Satyam staff get new 'learning' portal

Satyam Computer Services, which initiated a one-time 'Virtual Pool' programme aimed at addressing 'non-billable' staff costs while retaining talent within the company on June 11, has launched an internal portal on learning services effective Monday.

"The portal will be accessible to both existing employees as well as the 8,000-10,000 associates who received sabbatical letters as part of the VPP. The internal portal provides modules on competency enhancement, outplacement services, coaching and counselling support for financial planning and project and knowledge management," a Satyam spokesperson told Business Standard.

Satyam, which is treading on the recovery path after Tech Mahindra acquired a majority stake in it, launched the VPP for those based in India and even allowed associates to take time off from work on a reduced pay structure for up to six months.

'Associates identified to be part of the VPP will continue to have access and guidance to continuously upgrade their skills, utilising Satyam's learning programmes and mentoring resources,' the company had earlier said in a press release.

On the commerce ministry granting an extension to the IT  company's two IT and ITeS special economic zones in Hyderabad and one at Thotlakonda in Visakhapatnam up to June 2010, the spokesperson said the company was planning to re-apply for the Vizag SEZ, as the land initially allotted belonged to the Navy.

"Now the Andhra Pradesh government is in the process of identifying an alternative piece of land to the extent of 50 acres. However, Satyam is yet to submit an application in this regard," he added.

Bags award

Meanwhile, Satyam has received an excellence in practice award for talent preparation services and six excellence in practice citations for enterprise learning technologies, family learning, integrated project management, learning management review and re-skilling services from the American Society of Training and Development.