Conference 7.286::digital

    What have you been told through official channels?  I have heard only
    gossip on this subject and do not wish to propagate it.  Nonetheless I
    have a direct business interest in Learning Services and have heard no
    official news at all.  Please tell us what you were officially told and 
    by who.
    
    /Chris.
    

re .1

All I heard was what I wrote in .0
I don't know if it was through official channels. I don't even know what
makes a channel official...
That's all I can tell and that's why I was looking for comments...

Chris,

All we've been told is that a decision is likley before
Christmas - this could be sell-off, buy-out or staying in Digital.

My feeling from comments made by some senior LS managers is that 
they want to move outside Digital.

Hopefully they will let us Digital employees know whats going on
sometime.

Alex.

    Rumors are rampant.  
    
    I work for DLS at PKO3.  The last rumor I heard is that the sale is a
    done deal.  Some (unnamed) financial institution in New York City
    (where else?) provided the funds.
    
    I've also heard that we were bought by our own management... which
    would sort of explain the involvement of a financial house.
    
    These sort of rumors have been around for literally years.  But, in the
    last few months they've really been strong.
    
    I know of several employees who were so unsettled by either the fear of
    losing their jobs with DLS or of leaving DEC that they have already
    taken jobs outside our organization, to our very great loss.
    
    It appears to me that a big change is imminent.  
    
    Frankly, I would welcome being spun out of DEC.  I've been at Digital
    for 14 years and at Digital Learning Services (aka EIS, Eastern
    Training HUB, Customer Training, etc.) since early 1989.  I've never
    had the sense that the Corporation has treated this organization with
    anything but disdain, especially during the last three and a half
    years.  My thoughts are that as a new company, providing services to
    DEC and to our own customer base, we'd be far more effective and
    responsive, provide better and more timely training, and be infinitely 
    better supported.
    
    Digital appears not to be committed to training, and hasn't appeared to
    have such a committment since the late '80s or very early '90s. 
    Perhaps it's time to quit shoveling against the tide.
    
    
    tony

    Already happened in Germany......
    
    Learning Services now belongs to DiTEC ..... the spin-off created
    last year!
    
    Bruce

    	I could never understand why such a seemingly profitable business
    didn't develop into one of our core competencies. As an example, I took
    some week long C programming courses a while ago that cost $1600 a week
    and had approx. 40 students per. That's ~$64k a week. This is not an 
    unusally high cost, as far as week long training courses go either.
    
    	Maybe it's just me, but this looks like it would be a worth while
    venture for just about anybody, including Digital. What am I missing ?
    
    	Ray

    Ray...
    I've wondered too.  Here's some figures I have heard from last fiscal
    year:
    
    DLS employs about 80 people in the U.S.  DLS (US only) made between 7
    and 8 Million profit last fy.. on revenues of somewhere between 20 and
    30 millions.  
    
    The entire corporation made about 160 Million profit.
    
    So, it seems that DLS made about 4.3 percent of the corporate profits
    and had a margin of somewhere between 23 and 35 percent.
    
    But, it does look like the spin-off is a done deal... more and more
    info filters down to us peons almost hourly now.
    
    tony

    Rumor Control Central.
    
    Digital Learning Services is now conducting an inventory of physical
    assets at PKO (other sites too????)
    
    However, there is STILL no official word from management. Wonder what
    they are covering?  It's obvious to those of us close aboard that this
    is happening... why not relieve the stress/strain for those who are
    affected by a simple announcement... followed closely by details about
    who is going, who is not... what benefits will/will not transfer... and
    give folks a chance to opt-out if that's what they want (of course,
    some are opting-out already... by LEAVING!)
    
    It would also be nice to know WHO is buying us.
    
    tony

    You are not alone.  Reading LS had a physical inventory about three
    weeks ago.  We came in on Monday morning and found little coloured
    stickers all over the furniture and kit - including some quite tasty
    multimedia PCs belonging to a customer and one clearly labeled Hamilton
    Rentals.    
    
    All the workstations sprouted new asset numbers with a mysterious RS
    logo.  For about half a day the whole department tried to track down
    companies called RS in order to find out who our new employer was. 
    Imagine our feelings when a sensible outsider pointed out that RS is
    the logo of Radio Spares - who sell asset labels.
    
    However, channels have implied that an outside company IS interested
    and there WILL be a statement by the end of Q2.
    
    Kate
      
    
       

    	Ohhhh Noooo. You guys are being bought out by....
    
    
    	Radio Shack !!!! Big :-)
    
    	Ray

    perhaps ....
    
    
    	Right Sizing?
    
    sorry - bad taste - but I couldn't resist.  I think that Learning
    Services (&previous names) was a great competency that this company had
    and I want to continue working with them in their new structure
    whatever that may be.
    
    /Chris.
    
    /Chris.

