Vikas Gupta:- Take us through your plans to make a mark in the enterprise segment.
Bimal Raj :– We have introduced end-to-end computer networking solutions for small, medium and enterprise segment. But on the enterprise side of business we plan to focus more on “Technology specific Solutions” rather than the “Mass High End Enterprise Business”
Vikas Gupta:- As part of Smartlink’s capacity expansion plans, what will be the strategy over the next few years?
Bimal Raj :- Yes, we have the capacity for expansion, space wise we have no constraint. We are looking at expanding our manufacturing capabilities. In coming years we will be focusing on increasing our manufacturing capacity for products for volume market.
Vikas Gupta:- Tell us something about your new partner initiatives.
Bimal Raj :- We have always been a channel driven company and our endeavor is to always improvise on our channel policies and time and again we have been recognized by Channel community as one of the most channel friendly companies in India. We ensure healthy margins for the Channels and also introduce new products with newer applications to increase the scope of growth for the Channels. These new products and solutions enable the channel to value add and hence can generate better margins from their customers.
We are supporting our partners with strong advertisement campaigns, retail branding and publicity material. Apart from this we are conducting Technical Trainings, Seminars, Road Shows and Trade shows to keep them abreast with the latest technological trends and markets.
We have been coming out with regular channel incentive programs where in we handsomely reward partner community. The objective is to ensure healthy margins for partners who are putting in efforts and we wish to grow these partners along with us.
Vikas Gupta :- What is your channel policy in India? What kind of channel expansion are you looking for in the near future?
Bimal Raj :- At Smartlink our emphasis is to offer quality products adhering to highest standards and back them with one of the best post sales services. With this the channel partner doesn’t have to worry about the quality aspect and he is rest assured.
Channel expansion within India is a continuous process. We are constantly increasing our base across the country. We plan two fold sale strategies. One strong point we already posses is to reach SME and SOHO customers through our present regional distribution channel, we have empowered them with good amount of Pre Sales training on our products as well as latest technological trends.
Vikas Gupta:- What is your strategy for the consumer space where the market has become fragmented?
Bimal Raj :- We are introducing number of lifestyle products, targeting consumer segment. We will be reaching out to our target customers with our presence in large format retail outlets. We have well-conceived branding strategies to for consumer space, which will be instrumental to our success in a market flooded with competition.
Vikas Gupta:- What is the key focus area for you?
Bimal Raj :- Active Products have been very much part of the company’s core competency right from day one. With in-depth knowledge of networking industry and well balanced resources, we have drawn up ambitious plans for the future. We have sophisticated manufacturing plants in Goa which is well equipped to manufacture IT products in large scale with best experience of more than two decade, an all India distribution network and a dedicated team of professionals, all in place.
We have drawn up a road map that will focus on high potential verticals and the company will deploy significant resources to capture opportunities and make strategic investments to improve its competitiveness in the marketplace.
The Company is well positioned to now focus and further enhance its position in other existing businesses. DIGISOL – catering to the Active Networking space with wide range of Networking products. DIGILITE – the Motherboard and other peripheral brand and DIGICARE – the one of its own kind nationwide service support division. Smartlink also undertakes Electronic Manufacturing Services (EMS) at its state of the art facilities at Goa.
Each of these businesses provides a robust platform for future growth
Vikas Gupta:- What are your plans for Digicare?
Bimal Raj :- With the exponential growth in the Telecom industry and the convergence of Mobility and IT products, DIGICARE is expanding its capability to support Notebooks, Tablets and Smartphones. In addition to this, DIGICARE is also expanding the DTAC operations to cater to the increasing needs of its Customers. We are constantly investing in DIGICARE for increasing number of service centers across India and creating state of the art infrastructure
We are amongst very few IT companies which have its own Service Support division which gives us a edge over our competitor. Our high quality and reputable after-sale-services are strategically built to deliver customer satisfaction. Currently we have 64 centers all across India.
We offer first-rate integrated service and support through our special service division, DIGICARE, which consists of RMA centres, DIGICARE Technical Assistance Centre (DTAC) and Direct Service Department (DSD).
Vikas Gupta:- How is the Digilite brand doing?
Bimal Raj :- In a short span of 100 weeks, DIGILITE has become India’s fastest motherboard selling brand in India. Last 100 weeks were landmark weeks for DIGILITE; full of glorious moments, achievements and milestones. It is a great achievement for us that in a short span, we have reached such great heights. Having established our credentials in the Indian market, we will be strengthening our penetration levels in the country by expanding our network and offering a wider range of products.
Over 4 lakhs of DIGILITE motherboards have been shipped since it started its operation in the country. DIGILITE now has reached to more than 126 cities PAN-India and has already enrolled 549 “DIGILITE Platinum Partners” (DPP) and “DIGILITE Gold Partners” (DGP) across the nation.
In last 100 weeks, DIGILITE has won a number of awards and recognitions from various publications houses.
