Bits & Bytes, October 2015

Octo©b20e15rS/YNSToEMvSeOmFTbTeECrH2N0OL1O5GIES Volume 5, Issue 8 Connecting the SSTechPAfGaEm1 ily

IN THIS Daylight Savings Time ends at
2:00am on Sunday, November 1, 2015.
ISSUEConnecting the SSTech family Remember to set your clocks back one hour!

Immigration Update. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Immigration Q&A . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
India Office Happenings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Office Policy Reminders. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Safety is a State of Mind. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Tech in the News. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Job Openings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
The History of Halloween. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Veterans’ Day Feature: Vets in Tech. . . . . . . 14
Portal Update . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Professional Training Opportunities. . . . . . 16
Tech Tips. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Congratulations are in Order . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Monthly Celebrations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
New Employees. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

Corporate Headquarters Atlanta Office Virginia Office Dallas Office India Office
3000 Bayport Drive 6 Concourse Parkway 2551 Dulles View Drive 5850 Granite Parkway Swarna Jayanthi Complex
Suite 840 Suite 2950 Suite 350 Suite 970 3rd Floor, Suite 306
Tampa, Florida 33607 Atlanta, Georgia 30328 Herndon, Virginia 20171 Plano, Texas 75024 Ameerpet, Hyderabad, India 500073
Ph: (727) 723-0801 Ph: (770) 391-0801 Ph: (703) 870-7407 Ph: (254) 647-0801 Ph: 23735579, 23735589
Fax: (813) 289-5359 Fax: (770) 391-0849 Fax: (703) 870-7467 Fax: (214) 436-4677 Fax: 23733369

Bits & Bytes is designed and edited by Danielle Fernandez and published by System Soft Technologies. All rights reserved. No part of this publi-
cation may be reproduced in whole or in part without the written permission of the publisher. While every care is taken in gathering information
for this book and ensuring its correctness, the publishers disclaim responsibility for any inaccuracies, errors or omissions.

PAGE 2 © 2015 SYSTEM SOFT TECHNOLOGIES

A Note from HR: Immigration Update

There have been a number of significant immigration changes recently. The SSTech immigration team has provided further details below.

Government Shutdowns students who hold STEM OPT will
While we always remain hopeful not be affected. Beyond that, however,
that they can be avoided, if there is there is no clear guidance as to what
a government shutdown, you can current extension holders or future ap-
reasonably expect the following to plicants can expect. Please stay tuned
happen: to future issues of Bits and Bytes to
keep up-to-date with this fluid situa-
• The Department of Labor tion.
will close down and halt all
adjudications of PERM and Passport Renewals
LCA’s. While the government One of the most common issues faced
remains closed, the iCert web- by our immigration team involves
site will also remained shut circumstances in which employees
down. have passports expiring in less than six
months. Remember, it is the em-
• The USCIS will continue to ployee’s responsibility to keep track
adjudicate applications, as they of passport expiration and to plan
are funded mainly by filing renewals accordingly.
fees.

• Visas issued abroad may or If your passport expires in less than six
may not continue. This will months, the USCIS will not grant an
come down to a post by post extension beyond the expiration date
and case by case decision. An of your passport.
important part of the issuance
of a visa is the security/background clearance, which could be If your passport expires in less than
delayed during a government shutdown. six months and you Enter the US from abroad, the US CBP will
only issue an I-94 for the duration of the passport, regardless of
STEM OPT Extension/Duration the duration of the visa in your passport, and regardless of how
A federal judge’s ruling in August invalidated the 17-month long your status has already been approved.
extension of optional practical training (OPT) for international
students in the science, technology, engineering, and math- Please remember to renew your passport as early as possible.
ematics (STEM) fields, determining that the USCIS did not
follow the Administrative Procedures Act (APA) with regards Subscribe to the Visa Bulletin
to the posting and notice of this rule. The decision has been
stayed until February 12, 2016 to give the US Department of The Department of State maintains an email subscription list
Homeland Security (DHS) time to submit the rules for the for the monthly Visa Bulletins. To be placed on this subscrip-
program for public comment. tion list, send an email with “Subscribe Visa-Bulletin” in the
subject line to [email protected].
This decision affects thousands of F-1 students who currently
use the STEM extension, in addition to causing “major labor The Department of State also has available a recorded message
disruption” for technology-related industries. with visa cut-off dates which can be accessed
by calling (202) 485-7699. The recording
So what does this mean for F-1 students who rely on STEM is normally updated on or about the 10th
OPT work authorization? The 2008 STEM OPT regulations of each month with information on cut-off
are still in effect until February 2016, so the status of current dates for the following month.

