Q). What is your vision for Gigabyte for the future?
For us improvement is a consistent process in all aspects of the PC component business.
Whether it’s innovation in technology, providing cost-effective products, post-sales services, or channel profitability – we are focused on setting trends and bettering ourselves.
This is not only our vision, but also the main ingredient in the DNA of GIGABYTE Technology.
Q). What are some of the challenges that lie ahead in front of the IT hardware sector today?
Hardware component business in the rest of FY 2013 is expected to flat. We could to see consolidations in terms of the distribution channel as well as the vendors. Those who remain in business will be rewarded with improved opportunities, resulting in more profitability.
Q). What is Gigabyte India’s roadmap for 2013?
In August, we announced our new FM2+ motherboard lineup (GIGABYTE A88X motherboards) supporting the forthcoming ‘Kaveri’ AMD APUs with support for existing socket FM2 Trinity and Richland APUs.
Also in August, we announced the launch of latest range of 8 series motherboards based on the new Intel® H81 Chipset (PCH) supporting the latest 4th generation Intel® Core™ processors. GIGABYTE Intel® H81 series motherboards include ATX and Micro-ATX models, bringing together a unique blend of features and technologies that offer the absolute best in terms of quality, durability and overall lifespan.
GIGABYTE H81 series motherboards stand out from the competition with signature features that guarantee the utmost in both performance and reliability. High quality components for key areas of the motherboard are joined by an updated and improved UEFI DualBIOS™ which offers a customizable, full HD BIOS environment, plus the new GIGABYTE App Center, which combines key GIGABYTE applications in a simple, unified interface. GIGABYTE H81 series motherboards also provide additional USB 3.0 ports and support the latest 4K resolution displays on both HDMI and DisplayPort.
We are launching two models of GIGABYTE H81 series motherboards in India shortly. These models are GA-H81M-S1 and GA-H81M-DS2, with an approximate price of Rs. 3,675 and Rs. 3,775 respectively.
Some of the GIGA BYTE 8 Series motherboards (with Intel’s Haswell Z87 Chipset allowing compatibility with the LGA 1150 socket processors) launched in June are GIGABYTE Ultra Durable™ 5 motherboards. They feature High Capacity Power Stages and Ferrite Core chokes rated up to 60A with GIGABYTE exclusive 2x Copper PCBs to provide the most stable power delivery. Ultra Durable™ 5 technology features a range of High Current Capable components that provide the highest quality power delivery to the CPU for record-breaking performance, cool and efficient operation and extended motherboard lifespan.
For the higher-end market, we have motherboards with the Ultra Durable™ 5 technology, featuring a range of High Current Capable components that provide the highest quality power delivery to the CPU for record-breaking performance, cool and efficient operation and extended motherboard lifespan. GIGABYTE Ultra Durable™ 5 motherboards feature High Capacity Power Stages and Ferrite Core chokes rated up to 60A with GIGABYTE exclusive 2x Copper PCBs to provide the most stable power delivery.
For the mainstream market, the focus will be on the GIGABYTE Ultra Durable™ 4 Classic motherboards that come with a range of exclusive technologies that guarantee our customers the absolute best protection for their PC, with built-in features that prevent common malfunction threats users encounter on a day-to-day basis.
GIGABYTE Ultra Durable™ 4 Classic is a range of exciting technologies that safe-guard PCs from everyday threats, including humidity and moisture, electro-static discharge, sudden power loss and high operating temperature .- which are the main worries of the average Indian PC users.
Q). How important is the channel community for Gigabyte in India as well as globally?
We prefer to treat channel partners as GIGABYTE’s extended family members. As over 95% of our business comes from partners, we leave no stone unturned to ensure their profitability. Channel Profitability is ensured by coming out with lucrative schemes under the GIGABYTE Value Partner Program (GVPP) for Value Partners; and GIGABYTE Channel Incentive Program (GCIP) for Premier Partners.
Through our incentive schemes, and other plans for the channel like training programs, and SI meets, we have built a committed channel base in different regions, and have succeeded to a large extent. We conduct regular meets for SIs / Value Partners to educate them on how GIGABYTE motherboards are equipped to grow their business.
GIGABYTE regularly conducts about 25 System Integrator (SI) meets across India every quarter, with the objective of offering technology-based training and education to its channel partners. Simplified training programs are the most vital attribute of our channel partner engagement initiatives, essentially because such programs help in enhancing their product knowledge as well as confidence to better manage and support their customers.
Q). Do you have any plans to expand your distribution network?
In the last few months, we have increased the number of our Value Partners from 2,000 to 2,800. We have only consolidated our Premier Partner base. This is because we prefer to have a closer, more focused working relationship with our partners. Being closer, our focus is on working for a common cause of knowledge-sharing among discerning customers and partners alike. Consolidation among Premier Partners gives is the perfect opportunity to offer enhanced support, conduct effective training / education, and also ensure more profitability for Premier Partners as well as Value Partners.
Working with a limited number of committed Premium Partners, helps us offer them every support we can, to help them focus on GIGABYTE business. This ensures that they get the maximum business and profits by working with GIGABYTE, and also their commitment and loyalty towards the GIGABYTE brand. This focus in turn tickles down to the next level, which is T2 level, where our Value Partners also get the best deals possible from Premium Partners and GIGABYTE.
Q). What are your future plans for India?
As always, all marketing / sales strategies for GIGABYTE will revolve around two things – channel profitability and innovative product technology / features.
For motivating our partners, we basically have three focus areas – Channel Profitability, Product Innovation, and After-Sales Services.
Also, the newly opened exclusive, full-fledged service centers have gone a long way in allowing our channel partners to provide faster and superior services to their customers.
