Explore - Andaman Island - Part 2

This is the 2nd part of my review on Andaman islands.
Day 2 (Contd): Once we reached Havelock island, we had a pre-determined schedule to reach Radhanagar beach, which is supposed to be one of the scenic beach. One can take a bus from the Jetty or Auto / Taxi. It’s about 10 kms from the Jetty and most of the place on the route is surrounded by greenery.

When we reached the beach, weather was very pleasant with slight drizzle and not much crowded. The shore was mesmerizingly serene and beautiful and sent our time gazing the shore line and the vast ocean in the front.

One can easily send 2 or 3 hours here. The only drawback is that you may not find a neat restaurant nearby and all were road side eateries.

After sending few hours, we returned to the jetty around 2:30 PM for our return journey to Port Blair. We found the sea rough is the afternoon and the jerk in the ship was much more than the morning. The cruise reached Port Blair around 6:00 PM in the evening. It was a quite tiring day and did not get out of our Room once we reached the hotel.

If you wish to experience travel by Ship, then would suggest taking up this travel, preferably ‘Green Ocean’ as you can move around in the open in the ship deck. Since it’s a short trip of about 2 hours, you might relish the travel by ship. It's stated the other cruise is made of more of fibre glass, while 'Green ocean' is more of ship like construct and hence more rugged for rough seas

Day 3: We had booked a cab to Wandoor beach. This is about 30 KM from Port Blair city, once we crossed 15 km, the roads were narrow, deserted with greenery all around. The cab driver spotted few pounds and indicated they were created during Tsunami in 2004 and we reached Wandoor beach in about an hour’s time. Though the shore line was small, we could see the beauty after nature in front of us. The beach was quite clean and to our mesmerizing eyes, we were able to spot 12~15 inhabited islands which further enhanced the beauty.

The weather was also pleasant and hence was able to spend close to 2 hours. Started our return journey to Port Blair by afternoon. Weather was nice and cool and once we retired to room after our lunch, it was difficult to get out from the bed.

I had to push my family and based on review we decide to go to Samudrika Museum. This is maintained by Navy and though it was not huge, it worth the visit. One would come to know the history of Andaman, the people particularly the tribal people in Andaman & the flora and fauna particularly the sea life. It has good collection of amazing fish varieties, shell collections and sea weeds.

One can spend about an hour and later took an auto to Aberdeen jetty. As it was low tide time, we could spot star fish, army of unique fish varieties, sea weeds on the artificial lake formation due low tide.

Day 4: As we had flight scheduled by 3:00 PM, we planned to go to Cellular jail in the morning. This place is quite near to Sun Sea resort and hence took an auto. It’s worth a visit to know about Indian freedom fighter and early days of Andaman.

Post lunch left to Airport for our travel back to Chennai.

One point is that, one can customize his trip accordingly one choice based on the number of days one can spend at Port Blair and their interest.

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Explore - Andaman Islands - Part 1

Explore Andaman.... I am saying this for the reason, that there are 500+ island but only about 30 + of them have been inhabited. There are many island and places which are still in its pristine form with not much commercialization. This time for a short vacation had a opportunity to visit this place.

How to get there: Andaman is part of India, however it quite far from mainland. The best way to reach this place is through flight. There are daily flight from Chennai and Kolkata and take about 2 hours to reach Port Blair, which is the Capital of Andaman. In early 1900, this place had prison to crush the freedom movement.

Interestingly, flight charges varies depending on the day and date one chooses. I chose a Sunday to travel to Port Blair and return on Wednesday and was able to get a good deal, though I booked flight just 3 or 4 days in advance.

Depending upon the number of days and interest one can plan their trip. Many choose package tours including accommodation. However, choose to be on my own in deciding which places to visit including the hotels. After quite an analysis in internet choose Sun Sea Resort, Port Blair and quite happy that I made the right choice considering the location, budget  and the restaurant facility at this hotel.

Day 1: Took morning Jet airways flight from Chennai to Andaman. It takes about 2 hours from Chennai to Andaman 

Weather being nice it was smooth journey and was quite scenic to spot small island with clear water during flight descend at near Port Blair.

The airport at Port Blair is quite small and we reached hotel around 4:00 PM. For the next day, we planned to take a cruise to Havelock island. Havelock island is 20 KM from Port Blair and to reach Port Blair there are 4 option. Take a government ferry or private ferry, we decided on private ferry. Earlier while planning the trip found there are 3 private cruise namely Makruuz, Coastal Cruise and Green Ocean. Since July was an offseason Makruuz and Coastal Cruise had stopped operation. The only option was Green Ocean. Hotel reception made booking in Green Ocean for next day journey to Havelock Island.

Since we had some time to kill in the evening, took an auto to Abeerdeen Jetty. If one is interested in water sport then one go to Rajeev Gandhi water sport complex. Nearby, you will also find a Anna Purna - A South Indian Restaurant, which I felt quite good.

