TechEd 2013 Pune - Stats

Pune got a chance to host its First Microsoft TechEd. A Fun filled knowledge and Information Extravaganza with Loads of parallel tracks, QnA, Sessions and work on cutting edge technology.

Here's the Gist of the session via the Twitter sharing over two days :)

The List includes Most shared URL's, Most Mentioned People, Top Tweeters , Devices used and such ...

XLS

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/pub?hl=en_US&hl=en_US&key=0Ah6xxjYO0HXEdFc1eTJTdXRDMnpnXy1iNVR0ejNiWFE&output=xls

PDF

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/pub?hl=en_US&hl=en_US&key=0Ah6xxjYO0HXEdFc1eTJTdXRDMnpnXy1iNVR0ejNiWFE&output=pdf

I plan to come up with a generic App across platforms on similar line.

Wish me Luck

Keep Coding :) 

Google Keep - First Look

Being a Long term Google Fan and enthusiast, I went through the much publicized new product from Google : Google Keep.

At the First look of it, Only three things come to my mind:
Tad to little, Too less and Too Redundant.

Yes It is clean, targeted and I am sure Google will add more killing features sooner than expected, but:

1. Why Does Google want a Redundant Note application when It killed Notes earlier, and already has Tasks (with corresponding Mobile interface as well)

2. As Far as competition is concerned a lot of features are missing (even when you compare them with Google Lists (in Gmail) - Priority, Due Date to name a few.

Is this the "Concentrated" Efforts and "Channeling Strength"  for which they needed to kill Awesome products like Google Reader !


I have been a ardent FAN of Google and it's vision, Ideology. BUT Lately they have been going hay-while, If you can't make it commercial, Hire someone who can - That's why Microsoft has Steve Ballmer , Not everyone can be Steve Jobs, (A Techie + A Businessman).

You might end up losing Fans, and Time both (in Re-Engineering existing products). Why can't they use the Note/Lit API's that they already expose (and people use it) to make A robust product.

Even Reader would have made a killing o this.

I have been using Feedly/GoogleReader with  Evernote for an end to end tracking of my favorites.

Google Can Kill whatever they like, It's their product, and their Money , but at least do a market research !




I am sure Steve Jobs succeeded in killing the spirit of his Toughest Competitor in the passing
ref:

1. http://www.forbes.com/sites/karstenstrauss/2012/07/05/googles-focus-a-nod-to-steve-jobs-advice/ 
2. http://cnettv.cnet.com/60-minutes-overtime-steve-jobs-advice-larry-page/9742-1_53-50113603.html

#Fail #Shame

A Geek's Resignation Letter :)

using System; 
using System.Collections.Generic; 
using System.ComponentModel; 
using System.Data; 
using System.Drawing; 
using System.Text; 
using System.Windows.Forms; 
//using CSC.resources; 
//using time.Billable; 
using ApplicationPortal.ESS.NewESS.Resign 


namespace TheFinalGoodBye 
{ 
    public partial class rUSure : Form 
    { 
        int NAN = 10; 
        NAN = NAN + Timer.tick; 
        int JourneyStart = 2007; 
        int MilestonesAchieved = 1;             //Intern > Software Engineer 
        CurrencyManager Growth = Nullable; 
        String TechGrowth = "N/A"; 
        String Responsibilities = "Yawn"; 
        String Fun = "A Lot"; 
        int Friends = NAN;                      //Not A Number 
        int Onsite = 9;                                 //Months of Fun at Work 
        int BondServed = 3;                     //Years         