© 2015 SYSTEM SOFT TECHNOLOGIES PAGE 3

More from HR: Immigration Q&A
Connecting the SSTech family

1. My I-140 PD is current in October 2015, but I am apply- letter to support your driver’s license renewal based on the receipt
ing for my H-1B extension before the end of September. notice only.
Can I still file my H-1B extension or do I need to wait for
my EAD instead? 3. How will a government shutdown affect my H-1B exten-
sion filing? What if I change my work location during
Yes, you can file for your H-1B extension. You do not need to that time?
wait for your EAD. The USCIS will adjudicate your H-1B exten-
sion application and your EAD application while your Adjust- Based on our experience during prior government shutdowns, if
ment of Status application is pending. a shutdown happens to occur, we would expect the Department
of Labor to halt processing of Labor Condition Applications
If you have any questions regarding your Adjustment of Status (LCAs), which are necessary for an H-1B filing. This means that
application, please contact SSTech’s immigration department. if your LCA has not already been certified, we will not be able to
We can provide you with the contact information for attorneys submit your Extension or Amendment petition.
with whom the company has negotiated special “SSTech employ-
ee” rates who can help you with this process. When similar issues have come up in the past, the USCIS has
granted a grace period to employers wishing to submit petitions
2. I need to renew my driver’s license but my approval and catch up. Therefore, if you have a new assignment, we expect
notice has not been received yet. Can I renew it with the that you would be able to start. You can then file your LCA and
Receipt notice and do I need to apply again once I get your petition with the USCIS once the government reopens.
the approval notice at DMV?
4. How will a government shutdown affect my PERM ap-
The rules regarding documentation necessary for driver’s license plication? Is there any grace period?
extensions vary by state, so you will need to check with your local
DMV to determine those that apply to you. Based on our experience with previous government shutdowns,
the Department of Labor (DOL) website, which handles the
In the meantime, the Immigration team can furnish you with a Permanent Labor Certification Process (PERM), will likely go
copy of your H-1B receipt notice and the HR team can provide a
offline. This means that pending
applications will not be adjudicated
and new petitions will not be ac-
cepted.

When similar issues have come up
in the past, the DOL has granted a
grace period for employers to submit
PERM applications once the gov-
ernment reopens.

5. My CPT expires on September
27, 2015, but my H-1B starts
on October 1, 2015. Can I work
during that period? What are
my options?

If your CPT expires before Octo-
ber 1st, but you have an H-1B with
an October 1st start date, you will
remain eligible to remain in the US.
During this “gap” period, however,
you WILL NOT be work autho-

PAGE 4 © 2015 SYSTEM SOFT TECHNOLOGIES

on the visa status of the primary visa holder (L-1
or H-1). When you change to H-1B status,
your dependents are no longer legally eligible to
remain in L-2 status.

Your spouse can concurrently file for their EAD
with the change of status application.

If your L-2 spouse is currently working on an
L-2 EAD, they will need to stop employment
while the H-4 Change of Status and EAD ap-
plications are pending. They can return to work
once their H-4 EAD has been issued.

rized. That means that, while you are legally eligible to remain 9. Once I submit my Adjustment of Status
in this country, you will not be eligible to return to work until application, do I receive the EAD
October 1st.
immediately? Does my employment status change auto-
6. I need to travel overseas and have to obtain a visa stamp matically from an H-1B to EAD?
prior to my return. Do I use my current H-1B Approval
notice, which is valid until December 2015, or the exten- Generally speaking, after your Adjustment of Status application
sion approval with validity starting January 1, 2016? has been submitted, you can expect to receive your EAD within
approximately 90 days. Your employment status does not auto-
Bring both approvals with you to your appointment. The Visa matically change from H-1 to EAD, however. This change only
Officer, while only legally obligated to issue you a visa good happens once you’ve notified SSTech’s HR department of your
through the end of the year, may, at their sole and un-appealable new EAD with a request to update your I-9. Until this is done,
discretion, grant you a longer duration visa. The closer you get to you remain eligible for employment under your H-1B.
the end of the year, the greater the likelihood of that happening.
Please keep in mind that if you do convert your employment sta-
7. My visa is valid and I am travelling for pleasure overseas, tus to EAD, you will no longer be able to switch back to H-1B.
but I changed my work location before April 8, 2015.
What do I need to carry to ensure I don’t have any issues 10. If I have not received my EAD/AP but my Adjustment of
at the Port of Entry? Status application is still pending, can I travel abroad?
Can I use my AP to re-enter the U.S., or do I need to use
Before you travel, you should first contact SSTech’s immigration my H-1B for re-entry purposes?
department. If you are working at a new client site, it’s best to
obtain a client letter verifying the existence of work when you If you have a valid H-1B, you may travel abroad prior to or
re-enter. The immigration department will also provide you with after the issuance of your Advance Parole. However, you must
an updated letter from SSTech as well as a copy of the Labor be physically present in the United States at the time that the
Condition Application (LCA) for your current location. Adjustment of Status application is filed. When you return to
the United States, if you wish to remain in H-1B status, YOU
8. My spouse currently holds an L-2 status. Effective MUST have a valid H-1B visa in your passport. An expired visa
December 1st, I’m changing my status to H-1B. When do and valid approval notice is not sufficient.
we need to apply for her change of status application?
Can my spouse apply for an EAD while changing her If you travel abroad with a pending Adjustment Application and
status as well? you do not have a valid H-1B visa in your passport (provided
that you already have been issued Advance Parole), the CBP will
Your spouse must file their change of status request from L-2 admit you under the Advance Parole.
to H-4 before December 1st, or they risk being deemed “out of
status.” An L-2 or H-4 is a dependent visa. This status is based Even if you have Advance Parole and a valid H-1B visa stamp
in your passport, do not assume that you will automatically be
admitted as an H-1B. It is essential that you inform the CPB
officer at the airport of your intentions immediately upon return
to the United States.

