The Hindu Business Line : Tech cos bat for the World Cup

New Delhi March 18 IT and ITES companies are not complaining about the World Cup fever burning up nights. Instead they're launching innovative programmes around the tournament.

Telecom software solutions company Aricent for one has decided to bring philanthropy to the sport. The company has pledged Rs 50 for every run scored by India towards the National Abilympic Association of India, which organises Olympics for the disabled. Cashing in on the enthusiasm around cricket, it will also donate Rs 10,000 for every Indian century and Rs 5,000 for every match in which India scores more than 350 runs.

Similarly, Dell India too is addressing the marginalised through the game. Celebrating the season of cricket with them are underprivileged children from a school it supports. Dressed like the cricket team, with faces painted in the Indian colours they are watching the matches at the Dell India office, said Mr Romi Malhotra, Director, Dell International Services India Pvt Ltd.

Besides corporate social responsibility activities, the companies are also involving their employees in the excitement. Aricent for one is conducting contests around cricket for employees.

Each employee is required to choose 11 players from different teams participating in the World Cup and conjure up its own team. The employee gets to earn 10 points on 50-99 runs scored by its batsman and similar points on every bowler in his team that manages to take 3-4 wickets.

HCL Technologies is not to be left behind. It has organised a contest where employees are to creatively dress up their floors and bays using the theme and colours of the match being played that day.

MTNL Delhi has made a special effort to bring live cricket scores to its subscribers. For latest cricket updates of all matches played by India customers need to dial 24012401 from their landlines. It has also introduced SMS updates for users.

Matrix Cellular Services has launched local postpaid SIM cards for people travelling to the West Indies for the matches. This would make international roaming for Matrix users at half the price.

"Cricket is binding everybody. We would like to bring our employees together through such an initiative," said Mr Jairam, Vice-President, Corporate Planning and Communication, Aricent.

HCL Technologies is not to be left behind. It has organised a contest where employees are to creatively dress up their floors and bays using the theme and colours of the match being played on that day.

While IT firms are addressing their employees, telecom companies are reaching out to their customers. For instance MTNL Delhi has made a special effort to bring live cricket scores to its subscribers. For latest cricket updates of all matches played by India customers need to dial 24012401 from their landlines. It has also introduced SMS updates for mobile users.

Matrix Cellular Services has launched local postpaid SIM cards for people travelling to the West Indies for the matches. This would make international roaming for Matrix users at half the price.

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