        public rUSure( int CurrentYear,bool Bond,int NegotiatedOffer, int ExternalOffer, int RoleOffered, int ExternalRole) 
        { 
            if((CurrentYear-JourneyStart >2) || ((Onsite/12)/(CurrentYear-JourneyStart) < .33)) 
            { 
                if(Bond) 
                { 
                    MessageBox.Show("Shut up and Work, So What The work is bad , It still Pays !"); 
                } 
                else if(Fun =="A Lot") 
                    { 
                        if(TechGrowth.Equals("N/A") || Responsibilities.Equals("Yawn")) 
                        { 
                            if(ExternalOffer<=0 || ExternalRole<=0) 
                            { 
                                MessageBox.Show("It's Time to put on the Thinking Hat, Set Go !"); 
                            } 
                            if(ExternalOffer>=0 || ExternalRole>=0) 
                            { 
                                MessageBox.Show("Yo Baby, Let's Negotiate ;) !"); 
                                if(ExternalOffer > NegotiatedOffer  && ExternalRole > RoleOffered) 
                                { 
                                    Invoke ApplicationPortal.ESS.NewESS.Resign; 
                                    Timer.Start();      //Count 60 Days, Live 60 Days, Remember Memories, Make Memories, Repent Mistakes, Correct Old ones ;) , Make New Ones 
                                    email.text = FarewellMessage(); 
                                } 
                            } 
                        } 
                    } 
                else if(ExternalOffer<=0 || ExternalRole<=0) 
                { 
                    MessageBox.Show("It's Time to put on the Thinking Hat, Set Go !"); 
                } 
            } 
            else 
            { 
                MessageBox.Show("Shut up and Work, Gain Some Experience, There's a Lot to Learn"); 
            } 

            
        } 
        protected string FarewellMessage() 
        { 
            ///Do Not use This, Delete before emailing, Comments Only. 
            ///    Dear Corporation: 

            ///I will terminate my employment on the 22nd of July, to pursue a more rewarding lifestyle which I intend to enjoy for at least the next several years. 
            ///The time wasted in this job, whether in circular arguments, writing unread reports, 
            ///or performing substandard work due to inadequate resources and poorly trained staff, 
            ///is worth more to me than the recognition and reward that the company sees fit to deny me. 

            ///It is with much pleasure that I announce that, after spending sometime with my dad in --- 
            ///and with friends in ---, I will overwinter in --- for four months, camping and cycling. 
            ///On my return I intend to pursue several interests: 

            ///    Study for a physics major degree; 
            ///    Speak Spanish and German fluently; 
            ///    Write and publish a travelogue, short stories and cookbook; 
            ///    Read all the "classics"; 
            ///    Volunteer as an overseas science/culture/math teacher; 
            ///    Study for an electronics degree; 
            ///    Cycle around the world; 
            ///    Compete in an international Photography tournament; 
            ///    Play classical guitar to concert standard; 
            ///    Learn tourist Italian and Portuguese; 
            ///    Paint watercolors; 
            ///    Do ten things I haven't thought of doing yet! 

            ///If I achieve a third of these aims, I will consider my time well-spent. 
            ///The corporate work ethic and its success depend on the uncritical thinking of those who believe that they are making a difference 
            ///and are being recognized for it. 

            ///Best wishes for your future, if you want one. 