© 2015 SYSTEM SOFT TECHNOLOGIES PAGE 5

India Office: HappeningsConnecting the SSTech family

The SSTech India team celebrated August accomplishments and timesheets and invoices to process and a
birthdays at the main office in Hyderabad on August 28th. Staff number of team members absent,
was divided into four teams (Team A, Team B, Team C, and Laxman filled in efficiently and was
Team D) and took turns participating in various fun-filled activi- able to handle the workload admi-
ties, including balloon filling, picking up beans with a straw, and rably. He is a reliable, enthusiastic,
Anthakshari. and committed team member who is
always willing to help others. Great
Director Ranga Rao presented the Star of the Month award to work, Laxman!
Laxman Madcherla, an Accounts Assistant with the billing team.
After a terribly hectic month of August, and with a heavy load of

TEAM A: TEAM C:
Front row (left to right): Joel Kolli, Babitha Kasturi, Kiran Veeram- Front row: Sandeep Reddy, Bapuji Yalamarthi, Madhu Badiginchala,
achaneni, Purna Chandra, Siva Reddy. Maruthi Pendem.
Back row: Sita Rama Raju, Ravi Pusuluri Back row: Sadasiva Reddy, Srinivas Veeraboina, Ravi Kumar Tel-
lapuri, Srikanth Chennu

TEAM B:
Front row: Avinash Thipparthi, Krishna Kasibhatta, Mahesh Bairi.
Back row: Kiranmai, Sunil Ballamudi, Ajay Penumaka, Laxman
Madcherla.

TEAM D:
Front row: Raja Uppala, Nahid Mansuri, Ranga Rao Garu
Back row: Venkata Durga, Murali Krishna, Muzeeb, Venkatesh Go-
rantla, Bhanu Tummala.

PAGE 6 © 2015 SYSTEM SOFT TECHNOLOGIES

Mr. Ranga Rao presented the ‘Star of the Month’ award to Laxman
Madcherla

Small Interview skit played by the team. From left to right: Nahid
Mansuri, Vijay Velagapudi, Muzeeb, Jose Panicker.

Krishna Kasibhatta presenting the birthday gifts
Team D’s Winner of the Day celebrating with chocolates!

Cake cutting. From (L-R) Krishna Kasibhatta, Mercy Kiran, Mr. Ranga Rao Congratulating Mercy Kiran for organizing the
Maruthi, Bhanu, Raja Uppala, Muzeeb, Sunil Ballamudi event.

© 2015 SYSTEM SOFT TECHNOLOGIES PAGE 7

Office Policy RemindersConnecting the SSTech family

System Soft Technologies’ work culture and success is determined by the conscious accountability of actions and decisions of each employee.
As valued employees, please understand that you are expected to be mindful of office protocol.

Office Timings Dress Code
SSTech offers two workday options, 8:30am-5:00pm or 9:00am- The dress code for SSTech is
5:30pm. All employees are expected to choose one, then be punc- business casual from Monday
tual and work as scheduled. If there is a delay in your arrival time, through Thursday, and casual
please notify both your manager and HR. on Friday.

Please also avoid excessive, Please reserve jeans and sneak-
short-notice flex time leaves. ers for Fridays, and be sure to
If you know you need the consider the office-appropriateness of the casual clothes you do
time off, seek written approv- choose (excessive tears, low cuts, inappropriate hemlines, sheer
al from your manager and material, etc.).
copy HR. Each manager is
responsible for ensuring that For a detailed explanation of the company’s dress policy, please
an employee’s missed time is made up, so arrange an anticipated refer to pages 13 through 15 of the System Soft Technologies Em-
make-up work schedule with your manager or report time worked ployee Handbook, which can be found here:
as you make up the time within the allotted one week timeframe.
Y:\SSTECH Forms\Human Resources\Employee Handbook

