11th ANNIVERSARY

More than eleven years ago on June 3rd 1999, a group of seven young men
developed an idea for a new journal to bring out a publication called DQ
Channels. With little or no experience of working for a trade magazine they
believed that they would be able to pull it up and make it stand on the zenith
with their hard-work, determination and conviction. It took a long period and
heaps of sweat to decipher how things work in channel community but, all this
did not deter them from moving ahead.

Towards the beginning it received a mixed reaction from the channel partners
as DQ Channels was the first publication that any IT channel partner could think
of. In a market which was getting over populated with the channel magazines, DQ
Channels identified the need for the channel publication, which would also meet
the needs of the SPs. Thus, DQ Channels was able to solve the concern for the
channel community on a small scale.

The first SP Summit was launched by DQ Channels in 2006 and it has been a
very endearing and successful affair till date.

DQ Channels has manged to maintain its top slot, and its safe to say that
past eleven years have marked an era of significant and enlightening experience
for the team of DQ Channels.

The main focus of DQ Channels has always been to provide stories and articles
exclusively for the SPs which did help in gathering good responses form them.
Incidentally DQ Channels was also the first magazine to institute the channel
choice awards where the channel partners could determine who were the IT vendors
they preferred on business parameter that meant most to them.

Therefore, in this issue we have gathered the response of our readers from
various regions who are also the leading SPs.

Dewang Modi, Director, iValue Systech, Ahmedabad

In 1999, I was running my erstwhile company Global Infotech, which was
established in the year 1997. One of the things I like about DQ Channels is the
fact that the magazine covers both the vendor's and the channel community
perspective. In fact both perspectives are well represented in the publication.
However, the magazine must aim to make it better because vendors have the
liberty to make it a pure marketing device by talking about themselves for
coverage, while the channels do not get that opportunity. So, it is important to
strike the right balance. It is also good that the magazine focuses on the
various promotions and strategies of different vendors. In terms of a
suggestion, I would like to see more articles with a technical focus in order to
increase the technical awareness of the channels. For example, it could be about
the installation of a standard Windows server or Linux server. This would ensure
that the visibility of the magazine increases in the channels itself because,
not only would it be relevant for just sales and marketing but also for the
technical team. I personally like to read the industry related articles, which
help point out those products and solutions that are doing well globally and
also highlights the potential for the same from an Indian context. Those are the
kind of stories that I find interesting.

Saket Kapoor, CEO, Greenvision, New Delhi

I have been reading DQ Channels for over ten years now.

I always look forward to read the new issue of the magazine. It keeps me
updated on whatever happens in the SP community. I have been reading it from the
time, when the SP business was at its nascent stage in India. It has evolved
from a simple to a complex game, as the computing need of customers have
increased considerably. And now it appears to be heading towards a never ending
quest for computing at thought. Reading DQC has also kept me abreast with the
constantly changing time. As far as specific grids of the magazine go, I like
occasional letters to the editor and front page headlines. Apart from this, I
feel DQC is a news magazine for the channel community and has definitely helped
in sourcing products from aggressive vendors. It is a complete advantage for
those who browse through it.

DQC in a way provides conclusion of various stories covered around the SP
community. But at the same time, I would like to read more stories in the future
issues, which talk about the upcoming trends in the SP community. I would also
like to see the contribution of channel community for the magazine. As a reader,
I would like to know about their experiences in a particular business. In the
coming times, I would also like to see a dedicated column for successful channel
partners.

B Anand Rao, CEO, Par Data Systems, Bengaluru

Started in the year 1992, Par Data was into networking products. The company
took two years to setup the operations and get desired manpower. In the year
1999-2000 the company diverged into full-fledged distribution of D-Link and Tyco
products and solutions. Today Par Data is a leading distributor for racks and
enclosures especially for telecom space. 16 years of starting the company, I
have never felt the need to give up. There has been lot of ups and downs
especially during the .com phase and recession. Apart from our existing
enclosure space, Par data is now on the way to provide thermal management
solutions for datacenters. We also partnered with Cisco, 3 Com and HP.

I have been associated with DQC from a very long time. I do not separate The
DQ Week from The DQ Channels since I enjoy reading both. What sets this magazine
apart from the rest is its regional and channel focus.

