ROLE MODEL: G. BALAKRISHNAN & NARESH DESAI - ONTRACK SOLUTIONS, MUMBAI.

"Employee satisfaction is top priority"

G Balakrishnan (left) and Naresh Desai

For G. Balakrishnan, director of Ontrack Solutions, improving employee friendly policies is top priority this year. Commitment to employee satisfaction is not new to Ontrack. The VAR spends several lakh on training and certifications each year. "People are our biggest asset. Hiring right and retaining them is a challenging task," says Bala.

Given the long list of value vendors in its basket, "certifications is not only a necessary evil imposed by vendors, but also becomes proof of its solutions and support capabilities", says Naresh Desai, also director of Ontrack.

The company's Professional Services Group, for instance, covers a range of solutions including network security, storage, ERP, access solutions, messaging, groupware, workflow solutions, data replication and disaster recovery. They require a systematic Customer Need Analysis and understanding of investment priorities of the user organization, says Desai. Customers also ask for proofs and testimonials before signing on. An investment in technology certifications thus provides an edge.

To give some idea, this year Ontrack expects to spend Rs. 6 lakhs by end March on certifications alone. Next year, this figure may go up to Rs. 7.5lakh, Desai indicates.

Certifiactions can offer the skill sets that employees vie for and corporate deployment experience offer exposure and expertise. But this makes certified employees more precious in the job market and retention remains an issue. Bala, therefore has been working at different ways of motivating employees to stay on.

Last year (July 2004 onwards), Ontrack introduced two people oriented schems: An 'employee home loan subsidy' and 'interest subsidy on car purchase'. For the home loan scheme, Ontrack offered up to Rs. 50,000 subsidy to employees depending on the number of years spent in the company. The amount was paid in check after verifying the documents of the loans.

For purchase of car, it offered 25-40 percent interest subsidy. Under the scheme, the car remained Ontrack's property to be given for use to an employee till EMIs are paid. Ownership will be transferred at the end of the term to the employee. Ontrack got depreciation benefit but bore all insurance costs. Result? Six employees opted for this scheme.

"Through these initiatives we try to retain quality manpower," Bala says, "For example, we linked the subsidy in home loans to the number for years spend with Ontrack. On an average, an employee spends three years in the company. We rewarded employees with a year of stay with a Rs. 10,000 subsidy, those with two years' stay with Rs. 20,000 subsidy, and so on," he explains.

Already renowned name in Mumbai's IT fraternity, Ontrack is looking at 2005 as the year of growth. "We have achieved a name in IT solutions space. Now we will focus on revenue growth", says Desai.

In 2004, Ontrack's turnover touched Rs. 45.52 crore, as against Rs. 24.81crore in 2004. It is expecting 30 percent growth this fiscal. Recently, it opened a branch in Chennai, and is opening another in Delhi.

Ontrack is also cherishing global ambitions. "Our existing skill sets - from security to infrastructure management - are highly respected. We would like to grow outside India", Desai says.

For now, with a strony JFM buying around the corner, business is on track for Ontrack.

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