minister pays his tribute to leaders of the freedom struggle.

A pageant showcasing India’s colourful cultural diversity, symbolic depictions of the country’s advances in science and technology, and a joint display of the military capabilities by the armed forces are an essential part of the Independence Day celebrations.

The country’s thoroughly planned approach and smoothness of operation for the celebrations for Independence Day does not rest here. Behind the scenes hundreds of thousands continue to work away to help fulfill the country’s growth during challenging economic climates. Managed services providing 24/7 customer care with dedicated support staff each with diverse expertise.

Krishnashtami, Janamashtmi or Gokulashtami: Public Holiday

India celebrates holidays and festivals of multiple religions. As part, the country can experience a significant proportion of its work force being away to participate in these cultural events.

The business community embraces the cultural diversity, often sharing festivals with one another and supporting one another’s individual faiths.

Therefore India becomes a 24/7 country. While one celebrates another works, making it one of the fastest growing nations on the globe.

Similarly, Inatech’s multi cultural mix, means that despite the festivals, holiday seasons customer demands, expectations are upheld. Despite being one of the busiest weekends on the Indian calendar, the MAC support team are in their cock-pit providing the dedicated managed services.

Krishnashtami, Janamashtmi or Gokulashtami is the birth of the Lord Krishna, an avatar of god Vishnu. The festival is every year between mid-August and September. Krishna Janmashtami is observed on the eighth day, Ashtami tithi, of the dark half or Krishna Paksha of the month of Bhaadra in the Hindu calendar.

The revered God of Hindu religion and his teachings still hold immense relevance. Followers will enact a ritual by fasting the previous day (Saptami, seventh day), which is followed by a night-long vigil commemorating the birth of Krishna at night, and his immediate removal by his father Vasudeva to a foster-home for safe-keeping.

At midnight, the deity of the infant Krishna is bathed, placed in a cradle and worshipped. The fast is completed after aarti, a special prayer.

In 2009 as the credit crunch bites, IT directors have relied on new ways to reduce costs and improve services. needing to ensure budgets are well spent with a strict cashflow to identify financial forecasts. Choosing services that give you flexibility will keep you agile and maximise your IT expenses.

Riding the new wave in the economic upturn

The manufacturing industry can soon be riding the beginning of a new wave in the economy after a 70 year low. Oracle has identified growth and there is a bright light at the end of the tunnel.

To mark this moment, Oracle has provided a quick four-point guide to success in manufacturing:

1. Product Lifecycle Management

2. Inventory Management

3. Procurement

4. Transportation

Inatech has been developing systems and procedures to help companies take advantage of new opportunities in order to achieve quick ROI and long-term growth and sustainability prospects.

Find out more about Oracle's Top Four for Manufacturing.

Kiran and Karthik of Inatech India BD Team volunteer for Sikshana's computing program in Primary Schools

Sikshana is a unique grassroots effort at improving learning levels in public schools in India. It was started by Sivasri Trust, a small non-profit organization, in Bangalore, India. India is a developing country with a large and growing population. The challenge of providing primary education to about 250 million children in over 30 different languages is a task that stretches the capacity of any single agency - private, public or the State.

Sikshana uses an inclusive model of participation which brings together all the stake holders in children's education - the local public school, its teaching staff, community of parents, local government bodies, private foundations and volunteers from around the world. Its unique approach is to apply the management concepts that have been successfully applied in the industry for solving problems of quality and scale.

Two of Inatech's Business Development team members – Kiran and Karthik spent time with the teachers to introduce them to IT and develop their skills.

The State Government of Karnataka has an 'adoption' program for its public schools wherein private organizations can partner with the State in improving the quality of public education. Sikshana started by adopting three schools in 2001. The project has expanded over the years to about 130 schools covering 20,000 children as on 15 December 2008.

More on Sikshana

Inatech to attend Oracle Partner Showcase, September 29, 2009

Inatech will be attending the Oracle Partner Showcase on 29 September 2009. The team will be represented by Keith Rock and Daniel Williams who have been on the road up and down and across the UK following the Oracle roadshows.

