Overall, TiE is just like any other old-boys network. It is who you know at the top that matters. These people wanted some recognition from their Indian peers and some sort of worthiness. Not about all the grand mission statements it puts out.
In the end, what is TiE? Is it an Incubator, Angel group, VC gateway or what? I have yet to look for success stories, even the link on success stories comes up blank. I am not doubting the success and achievements of individuals who make up TiE. They have made their mark on their profession and endeavors.
Every group has every right to do and preach what they want. I would like your readers not to fall for some organization which are long on their publicity and short on their proclaimed mission.
Jyoti Das, Founder and CEO
Ask Software Corp
War-time BPO
I was reading with interest about the escalation of the India-Pakistan conflict and the concerns it raises for companies that are considering using India for outsourcing technology services. The response seems to be that the companies' investments in India will be protected by a variety of disaster recovery planning scenarios. This response misses the point. For outsourcing to be effective, personal interaction is vital. The key concern is for the personal safety of our people who will need to travel to India, and for the people in India who will perform vital services for our company. It is the people we are concerned about, not the systems. There is no doubt that threats of violence in the region will hurt India's technology industry. After years of building the credibility and reputation for excellence that India has established, it is a shame that the present conflict threatens such hard-earned sweat equity.
David R. Guzman
Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer
Owens & Minor
Advantage BPO
Thank you for bringing out a timely feature on BPO business opportunities in India. I work for a Wall Street firm and can see that there are lots of opportunities to shift the work to India. India's time difference will also help in industries where it's time-critical to finish a process in a certain time. For example, in stock trading, a trade has to be settled in 3 business days and two different people have to check the trade, for auditing purposes. India will have a huge advantage in these kinds of processes being done from there.
Anup Kumar
Rekhi is too harsh
I am responding to the article "Faltering Leadership," by Mr. Kanwal Rekhi. I think Mr. Rekhi is too harsh on Prime Minister Vajpayee's leadership. He mentioned Mr. Vajpyee's speech in Goa as the basis of his criticism. There was BJP's national executive committee meeting in Goa in which Mr. Vajpayee spoke. Initially, the Indian press, especially the English press, was too crtical. Later, what Mr. Vajpayee spoke was printed in the Indian Express on 24th April, and his exact words are as follows: "Islam has two facets. One is that which tolerates others, which teaches its adherents to follow the path of truth, preaches compassion and sensitivity. But these days, militancy in the name of Islam leaves no room for tolerance. It has raised the slogan of jehad. It is dreaming of recasting the entire world in its own mould. Wherever such Muslims live, they tend not to live in co-existence with others, not to mingle with others and instead of propagating their ideas in a peaceful manner, they want to spread their faith by resorting to terror and threats. The world has become alert to this danger." It is note worthy that Mr. Vajpayee did not condemn all Muslims but only "such Muslims." The Prime Minister's implicit reference in this regard was obviously to the Jehadis in Kashmir and elsewhere, as he referred to international concern about terrorism. Even General Musharraf would not have found exception at the above remark of Mr. Vajpayee. No where in his speech does Mr. Vajpayee support violence in Gujarat. All of us know by now how the English media in India has misinterpreted Mr. Vajpayee's Goa speech. I hope that in the future, Mr. Rekhi will check facts first.
Dr. Rajesh Shukla
Vice President
Overseas Friends of BJP
Cliffside Park, NJ