While we're being silly:

Perhaps Broderbund, after failing to acquire The Learning Co., wants to buy
something else with "Learning" in the name.  :-)

						Brian

    just a note... as if unsubstantiated rumors need them <grin>
    
    
    The "sale" I am refering to is for DIGITAL LEARNING SERVICES... which
    currently is part of MCS.  I understand that it does not, repeat DOES
    NOT include what Hope Greenfield set up as World Wide Development and
    Learning.  
    
    Of course, this is, as far as I am officially aware, completely
    unofficial.
    
    Tony
    (who is officially a rumor-monger)  <big grin>
    

    Digital Learning Services is part of MCS and is taking care of
    customer training.
    
    WW D&L is part of HRO and is taking care of employee training.
    
    The rumor is going about LS... and it seems like it is a done deal.
    A communication should be done by the end of Q2 (just before
    Christmas)..... Here in Geneva the LS people seem to be aware
    of what's going on, but no inventory so far....
    
    Brigitte (From D&L)
    
    

    There's a rumor here in France that an announcement regarding LS would
    be made today in Belgium.
    Any reaction from our Belgian friends ?
    
    Philipp

re .15

Rumours a volont� since quite a few weeks from all kinds of sources
but nothing from management and thus nothing official...
Let's be patient....

Dirk, a Belgian friend.

    The Sunday Boston Globe had a help wanted ad for Learning Services. A
    nice description of the wonderfull working environment, and how you get
    to help customers.
    
    The reply was to a CXO address, which seemed strange to me.
    
    

    Read my lips : Microsoft...

    read .4
    
    third paragraph
    
    tony

    We've just been announced that LS worldwide has been bought by a
    company called Global Knowledge Network Inc.
    Anybody knows that company ?
    
    Philippe

re .22

>    We've just been announced that LS worldwide has been bought by a
>    company called Global Knowledge Network Inc.
>    Anybody knows that company ?
    
Ha... we have a name! Net Search with the keywords "Global Knowledge Network"
on Netscape only reveals:

     CERES Global Knowledge Network
     ------------------------------
     The primary mission of the CERES-GKN (CERES, for the Roman goddess of the
     Earth, and GKN for Global Knowledge Network) initiative is the creation
     of a loosely interconnected, globally distributed, and locally administered
     set of knowledge bases on environmentally sound product development
     processes...

These are the first lines of http://www.cerc.wvu.edu/ceres/ceres_index.html

Surely this must be something else...
Dirk

    
    
    From the rumors I've heard this is a new company backed by a NY finance
    group.. The principles of the new company are existing DEC LS managers.
    
     

    Who has destroyed the last answer I read about the purchase of DLS by
    Pete Buzwell ? 

    
    
    Yesterday all of UK LS was summoned to Reading to attend a meeting at 
    six o'clock this Thursday evening to discuss a "World-wide
    Communication".  The head of MCS in the UK is billed to attend.
    
    There is an eerie familiarity about this communications strategy that I
    have finally managed to identify.  Do readers of the Hitch-hikers Guide
    to the Galaxy remember the Vogon planning permission to demolish Earth
    - it had been widely advertised for at least 500 years in a distant
    part of the universe?  And they were going ahead because they received
    no objections?
     
    Kate
    
                  

    Hi
    Here in Madrid (Spain) we have been unofficially notified the selling
    of LS worldwide. First in USA,Canada & Asia Pacific, before 1996.
    Afterwards in Europe, but here, due to different laws in different
    countries, in a "country-by-country" basis.
    We also have searched GKN in the Internet and we don't understand the
    meaning of this GKN.
    We have news about LS employees in strike in France ?
    Could we (and every reader of this note) have the reasons for this
    strike?
    Regards
    
    Gabriel 
                                                                      

    That's what it sounds like over here !!!  
    
    <:)

    But the reason for this strike is not President Chirac and Prime
    Minister...
    but... Digital management plans??
    Gabriel

    Be patient guys ! you'll know all about this matter before you open
    your christmas gifts. At least we can go through 1996 without further
    anxiety and speculation as we had during the second half of 1995.
    Think about it this way:
    You didn't go about adding another line to your resume, so your company
    did it for you !!!!

     > Palmer said the company is not planning to sell any significant
     > portions of the business at this time and that he expected total
    > employment at Digital to remain at or close to current levels."
    
        significant portions ???     
        ^^^^^^^^^^^
       
         that adjective leaves much room for interpretation
    

    
    Well, I'll bet on the 'GKN' company as a mangement buy-out headed by
    Pete Buswell.
    
    I look forward to witnessing the final act of the play tomorrow night.
    It has to be a play, nobody would believe the build up could happen for
    real in a leading global, change management concious learning
    organisation. 
    
    On balance depending on the terms of the TUPE, I think I'd prefer being
    part of a small nimble 100% focused investing independent than 4.3% of
    a corporate that has failed to see the value added by (C)LS. 