As specialists in integrated systems and IT managed services successfully achieving objectives for businesses in multiple sectors, Inatech will be demonstrating further achievements.

Keep reading the blog to find out about the latest developments as and when they happen.

Inatech Sponsors The Next Generation of.....Footballers!!

Inatech is proud to sponsor Finchampstead Football Club’s Royals Under 7 team as part of Inatech’s Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives.

Finchampstead Royals is one of 3 newly formed teams entering the Under 7 East Berkshire Leagues in September 2009. At Under 7, this is the first formal league football for the team, and is the next step in their football development. For the past 2-3 years, the team have been attending Finchampstead’s Soccer School building up their basic football skills in preparation. And everyone involved is ready......players, parents and coaches alike!!

The boys have been registered with the league and given their new sponsored kit, as modelled by 3 of the team members. They were all very proud and excited to receive these.

So introducing the team: [Top row from left to right] Morgan, Edward, Henry, William and Jacob. [Bottom row from left to right] Cameron, James, Nicholas, Alfie and Billy. Coaches Jason [left] and Steve [right].

Motability Operations commends Inatech At Annual Supplier Awards

Motability Operations Annual Supplier Awards has recognized Inatech with a ‘commended’ award within its standards of excellence and sharing best practice.

The organization that enables disabled people to obtain a car, powered wheelchair or scooter by using government-funded mobility allowances, awarded Inatech, the IT Systems specialist, as part of the annual Supplier Awards. The two companies have been working together to implement an IT infrastructure to improve efficiency and productivity to support long-term growth prospects and customer demand.

“We feel privileged to receive this accreditation from one of our customers,” said Vedante Srihari, Managing Director of Inatech solutions. “Motability Operations has been an excellent partner for which we have experienced working with successful business teams. It is a great pleasure to be recognised for our efforts in helping to develop innovative business solutions.”

Mike Betts, chief executive, Motability Operations, explains: “This has been a positive year for the Motability Scheme and key to this has been the work of our business partners and suppliers who provide the highest levels of service. Inatech should be truly proud of their achievement to be commended in the ‘Business Partner’ category as part of the 2009 Motability Operations Supplier Awards. They have performed a key role in setting the standard for business excellence.”

Inatech supported Motability Operations implement its Ignite Project, delivering new Oracle-based technology platforms for all users. Oracle EBusiness Suite R12 was chosen to deliver new functionality and benefits to finance, marketing and fleet management teams for both internal and external employees and customers and replaces aspects of their existing legacy applications including SAP. The project will see improved efficiencies and productivity to manage over 5,000 dealers with 50,000 contacts and over 1.1 million prospects/customers records.

The Supplier Awards take place each year and recognise the manufacturers, dealer groups, individual car dealers and after sales specialists, as well as key suppliers to the Car Scheme who all deliver service to the organisation’s half a million customers every day.

In total 13 awards were presented at a business session inJuly 2009, along with a further 28 commendations that have been awarded to businesses and individuals who have demonstrated huge commitment and achievements over the last 12 months. The Motability Operations’ awards were presented by newsreader Huw Edwards who attended the Supplier Awards for the second year running.

Recession puts pressure on Whitehall to change IT strategy

The recession is truly biting hard as Whitehall begins to seriously consider outsourcing. The offshore model used by many private British companies in the past year is influencing opinions in the public sector.

Jobs in IT are being lost at a considerable level in the UK with many entry jobs now being outsourced to Indian companies. This has been subject of intense debate, however with the Digital Britain report out recently, it signifies that yet again the British economy is to undergo a significant transformation as roles in the service sector evolve. Not quite a revolution in the service supplier markets, but British people will need to look out for the next industry to make significant progress that requires the relevant skills at the affordable cost-base.

Unfortunately, with cost-cutting initiatives - many businesses and public organisations can justify project management in-sourced, however the lower-levels of operations are making more economic sense to offshore.