IT Channel Converge In Patna

Inaugurated by Dr Anil Kumar, IT Minister, Bihar, IT Panchayat in Patna
kicked off paving the way for the channel community to bring up issues and key
problems related to the channel. The event was organized in association with The
DQ Week and DQ Channels. The panel comprised Anil Gupta, Head-National Sales,
MicroWorld; Indrajit Mukhopadhyay of Sify; Sanjay Patel, Branch Manager, Ingram
Micro and Anjani Kumar, Branch Manager, Redington.

In his inaugural speech, Kumar elaborated, "I am pleased to witness the
coming together of the IT channel community. With the progress of IT in the
state, the channel community also needs a morale booster and a platform where
key problems can be discussed."

Attended by over 65 channel players across Bihar, the event concentrated on
the role that logistical support plays in the growth of IT retail. Also, payment
defaults and mode of payment issues came up giving the channel players an
opportunity to clarify business issues from the distributors directly.

Dr Anil Kumar, IT Minister of Bihar (center) and Ibrahim Ahmad, Group Editor, The DQ Week (third from left) lighting the lamp during IT Panchayat in Patna while RN Tiwari, PA Bihar Administration Service, Patna (second from left) and PK Sinha, Spokesperson, BITA (extreme right) look on

Pointing out the scope IT dealers and vendors can explore in Bihar, Kumar
stated, "Already we have implemented e-governance projects in 34 districts in
the state and aim to cover the whole state by December. New projects in the
field of telemedicine and video conferencing are coming up with successful model
implementations in many blocks. Also, the government is keen on attracting
investments in the field of education, and is on its way to equip computer
facilities in every primary school."

Channel partners engrossed in the discussion	The Panel: (L-R) Anil Gupta, Head-National Sales, MicroWorld; Ibrahim Ahmad; Sanjay Patel, Branch Manager, Ingram Micro and Anjani Kumar, Branch Manager, Redington; Indrajit Mukhopadhyay of Sify

Clearly underlining the new capabilities Bihar has, the channel players are
keen on maximising their reach across the state. Providing an immense scope to
increase sales and the status of IT, players from the upcountry region are also
looking forward to benefit from the government projects.

Participants check out the channel publications

"Major upcountry levels were not benefited in terms of IT retail or
wholesale, as the demand for IT products is concentrated around Patna. Now,
government initiatives are looking for local supply of the materials and in this
process, districts like Muzzafarpur, Gaya and north Bihar will also reap the
benefits," commented PK Sinha of BITA. Representatives of Redington and Ingram
Micro came up with solutions to the dealer's problems and are looking for a way
to sort out any miscommunication that has resulted. "As dealers, it has been a
great opportunity to seek an answer from the national distributors on the
problems we are facing. This helps in eliminating any misunderstanding that may
come up in the business cycle," commented Mukesh Kumar, Director, RG Software
and Systems.

Redington is on its way to revitalise its logistical and support systems in a
short span of time with Ingram looking forward to increase their stock
capabilities in the state. After the devastating floods in Bihar, logisitics and
supply was put on hold for quite sometime in the districts. Now, the national
distributors and the dealers have together begun to look for a proactive
approach finding a solution to quickly respond to natural calamities keeping
their business on the go.

The discussion was moderated by Ibrahim Ahmad, Group Editor, Channel
Publications. Sify and Microworld partnered for the event, which was attended by
65 partners.

AVISHEK RAKSHIT

avishekr@cybermedia.co.in