Day 2: Cruise to Havelock starts early at 6:45 AM and you need to board the ship 30 minutes in advance and hence woke up early and went to Pheonix Jetty.

Our journey to Havelock island started on time, the weather was quite nice when we started and ocean of smooth. If you are travelling by Green Ocean, make sure you get at least Luxury class ticket, luxury class are located above sea level and provides ocean view through the side glass pane.

As the cruise moved on was able to talk to some of the seamen at the cruise. They indicated that Green ocean is similar to Ship construct (more heavier) and while the other cruise are made of fiber glass when hence prone to more jerks in rough sea. As this cruise ship is heavier you can move around freely in the open desk on the top floor of this ship. As the journey progressed there was slight drizzle, but nevertheless the ocean was not rough.

In above two hours time reached Havelock island.

(To be continued).

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Ramayana - The Game of Life by Shubha Vilas

It has always been my wish to read the greatest ancient epic history, particularly Ramyana and Bhagawat Gita. Ramayana which is said to have happened in Tretha yuga about million years ago and Bhagawat gita in Dwapara Yuga about 5000 years ago. I believe reading them completely requires patience, dedication and a passion. In this Kaliyuga, we are driven and pulled across by so many forces towards survival of fittest and more particularly to satisfy materialistic needs. This being the case, one may find it difficult to read and accept this epic facts and happenings.

By chance, I had a opportunity to read a part of Ramayana written by Shubha Vilas called “The Game of Life”. This book covers just a small portion of Ramayana, the author’s narration and particularly notes at the bottom of each page make reading interesting. Even though this part 2 book covers a portion of Ramayana, I understood some of the interesting facts behind Ramayana. Like, ancestor of Ravana, relationship between Ravana and Kubera and the ease with which Rama is able to handle the happening around him.

These writing teaches us to be humble and content, but then modern day happening are very different, with so many attraction and distractions, one can get easily lost in pursuit of acquiring material comfort.

Sometimes, there can be questions that these are stories and has it really happened? That too million of years ago. I believe, this is where internet places a crucial role, not just one evidence, if one does a research in internet they are sure to get evidences of Ramayana at multiple location not just in India, but even out-side India.

In Electronics, there is a moore’s law which states the number of transistors in a dense integrated circuit doubles every two years, I feel we can extend the concept to our modern day living. The number of appliances or gadgets in modern day house hold needs triples every decade. For example, about a decade back owning house, car, mobile phone, laptop, Washing machine, micro oven, TVs etc was an ultra luxury for people in age group of 20s or 30s. Not any more, all these appliances has become a need now and interestingly, as many of them has a shorter shelf life, new sophisticated model keep coming year after year and so is the pursuit to acquire more keeps growing. So naturally, when materialistic needs grow year by year without saying humility and being content could decrease.

Kaykeyi mind was corrupted by Manthara and she takes it granted about the expectation of Bharata. Unfortunately Bharatha expectation was different and as matter of fact, Kaykeyi lost so much due to this greed. One may have a goal or aim in life, that doesn’t mean if one achieves the goal it will always lead to success & happiness. Life is all about how one perceives the world is going to be, but the reality can be different.

Finally, even thought this book covers only a small part of Ramayana, the depth of coverage, the presentation and philosophical narration at the bottom makes the reading interesting. In all, a very good book to read and look forward for the author’s next release.

This review is a part of the biggest Book Review Program for Indian Bloggers. Participate now to get free books!

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Indian Youth

The general life trend in an Indian youth's career has changed over the years, particularly graduates of engineering  colleges.  But, always there are exceptions.
1970's to 80:

• Engineering degree was still a male bastion, with few exception.
• Preferred jobs in Railways, Telephones, TNEB and public sectors like BHEL, BEL.
• Once in job, book 'Bajaj' scooter which take 7 years to delivery. 
• Save excess money towards taking delivery of ' Hamara Bajaj' Scooter and marriage.
• Post Marriage save money for kids education.
• 'Loan' for personal use from  Bank is unheard.
• Close to retirement, plan to buy house from saving.

1980's to 90's.

• Girls prefer Engineering too. Yes, both are equal, what's wrong. Engineering is no longer a male bastion.
• Preferred jobs still in public sector and some in large private sectors.
• If Parents not dependent, if one is good in studies look at going abroad for post graduation. No worries, if stipend not available ready to work in Petrol banks, stores.
• Still 'Loan' for personal use be it home, consumer, education not available. 'Loan' from Public sector bank are only for Commerce & Industry.
• 'Body shopping', 'H1 stamping' is widely discussed, if one has couple of years experience. 'H1 stamping' is treated as a life time achievement and probably, the eligibility for marriage.

2000's and beyond.

