VSNL appointment: Rajneesh Gupta has taken over as director (network) on board of the Videsh Sanchar Nigam Ltd. This is the first time a post of director (network) has been created who shall be stationed at Calcutta. Gupta had held posts of general manager (MM) in the corporate office MTNL, director in the union ministry of education, chief general manager (task force), DoT Guwahati.

Piramal bags IIMM's Corporate Excellence award:

Piramal Enterprises Ltd chairmanAjay Piramal has bagged the Indian Institute of Materials Management's (IIMM) `Coporate Excellence award, 1998'. The award was presented to Piramal at the inaugural function of three-day 21th annual national convention of IIMM.

Tata Infotech ranking: Tata Infotech has been voted as the number one systems integrator (SI) in India by Voice&Data, a trade publication. The magazine considered revenue as the main ranking parameter this year, taking a departure from last year's `perceptions' approach. The company garnered a SI revenue of Rs 47.76 crore in 1997-98, a 37 per cent growth compared with previous year's revenue of Rs 34.85 crore. Total revenue rose 42 per cent to Rs 207.55 crore, from Rs 146.55 crore for the six months ended September 30, 1998. Net profit was up to Rs 25.40 crore, from Rs 11.90 crore for the same period.

HCL Infosystems speech recognition tools: HCL Infosystems' frontline division has announced the launch of a new range of speech recognition tools created by the US-basedDragon Systems Inc, a leading supplier of speech and language technology. The highlight of the range is Dragon Point & Speak, an entry level, easy to use continuous speech recognition software targeted at the home user and the first to allow natural continuous speech at an affordable price of Rs 5,995.

DirectPC, Compaq to join hands: DirectPC, the high-speed satellite Internet service and provider of the latest Internet access available in the US, will join forces with Compaq to make access to the satellite-based easier that ever before. As partners in Compaq's Triple Play strategy programme, DirectPC will participate in the PC manufacturers' aggressive new marketing effort to simplify broadband Internet access for businesses and consumers in the US.

Himalaya Drug gets Udyog Ratna award: Himalaya Drug Company has been awarded the Udyog Ratna by Indian Society of Analytical Scientists president Padmanabhan at the XIII ISAS National Symposium on Analytical Techniques. The prize has beenawarded for giving ayurveda a scientific status and making sophisticated analytical instrumentation a vital part of the company's research policy.

Cambridge Technology, Axial forge alliance: Cambridge Technology Partners India Pvt Ltd has signed a project with the UK-based Axial. Under the contract, Cambridge will design and develop the axis system that enables Axial to trade with its clients and suppliers via the Internet and the corporate intranet.

Adidas unveils TV commercial starring Tendulkar: Leading sports goods manufacturer Adidas India on Friday launched its first television commercial, `full tension', starring Sachin Tendulkar, a company release said. Adidas had signed the Indian cricketing hero for promoting their products nine months ago. The commercial will be backed by a large media budget and aired on sports, music and movie channels, the statement said.