Chapter 9

As they dispersed Ramesh asked his team to join him at his cabin. Sajjan and his team also assembled in his cabin to plan.

“Boss has placed an enormous challenge on us” Ramesh said immediately as he and his team entered in his room.

He turned to close the door and then moved to his chair. Normally he left his room door open. But whenever he had confidential matters to discuss, he shut his door. Shashank and Mukund took their seat in front.

“But Ramesh, this target is absolutely impossible. We have to follow the Software Development Life Cycle when we release software of this complexity” Shashank gave his expert opinion. By nature he was more concerned about processes than outcome. He would rather screw up following a process than make a judgement call for a decisive outcome.

“The Classic SDLC cannot be followed in this case. We need follow a different strategy for this rapid roll out” Ramesh replied

“The business operations people will have to take equal responsibility. They cannot just sit there and say we have given the functional specification”

“I don’t know how to make Sajjan own up anything. He has no clue of anything. Vidur is his right hand. He is a bright fellow. But he is as slippery as an eel.” Ramesh said.

“But what about readiness of the data center” Mukund asked

“For the time being we could use the data center of NUPS. They have surplus space. I will ask boss to talk to Surya” Ramesh replied

***

In the meantime Sajjan was having his conclave in his room. They had this habit of assembling in Sajjan’s room after the weekly meeting to have an evening tea and gossip before closing for the weekend.

“Ramesh has been completely bowled today. He is really psyched with Boss’s aggressive schedule” Sajjan commented. He was happy to find an occasion to put down Ramesh.

“Yes sir. You are very correct.” Ramaswami chipped in with his agreement.

“Shashank wants us to take all responsibilities. He cannot own anything” Vidur added.

“The system team has to do the sign off with MSS. We have already given the specification” Vidur continued.

“They have not started coding and they want us to complete the test conditions” Ramaswami commented. He wanted to make Sajjan happy. So he did not leave any opportunity to put down the system department.

“Arjun. You should start planning for the launch. Udhi can also help. With the minster attending the inauguration, it is going to be grand show and we don’t want to fail in the arrangements.” Sajjan said

“Don’t worry Sajjan” Udhi replied in his classical nonchalant fashion. “We will put up the grandest inauguration that Indrapura has never seen before” He was mostly chilled out; except when somebody questions his integrity. Normally he had a naughty smile in his face.

“I will say that after the show is over. Not now” Sajjan commented

“We will not let you down” Arjun replied unassumingly. Arjun took up every project with full sincerity and seriousness.

***