• Layoff or recruitment freeze in Public sector.
• Whatever be the field of engineering study, preferred jobs are  from so called 'Tier 1' IT services company.
• Yes, campus recruitment and who is bothered about whats the job role. Experience matters.
• Private banks enter Indian market, with door step services for all loan needs be it home, consumer, personal. Hold on, bank did not advertise door step services, if you want to make part payment later.
• Word such as 'Body shopping', 'H1 stamping' looses charm. The word 'EMI' is widely known and available for whatever you want.... right  from baby birth till the end.  Yes, includes the recent addition of education loan too....
• Once in job, buy a smart phone(size of laptop) for text ting and browsing wherever you are. Can't waste time. Ensure to change every six months to a year.
• Few years in jobs, buy a house - more due to parents and peer pressure, preferably with metro city pin code and a car as well. Yes, otherwise real estate will go up every month - inputs from well-wishers and off-course purchase is through bank loan ranging  10 to 30 years.  Hmm... start working to feed the bank !!?!! ..............meant EMI.
• Few more years on... with husband and wife both working, debate about who will take care of kids. No worries SOS parents to take turn to take care of kids.
• 'Saving'.... where?.... money disappears to service EMI, life needs and off course the ever increasing inflation......

Already, you should have started hearing about 'Reverse Mortgage' option of house for senior citizen. 
Yes, Banks are innovative and would continue to offer door step services for all loans needs at whatever stage of life, if you are able to work or make your assets work for bank and you..... at any time or any where..

Yes.. its all 'virtual reality', I own everything but its not mine ......................... (Hypothecated to bank :-) ... ). 

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Seed India - How to navigate seed capital in India by Sramana Mitra - A review

Recently, I had an opportunity to read this book.

Sramana, starts by comparing India business scenario in early 90's with recent times about availability of capital. In early 90's venture capital was totally unheard and was pretty much restricted to couple of leading banks. My father been an entrepreneur himself those days in 80s and 90s, I used to keep hearing about VC in India and about couple selective banks which offer VC in early 90s. As far as I know, have not come across a 'start up' or small business funded through VC those days, though there might have been very few of them. In 80s and 90s, only option to fund the gap in working capital is through bank debt finance, which had interest ranging from 16 to 18% per annum, even though small industry was a priority sector lending those days.

It is pointed out that situation has changed in last few years and there are select angel investors who are intensely passionate about technology and have started funding some of the 'start up'. Having said that, one cannot expect VC to tap on doors of entrepreneur as soon as one starts the venture.  To me, apart from funding, there are challenges for a start up for their business to be successful, couple of them being,

• If the start up is promoting a product unique of its kind, however unique and beneficial it might be for buyer, one cannot expect buyer to buy the product on the first look itself, it always difficult for any one to accept a new product when there is tried and accepted approach to a business process, even though the existing process has many gaps and challenges.
• Complexity, opportunity cost and price, reliability of product plays a critical role in success of 'new' product. To break even - takes time and till that time one has to sustain.

Its interesting to read about Sramana's lucid interview with various successful entrepreneurs.  Few of them being first generation entrepreneurs. Interview with Phanidra Sama about his Red bus venture and Sachin Bansal about flitkart are really good and the rest are interesting as well. The book could also be pretty useful read, particularly for those, who just ventured as entrepreneur or about to take a plunge into entrepreneurship.

As a matter of fact e-commerce in retail is catching up fast. In last few months, there seems to be competition even amongst retail e-commerce sites. Not just Flipkart, now, there are few other retail sites like Jubong, Snapdeal etc in India. The increased acceptance of these site in India is, particularly due to offerings  like 'cash on delivery' and 'customer returns' if not satisfied, make it more 'friendly' for Indian buyers.  I believe process like  'cash on delivery' or handling 'customer returns' may not be easy, but once the process is set to handle it efficiently, I am pretty sure it would going to pose a greater challenges to shopping malls and physical store which has real estate overhead and they being location centric. The real estate overhead already being high in Indian cities, physical retail stores could find it difficult to compete with e-commerce retail site on price. It might be so happen that, e-commerce in retail could bring price correction in commercial retail real estate space in cities and there by other dependent ones as well.

Even though, India still faces many challenges in many front. As pointed out in the book, the technology and low cost man-power could still be an advantage for an Indian entrepreneur !.

In all enjoyed reading this small book of 140 pages.

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The Grand Mall, Chennai

The list of mall included in Chennai city seems to increase day by day. Till about last year, Chennai had Citi center, Ampa mall, Abirami Mega mall and Express Avenue. All these came into existence post year 2008.

Now, after Pheonix at Velachery, Forum Vijay at Vadapalani which opened early part of this year, the latest addition to Chennai is Grand Mall at Velachery. This is located on Velachery - Tambaram main road very near the Velachery metro rail station.

As of now, Croma, Shopper stop and food court is open. Many others are expected to open in due course of time.

                
                                 

Compared to Pheonix mall, this is comparatively a smaller mall. Its said to be about 3.5 lacs sq feet. Its just about 2KM from Pheonix mall.

