Vendors, distis to take front seat in Compex 2009

Chennai : The Information Technology Traders Association, Puducherry (ITTA)
is coming up with its annual computer expo, Compex 2009. The expo is scheduled
to take place from Jan 9-11, 2009.

But unlike previous years, this year the association has taken a new formula
for the expo by bringing in vendors and distributors directly into the
exhibition, rather than the channel partners showcasing their products through
their stalls. During the expo, the vendors will showcase their products
directly. The association has approached the distri­butors for helping them in
this task, for which they have responded positively.

"The expo will be targeted towards the SMB segment where, apart from the
regular hardware products, there would be solutions of different range starting
from broadband solutions such as leased lines to ERP for entire SMB segment. Few
software companies from Bengaluru also have shown keen interest in participating
in the expo. This expo will be a completely new experience for us," M Magesh,
Chaiman, Compex 2009 averred.

He said that the new formula taken by ITTA is one of the ways to address the
challenge and conse­quences of global financial position on IT expos. "We have
changed our entire style of IT expo due to this. Normally we don't do huge
business in IT expos. It has always been a platform for showcasing solutions to
customers to increase their awareness and increase the mindshare of the dealers
in that area among the customers," Magesh said.

Even though the vendors are showcasing the products and solutions, they will
be billed only through the respective partners of the vendors. The association
has also planned to increase the responsibilities of 'Association Stall' that
is put up every year. "Such stalls are put up every year and this year we have
planned to utilize it better in such a manner there those partners, who wouldn't
be a part of stalls directly or indirectly can help the customers in identifying
the right stalls and solutions according to their needs," he informed.

According to the vendors' presence, the partners also will be given a chance
to put up their stalls in the expo. Also this time the association has planned
to introduce a small entry fee for bringing in some serious and good customers.