I have come across this dilemma many times in the past. Many say that it is the journey that matters not the destination. While that could be true - I think both are complementary. If the goal/ destination is noble and has far fetching implications, the journey will automatically become truly satiating one's soul. If it is a personal and self-centric, may be the journey will become very stressful. How far off from the base am I?
One of the things that I always wanted to do in the past few years is to do something that will touch the lives of thousands if not millions in a positive way. As a person who is not passionate about charity (I dont know why), I find the number of ways I could do on the personal front are limited. I have to find it soon or else I feel wasted having a destination but not having a road map.
Love for all...
Tuesday, May 14, 2013
Sunday, October 02, 2011
How much AT&T made on my iphone
While I am thinking how much is the impact of iphone and carrier subsidization in the mobile industry, my own spend came into picture. Here is the math
I got my first iphone 3G in July 2008 and then upgraded to an iphone 4 in Aug 2010. Cost $200 each which is $400 straight to Apple.
Now if I consider the data plan - till now I paid $1080 to AT&T. If I consider that I have to own the phone at least next 6 months to get an upgrade (and 1 more year if I dont want to pay an ETF), I am practically locked down to spend at least $1440 to AT&T. And the cost of devices that AT&T paid upfront - not more than $700 - a neat $740 gross..Not bad I think- on an already existing 3G infrastructure -adding more lines doesn't cost much - perhaps $100 per year at the most for administration and maintenance of my account. I think there is a reason why mobile carriers are after smart phones.
Commercials aside, how much value did iphone brought to me - just great. And after jail breaking, it just exploded. I could customize to my heart - with many apps and mods. It is an experience of it's own.
I got my first iphone 3G in July 2008 and then upgraded to an iphone 4 in Aug 2010. Cost $200 each which is $400 straight to Apple.
Now if I consider the data plan - till now I paid $1080 to AT&T. If I consider that I have to own the phone at least next 6 months to get an upgrade (and 1 more year if I dont want to pay an ETF), I am practically locked down to spend at least $1440 to AT&T. And the cost of devices that AT&T paid upfront - not more than $700 - a neat $740 gross..Not bad I think- on an already existing 3G infrastructure -adding more lines doesn't cost much - perhaps $100 per year at the most for administration and maintenance of my account. I think there is a reason why mobile carriers are after smart phones.
Commercials aside, how much value did iphone brought to me - just great. And after jail breaking, it just exploded. I could customize to my heart - with many apps and mods. It is an experience of it's own.
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening - Robert Frost
Whose woods these are I think I know.
His house is in the village, though;
He will not see me stopping here
To watch his woods fill up with snow.
My little horse must think it queer
To stop without a farmhouse near
Between the woods and frozen lake
The darkest evening of the year.
He gives his harness bells a shake
To ask if there is some mistake.
The only other sound's the sweep
Of easy wind and downy flake.
The woods are lovely, dark, and deep,
But I have promises to keep,
And miles to go before I sleep,
And miles to go before I sleep.
His house is in the village, though;
He will not see me stopping here
To watch his woods fill up with snow.
My little horse must think it queer
To stop without a farmhouse near
Between the woods and frozen lake
The darkest evening of the year.
He gives his harness bells a shake
To ask if there is some mistake.
The only other sound's the sweep
Of easy wind and downy flake.
The woods are lovely, dark, and deep,
But I have promises to keep,
And miles to go before I sleep,
And miles to go before I sleep.
Sunday, November 01, 2009
A Few Good Men - whatever be the model
Recently I had a discussion with couple of my project colleagues on Outsourcing and Offshoring, the two most misunderstood (and controversial) words in American business. The context was if we are better off with insourcing and that the trend is more towards insourcing. Again those who are having this debate with are not affected by outsourcing rather they are masters in managing the business model with heavy outsourcing/offshoring. So there is no explicit protectionist stand there in the debate.