One of the attraction seems to be 'food street' as advertised. But, it is yet to be completely open or occupied.

With online shopping site like flipkart, Jubang, Snapdeal,ebay and many others now being increasingly used by technology savvy people of India primarily due to convenience and better discount offered, one needs to see as how these malls keep up its attraction with buyers and thereby break-even, considering quantum of capital investment and recurring investments.

Anyways,consumer would have multiple choices to have a real time look at products. By this consumer can also compare the prices with online web store, when they really decide to buy.

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Customer Experience: Trip Advisor - A review.

Social media and Web is playing critical role in growth of the company. Unlike is 80's and 90's were the company focus was on advertisement through celebrities, these days advertisement alone may not sell. 

Social media and customer experience website are becoming more powerful, the primary reason being those writing on specific product or service offered are based on their actual experience of the product and not just based on payment a celebrity might receive for an advertisement. 

On a product or service, will the rating or write up always be positive, if it good?. I don't think thats possible, there are certain aspects of the experience that cannot be fully controlled. Individual perceptions, emotions and behaviors of people expectation vary. A product might have both positive and negative remarks. It is just for the potential buyer to understand about people making remarks before taking decision and another yard stick, I normally use is to look what’s the majority remark. 

Called, 'Customer experience' is growing and company has started focusing on getting better reviews. This naturally makes the company to work towards customer satisfaction. These days, there are software application and tools are available, which helps the companies to analyze customer experience posted on the web and use the same intelligently to grow business. Thinking, to write of the application / tools used towards analyzing customer experience shortly.

I believe this is one area, which is yet to be tapped and still at a very nascent stage, bound to grow over years. 

In travel customer experience sector, trip advisor has grown over the years. As far as my vacation travel is concerned, I normally look at trip advisor towards narrowing done on accommodation, places to visit based on the review comment provided. Have been using trip advisor in the last 3 year, the trip advisor review comments had enabled me to make informed decision. Post my visit, I do post my experience on trip advisor.

    (a recent magnetic sticker received from trip advisor for my contributions ).

Looking forward to actively participate in trip advisor venture through reviews!

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Thekkady - A Forest stay to relish

After trips to Kodai and Munnar in last few year. It was time to explore other locations and we decided for Thekkady. This place is in amidst of Periyar tiger reserve forest.

How to reach this place: The best way to reach would be from Madurai by road, its about 130 kms, the drive would be through the plains expect for last 15kms which would be on ghat road. Compared to Kodai or Munnar the ghat road part is  comparatively less.

Accommodation and getting around: In the last few years, number of resorts and hotels have opened in and around Thekkady and Kumili. Did some research on web and found some of them to charge exorbitant amount, which was more, if not equal to five star accommodation in metros. September end, being off-season time  as usual narrow down on list of few hotels and resorts . It took about 30 minutes up on Ghat road to reach Thekkady, we did visit couple of hotel and finally decided to venture into the Periyar Tiger reserve, which does have accommodation like Aranya Nivas - a Kerala government undertaking (KTDC). 

After making entry pass in the tiger reserve, as we drove inside the reserve we could clearly feel the forest. Its was greenery all around, after about couple of kms drive we found a board to Periyar house (a hotel maintained by KTDC). 

With lush green all around, we checked the tariff and facilities at accommodation. The rate was nominal and felt good for 2 days stay just to relax and roam around.

Since, Periyar house is right inside the reserve forest the gate closes at 6:00 PM in the evening and hence you need to be inside the gate before that time. I found food to be OK, but does not have much option and personally, I felt it to be OK. The more critical one for me , was to relish the time in forest with nature.

Periyar house is situated right inside Periyar tiger reserve and you really feel you are right inside the forest. Having stayed for 2 night (3 days) we had ample time to roam around by foot and by car. The experience at Periyar house is so very unique with lush green all around. In our 2 days stay at the place, were able to spot deers, giant squirrel, rabbit and wild boars.

The lake and boat ride is famous in Thekkady and ought not be missed. Apart from lake, there are other options like trekking and elephant ride. However, for us two days stay inside a jungle was enough to spend time, relax and relish the greenery all around.

In all stay inside Periyar reserve, Thekkady was unique and refreshing, plan to visit once in few years!!

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Ambi pur mini vent clip - A review

Had earlier written a post about Ambipur vent clip ( click here to read). I had first received a sample at Ambipur – indiblogger meet at Chennai in last week of May 2013. Now, it’s time to write about my experience in using Ambi pur car vent clip. Post receiving the sample in May, had procured Ambipur vent clip twice and here is my experience associated with usage of Ambipur.

Design: Unique and one of its kind, could not find an alternative in similar design. 100%* would be my grading for design.

Flexibility: By flexibility, I meant removing as per one wish and closing the unit. It would be 100%* since, one would be able to remove it as per wish and adjust the perfume output as well.