Let's go for it and show them what we can! :-)    

    RE .27
    The reason for the strike is very simple :
    
    We REFUSE to be sold like cattle
    We had an agrrement with the high management that there would be no
    more lay off in France until July 1996.
    This sale is a way of laying us off without the advantages of the
    package

    Re .27
    Being from a differenc culture... and never having belonged to a union
    of any type (by choice)... I find I can't understand .27 at all.
    
    "We REFUSE to be sold like cattle"  
    Selling part of a company can be very unsettling, that I can easily
    understand... but it's part of life in a "free enterprise system".  
    
    "We had an agreement with the high management that there would be no
    more lay off in France until July 1996.
    "This sale is a way of laying us off..."
    
    I disagree.  When you are layed off (at least over here) you lose
    employment.  Certain benefits may be extended by your previous employer
    as a gesture of good will, or as required by local, state or federal
    laws... but, unless you find a replacement job, you are unemployed. 
    
    This purchase/buy-out/spin-off (or whatever you call it) in no way
    seems to treaten your employment.  In fact, from what I've heard, your
    job will remain exactly the same, and your benefits will continue as
    before, or perhaps even improve.
    
    Personally, I am fed up with the way Digital Equipment Corporation, has
    treated Learning Services, and view this as an opportunity to really
    begin to enjoy my job and working conditions.  I don't see how those of
    us who work for LS stand to lose anything at all.  Rather, I see us all
    as benefitting.  
    
    I feel confident that whatever agreement is reached in this matter,
    will be to the short term and the long term benefit of LS.  
    
    I do not understand why DEC is even WILLING to sell us, because we
    have, as an organization, done nothing if we have not made a ton of
    money for DEC.  Perhaps Bob Palmer (et al.) need a sudden influx of
    funds for the short term, I don't know, but, the fact remains that they
    are apparently willing to part with us, and I veiw that in a very
    positive light.
    
    I cannot understand the mentality which seems to think that individuals
    are OWED a job, or permanent employment.  None of us have guarantees in
    life, and expecting, or trying to FORCE an employer to guarantee that
    nothing will change is not realistic.  
    
    Flame if you want, but these are my opinions.
    
    
    tony
    (who is an instructor at DLS, and expects to be sold, but does not look
    in the least like a cow.)  (another opinion)
    

re Note 4320.36 by ICS::BEAN:

>     "We REFUSE to be sold like cattle"  
>     Selling part of a company can be very unsettling, that I can easily
>     understand... but it's part of life in a "free enterprise system".  
  
        Selling people used to be part of a "free enterprise system",
        too, but times change, and business ethics change.

        Bob

    An announcement including the American (draft) press communique just popped
    up in my inbox.
    Here's the header:
    
     DIGITAL AND WELSH, CARSON, ANDERSON & STOWE (WCAS)
              SIGN AGREEMENT TO MOVE DIGITAL'S
             LEARNING SERVICES BUSINESS TO WCAS
               AND TO FORM STRATEGIC ALLIANCE
                 
    

    RE .36: In my opinion: The author is worried most about either not
    getting the package up front, OR the new company not being committed
    (I suppose) to providing one if *they* decide to lay someone off. Note
    that the package in France was/is relatively generous and there are
    perhaps reasons for that.
    
    I agree that "being sold like cattle" sounds like good union talk -
    gets the blood flowing and the pickets out. 
    
    RE: .?: Most of France is back to work. With luck, everyone will make
    it "home for Christmas". There are some hefty losses reported. Services
    in France also had their difficulties. There were some reports of the
    Paris' service engineers going around on roller skates. They probably
    did not have the 8600 spares kits with them.
    
    Merry Christmas.
    
    Al
    

    I just read it VTX (Livewire) the announcement.  I copied it, then
    posted it here, thought better of it, and decided to place this pointer
    here instead.
    
    I guess it's official now.  According to the Livewire announcement,
    Digital has agreed to unspecified terms and the transfer of DLS to GKN
    is done.
    
    I'm relieved, thankful that it's finally out in the open, and hope
    further details will follow shortly.
    
    Tony

re .*

   As far as I can see, this is the first time that L.S. people are
   communicating in a NOTES-conference...

   Since 5 years I am responsible for all the hardware and software
   resources in L.S. Brussels (and Luxemburg up to last year) and during
   this period I've had lots of technical and organizational problems
   and questions that could have easily and quickly been solved and
   answered if we would have had such a L.S. notes-conference.
   I really have missed (or never found?) this and I surely hope that
   no-one is going to reply here with "Oh... an L.S. conf? Didn't you
   know? You should have looked in EDUVMS::EY-Q999E-NC" ;-)
   But seriously, I do hope that
     - We are allowed to keep using Easynet and its notes and
       - if  so, that some GKN-conferences will be created, but
       - if not, that we will have our own GKNnet with notes (and all the
         other goodies we had on Easynet)

   I'm looking to the future with great confidence (Optimistic is my middle
   name) and I hope we can make it happen. And - who knows - maybe Digital
   will buy us back in a few years when we have proven that we can be really
   significant after all ;-)

   I sincerely enjoyed being a Digital employee for 5 years and I hope
   we'll be working together tightly.