The points raised by them are
1) Outsourcing makes institutional knowledge go out of the company. My counter is - that is inherent problem with relying too much on people. Your organization's business knowledge is your most valuable asset. We are better off to have it in a good KM system than with people. People part of the equation is extremely important too. But if your key resources leave your company the risk is even higher, if you do not have a good KM Model.
2) Outsourcing gives flexibility to react fast to business needs. My counter - Yes and No. Yes, if it is a fast analysis report that is needed if you want to take a decision within few hours. No, if your need is to build a durable software system with solid framework. Needless to say other operational aspects of business like Back Office Operations, ITIS, other operations. You are basically making sure your resources are well spent on the core business and market.
3) Outsourcing is expensive in long run. This I disagree. Outsourcing is a derisking option. You have to pay for the risk you are offloading. Total cost has to be carefully measured and managed. I think by going for a specialized organization, which has virtually unlimited resource pool, experience of running similar projects/ operations, and agility to adapt best industry practices, the candidate organization will have lot to gain than lose.
Offshoring - It is a very sensitive subject but we have to bring it when there is an outsourcing discussion.
Offshoring needs at the core level understanding of the model, strong partnership with a manageable set of vendors, a solid RFP and award process, a good VMO setup, tracking, reporting and controlling process.
My personal experience - I have seen even simplest projects fail and most complex business processes succeed. While the models help a lot, it is ability to form and lead strong teams matters the most.
In this context, I remember the quote from one of my favorite movies "Das Boot" when the crew repairs and floats the sunk U-boat "You have to have good men. Good men, all of them."
The points raised by them are
1) Outsourcing makes institutional knowledge go out of the company. My counter is - that is inherent problem with relying too much on people. Your organization's business knowledge is your most valuable asset. We are better off to have it in a good KM system than with people. People part of the equation is extremely important too. But if your key resources leave your company the risk is even higher, if you do not have a good KM Model.
2) Outsourcing gives flexibility to react fast to business needs. My counter - Yes and No. Yes, if it is a fast analysis report that is needed if you want to take a decision within few hours. No, if your need is to build a durable software system with solid framework. Needless to say other operational aspects of business like Back Office Operations, ITIS, other operations. You are basically making sure your resources are well spent on the core business and market.
3) Outsourcing is expensive in long run. This I disagree. Outsourcing is a derisking option. You have to pay for the risk you are offloading. Total cost has to be carefully measured and managed. I think by going for a specialized organization, which has virtually unlimited resource pool, experience of running similar projects/ operations, and agility to adapt best industry practices, the candidate organization will have lot to gain than lose.
Offshoring - It is a very sensitive subject but we have to bring it when there is an outsourcing discussion.
Offshoring needs at the core level understanding of the model, strong partnership with a manageable set of vendors, a solid RFP and award process, a good VMO setup, tracking, reporting and controlling process.
My personal experience - I have seen even simplest projects fail and most complex business processes succeed. While the models help a lot, it is ability to form and lead strong teams matters the most.
In this context, I remember the quote from one of my favorite movies "Das Boot" when the crew repairs and floats the sunk U-boat "You have to have good men. Good men, all of them."
Saturday, August 08, 2009
Are we ready for sheikra drop?
Sheikra is one of the best thrill rides at Busch Gardens, Tampa, FL. While not the scariest ride, it has it's own movements. The highlight of that ride is a free fall 90 degrees from 200 feet height. The euphoria of the wall street makes me feel that we are ready for similar all. While all trends and charts, market data looks like the worst times are over, I do not see the optimism in the main street. Job data is not at all positive. I did not see any new projects announced. I did not see strong regulatory steps that prevent banks from doing what they did. I did not see any measures to prevent ARM housing credit crisis as many fear is unfolding. I did not see any positive steps.
Politically, I see that Obama admin is in a stalemate on the most important bill they want to make - Health Reforms. It sounds so socialist to begin with, what they want to do for the uninsured. And the fact that average cost for a household is 15K including employer contribution is very disturbing. I wish they find a way of eliminating kick backs for costly procedures and also to improve national health by adding more community gyms, sports centers and fitness centers. Meanwhile Republicans are in their shell and doesn't want to come out for anything except scandals.