Quality: A perfume needs last for duration is mentioned in specs. Further, Ambipur is said to neutralize bad odor and per spec it is said to last for 30 day. The fragrance is very pleasant, but to me in the last few days (about a week) of its vent clip life, it was not that effective, could not really realize its presence. Hence would grade it as 80%*.

Cost: This is one point, which I am not able to find much justification. The 2ml vent clip cost INR 200 for 30 days, while you get 7 ml of old model for 45 days for INR 200. Similarly I received a sample Ambipur set and refresh 5 ml for 60 days to be at INR 200, which is can be used at home and office. I really do not see a justification as why 2ml Ambi pur vent clip lasting 30 days need to be priced at INR 200?. On top of this, the old model car Ambipur kit and Ambi pur set and refresh models also has option of refills as well. Hence, I feel pricing wise, Ambi pur vent clip is slightly over priced and  my rating is 50 ~ 60% *. The rating is not due to competition pricing, but Ambipur pricing ambiguity among its products.

In fact, I am planning to use Ambipur set and refresh pack in my car in future due to its economic pricing.

Availability: I found vent clips not freely available in department stores. The old model car fragrance and Ambipur set and refresh more commonly available. The rating is 70%*.

Across the globe everyone knows how challenging it would be to drive a car in India cities particularly during peak hours. Driving a car with Ambipur will not only make the drive from 'smelly to smiles', it could transform your mood from ‘ratty to relax' and truly you will feel as though you are on a holiday!

•  Note: The rating are my own mind parameter, user can have their own discretion if , they do not accept the rating. There may not be any fact associated with rating. :-)

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Shopping : Future predictions.

The shopping methods had evolved over the years. When internet become available globally in 90's I still remember, it was just static website designed and used for product promotion or as in information about availability of products or offering. There was no search engine to look upon to search information. Search engines and then, came commercial transactions through website later in early 2000s.

In later part of 2000's there were independent sites which used to collate products offered by various manufacturers under specific product space, which were like a telephone yellow pages. The yellow pages were common used in 1990’s for business to business requirement. 

As we progressed over time, changes happened, there were more interaction with different device and systems started happening. No more it’s just the website, the website interacts with bank or credit card site and further towards enhancing the security these days we find OTP (one time password code sent to mobile device) for user log in. 

Now, if one looks into the future online shopping system, it’s definitely not going to be standalone application, it will have apps or interface protocol through which it needs to communicate with range of devices and systems, then the business logic needs to analyze, provide a intelligent response to requester though touch of button. By next decade and so, without getting out of once place, one can get the best product and best fit product in matter of few minutes. It’s just being survival of the fittest and necessary intelligence would be built into system to offer the best.

 How is this going to happen?

First and foremost, in about fifteen year are so, we would have ‘WWUI’ in place. 

What’s WWUI?. 

I call it ‘worldwide unique identifier’ for humans. Each one will have a ‘worldwide unique identifier’ in an encoded machine readable form. This WWUI consists of one’s retina and fore finger images impression captured through a high resolution biometric sensor which would be digitally encoded and stored in central worldwide computer server governed by ANUIO (All nations unique identifier organization - global welfare organization supported and funded by participating countries governments federal banks). There would be agreed protocol interface, through which any web application can request for already stored unique identifier linked to a person's retina and finger impression.

If one want to check bank balance, all they need to go is go to bank web page and click on log on button. Once this is done the built in high resolution scan camera or biometric sensor in the computer device switches on, scans the finger and retina impression, then the related web application would send scanned image as request signal to central WWUI server and retrieve unique identification number of this person to bank system. If this person has an account in that specific bank and identity matches with unique identification already in bank database, it would automatically log into the user’s banking transaction page and provide banking page for further action. 

The ‘unique identifier’ would also be used for online credit, debit card transaction and ATM. Further this not would not be just for commercial transactions, it would be also used for social media sites like bodybook (similar to current face book) , whistter (similar to current twitter) and voicer ( a new application by 2030, were user can provide product reviews and user experience online).

Worldwide unique identifier system

Eureka !!!….. There would be no need to remember any or multiple passwords or forget, request for password reset or  more critically, there is no cyber crime due to hacking of online system and website.

Now, let’s look at how this is going to be used in online shopping. I would classify the online shopping experience by 2030 like this,

Review sell: If one wants to travel from Chennai to New Delhi. All one need to do is, log into online shopping system which specialize on travel and enter travel location, date of travel and budget available. The portal or application will then crawl through websites and analyze the best fitment travel based on  price, travel mode (check all flights, express buses or trains), tickets available, customer reviews and then, rank the list of all travel options, that can selected by user. It will also analyze the reviews and customer experience and provide a list of ranking fits. Meaning, if there is more negative reviews on various social forum, then site would rank the specific travel option lower.

But, then how do one say reviews are genuinely provided by users?. A valid question indeed.

