Three days back, Microsoft Launched Visual Studio 2005, SQL Server 2005 & BizTalk Server 2006 here in Chennai. As I couldn't attend the launch in Bangalore, where BillGates presided, I went to this Ready Launch Tour 2005 in Chennai. But I couldn't stay for the whole show. I was there for 2 hours. And in the registration desk they gave a stuffed paper carry bag, with Ready Lauch Tour 2005 printed on both sides.

Contents found in the bag :

1. Microsoft Visual Studio 2005 professional Edition (90 Days Trial)  - CD

2. Microsoft SQL Server 2005 Enterprise Edition  (180 Days Trial)  - DVD

3. MSDN for SQL Server 2005 - DVD

Two days back only I downloaded  Express Edition of  Visual Web Developer 2005, SQL Server 2005 & Visual Basic 2005. Anyway I can use that later.

Free Exam  Voucher  for any one of the following :

70 - 431 SQL Server 2005 - Implementation & Maintenance

70 - 536 .Net Framework 2.0 - Application Development Foundation

70 - 551 Upgrade : MCAD Skills to MCPD Web Developer

70 - 552 Upgrade : MCAD Skills to MCPD Windows Developer

70 - 553 Upgrade : MCSD to MCPD Enterprise Application Developer

70 - 235 Developing Business Process & Integration Solution Using BizTalk Server 2006

And, as usual a dozen Pamplets from Microsoft & other supporting Third Parties.

The Silicon Valley of India, Bangalore is getting ready to change its name to Bengaluru. After Bombay to Mumbai, Madras to Chennai, Calcutta to kolkata  & its time for Bangalore to become Bengaluru. Name will be changed in the 50^th anniversary celebrations in November 2006.

Still I don't know why people are interested in changing the cities name ?

May be numerology  ????

Business Today, a part of India Today network, adds Saksoft in their top 1000 Private companies, in its recent article. Saksoft ranks 708 out of 1000. This ranking was done on the basis of the value of the company represented by Average Market Capitalization. Best part is that, Saksoft was listed in NSE exactly 7 months ago. Also its in 48th position when we segregate the list in domain wise, viz., Computer Software.

Also there are many other companies like Cyber Media (India) Limited, a well know IT publishers, etc fall below Saksoft. Among the software companies, Saksoft has one of the highest ROCE (Return On Capital Employed) rate. In fact the ROCE is higher than other software  majors like WIPRO, Satyam, I-Flex, Polaris etc.,

Full scanned page of Business Today listing many other company is here.