Square D Software Ltd., Madras, has joined hands with Pacific Systems International (PSI) of the UK to provide off-shore software development resources to organisations faced with the year 2000 problem.

PSI has recently set up a year 2K "Virtual Software Factory" at Surrey in UK which is manned by Square D. Sources in Square D said companies readying their systems for the January 1, 2000, deadline can benefit from this one-stop cost effective solution, combining Pacific's business analysis and project management skills with software development resources provided by Square D. Year 2K solution includes analysing the scope of an organisation's problems, scaling them by project and, if necessary, restructure and test mission critical systems.

Square D also developd its own software product called 'Update 2000' to overcome the malfunctioning of computer systems on year 2000 and after. The product is a comprehensive suite of services to extend the life of application systems into the next millennium. It provides a customised approach for all application needs which are independent of language and environment. The other services that come along with solution are education and awareness, assessment and impact analysis, pilot conversion services, full scale code conversion and post implementation services.

As part of its expansion programme, the company is planning to set up two more software developments centres in Bangalore and Pune by mid 1997. It has also set up a home page on World Wide Web with special features like multi- graphics home paging and upgrading facilities.

UK-based Mindware International, a group company of PCL Mindware Ltd., New Delhi, one of the leading IT companies in India, has entered into a strategic alliance with the Year-2000 software specialist, ViaSoft Inc., to offer Y2K solutions.

According to the chief executive of Mindware International, the tie-up is aimed at combining Mindware's technical expertise with Viasoft's specialised consulting services to enable customers to cost-effectively manage their existing applications.

UK - based Reed Elsevier Plc., a leading on-line business information company, which has recently obtained the approval of the Indian Government's Foreign Investments Promotion Board (FIPB) for acquiring the Delhi-based Teledirect Ltd., has launched its India operations through its new venture - Reeds Information Services Teledirect.

Teledirect Ltd., Delhi, which was established in 1990, has become India's leading database publisher. According to the company sources, Teledirect has captured about 35% of the Indian database business for company-based information.

Reed Elsevier will be investing around pounds sterling 1.5 million ($2.25 million) in the current fiscal, mainly for the working capital requirements of the new outfit in India. The project is expected to become fully operational by early 1997.

Swiss Telecom, a federal organisation in Switzerland, is hiking equity in its two Indian joint ventures, Sterling Cellular and Aircel Digilink. This is part of a long-term strategy that the $ 8 billion telecom company has chalked out to consolidate its position in the North Indian cellular market. It has already brought in some $65 million into the country.

After the recast plan is in place, 80% of Aircel Digilink's equity will be owned by Sterling Cellular. The remaining 20% is to be equally shared between Sterling Computers and Swiss Telecom. This residual stake of 10 per cent each by Sterling Computers and Swiss Telecom is being held to conform to the tender guidelines which stipulate that the orginal partners in a consortium should hold atleast 10 per cent for a lock-up period of three years. However, the recast plan may result in Swiss Telecom's effective stake in Aircel Digilink from the present 30 per cent to 37 per cent, while that of Sterling Computers will be some 51 per cent. Indirectly, Cellular Communications International may hold 8 per cent and non-resident Indians and other corporate bodies 4 to 5 per cent.

Apple Computers has signed an agreement with Pentafour Software and Exports, Madras, by which Pentafour becomes Apple's first 'Developer University' partner in Asia, excluding Japan.
The setting up of the first Developer University in Asia is a significant milestone for Apple developer relations, providing developers with constant and updated information, advance access to Apple technologies, technology training sessions as well as sourcing of overseas development projects.

"Apples Developer University is recognised by the industry as one of the best mechanism for delivering expertise in leading edge technologies to software developers", said the Developer Relations Manager, Apple Asia.

A press release from the company states that the tie-up with Pentafour will provide Mac OS developers from India and other parts of Asia with tools and information that need to create corporate and commercial applications as well as multimedia titles and customs solutions. There are over 50 Apple developers in India at present..

At the Developer University, Pentafour will give on-campus training on new and emerging Apple technologies at all experience levels.In addition, the company will offer Internet online courses to certified developers in India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Thailand, Philippines and Hong Kong. The company has been a certified Mac OS developer for over a year and its training lab is equipped with multiple hardware platforms including high-end Macs and a 64 Kbps communication link.

The managing director of Pentafour said that setting up of the Developer University Centre is a logical extension of setting up the Apple Centre for Excellence. Pentafour intends to hire most of the local Developer University graduates.