Spice Telecom to extend cellular services: Spice Telecom has announced the extension of their cellular services to Hassan, Chikmagalur and Shimoga in Karnataka. Hassan and Chikamgalur will be first cities to be linked through Spice's optical fibre cable (OFC) cellular backbone, a company release said on Monday. The OFC is now operational for 200 kms between Bangalore (Neelamangala) and Tiptur. Work is in progress at 75 sites in the state and we expect to complete the Rs 25 crore cellular backbone by November, Spice Telecom general manager Vijaraghavan said.

PixelInfotek forum: The Bangalore-based Pixel Infotek Pvt Ltd in association with the US-based Bentley Systems is organising India MicroStation Forum 1998 on Wednesday. During the meet Pixel will formally launch the MicroStation J, a software designed for large-scale collaborative engineering across the Internet and corporate intranets, a company release said.

Nicco Infotech ties up with Oracle Corporation: Nicco Infotech Ltd, a subsidiary of the New Jersey-based Nicco Infotech Inc, on Monday tied up with Oracle Software India to set up a oracle applications institute in Calcutta. Nicco Corporation chairman and managing director Rajive Kaul, told reporters that the training centre, Nicco Institute for Oracle Applications, will impart education in Oracle applications for manufacturing and financials. Nicco Infotech, with an equity base of Rs 3.1 crore, has diversified in the areas of cables, steel, turnkey projects, software, theme parks, and financial services.

Computer trainers body code:The National Association of Computer Trainers (Nact), an organisation of computer training institutes in the country, is in the process of formulating a code of conduct for its members to ensure minimum standards for computer training institutes. The three member group expects the model code to be ready in the next three months, Nact president Suresh G Bharwani told reporters in Pune. He said Nact is also seeking industry status for itself, which will allow it to access bank loans for their working capital needs.

Tata IBM system: Tata IBM's Software group has developed a "file and letter tracking system" to assist the Rajasthan government's efforts in automating the state government's office operations. The software will be used initially at the office of the chief minister. The software deployed enables tracking movement of files and letters within a department and between different departments. The e-business application is web-enabled for access within the department. Tata IBM is also in talkswith the Rajasthan government for setting up an e-business competency centre to develop IT skills within and beyond the state borders.

Jet Airways inducts 19th aircraft:

Jet Airways, the Mumbai-based domestic air carrier, has inducted the nineteenth aircraft in its fleet. The Boeing 737-800, which has been taken on lease from GCAS, arrived here on Monday. The company plans to add another similar aircraft shortly. The induction of more aircraft at this juncture was necessary considering expected growth in demand in the peak season, company officials said.

Cathay Pacific promotion:

Cathay Pacific Airways has announced the launch of Fly to Win, a new global promotion involving the giveaways of 3,500 air tickets to passengers landing at the new Hong Kong International airport. The promotion aims to raise awareness of the world-class facility at the airport. The scheme which opens on October 1 will remain valid until November 30 this year. During the period Cathay Pacific will give awayeconomy class return ticket on every flight landing at Hong Kong, except those from Vietnam and United Arab Emirates.