            ///Copied from Ian, 26th of May 1997 

            StringBuilder Message = new StringBuilder(); 
            Message = Message.AppendLine("Hi All,"); 
            Message = Message.AppendLine("I have been waiting to Write this email for Months, Probably years :), The Time has finally come and "); 
            Message = Message.AppendLine("I joined CSC India as a Chirpy Individual, Proud to be part of one of the Elites, One Of the Oldest, One of the Purest Company that has ever been."); 
            Message = Message.AppendLine("Dreams in Eyes, Passion in Heart and Young Vigor to conquer the world."); 
            Message = Message.AppendLine("Corporate culture, PPT's , Sessions, etiquette , Rosy Photos Welcomed us all."); 
            Message = Message.AppendLine(""); 
            Message = Message.AppendLine("DAY 1475 (Today)"); 
            Message = Message.AppendLine("Today I Leave this Dream Company of Mine , Looking for lost dreams, Chasing the Chirpiness I once had. and Raring to go Kicking again"); 
            Message = Message.AppendLine("It doesn't give the joy I once dreamed, surely I'll be earning more, I'll have better Role, I'll have the Growth I envisioned BUT"); 
            Message = Message.AppendLine("I'll Miss out on the Fun and Friendly People around, I'll miss the Indori Lingo, and the Laid back attitude, I'll miss the jovial partners in crime and"); 
            Message = Message.AppendLine("I'll miss out on all the cribbing sessions over the tea."); 
            Message = Message.AppendLine(""); 
            Message = Message.AppendLine("I have seen the Company grow to heights heights of Fun, Heights of Friendliness and Heights of Cunningness at some point of time."); 
            Message = Message.AppendLine("CSC has been My first Company, and no matter what I crib, I owe a ton to all the Practical Knowledge It has Imparted me over years."); 
            Message = Message.AppendLine("I have found some of my closest buddies here , who are enough a reason to thank CSC from the bottom of my heart."); 
            Message = Message.AppendLine(""); 
            Message = Message.AppendLine("Flashes of Memories go past my tiny brain , both happy and deplorable, Like sparkles of crackers on a Moonless Night "); 
            Message = Message.AppendLine("With All these Happy and not so Happy Memories, I am not here to Say Good bye, but just to wish that destiny crosses our path again. "); 
            Message = Message.AppendLine(""); 
            Message = Message.AppendLine("I am Alive and Kicking at all Social Networks with Original (non Fake) name, Add me Up, buzz me up, and If you have to curse , My wall is all public for you to use ;)"); 
            Message = Message.AppendLine(""); 
            Message = Message.AppendLine(""); 
            Message = Message.AppendLine("www.swapnilkocheta.com"); 
            Message = Message.AppendLine("www.about.me/swapnilkocheta"); 
            Message = Message.AppendLine("www.facebook.com/clicksNDzyn"); 
            Message = Message.AppendLine("https://plus.google.com/u/0/104336595476971540794"); 
            return Message.ToString(); 






            //PS: The Commented Message above was Intentional humor ;) 
        } 
    } 
}

So, you you want to write software?: Life Without Objects

So, you you want to write software?: Life Without Objects: Over the last few years I have been learning and experimenting with a wider range of programming languages. In particular I have started usi...


"Object orientation makes code understandable by encapsulating moving parts. Functional programming makes code understandable by minimizing moving parts." - Michael Feathers

We are Living in a Matrix. Are we !

Came across a very interesting video. Interesting not just for the uber creative presentation, but some facts as well.

Lessons Learned : Job #1

Life is an ever growing lesson , and If you haven't made Mistake , You haven't Lived to learn !

From Student to Engineer , Engineer to Professional . . . I have not been a keen learner , but I do have some Gems from various people, Places, Books etc.

I am glad to have learned a bit, and thankful to all those who inadvertently or intentionally , taught me Few things :

• Work for Your Project, work more for yourself, You'll learn more, You'll be More Productive.
• Be Active apart from Work, It'll relax you, It Would not be a definite edge in terms of Rating/appraisals but lack of it would certainly be a negative point. Moreover .. Who doesn't want some Fun in life.
• Don't Live in your past, You were once Blades of Glory, Present might be some other Chuck and Lorry ;)
• Learn to know and categorize People , but Don't be Judgmental
• Do Not Expect ! Expectations are the source of all remorse, all pity, all the negativity. You worked your asses off on something, Coz U Liked it , No one Can ever Push you into doing something. Live in that happiness, Any Reward that comes your way, Is a Bonus.
• Be Reasonable , and Be Logical, Impulsive reactions are seldom good but mostly worse
• Control Anger, Frustration , Roam around Don't spread it. Negativity breeds only More Negativity.
• NEVER EVER Mail or Publicly address any hot shot's Mistakes (or what you consider as a mistake) , you'll only get screwed and  screwed harder. 
• Be Politically correct , not just for the sake of it , but coz Many a times you'd realize person/place is not that bad after all.
• Be Resourceful , More Importantly , be Rich in Data , the More You work , the More you can show, and the more you can show, the More It'll let You Grow.
• Be Receptive : Not all talk is Crap, Sometimes you'll miss out on Golden words , simply because you loathed a person's attitude, demeanor or style.
• Be Accepting and Learn from your shortcomings , pitfalls, mistakes.
• It's never too late to apologize, If you feel you were wrong during any incident of time, just say so. It might not affect the end person, but It'll surely make you a better being. 
• Friends and Family : Don't Lose them ! , they'll be the Only support in Good times or Bad, you might feel grumpy , you might feel dejected , you might wanna scream , but Whenever you realize the part you've been wrong ... Just say a Hello , and Life'll again be all Mellow.
• Keep the Passion Alive !