Immigration reforms, my favorite topic - should offshoring companies hire more people locally. I think they should. With stricter, often meaningless rejects of H1B renewals, I dont think there is an alternative. But I really wish they make the green card policy more practical. I dont think a position for which labor was filed in 2000 be still available in 2009. I dont think an EB-3 programmer in 2000 will still be a programmer of same skillset on 2009. If he is, then US doesnt need such underachievers. This is a flawed policy that needs urgent reform. And for god's sake, dont consider PhDs alone as highly skilled immigrants. Building complex software systems do need lots of rigor, discipline and talent. H1Bs are highly skilled.
BTW, I felt happy for Hillary Clinton that she could use Clinton to meet people like Kim Jong II. It must be ultimate revenge for his past mistakes like breaking vows of marriage and for bombing camels asses using his executive powers to deviate the country.
Domestic front, I could not help wondering what made Mr MM Singh give silly statements at Sharm el-Sheikh. Pakistan did not take any action against Nov 26 attacks and this statement seem to be putting that attack on India behind.
Other than these, off late, I am inspired by these videos of JP
JP on Politics and Governance
JP's lecture at Mumbai University
As you can see, there is no central idea behind this post...just some ramblings..
Politically, I see that Obama admin is in a stalemate on the most important bill they want to make - Health Reforms. It sounds so socialist to begin with, what they want to do for the uninsured. And the fact that average cost for a household is 15K including employer contribution is very disturbing. I wish they find a way of eliminating kick backs for costly procedures and also to improve national health by adding more community gyms, sports centers and fitness centers. Meanwhile Republicans are in their shell and doesn't want to come out for anything except scandals.
Immigration reforms, my favorite topic - should offshoring companies hire more people locally. I think they should. With stricter, often meaningless rejects of H1B renewals, I dont think there is an alternative. But I really wish they make the green card policy more practical. I dont think a position for which labor was filed in 2000 be still available in 2009. I dont think an EB-3 programmer in 2000 will still be a programmer of same skillset on 2009. If he is, then US doesnt need such underachievers. This is a flawed policy that needs urgent reform. And for god's sake, dont consider PhDs alone as highly skilled immigrants. Building complex software systems do need lots of rigor, discipline and talent. H1Bs are highly skilled.
BTW, I felt happy for Hillary Clinton that she could use Clinton to meet people like Kim Jong II. It must be ultimate revenge for his past mistakes like breaking vows of marriage and for bombing camels asses using his executive powers to deviate the country.
Domestic front, I could not help wondering what made Mr MM Singh give silly statements at Sharm el-Sheikh. Pakistan did not take any action against Nov 26 attacks and this statement seem to be putting that attack on India behind.
Other than these, off late, I am inspired by these videos of JP
JP on Politics and Governance
JP's lecture at Mumbai University
As you can see, there is no central idea behind this post...just some ramblings..
Thursday, April 09, 2009
ye rojaithe choosano ninnu (the day I saw you)
ye rojaithe choosano ninnu
aaroje nuvvaipoyaa nenu
kaalam kaadanna
ae dooram addunna
nee oopiroinayi ne jeevisthunnanoo
nee sparse ee veeche gaalullo
nee roope naa veche gundello
ninnati nee smrutile nannu nadipisthoo unte
aaa nee needayi vasthaanu etu vayipunnnaa
nee kashtam lo nenoo unnannooo
karige nee kanneravuthaa nenoo
champallo jaari nee gundello cheri
nee ekantham lo odaarpavuthaanoo
kaalam edo gaayam chesindee
ninne maayam chesaananthondee
lokam nammi ayyo antondee
sokam kamme jokodanaanandi
gaayam kosthunna ne jeevincheunna
aa jeevam neevani saaksham isthunnaa
neetho gadipina aa nimishaalannee
naalo pongina gundela savvadule
avi cherigaayante ne nammedettaagaa
nuv lekunte nenantoo undanugaa
nee kashtam lo nenoo unnannooo
karige nee kanneravuthaa nenoo
champallo jaari nee gundello cheri
nee ekantham lo odaarpavuthaanoo
ye rojaithe choosano ninnu
aaroje nuvvaipoyaa nenu
kaalam kaadanna
ae dooram addunna
nee oopiroinayi ne jeevisthunnanu.......