Apart from the regular features, I would like to read more about vendors and
their new offering. Today, even though I appreciate the magazine to be
channel-friendly, some special issues can be brought out regarding vendors. The
articles can be informative or can include market trends, position etc. I would
also like articles on new entrants, new technologies which can benefit not only
me but other readers as well. Stories on human interest will surely capture my
attention. There can be a section which should focuses on creative side of SI.

As I have been reading DQ Channels since long, there are lots of stories that
have had an impact on me. During my role as the President of AIT (Association of
IT Traders, Bangalore) we had to fight a tax related case against the
government. That was covered very well by DQC.

KV Jagannath, CEO, Choice Solutions, Hyderabad

Choice Solutions was founded in 1991 and was primarily involved in promoting
licensed software and associated services like training, development, and
software implementation services. The company was involved in promoting licensed
software. When Choice was started it was the first authorized APC service
provider. In 1998 Choice forayed into solar solutions and later to development
and healthcare solutions. Choice Solutions went through a rough patch during
26/11 terror attacks after which the company was redesigned. Today we are one of
the leading system integrators and recently won lot of awards. Choice Solutions
built Network Operations Center and provided services to both international &
domestic clients, winning an award in January 2010, as Best MSP for the year
2009 by Dataquest.

It has been a very long association with CyberMedia. DQ Channels is a very
comprehensive magazine. One take away feature of the magazine is the direction
of the community and their views on business and technology.

The company is today into managed services apart from the regular IT
solutions. It is also into datacenter consulting solutions in SMB sector and
caters to almost all the present market verticals.

The articles which appeared in 'Success story' captures my attention.
Profiles of partners who have made it to top motivate me a lot. Such articles
inspire lot of young people in the business.

For the improvement of DQ Channels please create a more collaborative
approach and try to have open communication. Informative articles, management
papers and articles from management gurus can be included which will benefit the
community at large.

Otherwise the magazine is very channel focused. Apart from the channel news,
I would further like to know more about the market positioning also.

Girish Madhavan, CEO, Quadsel Systems, Chennai

We are a provider of comprehensive IT solutions and develop a fully
operational computing environment that requires expertise in planning, designing
and implementing solutions. For over 10 years, we have established and delivered
solutions that provide real business value to the customers. Started in 1994, we
have a track record of superior execution and growth. Some of our enterprise
partners are HP, Compaq, Microsoft, VMware, Riverbed, Cisco and Reliance
Communication.

This year, we are concentrating on building datacenters and BCP solutions for
customers and looking forward at a growth of 10 percent. Vendors trust us and
prefer to associate with us as we are clear about what we are selling.

We four friends established this company in 1995, however, two friends could
not be part of this initiative and left right in the beginning. Within two
years, my third friend and I parted ways too. However, I decided to carry on
with the business of providing IT solutions to companies. Quadsel witnessed an
unbelievable growth in the first year itself as we generated revenue of Rs 1
crore.

Quadsel started off by selling Compaq brand in the market and the initial focus
was on hardware business. We expanded our portfolio by adding more technologies
and products over the years. Our aim is to be known as a technology-driven
company and we have been investing on training and developing the right skill
sets. This approach has helped us to witness a sustainable growth and also
helped to win the trust of both the vendor and customer.

One of the things that I like about DQ Channels is the content, as well as
the way it presents the news, though, I don't get the copy regularly.

HP continued to be the top contributor for us this year too and Microsoft
followed. Recently, HP was awarded as the top performer for its converged
infrastructure partner. We have opened new offices in Ahmedabad and Mumbai,
apart from its five offices in South and West Delhi. We are planning to open
office in Delhi and Kolkata in the coming quarter. We have posted the growth of
34 percent in the FY 2009-2010 and also entered into the ERP and CRM
implementation space, besides developing their own business management solutions
by forming an in house team. In the mid of 2009, we bagged three major projects
from F5, MSN and Oracle, and for this year, we took key decision to get
different verticals from the government sector. A rich portfolio and a clear
focus on stable markets like government and education did not prove to be
sufficient for us to defeat the growing effects of the economic slump.

More than eleven years ago on June 3rd 1999, a group of seven young men
developed an idea for a new journal to bring out a publication called DQ
Channels. With little or no experience of working for a trade magazine they
believed that they would be able to pull it up and make it stand on the zenith
with their hard-work, determination and conviction. It took a long period and
heaps of sweat to decipher how things work in channel community but, all this
did not deter them from moving ahead.