Excessive and/or Prolonged Breaks Breakroom Etiquette
Breaktime has been noticeably abused by some employees. Al- After using the breakroom, please:
lowed breaks include one 30-minute mandatory lunch break
and an optional morning and/or afternoon break. Both manage- • Clean dishes and silverware.
ment and office colleagues notice the disparity of those who take • Make sure the sink basin and
advantage of extra time.
drain are clear of food.
Interoffice Conversation • Ensure that the toaster oven
In an effort to avoid disturbing coworkers, please keep in-office is turned off after use and that cooked-on food is removed.
conversations at a low level. Ongoing personal conversations, • Ensure that the faucet is turned off completely
personal phone calls and/or loud outbursts and comments disrupt • Wipe and, if necessary, dry the countertops/table.
the professional environment. This concern definitely receives • Clean spills after food preparation and eating.
ultiple complaints to HR. • Label containers you’ve stored in the refrigerator and only
use food items you’ve brought. This includes condiments and
other items that may be used over prolonged periods (like
cream cheese, preserves, or salad dressing).

PAGE 8 * * REMEMBER to update your personal information on the portal. * *

© 2015 SYSTEM SOFT TECHNOLOGIES

Safety is a State of Mind
A monthly column dedicated to the safety and well-being of the SSTech family. by Sudha Pisipati

TRICK-OR-TREATING AT HOME

1. Haunt in high profile. Choose bright colors, add 1. Make way for ghosts and goblins. Stash the

reflective tape to costumes and trick-or-treat bags, or garden hose, even out the stone path, and fix the leaning
hand out glowsticks so kids remain visible to drivers. fence. The path from the sidewalk to your candy bowl
should be free from obstructions or hazards.
2. Stomp comfortably, not fashionably. Choose
2. Give the broom a spin. Sweep dirt and larger
well-fitting shoes that remain comfortable over long debris, like wet leaves and snow, from sidewalks and steps.
periods of walking.
3. Test the eerie glow. Turn on the exterior lights
3. Tailor the terror. Ensure masks fit securely, with and replace any bulbs that have burned out in walkways
or at the front door.
adequate vision and ventilation, and make sure costumes
are short enough to avoid tripping or entanglement. 4. Stash Jack. A lit jack-o-lantern presents a fire

4. Supervise monsters, little and big. Make sure hazard, whether it’s illuminated by candle or electri-
cal bulb. Keep them and other lit decorations out of
there’s at least one adult accompanying young children. the reach of small children and away from flam-
Encourage older kids to stay in groups, and to call or text mable costumes and materials.
their location at regular intervals.
5. Calm the creepy crawlies. Restrain pets so they
5. Lighten up. Only visit homes that are lit from the cannot inadvertently jump on or bite a trick-or-treater.

front. Brighten the path between haunts either with old- ON THE ROAD
fashioned flashlights (change the batteries!) or by engag-
ing the flashlight app on your smartphone. 1. Creep slowly down the street. You just
never know when a daring cowboy or a scary witch
6. Spook sidewalks and driveways. Stick to the will dart out from behind a parked car.

cement and keep kids from walking through yards 2. Enter and exit at your own risk. Navigate
or on the street.
driveways, parking lots, and alleys carefully.
7. Back up your scare tactics. Attach contact
3. Study the shadows. Children are often dressed
information inside kids’ costumes and bags. Teach
children to find a trusted adult or call 9-1-1 in the in dark fabrics, making it especially difficult to see
event of an emergency. them at twilight and later in the evening.

8. Eats before treats. Serve a meal or a big snack

before trick-or-treating so kids’ bellies are too full
for candy binges. Wait until you’re home to sort
through the haul, and throw away anything that’s
unwrapped, open, or just plain suspicious-looking.

©©22001155SSYYSSTTEEMMSSOOFFTTTTEECCHHNNOOLLOOGGIIEESS PPAAGGEE99

Tech in the News:

Keep Track of Your Little GoblinsConnecting the SSTech family and Ghouls

with Glympse’s App this Halloween

by Molly Brown Published October 28, 2015 on

If you’re frantically gluing things on costumes—or even haven’t started yet—there’s Available on both iOS and Android, the Leader
one thing you can do quickly to get ready for trick or treating this weekend. Down- in Temporary Location Sharing Provides Free,
load the Glympse Track & Treat app to keep tabs on your little ones. Real-Time Tracking of Ghosts and Goblins
The updated version from the Seattle-based startup features real-time tracking that
lets you see where your kids are and how fast they’re moving from your mobile
device or desktop. You can use it in tandem with your partner, too.
“By applying our industry leading technology to this fun, user-friendly app, we’re
providing parents the peace of mind to enjoy the holiday, while allowing them the
opportunity to give their kids a sense of independence,” said Glympse’s creative
director Monica Depiesse in an email statement.
Earlier this year, we reported that the location-sharing service signed deals with
Volkswagen and Peugeot, bringing its deals with car brands to 10.
The fun Track & Treat app is free and available from the App Store or Google Play
on Android for the first time. Download it and have one less thing to worry about
for Halloween.