   A Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all, enjoy!

   Dirk Van de moortel -- GKN @Brussels

    This sale of DLS raises some questions in my mind:
    
    Will Digital continue to recognize training revenue (i.e. Digital acts
    as a reseller of training being supplied by this new company) or will
    all requests for training from our customers be referred to the new
    company without any revenue passing through Digital books?
    
    If Digital continues to recognize LS revenue, who will have the
    responsibility of invoicing the customer, especially since all the DLS
    people are moving to the new company.
    
    The answer to this question will determine whether Digital keeps
    Learning Services on US Federal Govt Buying Vehicles such as the GSA
    Schedule.
    

re .41

>   As far as I can see, this is the first time that L.S. people are
>   communicating in a NOTES-conference...
>
>   Since 5 years I am responsible for all the hardware and software
>   resources in L.S. Brussels (and Luxemburg up to last year) and during
>   this period I've had lots of technical and organizational problems
>   and questions that could have easily and quickly been solved and
>   answered if we would have had such a L.S. notes-conference.
>   I really have missed (or never found?) this and I surely hope that
>   no-one is going to reply here with "Oh... an L.S. conf? Didn't you
>   know? You should have looked in EDUVMS::EY-Q999E-NC" ;-)

Oh Dirk an L.S. conf?  Didn't you know?  You should have looked in 
SUPER::VMS_CURRICULUM, etc.!!  (intense sarcasm turned on).

Seriously, LS has lots of conferences; unfortunately, you will only hear about
them through word of mouth since they are/were unpublished.  I can't tell you 
the other conferences since I left Ed Svc (back when it still was Ed Svc) and 
haen't used the conferences in years.  The VMS_CURRICULUM conference got 
very hot about the time the Sysnet curriculum replaced U&C, System Manager, 
etc.  There was also a general Ed Svc conference for non-curriculum issues 
but I don't remember it.  If Buck reads this, he can probably tell you more.

I hope that you are able to maintqain notes capabilities as the Rdb group did
and that the LS conferences become active again.  They were invaluable back 
when I taught.  Best of luck to all of you.  I hate to see you go.

			SQ

    Re: .41
    Dirk... I know of two notes conferences which were set up by LS for the
    explicit purpose of discussing courses, training and training
    requirements, as well as course development.
    
    They used to be fairly active, but are seldom accessed since the
    massive layoffs of the last few years.  LS in the US was decimated
    during those times.  I've heard that DLS in the US only has about 80
    people, and that world wide there are between 450 and about 600 people. 
    Where they all are, I have no idea, nor do I know what notes conference
    activites are commonly used outside of the US.
    
    I also know that I, and some other LS employees are frequently found in
    various notes conferences, and have been actively involved in notes for
    years... so, just why this is the first time you've noticed LS people
    noting is a mystery to me.  Personally, I am active in those notes
    conferences that I have some expertise in, or am particularly
    interested in learning from.  
    
    I will sorely miss notes.  I have used this wonderful tool for about 13
    years, and consider it to be of immeasurable value to me... both
    personally and professionally.  In fact, I met my wife here, in the
    Singles Notes conference some years ago.  
    
    Notes are wonderful.  
    
    Like yourself, I hope we, after we become GKN, will have something as
    valuable.  
    
    Some have suggested MSN, COMPUSERVE, and News Groups on the big I. 
    None of these, I don't believe, can replace the orgainized structure
    and longevity if notes.  It's going to be a big adjustment for me.
    
    tony

  Hi SQ!  

  Yes, there are several non-published (for Learning Services Only)
  conferences. I maintain one for Microsoft Trainers, others are hosted in
  other locations for most of the curricula as well as general purpose
  issues.  They were MUCH more active a few years ago, but there are still
  several of us following them. If you're with Training, send me mail and
  I'll be glad to point you to them.

  Now for a guess:

  As for keeping on the Easynet...I suspect that we will transition off of
  the Easynet onto our own private network within the year.  I'm going to
  go WAY out on a limb and guess that we'll go with NT Servers using
  Backoffice, Microsoft Mail/Exchange will be our "messaging service" and
  we'll use Lotus Notes (maybe DECnotes?) for "conferencing" within the
  company.  Our primary transport will be TCP (with limited DECnet, IPX and
  NetBEUI), our VMS/Unix systems will be print or database servers as well
  as maybe Gateways.  There will be Windows 95 or Windows NT Workstation
  software on all the desktops/laptops, Microsoft Office will be our choice
  of "office suite" and Digital will be our major HW supplier and service
  maintainer.

  So, yes.  We'll have an active network.  But as a separate company I do
  not believe we will be on Digital's networks long... probably less than
  six months and for no more than a year.  