Well, as I had discussed earlier, even for writing reviews in social web site, the log in process would be through WWUI interface mechanism, so naturally every living individual can have only one account in all the discrete systems and web sites. Hence, naturally reviews would be genuine as it is linked to a specific person. Such review sell process will be applicable for hotel accommodation, certain products as well. Finally, if you wish to purchase, then WWUI interface works with internet banking, credit cards system. So naturally no hacking or password stealing happens. 

Building intelligence  .. for informed purchase decision

Fitment sell: There may be case where, one needs to look for best fit for a person. Say apparels, shoes and other accessories purchase. All these products normally you try or wear before choosing the products. I call this ‘Fitment sell’.

When one is interested in products such as shoes or dress. The biometric sensor in the your system will scan and measure the size of your foot or body according to product need, after which a fitment match is done with shoes or apparels available online for sale and then indicate back not only whether the fitment is right or not, but also it would display on screen as how one would look like wearing the shoes or apparels on screen. This would be the ultimate virtualization. If you feel good to purchase, then it would invoke the WWUI interface for payments.

WWUI, can be extended for retail store outlets sale as well and our wallet could well be free from plastic credit or debit cards.

Well, if one rewinds about decade or two back, very few people knew what internet was all about. From then on, the technology had galloped so very fast that mobile phones, internet has become part and parcel of our life. Hence, in future, I believe we would well have above technology in place particularly to avoid cyber crime and take a well informed decision to purchase a product in matter of few minutes.

** ebay has introduced an ebay application plug in which works with google crome browser. It looks like  business intelligence is built in, to provide a comparable ebay best price for a product even  if you are searching out side ebay. One could explore about the  product by clicking on link  here **

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Managing Oracle EBS implementation better.

Over the years, ERP product modules foot prints have grown and so is the complexity associated with product.  In about a decade time with increased complexities, the implementation need to take care business requirement vs module fitment for solution, shorter implementation time frame, and quick turnaround testing the solution, performance issue due to volume of transactions and accessing transaction on wide area network needs to be taken in to account.

If application is available to access though internet, it also increasingly difficult to perform load test or predict volume growth of users. It is increasing common these days, witness certain systems like Banking, Railways getting into performance issues at the peak hours as due importance might not have been given to loading of application during implementation stage. 

Appropriate product fitment to business requirement and product license of modules alone would not make an implementation successful. Implementation needs to be managed effectively right from conceptualization stage to beyond post implementation to be successful. Had earlier written about factors ( part1, part2, part3) which influence success of ERP implementation in a phased approach.

Apart from ERP product & managing implementation project, there are products available to enhance / support & manage the implementation at pre & post implementation stage better.  It’s critical the project stakeholder analyses the feasibility of using these tools. 

Brief overviews about the products, which can support Oracle EBS implementation, are, 

Oracle EBS Business accelerators: Every effort is made these days to reduce implementation time of Oracle EBS without compromising on business requirement. Hence one would find OBA quite useful during the requirement gathering & thereby automate functional set up during CRP stage (iterative process) of the implementation and thereby shorten the discovery start phase of the project.  Additionally, It provides information about flow based functionality of implementation, which is also quite critical in understanding the overall business process end to end, right at start of the project.. 

Oracle application testing suite: Oracle Application testing suite can used automate functional regression testing, Oracle Load testing. Process of manual testing can be a time consuming and hence OATS place a critical role in faster testing process and enhance productivity.

Oracle application management suite: The task of managing Applications is complex, time-consuming, and costly.   The Application Management Suites for E-Business Suite can reduce this complexity, and dramatically improve the availability, reliability, and predictability for E-Business Suite. The Suite leverages Oracle Enterprise Manager to provide enhanced system and user monitoring, configuration monitoring and change management capabilities.

Oracle Enterprise manager: Enterprise manager is quite useful to manage the entire technology stack of Database, middleware application. OEM is useful right from start to post implementation support.

Oracle Infrastructure: During implementation or post implementation, the infrastructure plays a crucial role in success of implementation. There could be a situation where, the ERP implementation from business solution perspective is said to be very effective. However, infrastructure challenges might prevent the effective implementation.  For example, tasks might take a long time to be executed, this issue may be related to network bandwidth, multiple time I/O operation, resources busy due to peak hour or resource intensive. Its critical, infrastructure is given right focus at right point of time.  Exadata machine, RAC, Data guard can be thought about and explored to overcome the infrastructure issues. Also, Saas (software-as-service) concept related to cloud computing is catching up. One of the characteristic of cloud service is Rapid elastic scalability, which means the ability to add computing capacity on demand. This feature would be useful to allocate resource for computing during peak time. 

With positioning of global single instance for multi-org operation, the application needs to be available for access 24x7 towards global operation. An application scalability suiting ever evolving business requirement is one part of it. Cost optimization in form of shorter implementation, effective testing, managing application post implementation, reliability and scalability of hardware infrastructure also plays critical part in success of implementation. Hence, naturally, one needs to look at various software tools which would enhance productivity of Oracle ERP implementation.