PAGE 10 © 2015 SYSTEM SOFT TECHNOLOGIES

Help us find For more information on open
positions at SSTech, send an
THE MISSING PIECE email to Recruiting Director,
Mahi Paul at [email protected].

If you wish to apply for a posi-
tion, please send your resume
and a brief cover letter with
the job title and office location
listed, salary expectations, and
availability.

Employee Referral
Program

Are you an active SSTech em-
ployee? Then why not partici-
pate in the Employee Referral
Program?

All open positions are eligible
for a referral reward. There are
no limits on the number of
referrals an employee can make,
nor is there a limit on the num-
ber of referral bonuses that can
be collected.

For more information, email
Trupti Trivedi at trupti.t@
sstech.us.

© 2015 SYSTEM SOFT TECHNOLOGIES PAGE 11

The History ofConnecting the SSTech family

by Alec Greider

Halloween is a favorite American holiday for both young and boundary separating the realms of the living and the dead could
old...but it doesn’t seem to make any sense. more easily be crossed.

Why would we celebrate death, monsters, ghosts, and things that The Celts, believing the ghosts of the dead were able to use this
are bloody and gruesome? Why do we take one day every year to time to return to the living world, made offerings of food and
scare each other and celebrate things that are generally unset- drink to ensure they and their livestock would survive the winter.
tling? And furthermore, what do candy and pumpkins have to do They would assemble and light large bonfires, then use them to
with it? burn animals and crops as sacrifice to their gods.

It all just seems so random. However, with a closer look at ancient They wore costumes and masks made out of animal skins to
traditions, we can see that it all isn’t quite as random as it seems, frighten and confuse evil spirits, and lit jack-o-lanterns (actu-
and the evolution of the holiday is actually quite fascinating. ally, they originally lit turnips, believe it or not) to guide friendly
spirits. All the while, they danced between homes reciting songs
Celtic Origins and verses, and telling each other’s fortunes, in exchange for treats
Most scholars agree that the origin of this celebration lies with and other food.
the Celts, a people of ancient Ireland who lived over 2,000 years
ago. On November 1st, they celebrated Samhain, an end-of-the- A Roman and Catholic Influence
harvest festival that marked their new year and ushered in the By the middle of the first century AD, the Roman Empire had
beginning of the dark, cold months of winter (a time of the year spread across Europe and conquered Celtic lands. During its
closely associated with death). The eve of Samhain—in other reign, the Roman festivals of Feralia (a celebration of the dead)
words, October 31st —was considered a liminal time, when the and Pomona (in celebration of the goddess of the harvest), both
of which took place in the fall, were combined with the Celtic
Samhain. The mixed celebrations resulted in a large festival to
commemorate the dead and lost souls.

Centuries later, the Catholic feasts of All Saints Day and All
Souls Day were established. All Saints Day, celebrated on No-
vember 1st, commemorates saints and martyrs. All Souls Day,
which falls on November 2nd, commemorates all of the dead.

In Middle English, All Saints Day was referred to as “All Hal-

PAGE 12 Both, left: Depictions of ancient Celtic Samhain festivals.
Above: Ancient Roman celebration of the dead.
Both, near right: All Hallow’s Eve celebrations, Middle Ages.
Far right, top: Early 19th century Halloween costumes.
Far right, bottom: Costumed children in the 1920s.

© 2015 SYSTEM SOFT TECHNOLOGIES

The spooky spirit is ablaze with ancient Celtic and Roman superstitions.

lows,” making October 31st “All Hallows Eve.” A thousand years to socialize and interact. The exchange of candy became a simple
after the Celtic tradition that gave it its foundation, the day was and inexpensive way to recognize the altruistic tradition, ensuring
celebrated with similar bonfires and the donning of costumes re- the bearer would not get “tricked” like the ghosts would as they
sembling angels and demons. Parades were held, and it was com- roamed the earth.
mon for the poor to beg wealthier families for food in return for
prayers for good fortune for their benefactors’ deceased relatives. By the 1950’s, Halloween had evolved into what it is today: like
many American traditions and holidays, the result of a combina-
This tradition left an altruistic imprint on the holiday, eventually tion of cultures and traditions that grew and thrived in a melting
leading to children going door-to-door asking for food or money. pot of nationalities and beliefs.
A thousand years and a handful of cultures later, and All Hallows
Eve began to resemble the holiday that we know today. It seems only fitting that Halloween was originally formed
around Celtic, Roman, and Christian traditions since America
Celebrations Come to America was formed around a number of similar European cultures. Hal-
As Christianity gained popularity in America, and with the heavy loween succeeded in bringing people together in a young Ameri-
influx of Irish and English immigrants in the 19th century, the can nation, as it had succeeded in doing so for hundreds of years
All Hallows celebration made its way across the Atlantic where it before that. It may seem strange, but we are lucky to have such
thrived in the New World. a unique holiday that has survived for 2,000 years, across thou-
sands of miles, and through multiple cultural shifts to bring us all
The celebration became less associated with religion and more together in a day of celebration. What could be more American
focused on bringing diverse communities together with parades than that?
and community-centric events that encouraged neighborhoods