  Remember, this is just my GUESS.  No commitments, No guarantees (other
  than it is probably wrong).

  Buck

    
    
      To change the subject slightly, is there a standard 
    'transition time'  that sold groups are typically allowed to 
    stay on the network for, or does it vary by the terms of each
    sale?
    
    					-al
    

Re ..42
Under the new "partenership/alliance" customers can deal with Global Knowledge
 Network direct OR go to Digital who will subcontract GKN as a prime supplier

Agreement is that GKn are the initial prime supplier to Digital for EDu/ Learning 
Services, but this in future will depend on viability and profitability of the
new company . ie no gaurantees that GKN will be the sole supplier or in fact that
it will not "major" in suppling other education (ie concentrate on Microsoft)
 
All pricing policies (including what is the charge to teach Digital employees) is
 controlled by GKN.
 
Alan

    as to transition times?  The announcement (see VTX Livewire) stated
    that the worldwide transition would be completed by March 31, unless I
    really, REALLY screwed up reading it.  
    
    there are a LOT of foreign (to the US) countries involved.  I am sure,
    they will take the most time.  And, so, I suspect the US will go first. 
    And if the US takes more than just a few weeks to completely transition
    outta DEC, I'll be surprised.
    
    Personally, I'd love to see it happen next month.  Only have to deal
    with (largely) one set of tax forms... (every little thing counts,
    eh?)
    
    Of course, none of us have the specifics.  things like:  What if a
    person doesn't WANT to go?  I know of a few.  Will DEC keep them?  Help
    them find jobs?  Or will that be prevented by the spin-off (I'll call
    it that, cuz I don't know what else to call it).  
    
    Also (and this is of particular interest to me, since I am 55) what of
    those who are retirement age?  Would we be able to actually retire from
    DEC now, and go into GKN as a new-hire?  How do all of our benefits
    transfer.  I'd sure like to know the answers  to many questions.  
    
    So, hopefully they'll tell us SOON.  I've heard there is a meeting in
    UK this afternoon.  Maybe they'll hear something.  
    
    tony

Hi,

I have a question about a new company called GKN.
I think that LS's life-line is people (Instructor).
We can not buy and sell people between company directly in Japan.
So we have to select one of the some ways.

If almost of them(Instructor) quit digital and move the other 
company(Ora*le,Sy*ase,S*P,Lo*us,etc), 
can GKN go on management in the country?

If this is raised, it will be unhappy for both GKN and Digital.
Hardware and Software can not choice the company by themselves.
But people can choice company and job by their own will.
Many famous companys are  hiring the good  instructors like 
digital's instructors.There are a lot of Excellent instructor
in digital.

What is the benefit of the quiting digital and the moving to GKN's 
for instructors?

Sales Y.

>What is the benefit of the quiting digital and the moving to GKN's 
>for instructors?
>
>Sales Y.

My guess would be that it's go with the new company and have a job or
stay with Digital and get laid off. liesl

    
    	As I understand it, the choices are either go with GKN or find a
    job elsewhere; finding another job at Digital is not an option.
    
    
    Brad

    re: last two
    I have heard both... and I know people who have done both.  However,
    the action they took (leaving DLS for an outside job, and for inside
    DEC jobs) all occurred prior to the "announcement" on Dec. 21.  Due to
    the holidays I've not been in touch with any of my instructor friends,
    so i don't know what they have tried to do.  
    
    Also, there has been NO announcement since the original posting in VTX
    Livewire that I am aaware of.
    
    I've asked personnel (on the 21st) about the possibility of leaving DLS
    for another job and I was told they did not know of any reason that
    would be prevented.  however, the same HR rep I spoke with had not yet
    heard about DLS being "sold", and was stating DEC's position for prior
    buyouts.   So, as far as I am concerned, we are free to look for other
    jobs, until and unless we are told otherwise.
    
    tony
    (who is NOT looking for another job)
    

    In France all transfers of DLS people in an other service are freezed
    from about 15 days.

      RE:  .53.
    
      I spoke with an LS person that told me that "some LS groups have
      already been told that as of the announcement they could not seek
      other jobs internally".  You can read into this what you want.  If
      I were in LS (I'm not), I'd test the waters and try interviewing for
      an internal job outside LS.  H&R sometimes knows nothing about what's
      really going on.   

    Understandably, the buyer in these types of situations wants some
    assurances that the seller is not going to allow individual cost center
    managers to "raid" what is being sold. [Once thay start climbing the
    mast to change the flag, the rats aren't allowed to flee.] Same kind of
    thing when folks were "sold" to Quantum.
    
    r
    

    Re: .56
    Really.  I wasn't aware (and obviously the HR rep I spoke with wasn't
    either) that the folk who went to Quantum were blocked.
    
    Interesting.
    
    tony

    Gee Tony,
    
    Tell it like it is....you are absolutely right..
    
