The recent months saw the resurgence of IT channel associations all over the country as most of them became active in championing the causes of their members.

While some associations like the Computer and Media Dealers Association (CMDA) in Pune took steps to avoid frauds within the city, others like the Panipat Computer Dealers Association (PCDA) went on an aggressive footing banning some vendors whose channel policies were hurting their members.

Many associations decided to have elections to ensure that there is a committee of like minded people who can help the local channel community as needed. Of course in most cases the old guard took over during these elections.

But just the fact that most local bodies did undergo elections is a refreshing change from the past few years where the associations had more of less become a paper figurine. Of course there is still a lot of ego tussle that does take place within the executive council members, but increasingly members are becoming vocal about their dissatisfaction.

Another welcome trend!

All this and more came out in the results of the Association Survey commissioned by DQ Channels and conducted by IDC India. An interesting point is that the top three spots in the survey ranking were claimed by associations in the western region.

Although all associations do have some web presence, they don't leverage on it effectively. Barring a handful of associations, most don't even have any online forum or group. Another repetitive feedback from members was the periodicity of social events conducted by it.

Most members showed a higher degree of satisfaction for their local associations if it organized several family get togethers or social functions. Another interesting tid bit!

But for a national body to get successful, partners will have to put their individualistic feelings for their peers aside and focus on the broader benefits that a national body presents. Confed ITA has already sounded the bugle call for a national body at the recently held The DQ Week Disti Summit. I do hope that this comes to pass, and soon.

Vinita Bhatia
vinitavs@cybermedia.co.in

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