IMO, this is one of the best lyrics in Telugu movies. Sirivennela Seetharama Sastry, the lyricist is a word magician who can weave words into beautiful lyrical fabric that can be primped into awesome composition. It is from the movie Gulabi, an eccentric story, well told. Was my college time favourite. Well why not it has energy, songs, violence and importantly over dose of love. So much that otherwise normal looking girl Maheshwari became a hearthrob for some folks at least for some time...(hey I am talking about the year 1995)
aaroje nuvvaipoyaa nenu
kaalam kaadanna
ae dooram addunna
nee oopiroinayi ne jeevisthunnanoo
nee sparse ee veeche gaalullo
nee roope naa veche gundello
ninnati nee smrutile nannu nadipisthoo unte
aaa nee needayi vasthaanu etu vayipunnnaa
nee kashtam lo nenoo unnannooo
karige nee kanneravuthaa nenoo
champallo jaari nee gundello cheri
nee ekantham lo odaarpavuthaanoo
kaalam edo gaayam chesindee
ninne maayam chesaananthondee
lokam nammi ayyo antondee
sokam kamme jokodanaanandi
gaayam kosthunna ne jeevincheunna
aa jeevam neevani saaksham isthunnaa
neetho gadipina aa nimishaalannee
naalo pongina gundela savvadule
avi cherigaayante ne nammedettaagaa
nuv lekunte nenantoo undanugaa
nee kashtam lo nenoo unnannooo
karige nee kanneravuthaa nenoo
champallo jaari nee gundello cheri
nee ekantham lo odaarpavuthaanoo
ye rojaithe choosano ninnu
aaroje nuvvaipoyaa nenu
kaalam kaadanna
ae dooram addunna
nee oopiroinayi ne jeevisthunnanu.......
IMO, this is one of the best lyrics in Telugu movies. Sirivennela Seetharama Sastry, the lyricist is a word magician who can weave words into beautiful lyrical fabric that can be primped into awesome composition. It is from the movie Gulabi, an eccentric story, well told. Was my college time favourite. Well why not it has energy, songs, violence and importantly over dose of love. So much that otherwise normal looking girl Maheshwari became a hearthrob for some folks at least for some time...(hey I am talking about the year 1995)
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Media Responsibility
Everybody knows about the Satyam-gate scandal. Many bloggers like Priya blogged their views and thoughts on this. I am not going to say anything about that scandal at all.
My concern is electronic media in AP and their irresponsible heckling of Satyam employees. I heard that there are bunch of channel crew waiting around the block from Satyam offices and keep pestering the employees to say something or other. If they show any emotion - anger, frustration or disappointment, it will be shot in cameras and shown in news. If they express any word, that will be shown in news. This will put the employees job at stake as many companies will take disciplinary action for interacting with media without prior permission.
What crime did these employees do to deserve this? I think many unqualified and unethical fellows became journalists because of explotion of TV News Channels. In their hunger for news and sensationalism they are not following any journalistic standards. The same was evident during 11/26 Mumbai attacks.
Who will reign them?
My concern is electronic media in AP and their irresponsible heckling of Satyam employees. I heard that there are bunch of channel crew waiting around the block from Satyam offices and keep pestering the employees to say something or other. If they show any emotion - anger, frustration or disappointment, it will be shot in cameras and shown in news. If they express any word, that will be shown in news. This will put the employees job at stake as many companies will take disciplinary action for interacting with media without prior permission.
What crime did these employees do to deserve this? I think many unqualified and unethical fellows became journalists because of explotion of TV News Channels. In their hunger for news and sensationalism they are not following any journalistic standards. The same was evident during 11/26 Mumbai attacks.
Who will reign them?
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