    Sam

    Hi,
    I would like to know the other NOTES-confferences regarding GKN
    and DLS.
    Where is the Notes-address?
    
    Sales Y
    

    as far as I know, there are none which specifically address the GKN /
    DLS issues.  
    
    tony

    I'm an instructor in UK Learning Services and recieved the news before
    Christmas. The questions / concerns I have are as follows:
    
    As already mentioned, access to internal (Digital) sources of info
    (notes, vtx, etc). I have probably had 1000+ student questions answered
    simply by referring to notes (95% of them without having to ask a
    question!). Teaching Pathworks (where most questioned are generated)
    will be my greatest concern. DECPCI on CompuServe will help (I hope!)
    but how many Digital employees respond in there?  NT (and other
    Microsoft offerings) maybe the Technet CDs will answer most queries.
    VMS / Digial UNIX questions will probably result in calls the the CSC,
    correct me if I'm wrong. Maybe we'll employ some support people of our
    own.
    
    All assets will be transferred with LS. Can internal PAKs (product
    Authorisation keys) be transferred out of the company? Alot of our kit
    is fairly aged, how much for the support contracts to go with them?
    
    All company cars to be returned to Digital. Do I get a replacement car
    the same day as I return my DECmobile?
    
    I hope we don't use the acronym GKN! In the UK GKN manufacture nuts,
    bolts and ball-bearings for the motor industry!
    
    Despite my concerns, I feel that this IS a good thing for LS / GKN. It
    will probably be one of the largest independent training organisations
    in the world. 
    
    	Jon.

    re: <<< Note 4320.61 by CHEFS::SACKMANJ "I was dreaming of the past..." >>>
                              -< Nuts and bolts! >-

    
<    All company cars to be returned to Digital. Do I get a replacement car
<    the same day as I return my DECmobile?
 
    Golly, I had to GIVE UP a "DECmobile" when I moved to Learning Services
    from the Field.  I've never even heard of a LS employee having a
    company supplied car.
    
    When I lost my "DECmobile" there was absolutely no compensation for it. 
    The car is viewed as a tool (or was then) to do my job.  That job did
    not include transportation to/from my office.
       
<    I hope we don't use the acronym GKN! In the UK GKN manufacture nuts,
<    bolts and ball-bearings for the motor industry!
    
    Isn't this a wonderful question?  I'll bet we will be Global Knowledge
    Network, and be instructed to NOT use the GKN acronym.  Won't that be
    interesting, since it is already widely used?
    
<    Despite my concerns, I feel that this IS a good thing for LS / GKN. It
<    will probably be one of the largest independent training organisations
<    in the world. 
    
 	I agree.  But, I am really amazed that more than two weeks have
    passed now since the official announcement, and NO ONE seems to have
    any knowledge about the issues.  
    
    Perhaps the name should be NKG... for No Knowledge Globally.
    
    tony

    re: .62
    
    The person enquiring about the car is in the UK, where it is common
    practice for the employer to provide a car or $$$s towards the lease of
    a car of your choice.
    
    Bob

    -1:
    
    GKN is also in the U.S. (subsidiary to UK parent) & supplies transaxle 
    components, CV assemblies, & has a pallet mfg. subsidiary.
    
    Trademark police, please take notice.

    Also UK based LS people deliver most of their courses at customer site
    or a hotel, hence a car is a necessity.

John,

I'm a regular in DECPCI - so ask away.

Alan

[UK PATHWORKS]

    My biggest problem with GKN is going to be the nickname for the
    employees:
    
    When we worked for DEC, we were DECCIES.
    
    If GKN starts being called "Geekin'" what's that going to make *US*?
    

    Geeks ? 
    
    :-))

  Last I heard on the acronym was that we could use it among ourselves, 
  but that the full name of GLobal Knowledge Network was to be used when
  making any formal communications.  My info is a few weeks old, so it
  might have changed by now.
  
  $

    so, if GKN is copyrighted, why not just say 'GKNet' instead.  Both
    internally and externally (unless someone's got THAT, too!).  Same
    number of syllables, easy to say.
    
    tony

    >so, if GKN is copyrighted, why not just say 'GKNet' instead.  Both
    >internally and externally (unless someone's got THAT, too!).  Same
    >number of syllables, easy to say.
    
    And GeekNet is one syllable less, easy to say, and easy to remember!

    Friday, January 26, is my last day as a Deccie.  I've opted to take
    early retirement (turned 55 just last October) prior to the "rolling
    over" of current Learning Services employees to GKN.
    
    Digital benefits its retired employees with continued medical insurance
    (at group rates similar to active employees) for life.  If I were to
    "roll over" into GKN, I would lose this benefit, and if for any reason,
    had to leave GKN prior to age 65, would be unelegible for the Digital
    benefit.  That's too much to walk away from, so I have elected to lock
    it in now, and hire on as a "new hire" at GKN, when the time comes.
    