© 2015 SYSTEM SOFT TECHNOLOGIES PAGE 13

Veteran’s Day Feature: Vets in Tech

by Gary Peterson and Mark Emmons

Katherine Webster is a Bay Area technology veteran “We’re creating an ecosystem to help them get the
with a career that includes 16 years at Sun Microsys- skills they need, give them confidence, the ability to
tems. But when she looked around her industry, she speak corporate,” said Chris Galy, a West Point gradu-
didn’t see anyone throwing out the welcome mat for ate and director of talent acquisition for Intuit. “We
military veterans. want to do everything possible to make them more
“We have organizations like Women in Tech, Teens in employable. We’re trying to provide them with a Sili-
Tech and other affinity groups, but why aren’t we doing con Valley mindset.”
more to get veterans into our community?” Webster For Navy veteran Scott Deming, attending a Vets
said. in Tech coding workshop in San Francisco in 2012
She’s working to change that as founder of Vets in led him to a career change from studying film at the
Tech, a grass-roots project with the goal of demysti- Academy of Art University to now working as a field
fying the high-tech world for veterans interested in engineer in New York City for systems management
getting their boots in the door of Silicon Valley, and company Argent.
beyond. “It wasn’t just taking a class,” said Deming, 35. “The
The 16-month-old group, which has the backing of A- real value is they care who you are, were interested
list technology gurus like Craig Newmark of Craigslist in what you wanted to do and then connected you
as well as companies such as Cisco, HP, Facebook and to other veterans and companies. It’s hard when you
Intuit, is launching an expansion Thursday to six other transition out of the military because you’re trained to
markets around the country -- just in time for Veter- follow. But these are leaders who can help you get into
ans Day. IT.”
About 2.6 million Americans have served in the Iraq
Jobless Statistics and Afghanistan conflicts. But the people who have
made some of the greatest sacrifices in the post-9/11
U.S. unemployment: 7.2 percent era, also are the ones struggling the most with unem-
Overall veteran unemployment: 6.5 percent- ployment today.
Post-9/11 veteran unemployment: 9.7 percent While the latest national jobless figure is 7.2 percent,
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics the rate for new veterans is much higher -- 9.7 percent.
And with the end of the war in Iraq and the current
Vets in Tech drawdown in Afghanistan, more than 1 million service
members either have left the military or are projected
Vets in Tech is a Silicon Valley/San Francisco-based to transition out through 2016.
grass-roots organization dedicated to helping veter- Webster looks at those figures and sees a need for their
ans and active-duty military servicemen and women matchmaking organization that can connect newer
connect with the high-tech community. veterans with unfilled jobs in high tech.
The group is holding a national launch as it expands “I was watching stories about all these veterans return-
to six other markets: Washington, D.C., New York ing and looking at my father’s military pictures and
City, Los Angeles, San Diego, Portland/Seattle and thought, ‘I’m in the middle of tech. How can I help?’
Austin, Texas. “ said Webster, whose dad served in the Korean War.
For more information: www.vetsintech.co “This generation pretty much grew up with tech with
smartphones, games and social media. They really

PAGE 14 © 2015 SYSTEM SOFT TECHNOLOGIES

Helping Veterans Find Jobs in Tech Industry

Published November 6, 2013 in

understand it, and they have all of these other talents and invite tech experts to speak to veterans about the
-- leadership, discipline, work ethic.” industry.

The problem is, many veterans either don’t realize “We’re trying to create that bridge and connect vets to
how skills learned in the military translate to the tech people who can talk about what technology is, here
workplace, or are unable to communicate their qualifi- are some classes you take, here’s the advice you need
cations to prospective employers. to get started,” said Galy, a member of the Vets in Tech
Lance Sapera spent 21 years in the Navy, rising to the advisory board.
rank of commander. Yet as he neared his March 2007 The organization has no data on how many veterans
separation, he found himself “intimidated” by the it has helped find employment, but the reason for the
prospect of finding a job in the private sector. Sapera, national rollout is because there is growing interest.
who ended his military career as the Navy’s top re- “The cool thing about going national is vets don’t have
cruiter in Northern California, was working as an to move to the most expensive place in the country,”
executive with 24 Hour Fitness when he heard about Webster said. “They can start where they live.”
a hackathon -- a weekend entre-
preneurial brainstorming session
-- that Vets in Tech sponsored at
Facebook earlier this year.

“I’m not a coder or a developer,”
Sapera said. “But everybody was
so welcoming. ‘You don’t know
anything about coding? That’s OK,
we need ideas.’ It was real collab-
orative. It immediately broke down
some of those intimidating barri-
ers.”