Jayesh ShahFounder and C, Director, Avant Computer

In 1999, I was involved in the marketing of the software we had developed as
a company. In DQ Channels, what I like most is that I keep getting the latest
technology news update and also information about new vendors and companies and
it keeps me aware of their product portfolio as well. As a suggestion, I would
prefer to see more articles related to future technology products which are
expected to come into the market. In terms of editorial impact, the magazine has
helped us in the implementation procedure of an ERP system through an article
that highlighted the implementation for a basic ERP system.

N Jagannathan, Founder and C

Fourth Dimension Technologies, Chennai

We founded Fourth Dimension Technologies in 1989, and since then we have
grown into a provider of enterprise computing, networking, security and IT
infrastructure management solutions in South India. Headquartered in Chennai,
our company specializes in designing, implementing and managing customized
solutions in computing and networking. Our customers span a wide range of
industries, from banking, manufacturing, retailing to software services,
telecoms, service sector and BPO. These solutions are deployed using
top-of-the-line products from Cisco Systems, Sun Microsystems and IBM.

When we started the company, we were into the distribution business and were
doing extremely well for almost seven years. But soon after, I realized there is
no value-add in that game. Distribution was all about money power and it really
didn't excite me as a first-generation entrepreneur. So, we went through an
overnight transformation and changed our orientation towards the end customers.

I like to read 'Channel speak' column in DQ Channels, and its focus on
solution providers is the most like part and if, it bring a section on
successful strategies that have work for solution providers then it will get
good response from the community. DQ channels does extensive coverage on
successful companies, which motivates us to achieve our goal.

Though, we did a bit of box-pushing in our early days, we soon got into
systems integration by taking up our first project of building the network of
Indian Overseas Bank across 40 locations. Today, our Chennai-based company
serves more than 150 customers, largely in the mid-market enterprise segment and
offers many services including enterprise computing, security, network
integration and IT Infrastructure management.

Our major focus has been on verticals like BFSI, manufacturing, IT and ITeS,
as well as the education and hospitality sectors. We are planning to provide
end-to-end IT solutions to the hospitality segment by combining our expertise in
systems integration with the skills of our sister company, Fourth Dimension
Software Systems, which specializes in hospitality management solutions.

Our company bets high on virtualization and its associated opportunities in
storage and servers. “Our aim is to consolidate its existing skill sets to
become a true SP and consultant to its customers. We have shifted ourselves from
the approach of 'how to sell' to a better line of 'how to help clients with IT'.
And our focus will be to improve our core competencies to act as a true IT
advisor to customers.

L Ashok, CEO, Futurenet Technologies, Chennai

Futurenet Technologies began its journey in 1996 as a small firm that offered
facility management services. We saw that IT was more in the realm of being a
box pusher and so we wanted to start a company that would break the mold by
aligning itself with the customer rather than the vendor. Thus we moved away
from the rat race of running behind vendor brands by digressing into areas like
open source software services, remote management, and IT systems audit. Today
our business is spread across Tamil Nadu and it also deals with customers in the
US.

Our company's main focus is the SMB market and we have customers across the
verticals like manufacturing, education, IT, ITES and government. 'One size fits
all' doesn't work in the IT industry. SMBs are looking for an advisor who can
act as a single point of contact for all their IT needs. We work with them as
consultants and offer them a solution only after a thorough understanding of
their business and its requirements. The solution then would be a blend of
open-source technologies with the common technologies. Through our
infrastructure building services wing we work with our customers on turn-key IT
projects. As an IT architect, we build the necessary infrastructure and provide
an end-to-end solution for the customer.

Our Chennai-based Futurenet recorded a growth of 40 percent over the fiscal
year, 2009-2010. Move towards more managed and cloud services played a key role
in this growth. We started the organization with only four employees in 1996,
now over 120 employees are working with Futurenet and I am proud to head this
organization. Our services are carefully designed to fulfill the customers
unique needs and this mantra brought a track record of serving over 200 clients
in the short period. Customer service for Futurenet means taking personal
interest in the customer, anticipating requirements, sharing ideas and providing
optimized solutions. Our company has provided a wide range of networking and a
vendor-agnostic approach that has helped us witness a steady growth and build a
strong clientèle of more than 300 companies. Instead of partnering with a few
leading vendors, we internalized a customer focused approach and worked with a
few of them to understand their needs. In the process we indirectly got
associated with some of the leading brands. This approach has helped
tremendously in creating a niche market for ourselves.

