SumConcepts Technologies goes the channel way for 'Kompkin'

Pune: Having launched 'Kompkin', an educational PC, Pune-based SumConcepts Technologies is now looking to take the channel route to expand its reach and presence across the country. The PC launched on Sep 23 comes with over 300 applications installed in it. The other prominent features of the PC include 5GB hard disk, 2GB RAM and it runs on Linux operating system.

The applications uploaded on the PC have been designed to provide easier access to students to a host of modules such as syllabus, encyclopedia, educational games and tests that can further assist them in improving their analytical and reasoning capacities. It included chapter-wise school syllabus from standard first to twelfth and question bank on all subjects. It also has scientifically designed modules on career guidance and skill set development with a library of over 17000 eBooks. It also offers office modules like word processing, spreadsheets, presenta­tions, email, multi media, Internet browsing, advantages of greater parental control and virus protection.

The concept has been rolled out by SumConcepts in association with Europe-based company Techno­logies UK. In order to distribute the PC, SumConcepts is looking at partnering with educational institutes aside to adopting the channel route. The vendor has already appointed as many as 25 dealers across Maharashtra and will be appointing another 25 by end of December 2009.While Pune based CyberNet IT has already partnered with the company, some of the other dealers appointed by the company include Mainframe Computers in Aurangabad, Sujhata Computers in Pune, AceMind in Satara and Aditya Computers in Kolhapur among others.

Sharing details about the concept further, Biren Dharamsi, Director, SumConcepts Technolo­gies shared, “The idea to launch Kompkin occurred to us around three years back. We realized that students today need a PC that gives them easier access to applications that can further assist them in meeting their educational requirements. We are targeting schools and educational institutes for the desktop PC. While we are yet to give a demo to a host of schools, some 25-30 schools within Pune have already partnered with us. We have started from Maharashtra and will gradually advance to other parts of the country once we have created enough awareness around Kompkin.”

There are three variants of the Kompkin desktop PC that have been rolled out by the company. While the one without monitor is available at Rs17000, a 17 inch monitor is available at Rs 22000 and a 19 inch is available at Rs 27000. The company is also planning to launch a Laptop that will be on the lines of the desktop PC.

When questioned about stiff competition from established and leading players in the industry, Dharamsi stated, “The way we are looking at positioning Kompkin in the educational segment is different from the way the leading players are doing it. We want to convey the message that this PC supports various applica­tions and tools that can assist students in terms of enhancing their knowledge.While the competition is offering only the hardware coupled with software we have an edge over them since we have bundled the PC with various applications that can prove beneficial in terms of enhancing the reasoning and analytical skills of students.”

SumConcepts has partnered with Redington to look into the service issues, the software and free upgrade for the users will be provided by the company itself.