Sapera became an example of the
Vets in Tech philosophy of assist-
ing one veteran at a time with a
personal touch. That event helped
him sharpen his résumé and job
pitch, and he made contacts that
helped him land a job in talent
acquisition at ManpowerGroup
Solutions.

Vets in Tech doesn’t do job fairs, A portrait of Lance Sapera, who is Director of Program Delivery for talent acquisition for
which Webster sees as veterans an Intuit subcontractor, ManpowerGroup Solutions. After a 21-year Navy career that saw
standing “in a big line with a piece him rise to the rank of commander, he found work in high tech through connections he
of paper.” Rather, the focus is on made with Vets in Tech. Photographed on Nov. 6, 2013, at Intuit’s Mountain View head-
building relationships. That in- quarters. (photo courtesy of Dai Sugano/Bay Area News Group)
cludes “basic training” where they
teach introductory coding skills

© 2015 SYSTEM SOFT TECHNOLOGIES PAGE 15

Portal Update:

Submit TraveClonanenctidng Generalthe SSTech family Expenses via Portal

As part of SSTech’s continued commitment to enhancing inter-depart- For video tutorials on the expense report submission and approval pro-
mental processes and communication, we now collect all submissions for cess, please visit the following URLs:
Travel and General Expenses electronically.
How to Submit a Travel or General Expense Report
All expense reports must be submitted via ESS-Portal (same portal, new https://apps.sstech.us/site/office/expense/submitexpensereport.html
name!). Email and/or manual reports will no longer be accepted.
How to Approve Expense Reports
If you have any questions or trouble submitting your expenses, please https://apps.sstech.us/site/office/expense/expensereportprocess.html
contact Liza (Elwora) Ahmed at (703) 870-7407 x430. Rest assured that
your submission will be addressed as priority.

Professional Training Opportunities

SAP UX (User Experience) Online Training Contact: Satish N V Godavarthi at (972) 979 4522 or [email protected]]

SAPUI5 Contents • OData Overview o Enabling Authentication
• SAPUI5 Overview o Explaining REST o Managing Users
• SAP UI Development Toolkit for HTML5 o Explaining OData • OData Service Consumption
• Programming Applications o Performing OData Operations o Consuming OData Services
• SAPUI5 Developer Studio o Performing OData Queries
• Creating a SAPUI5 Project • SAP Gateway Service Implementation SAP Fiori Contents
• Model – View – Controller o Implementing a Gateway Service • Overview of the SAP Fiori solution
• Databinding o Defining Data Model • Introduction to SAP Fiori Apps
• Databinding - OData o Implementing Read Operations • SAP UX strategy relating to SAP Fiori
• Resource Handling / Localization o Implementing Navigation • Fiori Launchpad overview and functions
• Styling & Theming o Implementing Query Options • Fiori Launchpad configuration
• CVOM Charts o Implementing Change Operations • Theme Designer overview
• SAPUI5 Mobile • SAP Gateway Hub Functionalities • Introduction to Hana Cloud Platform
• Create a Mobile App Project o Assigning Multiple Back-End Systems Support • Introduction to Web IDE
• Optimizing SAPUI5 • Advanced OData Options
• SAP User Experience Strategy o Implementing Function Imports Instructor has been working in the SAP UX
• SAP User Experience Tools and Technologies o Implementing Expand Operation space for the last eight years in the United
o Implementing Deep Insert Operation States. He is well-versed in SAP User Interface
SAP NetWeaver Gateway Contents o Handle ETags technologies and has extensive experience
• SAP Gateway Overview o Explaining Media Links working on most UI technologies, including
o Describing Server Side Caching WebDynpro (ABAP/Java), SAP NetWeaver
o Explaining SAP Gateway • SAP Gateway Security portal, SAP UI5, Fiori, CRM WebUI, and
o Describing the SAP Gateway Deployment Adobe Forms.

Options

Web Application Security (OWASP Top 10) SAP Business Objects, Universe Designer, Automation QA Training
Contact: Praneetha Yalamanchili HP Quick Test Pro
[email protected] or (203) 535-3105 Web Intelligence, Web intelligence Rich Manual Testing, Quality Center, Other Tools
Contact: Raj Yaramala
Business Analysis Client Reports Development, Xcelsius [email protected] or (267) 467-4766
Contact: Karim Gaber
[email protected] or (727) 723-0801 x303 Dashboard Designing, Business Objects: Java/J2EE
Contact: Srinivas Gaddam
Data Services, Business Warehouse [email protected] or (904) 616-6045
Contact: Prahadhir Kumar
[email protected] or (615) 699-5433
or www.Helpism.com

Training Facilitation SQL Server Training (T-SQL, SSIS, SSRS)
Contact: Farhan
Are you interested in conducting your own training sessions in other skill
sets? SSTech would be happy to assist you with coordinating this effort. [email protected] or (701) 446-8865

Contact David Gonu at [email protected] or (727) 723-0801 x313.