One thing I like about DQ Channels is that its very dynamic and keep us updated
on the happenings of the IT industry. Also the awards and recognition is
additional motivation to us. There are multiple projects from various industries
like, manufacturing, engineering, constructions, health care,and open source
software are in the process.

Ketan Khimani, Founder and C, Microlink Solutions, Ahmedabad

Back in 1999, I was doing business in Ahmedabad and was the business partner
of Microland Ltd. who was one of the pioneers of the networking business in
India. One of the things that I like about DQ Channels magazine is that it
updates on the current happenings around the country and shares knowledge from
which relevant information can be picked up and used by organizations like ours
as well as others in the channel community.

B Mukund, CEO, Mukesh Infoserve, Chennai

Our Chennai-based Mukesh Infoserve was a natural upshot of ideas and efforts
of a team of young people. Started in 1997, as a reseller for HP's hardware
products, the company today has a wide portfolio of products and services. We
realized that a reseller business would not take the company too far and made
the leaders to look for fresh opportunities. Our company had to take a call on
whether it has to focus on one technology or get into as many areas. Without
delay, the team decided not to be a niche player as they are into a fast-growing
market, which comes with fresh opportunities every day. At the same time, our
company felt the need to develop its expertise in all the focused areas, which
resulted in the formation of eight different independent business units each
accountable for its own profitability.

Our company has earned the reputation of best technology-driven company.
However, since it's impossible to adopt all the technology, we have set up a
well-organized technical team that can test all the solutions the company
offers. We have realized that it's important for us to develop our skill sets in
all areas where we are involved. We have a strong implementation and R&D team.
In the long run, we want our company to be known as an end-to-end service
provider who can help customers make business decisions more effectively.

I use to read DQ Channels and The DQ Week. I wish all the very best to the DQ
team for their excellent work. Our company is planning to expand its sales team
by hiring more people, as the primary focus now would be to increase the reach.
I have no plans to recruit people for my company's internal operation as I think
the company should have more ROI focus on manpower. On the other hand, the SP
has been enhancing its operational efficiency by adopting various technologies.
Apart from achieving an ISO 9001:2000 certification, the company has internally
adopted BI and SAP B1. The company also implemented virtualization and is using
thin clients.

At present we are focusing on many areas including servers, storage,
networking, security licensing software, business software, power solutions. We
have partnered with all the leading vendors like HP, IBM, Microsoft, APC, VMware
and many others. We are also betting high on the managed services market. To
start with, we are planning to adopt this model internally. Once it's
successful, we will be offering these services to enterprises and mid-sized
companies.

Our company clearly wants to cash in on the rise in technology adoption in
the core sectors. After an expansion spree over the last two fiscals, the
company now wants to go slow on any major plans to spread its wings
geographically. Our focus this time would be consolidation of gains,
go-to-market strategy, coverage, and collection.

Rajeev Mehta, CEO, Zest Systems, New Delhi

Since our inception in 1989, we have grown as one of the leading providers of
IT solutions. With diverse products and solutions portfolio, we maintain
multiple service locations in major cities that include Mumbai, Chennai, Pune,
Chandigarh, Udaipur and Bhubneshwar. As an authorized service provider for a
range of products, we have partnerships with Cisco, IBM, Citrix and Avaya. We
also operate as a value-added provider (VAP) for Microsoft India. A decade ago,
when DQ Channels hit the market, it was the time when we had already established
our identity as a full-fledged solution provider.

We have a solution-centric approach from the beginning, and services were our
core strength. Gradually, we added various products into our portfolio, and HP
was the first that we had inducted for their entire range of products and
solutions. We have been reading DQ Channels from its first issue that was
published in1999. DQ Channels is a pioneer in IT media in the solution providers
community, and is the first Indian IT channel magazine. It brings channels at a
center-stage and facilitates information on what's new and next, and takes up
issues across all the OEMs and vendors. In my opinion, DQ Channels is the
heartbeat of the IT channel and solution provider's fraternity and is already
the best in its class.