That's All for now , hoping to make new Mistakes , New remorse , New Brickbats, New Lessons ;)

Amen 

Too Much Inspired from

Holstee Manifesto

&

Steve Job's Speach

[Retrospection] - An open Mail to the team leads and team

Well I was in Dilemma whether to  re-post this blog or not, This was the blog which triggered a series of events for me , and when I look back I do realize the truths being spoken BUT more do I realize the mistakes I made.

• Communicate in written only if you need to , Words once written , can not be denied.
• Get your facts straight, Not just speak what "you think".
• Write once, Read a hundred times, over a span of days/ weeks if the need be. If you still feel certain , go do it, don't hesitate, but if you don't feel it right , chuck it.
• Put yourself in the others shoes, What would you have done , How would you have reacted to a similar letter/mail.
• Emotions and Job don't get quite well.
• More Lessons : http://goo.gl/lAA8q 

;)

Enjoy the Job , It's just a part of your Life.
And yes , Make Mistakes , But learn well enough to make new ones every time. And As Some One Said it , BE YOUR SELF !

Hi All

I have been thinking (after a long time actually) , on why we crib so much , why is it that after every policy change, after every appraisal , after every move , after every issue , after every promotion , after every tiny COA ... Instead of rejoicing on the overall success of the group (which should be the case) , we just crib.

The Core crust in my opinion lies with the vision , we do not have pro-active mind set, we just pretend , plan and display measures , which as a bitter fact , is hardly ever in line with what we want.

When it comes to resources at the bottom of the pyramid , who actually have the most zeal to do something , and the time to devote , we always ask them to be at their toes whole year. What is being said is : "Performance is measured throughout the year".

Whenever there's a successful implementation , It's these foundation , that  have actually worked (not without the guidance of experienced resources), but when it comes to remunerations , Its hardly replicated.

But even that is not the issue.

No matter what the organization gives , no matter how many times you appreciate , no matter how many accolades you give , if the way we execute it , and the timing at which we execute this, is not changed, "don't expect a happy team".

We have discussed a lot about ESS score, about What Employee wants, the "I appreciate" week , and so on and so forth. Unfortunately what we haven't learned is : "Employee is not a fool" , There's a True Appreciation , and a Faked one. In Most of our cases (exceptions are many as well) , this has been a Faked one , or a induced one when a US counterpart would have appreciated.

Why Can't Managers have faith and Judge their resources?

The reason is always given - "You can't keep 100% of employee happy"

I Say "Why not !"

I'll tell you one last bitter but fact.  The reason is because most of the upper pyramid is actually not aware of what their resources are doing , what their needs are , what their aspirations are, and what work they do. If I spare 30% of the upper pyramid , the remaining 70% comes in this category. (fortunately my lead comes in the elite 30)
Bad Choice : Never give a Data you can't explain, never be emotional in what you speak, be professional, be terse.

If you are well aware , you have a bonding (not a fake one) , trust me resources are not just a few Employee ID's, they understand. It's only when they feel being fooled , that they revolt.

Why is the case that Managers have to fight over for their candidates for rating at the crux hour of 1 month duration ?

Why is it always that managers feel an urge to talk , discuss and take feedbacks only when it's either IDP, KRA, Midterm, ESS or Annual Cycle ?

Does it take so much time ? and are we really so short of time all through the year , and suddenly have all the  time to discuss ?

I don't think so!

Just be Truthful.

This has been my first company , and I have learned a lot, and I expect to continue learning, Some day I would like to lead a team under me , I would definitely not want to be like most of you when I do so , That's a statement enough which shows the depth of it.

I am sure all of the people at the foundation of pyramid would agree.

PS: I didn't wanted to bring this up at the time of rating or appraisals , hence the delay, but as already said , I realized the Pinnacle Pyramid has all the time to discuss and take feedback during this duration :)

This is not a rattling , just a few 1 or 2 liners in the heart  which needed almost two pages to materialize .

Thanks and regards

Swapnil Kocheta

PS: May be someday I'll Write "The  3  N Mistakes of my life" , and this one would definitely be there at number 3 or 4 :P