    So, I'll bid adieu to you all now... as I've been told I'll not be able
    to access the notes conferences after then.  
    
    It's been fun.  It's been real (sort of)... and even sometimes it's
    been real fun.  But, not lately.
    
    I'm glad DEC seems to be recovering.  I miss the "old" DEC, and
    understand why changes are needed, but, to be honest, I'm glad to be
    leaving.  I'm excited about the future, and a lot of pressure is gone
    now.
    
    Of course, I'll certainly miss the notes.  This conference has, for
    years, been a favourite hangout for me, and I'll miss it and all of
    you.  I hope to remain in touch with some of you in Compuserve (my
    CSID is 74103,3620), on the Microsoft Network (msn id is
    [email protected]) or at [email protected].  So, I'll remain
    "connected".  
    
    But, there is a very certain type of feeling only found here.  I'll
    miss that.
    
    May God be good to you all... and my you all be good to each other.  Be
    well, be safe, and take care.
    
    I love you all.
    
    
    tony

    
    	Bye, Tony. It was nice, too. And I'll miss that personal name
    a whole bunch. God speed, and good luck...
    
    		the Greyhawk

    Well, Mr Bean,
    
    	It was a real ride eh?   As a former student, I'll remember the
    name, (got your autograph as well on something I can't mention here!)
    ;^)  
    
    
    Take care,
    
    if you can stay in touch, then by all means do so!
    
    
    regards,
    
    chet white  (former Digital Equipment CorporationSYSTEM 10/20
    instructor)   can't say DEC anymore....;^)

  A few details have been dribbling in...
  
  - Current DLS employees will transition to GKN starting in February
  	for the U.S., all countries should be transitioned before Autumn.
  - What ever on-line resources we have (i.e. access to enet) will continue
  	for some period of time...I'm guessing for all of 1996.  This is
  	supposed to include Notes, A1, VTX, etc.  DTN is questionable.
  - Some of us at remote locations (i.e. non-Boston area) are negotiating
  	for office space at Digital sites.  I will hopefully keep my cube
  	in ALF until we get a "real" office in the Atlanta area.  Boston 
  	area looks like it will consolidate into one building within this
  	year.
  - The healthcare providers are supposed to be AETNA and PRUDENTIAL (no
  	details as to the offerings).
  
  ...thus the latest rumors...again, this isn't official, just the latest
  	noise.
  
  $

    Ahhhhh, so perhaps my adieu was a tad premature... we'll see.  But,
    nonetheless (is that a real word?) I'm retiring as of Friday.
    
    
    tony

    Any of you financial wizards out there who can figure out just how much
    of that $149 profit last quarter was due to the sale of DLS?
    
    tony

>    Any of you financial wizards out there who can figure out just how much
>    of that $149 profit last quarter was due to the sale of DLS?

Not even a penny.  The $149M "profit" is an "operating profit," and does 
not include extraordinary actions like diversting or acquiring businesses.

You have to look to the balance sheet, not the operating results, to find
where the value of the company is.

- tom]

    re: .77
    
    Tony, I'm not a CPA, but I believe the answer is "None".  Since the
    sale is not a part of normal operations, it would have to have a
    separate entry in the P&L.  My very brief scan of the livewire article
    didn't reveal such an entry.
    
    Someone please correct me if I am wrong.
    
    Bob

    I heard today (not sure this is accurate) that DEC got about 85 Million
    for LS.  (I was told this figure was in the WSJ a day or so after the
    sale was announced, but, I missed it.)
    
    I've VERY happy to hear that the 149 Million posted in Q2 does not
    include this money... that boosts my feeling that perhaps the "turn
    around" is for real.
    
    tony

    The WSJ article appeared the day before the message was sent out to US
    DLS employees by Harvey M. (the one he wanted us to see before we heard
    it from anybody else -- remember?).  It gave the sale price as $80M. 
    It also stated that DLS is responsible for approx. $150M in revenue to
    Digital.  Heck, I'd borrow money to make that deal!
    
    Also worth mentioning in the article was the observation by an
    industry analyst that he was glad to see that Digital was still
    "looking for things to get rid of."  There's an ego booster.
    
    Well, Tony, it's the 26th.  Planning the move to Florida yet?  Have you
    started to drive 20mph everywhere?
    
    Bill Smith (a latecomer to this conference and discussion)

    Re .81 Tony's already built his retirement home... In Vermont! A log
    cabin, on a hillside, with a few acres of woods surrounding it. No
    Florida highway clogging in his future! :-)
    
    Harry
    

  For those of you still following this string, the Benefits Package and
  Welcome Letter to Global Knowledge Network were sent out last week in
  the U.S., other countries to follow.  I'm still evaluating the new
  retirement plan, 401k and health insurance changes.  Some look good, some
  are not quite "equal" to Digital's benefits.  If you are a U.S. DLS
  employee and haven't seen your packet, contact your manager.  We are
  supposed to sign the offer letter in the Welcome packet and send it 
  back in this week!
  