I always schedule my time to read DQ Channels as soon as its copy get
delivered into my office. The editorial column is always good and informative,
and if I would get a chance to edit DQ Channels, then I would like to collect
the personal side of the solution partners. I am a travel freak, and therefore,
if given an opportunity, I would like to collect individually, each partner's
favorite holiday location and try to correlate it with his business operation
and work passion.

Hemant Chabria, CEO, Chabria Infotech, Kolkata

Chabria Infotech was founded in 1993 with just two employees including
myself. The market in the early 1990s was unexplored. It was with no players in
the software space in the eastern region and the vendors were looking for
channel partners. Software used to cost a lot those days thereby generating too
low demand in the market.

During the phase of the late 90s, we were totally focussing on the bottomline
in a bid to increase the profitability to expand the company. Topline during FY
1999-2000 grew by a marginal amount of 10 percent with the induction of small
brands apart from the regular biggies.

DQ Channels has helped me a lot in understanding the business momentum. The
grids: 'In Focus' and 'Perspective' offers an introspection into the business of
technology and also provide a sort of guidance about the future of the business.
So far, my favourite grids in DQ Channels have been 'In Focus' and 'Best
Deployment', which are analytical as well as informational.

In the future editions of DQ Channels, I would like to see more analytical
articles about the emerging technologies along with the business trends.
Besides, in my opinion, the magazine needs to focus more on the trends in
business and trade.

Manoj Rathi, Director, Diamond Infotech, Kolkata

In the late 90s, we were totally focussing on the end-consumer segment. The
market was a bit unexplored and solution concepts had not evolved fully in the
mid 90s. Consumers then never used to demand complete solutions and concepts
such as network solutions, ERP and others had not evolved.

On the user front, there was limited demand for the PCs as it was considered
a luxury item in the normal households. With the .net boom in the middle of the
millennium, the scenario, however, changed completely and PC sales soared up. It
was at that point of time when we ventured into a solution making Diamond
Infotech, a holistic solutions company.

In DQ Channels, I find 'In Focus' and 'Channel News' interesting. On one
hand, 'In Focus' gives an indepth analysis of the business trends and the
technology. Although we are into solutions and know most part of it, the article
provides a holistic and national market situation with the opportunities that
lie unexplored. Besides, the level of analysis is so good and has helped me in
taking decisions in a much better way.

On the other hand, the 'Channel News' section gives important industry
updates. This is crucial to our business.

In my opinion, the former grid, 'CIO Shopping Guide' needs to be rejuvenated.
The grid provides us with the CIOs views and his requirements enabling us to
deal with the CIOs in a better way. Also, I think that more innovative topics,
both in hardware as well as in software needs to be discussed with the SP
perspective. The ongoing issues within the SPs needs to be addressed and DQ
Channels can play a major role in this front.

In my business, DQ Channels has helped me a lot. From being a Kolkata-based
SP firm, DQ Channels has enabled Diamond Infotech rise to the national level and
has increased its popularity. Now, people across the nation are aware of Diamond
Infotech and I thank DQ Channels in this endeavour.

Colonel Balwinder Singh, Director, Targustech, New Delhi

I have been reading DQC for over 10 years now. It keeps me well updated about
the SP industry. Initially when we started working, there used to be basic
business only. But now technology has taken over all parameters. In order to
compete with the changing times, one needs to be aware of the surroundings and
DQC helps me in doing that. The approach of the magazine is well defined.
Particularly, I like reading about the personal profile of the partners along
with their achievements. Knowing about your friends in the SP community serves
as a real feel good factor. The magazine also provides me adequate information
about my competitors.

S R Nautiyal, Director, Spark Technologies, New Delhi

I have been following DQC for more than ten years now.

It is one of the best IT magazines we have in the country. It gives you the
latest update on what is happening in the market and the whole of channel
community. In my opinion, DQC gives great insight to a partner like me.

A lot of changes have taken place since the time I ventured into the SP
business. Now the business pattern is more into specialization rather than
indulging in multiple patterns. A partner should have domain expertise these
days. And in all, DQC helps in making the right business decisions. Some times
while reading an issue, I get relevant information on what my competitors are up
to. It is the need of the hour in this dynamic industry.