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Ancient Shiva temples

Some time back, I read this article, spiritual health, a nice short article. I personally feel materialistic world has taken the world by storm, which made people lose focus. However, I keep wondering there are places in India which keep spirituality and heritage live.

Many of the spiritual temples do not have date associated with it. Shiva ‘s pancha bootha stalas does not require any introduction. Apart from Panchabotha stala, felt some of the Shiva temples are so very divine and peaceful.

Kailasanathar temple, Kanchipuram: This is in outskirt of Kanchipuram (approx 80 Kms from Chennai) and currently maintained by Archeological department of India. This Shiva temple is believed to be one among the oldest temple ( more than 1000 years).

This temple withstood time in its pristine form and believed to be built through sand ('pittu man'). There is a tunnel around the Shiva Lingam (god), which is symbolic representation of Birth (crawl to get in), adulthood (walk) and finally death(crawl again). Interesting it also mean only before birth and after death one might be spiritually aligned \ view god and during living time the materialistic world (called Maya) might make us forget or not remember about god and seek pleasure in materialistic comfort. It is also believed by going around the tunnel would reduce number of re-birth.

Brahmapureshwarar temple, Trichy: It's an ancient temple near Tiruchi (approx 40 km), Tamil Nadu. It is believed Brahma (Hindu god for creation) did 'tapas' by installing 12 Shiva idols million and millions of years ago due to curse from Shiva due to ego and finally got liberated from curse.

This is one of the very few temples, which has Brahma idol prominently. It is believed since almighty Brahma's destiny got changed, any one who visit this temple would have their destiny changed, positively. Jeeva Samadhi of Pathanjali Maharishi is said to be here. Pathanjali is said to guru or father of Yoga and he is believed to be incarnation of almighty god - Narayanan. Much easier to reach by car, if you are traveling from Tiruchi to Chennai by car, its worth a visit (about 4 km from main highway) and one can spend about few hours. Some of the temple gopuram is believed to be constructed 100's of years ago.

Suruthapalli (near Chennai): Its is believed 'Pradosham' time started from here. Nice temple in outskirts of Chennai. This temple is believed to be constructed in 14th Century. The temple 'Stala' history is very interesting. In Satya Yuga (millions of years ago), during churning of 'Par' Kadal, the churning rope (snake) vomit poison.

The Devas and Asuras becomes jittery on seeing this and make an earnest appeal to Lord Shiva to save them, as the poison could destroy all living being in Universe. Lord Shiva consumes the poison and save all living being in the universe.

Further it is believed Lord Shiva feels dizzy due to consumption of poison and is said to have taken rest on lap of goddess Parvati at Suruthapalli for some time on his way back to his abode in Kailash. Hence, Lord Siva in this temple is in unique reclining posture. There is also 'Valmiki Lingashwarar' and 'Rama Lingashwarar', which is believed to be worshiped by Valmiki Muni and Lord Rama respectively.

Though, the temple is believed to be built in 14th Century, there is no date associated with main deity - Pallikondeswarar (Lord Shiva) in this temple. Very calm and serene temple in outskirt of Chennai.

Other unique temples with spiritual divinity I could associate are Kumbeshwarar Temple at Kumbakonam, Tanjore Brahadeshwarar. Heard about Darasuram near Tanjore and Gangai konda Cholapuram, which are on list of temples to visited soon, looking forwards to such visit.

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Spicy air travel

Was on short vacation to Goa few weeks back , while on my return I did have enough turbulence before we reached Chennai safely. Well, it was not turbulence due to weather, but due to cancellation of flight from Goa to Chennai. One would think, so what, flight cancellations are common, but I felt mine of unique.

Our return flight was at 4:40 PM, since we had visited scenic beaches the previous day, we did not have any plan to visit place the day of our return journey. Our initial plan was to check out at Hotel around 1:00 PM have lunch and proceed to airport, which is about 35 KM from our hotel. However, the previous day our cab driver suggested to start an hour early and he can take us to couple of beach in south Goa near airport before dropping us at airport for flight. This seemed fine and we agreed.

The next day, the driver picked us up at hotel post check out at 11:30 AM and we went to restaurant for lunch. Post lunch as the driver was taking us to a beach, it was 12:20 PM and a got a recorded phone call from airline stating the flight is cancelled for the evening and asking me bluntly to reach out to call center.

While on the way to a beach, I called up airline call center at 12:30 PM and gave my ticket PNR number and waited for a moment. The rest of it,

Call center: Yes, Sir how may I assist you.

Myself: What does your system say about my booking

Call center: Sorry sir, we really apologize for inconvenience caused, you flight is cancelled for the day.
(This was after I asked about the booking).

Myself: Why?.

Call center: Technical problem in flight,sir.

Myself: That's you problem to fix, so what are the options?