  Buck

    Maybe the law is different in  the UK. Here, the benefits package must
    be the same or better, so it will be interesting to see what we get
    (and when!)
    
    		Jon.
    

    Hello Globals!
    
    Yes in the UK we are somewhat protected by a piece of legislation that
    is known as TUPE....Transfer Of Undertakings - Protection Of
    Employment. (It also has links to EC legislation out of Brussels...
    Acquired Rights I think it is called).
    
    Jon is fundamentally right (note 84) in that TUPE calls for
    same or comparable terms. Where it is not possible to match
    (e.g. ESPP) an equivalent (could be cash/incentive/alternative)
    should be offered. TUPE significantly does not cover pension by
    the way.
    
    Anyway, as a direct result of CLS staff intervention, we managed
    to deflect management from the same path that appears to be in 
    operation in the USA to sign up on new Ts &Cs. Now we are
    told we will transfer on current terms, but could transfer (if we want) 
    to new employee GKN terms in the future.
    
    That said we are a few days away from the transfer here in the UK (24th
    Feb) and we still do not know pension terms, whether we keep/get
    new lease cars etc.
    
    As a result everyone wishes the 'rush' to transfer was not a factor
    and we'd had all the facts beforehand in order to make what TUPE
    calls 'an informed decision'.
    
    That said, GKN with the right business agenda should still be good
    for us and Digital.
    
    Best Regards and Good Luck for the Future! 

    Buck, thanks for the reminder about the signing of the GKN acceptance
    letter.
    
    There's another item that arrived in the mail recently, the
    implications of which have been scarcely noted by those who are
    supposed to be getting us the information we need to make the important
    decisions.  I'm referring to the pension plan change notice that got to
    most of us in the US last Friday.
    
    Do not throw this document away!  We are affected by the changes to the
    Digital pension plan even though we will be "detached" before it goes
    into effect on March 1.  Once the new plan is implemented on March 1,
    it is applied to anyone who was with Digital on December 18, 1995!  In
    a nutshell, the new plan gives departing employees control over what
    happens to their pension monies.  We can:
    
    	a. Leave the money in Digital's pension fund and draw on it once we
    	   reach the age of 65 (a safe, but probably low-yield option).
    
    	2. Take the money as a lump sum payment upon termination (subject
    	   to federal, state, and local tax),
    
    	III. Roll the amount into the GKN pension plan or some other
    	   tax-deferred investment (possibly higher yield, possibly higher
    	   risk, caveat emptor, your mileage may vary).
    
    If you do nothing, the money will stay with Digital.  To take one of
    the other options, you MUST call the Benefits Express number listed in
    the pension brochure.
    
    The best part:  The amount of money that you will be dealing with is
    the one in the dark box on the second page of the enclosure entitled
    "Your Personal Opening Balance Statement" labelled "Your opening
    balance in the Cash Account Pension Plan as of March 1, 1996" (actually
    a bit less than that, since we'll be detaching two weeks ahead of that
    date).  For many of us, this amount is thousands of dollars more than
    we would have received under the old plan.  The only exception to the
    above is for those of us who have pension benefits valued at less than
    $3500.  If this is your case, Digital will automatically pay you the
    lump sum.
    
    Call soon!  It can take as long as thirty days to process this
    information, and there is a packet of forms that you need to fill out
    and mail back (I'm told they won't accept FAXes or electronic
    transactions for this).  The Benefits Express representatives will
    (should) have all the details when you call.  You'll need to know your
    PIN (it's listed in the pension brochure and is the same as the one you
    use for your SAVE transactions, or you can get a new one from Benefits
    Express - it'll be mailed to you in a couple of business days).
    
    Also, considering the amount of money involved, it might be a good idea
    to seek professional advice on what to do with it (just a little tip
    from your old Uncle Bill).

  For those of you that are working with Global Knowledge Network or are
  employeed by Global Knowledge Network, we have set up a conference for
  the purpose of communications between all our employees and other
  interested parties.  Feel free to bring your ideas and discussions to
  the SOAEDS::GKNET conference.  
  
  $

    Hello,
    
    I noticed the SOAEDS node has been unreachable through the network for
    several days now and so is the GKN Notes conference.
    And our GKN friend TRAYSER is unreachable too, could anybody tell him
    his node does not work.
    
    Thank you
    
    Alain
     

SOEADS is there today. However I note that it is now
an alias on the TRNING cluster and no longer Buck's
individual node.  Try mail to SOAEDS and see if he
responds.

mark

Sorry.  I've been out of town and the cluster crashed while I was away.  
The system is back and the Global Knowledge Network conference is again
available.

$

  For those of you participating in this conference, it is back on-line for
  a short period of time.  I expect to move it out to the "Net" sometime
  before spring, but in the meatime it has been renamed to
  Global-Notes.note on SOAEDS::.
  
  $