Now talking about the areas where DQC needs to improve from here on. Many a
times I found some data errors in the magazine, most of the time the turnover of
a SP is given four times the actual figure. It reduces the credibility of the
magazine. The procedure in conferring DQC awards is also not transparent. As a
partner, I would want all these things to be rectified at the earliest.

Anil Gupta, Director, Artek Enterprises, New Delhi

I have been reading DQ Channels since the day it started.

The magazine contains useful information on channel activities, which is
otherwise difficult to get through other media. I also got to know about the
changing scenario in the SP business. The news coverage in the issue provides an
insight into the changing trends, which is crucial for running any business.

Initially, there were very few solution providers and they did not have the
technical knowledge. Now, the technical awareness is gradually spreading in the
SP community. There are also many players in the market now, which is growing
manifold.

DQC comes in handy in gauging the dynamics of the market. While reading DQC,
many a times, I came across articles on our competitors as well. I got to know
about many other companies and what they does, after going through the news
articles and advertisements carried on DQC.

However, I would also like to see a few changes in the magazine. As a SP, I
would appreciate more news coverage in the future on topics like channels, OEM
activity and upcoming technologies.

Pradeep Jhawar, CEO, Bard Roy Infotech, Kolkata

In 1999, the business of solutions was still in a nascent stage. There was
not much maturity in the market and selling software was a cumbersome job.
Although we were making a monthly turnover of Rs 70 lakh those days, there was
too little demand for solutions and only aggressive sales was the answer for
survival in the market.

In the initial stages of Bard Roy Infotech, we were focusing on Microsoft,
Oracle and HCL which was consistent in terms of sales. The solution space
received a major boost during 2005-06 when numerous concepts in integration and
solution came up after the dotcom revolution.

In DQ Channels, my favourite grid is 'Best Deployment'. The article is well
researched besides being well versed and I always read that grid even if I may
skip others. Besides, DQ Channels has been a consistent player over the years in
the channel space and no other publication except DQ Channels pays so much heed
to the needs of the SP. DQ Channels increases our knowledge base and helps in
understanding the market better.

I am contended with the content type in the magazine and would like to see it
in its present form. In the coming issues of DQ Channels, however, I feel that
there can be a dedicated section for the SPs to address their voices and
grievances. I am sure that SPs across the nation may have service related issues
with the vendor and think that DQ Channels can help us in addressing our voice
to the vendors and distributors.

Devendra Taneja, Director, PC Solutions, New Delhi

I have been reading DQ Channels right from its launch.

Reading the magazine makes me feel that I am keeping in touch with the my
family (channel community). I started my work way back in 1988 . IT world was
mostly proprietary. Hence there was practically no scope for SP activity
compared to what it is today. But now, it has really come a long way. The IT
adaption has grown and plenty of technological options have become a reality.
Standards, both technical and physical, have been set and scope for independent
SPs have increased. So, DQC has been of immense help in getting to terms with
the changing times. However there are things that I would like to change in the
future issues. At present, I feel analysis carried in the publication are those
which already happened or is happening. I would like to see increase in coverage
on future options evolving for SPs, which will position this magazine as a guide
as well as a guru.

Chetan Shah, CEO, Xpress Computers, Mumbai

In 1999, we were largely a system builder, custom building PCs, Servers &
workstations. Our focus on IT solutions was limited at that point. Almost 100
percent of the systems supplied by us were our own brand.

DQ Channels was the pioneer in the IT channel space & their stories,
reporting & insights have been fairly instrumental for us to take a focused
approach to solutions selling, developing IT services as our niche. DQ stories
are largely built on first hand information from the channels itself and many
stories have been written by partners themselves. Infact, I remember writing
articles for DQ Channels way back in 1999 on various topics concerning our
industry. DQ Channels should have an 'Innovation page' where you write about
some innovative ways in which partners have tackled business issues. Opportunity
knocks — A place where vendors and partners can come together and seek business
openings and connections. DQ has been at the forefront in pushing partners in
being solutions centric. That has been one of the major contributions by DQ.
Your excellent coverage on opportunities in the MSP space was great.