Call center: We have a flight tomorrow at 1:00 PM and you can travel with same ticket with no extra cost.

Myself: What??.... Will you provide for accommodation for stay, as I am not native of Goa and checked out of hotel? It will cost me a fortune for a night stay with family.

Call center: Sorry sir, we can’t provide accommodation (same reply came again and again).

****I was asking myself whether I have taken air ticket or a bus ticket to get such response? ****.

Myself: Come on, if you are not providing accommodation, is there alternative flight to other location like Bangalore, Hyderabad or Mumbai from where I can take flight to Chennai.

Call center: No sir, it already 12:45 PM, we have a flight to Bangalore at 1:55PM and to Hyderabad 2:15PM (then onward to Chennai at 19:25). From call center system allows for changes only upto 2 hours prior flight. Hence, unable to make change.

** I got some solace, immediately asked the cab driver to how long it takes to reach airport from that spot as he was driving towards beach location. He told me 30 minutes, immediately instructed him to drive to airport. ***

 Myself: Please get your supervisor, online. I will be in position to reach airport in another 40 minutes should be in time to reach in time Goa to Hyderabad flight. Hence put me on Hyderabad flight and had to shout" *********** and finally"

Call center: Hold on sir……….. Finally call center person confirms flight changes are done.

My wife and daughter, watching this, made a remark that they way, I was handling the situation was as thrilling like a movie scene..:).

In fact, there also a call few minutes later from airline spokesperson, stating my flight was cancelled, I shouted and asked her to check my reservation update in the system, she took few minutes and confirmed back...Hmmm....
 
Finally, we reached airport for flight by 1:10 PM and where in time for the flight check in and reached Chennai via Hyderabad.

Though, I was able to reach my home and flight cancellation is part and parcel of this industry, I had to manage the crisis on my own initiative for the fault on airline part.

Few question, for which I do not have answers,.

1. Airline being part of travel and hospitality industry, is it not the airline, who should have called me and informed about the flight option as from their internal computer system as they would know that, I am traveling with family and base location is different?.

2. In worst case, if airline cannot provide alternative on same day, should they not provide with appropriate accommodation?.

3. Being a no frill airline, compensation or accommodation are not applicable ?. If this is true, then passengers can be taken for a ride, particularly for small aircraft, when there are no adequate bookings and they can cite this point, if really needed.


Interestingly, the in flight crew circulated the feedback forms and collected it back, though I did mention few points in feedback. Not sure, whether these would be addressed OR is their a guideline/rule of law for passengers in event of cancellation by airline regulatory body for domestic flights in India?.

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Goa, India - Travelogue - Part 2

This is part 2 of my Goa Travelogue. Part 1 is here.

Next day, based on reviews on web short listed some of the Goa – North beaches and started from hotel at 9:00 AM. Being monsoon, it was drizzling intermittently in morning and little worried that it may play spoil sport, however post 9:00 AM the rain stopped.

Our first stop was Fort Aguda. The Portuguese built fort in 16th century has a history behind it (refer Photos). I believe it might be one of its kind in the world where you can view the Arabian Sea from on one side and lush green on the other side. Normally in the vicinity of sea shore, one would not find greenery, but here you would find lush green around you. Interesting all north Goa seashore is different. Most of the north beaches were unique, it might be from top of hillock with greenery around.

Short distance from Fort Aguda is Sinquerim beach. This is one among the scenic beach in Goa. At first look, this was similar to ‘Uyire’ song location in film - Mumbai, but later I got to know that ‘Uyire’ song sequence was shot at Bekel fort in Kerala. But Sinquerim beach resembled almost similar with fort like wall at certain places. One can have good view of scenic coastline from old fort like structure. Added to this there is greenery, coconut trees around, hillocks and rocks spread across provides nature indication as why these beaches are unique of its kind.

Next on our list was Baga beach. It looks to be a regular beach when you just look at it and was crowded and hence did not like it at first sight. However, on the other side there are hillocks, greenery and more importantly the water streams into backwater flow as you walk across some distance away from crowd. We went to this place in the afternoon, the backwater formation was wonderful and scenic. Nice beach for nature lovers, once you get absorbed and look around.

Ajuna and Vegator beach nearby to each other. These beaches are unique, more than sea shore with sand, you will find yourself perched on top of hillock and apart from Arabian sea, you can get absorbed by greenery, coconut trees and hillock on sides. In Vagator, one would be in position to look at Chapara fort at a distance, this would require some trekking for which we did not have enough time or energy as its was already 2:00 PM and were just was just munching snacks. Time for our lunch, and hence had to travel back close to 40 KM to reach Panjim had late lunch.

Next day, we had initial plans to visit couple of places on way back to airport, but gave it up and proceeded to airport straight as Spice Jet provided with some anxious moments on travel back to Chennai with cancellation of Goa – Chennai flight for the day. 

Goa…… has not lost its charm, still worth a trip to experience the uniqueness of its beaches.

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