Passion for technology

Delhi-based Usha Infotech,
is a well-known name in the networking space today. Its association
with A-class networking companies has grown its business into a
stellar position. From a small time distribution business background,
today, Usha Infotech, is an ISO 9001:2008 certified company.

It has established a brand
named-Nergy, which deals in passive networking products. Driven by
Jitin Gupta, CEO, Usha Infotech, it is one of the leading networking
business companies in North India from the last 12 years.

Humble Beginning

Hailing from a noble and
wealthy business class family, Gupta, instead of joining his family
business, decided to enter the technology space. His passion for
learning networking landed him into the technical field. Before
starting his own business in April, 2002, Gupta worked as a
freelancer at MNCs. While working, he got hands-on-experience on
heterogeneous networks. “While I was studying advance diploma in
electronics in 1995, I was always sure of one thing-I would carve a
niche for myself and become a businessman. Later, I also got enrolled
for Cisco Certified Network Associate,” says Gupta candidly. Today,
not only has he carved a niche, he is the most reputed
networking system integrator and distributor in the northern region.
Over a span of 9 years, he has opened offices in Delhi, Gurgaon and
Noida; and overseas office in Hong Kong. Usha employs more than 40
people and leverages on advanced networking technology like Fibre to
the Home(FTTH) and advanced Gigabit Ethernet PON (GEPON).

The Journey

Usha Infotech was founded
in 1992. Recalling those days, Gupta says, “I set up the company
without any financial support from family and friends. Whatever I
gained during my freelancing time, I put that into starting my own
distribution company. I managed to start it with an investment of Rs
22 lakh.” In the year of its inception, Usha Infotech clocked a
bumper revenue of Rs 2 crore. Since then, it has been a remarkable
climb for Usha. In the beginning, the company started distribution for
Surecom,
Compex and Samsung. In 2003, it added Netgear and 3Com; and Linksys
in the following years. The company touched new heights after
becoming the selected partner for Cisco's small and commercial
business. “Today for Cisco, we are India's second highest partner
for its commercial range. Moreover, for the last 2 years in a row,
Cisco has awarded us with the second highest partner in A-class
cities. This year, again we will be awarded for the third time in
Germany,” asserts Gupta. Today, Usha
enjoys premium partnership with most networking brands including
Cisco, Linksys, Alvarion, Watchguard, HP, and Netgear.

Launch brand Nergy

Today, Usha Infotech
commands 3 key business lines with a current turnover of Rs 12
crore, including distribution business which holds 70% of the
revenue, vertical business of Rs 3.5-4 crore, and import business of
Rs 2 crore. In addition to distribution and vertical business, the
company launched its own brand-Nergy in the networking market. On
being asked the reason for launching Nergy, Gupta aptly
replies, “The reason why we introduced, Nergy in the year 2010 is
because cloud computing was coming in a big way and diversification
of product selling was getting stiff. It was becoming difficult to
remain completely dependent on distribution. With Nergy, our focus
was on developing future products based on emerging technologies-FTTH
and advanced GEPON. All our products are highly tested and certified
and they are at par with international brands. Moreover, to check on
the quality, we have set up an office in Hong Kong.”

Best Practices

One of the great
principles followed at Usha is bringing products which not only meet
present requirement but also peep into the future. “I have been
continuously driving my skills to keep myself abreast with the latest
and emerging technologies. As we are focusing on fiber, our own
products will be based on end-to-end fiber solutions,” says Gupta.

Future Plans

As of now Usha's reach
is limited to the North belt only. To grow its own products, the
company will set up an office and warehouse in Mumbai in October this
year. In FY 2011-12, Usha plans to hit Rs 20 crore revenue mark, and
is counting on Nergy by adding triple play products to its portfolio.
Moreover, it is also looking at the security space closely as CCTV
and IP surveillance is a booming market.

Personally Speaking

Gupta is a hardcore
technology savvy person. He loves to keep himself updated on the
technological front. “I expand my knowledge domain by attending
seminars, workshops, IT fairs and technical programs. This keeps me
upgraded on new technologies,” Gupta says. Gupta is married to
Neeta and is blessed with 2 sons.