PAGE 16 © 2015 SYSTEM SOFT TECHNOLOGIES

TechfToripthseThanksgiving Road Tripper

by Grant Brunner Published November 2014 on

If you, like me, are one of the crazy people hitting the super cheap),
road the day before Thanksgiving, and at least have the and they do
good fortune of not having to be behind the wheel— the trick. But
let’s hear it for bus travel!—there are a few ways my my main staple
good friend ‘technology’ can help you pass the time is Scrabble;
while you’re (inevitably) sitting in traffic, without com- there’s a free
pletely losing your mind. version, but
take advantage
First of all, make this of the $.99
trip the least burden- Thanksgiving sale and buy the paid version; this way
some on yourself as you can play against the computer, instead of relying
you can, and lighten on some random person you’re paired up with. (And
your load. In other yes, you can get all of these on your Android device as
words: leave the well.)
books at home. This And finally, let’s
will also make sure be real: sometimes
you aren’t that jerk you just gotta take
with the super bulky carry-on bag that you keep rifling your work on the
through while looking for your next read. So bring road. It happens.
your preferred e-reader, and then, to save a little coin, But better to crank
rent a book. Yes, that’s right, libraries have gone digital. out those, ahem,
(Speed readers rejoice!) With eBookFling (Android, article edits while
BlackBerry, iPad, iPhone, Kindle, Nook), rather than en route, rather than once you’ve arrived, no? If you’re
buying electronic book files wholesale, you can borrow a last-minute packer, like myself, and forget to throw
them for 14 days…for just $2.99 per title! that must-have doc on your jump drive, there’s still
This might seem obvious, but seriously, if you haven’t hope: TeamViewer. Available for Mac, PC, iOS, and
installed the Netflix app on your tablet, there is no Android, TeamViewer lets you remotely access your
better time than now Apple computer and edit files from anywhere…as long
(provided you’re as you have an Internet connection.
able to connect to I hope your Thanksgiving (and subsequent holiday)
the Web). The app is travels go as smooth as possible! And be sure to fully
free, and a stream- charge your devices before you take off!
ing membership is When you’re feeling stressed out, it’s easy to forget that
just $7.99 per month. Thanksgiving is all about enjoying yourself and the
(And hey, if you just company you keep. Friends and family are definitely
need something to the focus, but if you can use some tech to help your
get you through the holiday season, just register and holiday run smoother, all the better. And if any of you
take advantage of the free 30-day trial. I won’t tell…) have some more hot tech tips to help ease the stress of
Let’s not overlook the benefit of games. Loaded onto the holidays, please leave them in the comment section
my iPhone are a few staple time-killers: Angry Birds; below this post. After all, we can use all the help we
Fruit Ninja; Fling; Sudoku; and even a game called can get during this time of year.
Paper Toss where, yes, the object is to toss crumpled
up balls of paper into a wastebasket. They’re free (or

© 2015 SYSTEM SOFT TECHNOLOGIES PAGE 17

Congratulations are in order!
Connecting the SSTech family
Congratulations to Tampa recruiter David Gonu and his new wife, Chelsea, who tied the knot in Chicago on September 19!

Left: Chelsea and David share a few moments after the ceremony.
Right: The SSTech family joins in the festivities.

It’s a Boy! © 2015 SYSTEM SOFT TECHNOLOGIES

Congratulations are also due to the Tampa office’s
Senior Corporate Manager, David Quish, who
found out he’s expecting a baby boy!

Right: David poses with his cookie cake.
Far right: David’s sister, Jennifer Candiano (HR Admin-
istrator), and father, John Quish (VP of Administration),
join the new dad-to-be for a picture.

PAGE 18

October Celebrations:

Birthdays and Anniversaries

BIRTHDAYS

Ravi Chandra Thota - 10/01 David Gonu - 10/20
Renee Gustafson - 10/14 Jayashree Rajagopalan - 10/21
Kerri Callahan - 10/16 Krishna Rao Doppalapudi - 10/25
Michael Prevatt - 10/16
Neha Desai - 10/29
Kumar Chaitanya Kodali - 10/18

ANNIVERSARIES

Sivareddy Dondapati - 1 year Mona Gandhi - 4 year

Ronald Hahn - 1 year Deepa Muvva - 4 years

Sreedhar Rudri - 1 year Satya Sai Regula - 4 years

Ravi Chandra Thota - 1 year Jamuna Vyas - 4 years

Siva Vallabhaneni - 1 year Lisa Rau - 5 years

Bhavyashree Abhilash Reddy - 3 years

Welcome to SSTech!

The System Soft Tech-
nologies family would like
to extend a warm welcome
to the following new em-
ployees!

Rakshanda Nausheen Michael McNelis
Technical Writer Stock Market Technician (Key2Options)
Tampa, Florida
Tampa, Florida
© 2015 SYSTEM SOFT TECHNOLOGIES
PAGE 19