Dhyanesh Thakkar, Director, Brainware Systems, Mumbai

I ensure that I read the technology as well as people sections in the
magazine and that is what I like to read in DQ Channels. I also like to read the
editorial and also go through the magazine in general. Besides this, I might
also go through any article that caters to our business in specific. As a
suggestion, I find that the magazine is very focused on the application side of
the technology and much less on the technology itself. A lot of readers would
appreciate if there was more of technology focus given. I know that the
application focus is important for readers like CIOs but a lot of times for
channel partners if the technology aspect is not there then DQ Channels becomes
the secondary reading for them and not the primary reading. There has been quite
a bit of impact for us in terms of helping us with the business opportunities
around, as well as to know what CIOs and customers think. The magazine gives us
an abridged version of what is going on in the industry and that is really
useful for us. We are a 15 year old SI and are in this business since 1999.

Jayendra Sinh Parmar, Assistant VP, Ashtech Infotech, Ahmedabad

Our company has been around for 23 years now. DQ Channels keeps us updated on
the upcoming technologies, provides ample information and we can learn about new
business strategies by reading the magazine on a regular basis. It also helps us
build up our own business strategies by learning what others are doing. It
provides us the right perspective we need and the information is good. As of now
there are no suggestions from our side. Our company has been around for 23 years
now.

Tarun Seth, Director, Microclinic India, New Delhi

I was with Microclinic in the year 1999 and has been there since then. I find
the magazine DQ Channels to be informative on the plus side. On the negative, I
find that stories on new technologies in the world are not adequately covered
and in fact is lacking. I have been observing for some time now and even in the
last issue it was not there. As the guiding media vehicle for channel partners
in the country, it is important for DQ Channels to highlight the practices that
are adopted abroad in other more mature IT markets. This will help people like
us to know what is going in the world, why things are happening the way they are
and also help us know if we should get into it or avoid it. The magazine can
help us identify new business opportunities by highlighting more global
technologies.

Parag Shah, BM Shah and Company, Mumbai

In 1999, my company was still operational in the IT sector. I find DQ
Channels very informative as a magazine and up till now it is fine. There are
really no suggestions I have to offer as of now.

Pulla Reddy, Founder, SP Software, Chennai

I started SP software in 1995 by being into the product distribution. Now, we
are totally into the implementation of IT solutions and have developed 50
intellectual properties out of which 10 are application products. We have also
ventured into software exports now. I have been reading DQ Channels for fairly
sometime now. The market-related stories, especially interviews are quite nice.
Apart from only carrying interviews, i would like to read more about trends and
new products.

'In Focus' is interesting because it explains about new solutions. In
between, there was an issue in sourcing the copies, which I am not aware if its
been resolved. Solution space is also insightful, but what sets DQ apart is the
channel focus.

Sampath Kumar, HR—CEO, Valuepoint Technologies. Bengaluru

Valuepoint Technologies has come a long way since its inception.

The company is into computing architecture and network security.

Valuepoint was started in 1991 as an IT services and reseller organization.
We are premier partners for HP.

In DQ Channels Coverage done on products and technology is commendable. Also
the general news related to channels is very good. There is a considerable focus
on the news related to market share and market growth. Since DQ Channels also
feature the current happenings in the industry and market, it is absolutely
beneficial for readers like me.

In future, I would like to see DQ featuring the list of SI organizations by
their rank and location of services. This will prove to be a ready reckoned list
for people who require information on service providers. Plus there can be more
emphasis on channel case studies and any kind of inventions done within the
channel fraternity. I would also like to read more articles on channel expertise
talk which includes relevance to new technologies & trends in Indian market.

I consider DQ Top20 and DQ Channel awards as the most valuable awards in our
fraternity. These are seen highly as Third Party ranking in the Industry and one
can proudly state the status to the customers and prospects.

Ajay Sawant, CEO, Orient Technologies, Mumbai

In the year 1999 we were very small PC Traders and used to cater to more of
SOHO customers with 30 people on board. DQ Channels has always been a mentor for
us. It enlightens us for future growth. DQC always provides information on
various technology updates, which helps us in gauging the market trend. DQ
Channels Solution Partner meet is a TREAT in itself, where partners meet across
India and exchange views and different ideas about SI business. As far as any
scope of improvement is concerned, as of now we do not have any suggestions for
DQ Channels.

Team DQChannels