Readerware

Management field rules

Technology cannot run without proper management of Human Resources (HR). HR is the most crucial part—whether it is about project management or selection of the right people. Robert Slater's book provides good directions in this area.

Based on the strategies employed by Jack Welch, CEO of GE, the book explains the concepts of good HR in simple terms. Most books based on Welch's strategies tend to focus more on his famous Six Sigma system. This book differs from them. It takes a more comprehensive approach.

The book details the methods used by Welch using strategies like the leadership, empowerment, organization, and customer modules. Six sigma is also dealt with in the course of the book. The latter part of the book contains many excerpts from Welch's unpublished internal speeches.

The book uses exercises and action plans to help implement the strategies in your organization. This is a must read for managers.

Title: The GE way field book
Authors: Robert Slater
Publisher: Tata McGraw-Hill
Pages: 288
Price: Rs 250

Unique identity

Biometrics has come a long way from being ignored as just another futuristic concept. Today Biometric devices using finger print and hand geometry scanners are being used for access control in many data centers. And the day when Biometric devices will become less costly and more widely used is not very far off.

If you need to start your learning in this direction from scratch, this is a very good book. Technologies covered in the book are fingerprint and hand geometry; facial and voice recognition; eye biometrics; signature recognition, and keystroke dynamics. Esoteric biometrics has also been covered in the book. It covers the basics of how these technologies work, the issues involved, and standards.

Legal issues along with case studies have also been featured in the book. Worth a read if you want to get the basics right.

Title: Biometrics: The ultimate reference
Authors: John D Woodward Jr., Nicholas M Orlans, Peter T Higgins
Publisher: Wiley-Dreamtech India
Pages: 432
Price: 349

Internet Humour

disclaimer for software purchases we'd like to include

Disclaimer to be used when purchasing software:

AGREEMENT AND LIMITED WARRANTY

You, the recipient, assume any and all risk concerning the actual value of this check. Even though I or my agents may have assured you of its worth, either verbally or in written communication, we may have had our fingers crossed, so don't come whimpering back to me if it bounces.

The money, if any, represented by this instrument remains my property. You are licensed to use it, however you are not allowed to copy the original check except for your personal records, nor are you permitted to give the money itself to anyone else.

Neither may you allow any other person to use the money. Remember, you may have it in your possession, but it still belongs to me, and I'm going to call on you from time to time just to keep tabs on it. This agreement supersedes all others between us, including the equally ridiculous one you have undoubtedly pasted on the back of your packaging, or concealed somewhere in the middle of it. The location of your version of this or any other covenant between us is irrelevant to its inapplicability here. Only this one pertains, and I really mean it.

In fact, this one supersedes yours even though yours may say that it supersedes mine. Why, even if yours said it would supersede mine even if mine said it would supersede yours even if yours said... Oh well. You get the idea.

Please be advised that I have adopted a strict rubber-glue policy. Any nasty thing that your lawyers say bounces off of me and sticks back to you. Be further advised that you agree to pay my legal expenses if I decide to sue you for violating this agreement or for any other reason that might strike my fancy.

Thank you and have a nice day!