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With a hope to start a new technology trendaccross the country and hence
improve education scenario, Nancy Knowlton has introduced the interactive
whiteboard in anticipation of a change
Give a brief overview of the interactive whiteboard product range?
Our interactive whiteboard range is a touch-sensitive projection screen that
enables the user to control a computer directly by touching the board. The
whiteboard serves as a central display region similar to a traditional
chalkboard. However, its advantage is its ability to deliver lessons in an
interactive way. It is easy to install and exposes one single computer into the
classroom. It is attached with interactive response system that gives students
an opportunity to interact with the teacher.
Is it cost efficient for schools to impart education in a technology-savvy
environment?
These days, the concept of one laptop per child is gaining ground in the
education system. But, it may not be affordable for every child to buy a laptop
or for the schools to sanction one laptop for every child, but with the
installation of whiteboards, the classrooms can start running on technology and
through one laptop or computer the entire class can avail this advantage.
What is the distribution model that you are following?
Our distributor in India is iMark. It has its own set of dealers who are
based in different parts of the country. As of now we do not have plans to
appoint any other distributor. The expansion of reseller base is taken care by
the distributor.
How would you rate the penetration of your products in the Indian market?
Right now we are at a very early stage and have to go a long way to hold a
strong market position. Our product line needs a lot of awareness and education
for the users to understand its importance and relevance. However, in the coming
years, it holds a big opportunity for us and a significant market would surely
emerge.
Which are the locations you are targeting?
We are starting with metros and then gradually we will move into upcountry
market. Our concern is that in B and C class cities access to good education is
still a challenge. Therefore, our first target area is urban class where the
acceptability of technology into learning system is still in a better condition.
Within next two years we will have a strong penetration in the country through
the medium of wide channel base. To achieve the target we are engaging number of
parties for publicity. We are aiming that each school must have at least two
whiteboards in place.
What kind of opportunity does this product offer for resellers?
The dealers do installation of the whiteboards at the customers' premises.
In fact, dealers can also play a good role in creating awareness among the
target customers for using this product. We conduct training sessions for the
distributor for marketing, supporting and installation of the products. The
distributor then conducts such sessions for their sub-dealers and resellers and
we put resources for that. Moreover, the dealers get new and exciting products
to deal with, they get better margin opportunity and a chance to explore
technical innovations in other parts of the world.
Amrita Tejasvi
amritat@cybermedia.co.in Page(s) 1
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