NIIT on Tuesday said that e-commerce will contribute 30 to 40 per cent of its total revenue by 2002 and an exclusive three-year business plan is being worked out as part of its next phase of globalisation. "E-commerce will be our thrust area of business in the coming years. It includes both our online multimedia education courseware and a wide range of software that we would offer others in building a strong e-commerce infrastructure," Rajendra S Pawar, executive chairman of NIIT, told PTI. Pawar, who took over the mantle of the company from Shiv Nadar last week, said the business plan was being formalised and would be revealed only after the NIIT's director board meeting on October 15.

Sriven buys Searcher software

Sriven Multi-Tech Ltd (SMTL) has acquired Searcher, an HRD software, developed and marketed by a US-based firm, Raymond Karson Associates (RKA). This is perhaps the first time that an Indian company has gone for an outright purchase of a successful software package. According to a company statement, Sriven (formerly Boss Industries) and RKA have entered into an agreement to this effect. Interestingly, the product was re-engineered by Sriven during 1998-99 which is also maintaining the software for 54 American HR consultancies. These companies automatically will become the core clients of Sriven, the statement said. The improved version of Searcher, which is under development, will be introduced by January 2000, said the company.

MTNL appoints director finance

S Sundresan has been appointed director finance of MTNL. He joined office on Monday as full-time member of the board. Sundresan's appointment comes at a time when the Delhi high court has issued notices to the government of India, Cabinet Committee on Appointments, MTNL and S Sundresan on a petition filed by senior finance advisor SD Saxena. The court in its order on September 13, directed the respondents to file their reply to the issues raised by the petitioner within four weeks. Saxena who has been with MTNL for the past seven years was in January this year offered the post of director finance, which he accepted. In a petition before the court, Saxena said that his appointment was cancelled despite his unequivocal acceptance of the offer.