Cochin-based All Kerala IT Dealers Association (AKITDA) is organizing a series of IT expos in the state to promote business in the region. IT Vision `06, the year long series was first kick started in Cannanore and recently held at Cochin. “We will cover the entire state and organize at least 10 shows bringing in participants/visitors from all the 14 districts of Kerala. IT Vision `06 is well received and gaining popularity among all sections of people-vendors, distributors, dealers, resellers and the public. We are sure that these shows will further boost business,” said K Vijayachandra Menon, State President-All Kerala IT Dealers Association (AKITDA).

In the next phase, the association wants to cover places such as Thrissur, Palghat, Alleppey and Quilon. “IT Vision series is not only conducted to boost business but also to create an IT awareness among end-users. It will educate them with the latest technologies and offerings in the market,” he added.

In Cochin, the association conducted the show for three days, from May 18-20, 2006, at Ernakulam Town Hall. Intel made its strong presence in the expo with stalls showcasing the new dual-core processors, managed by the GIDs (Genuine Intel Dealers) in the region. Other major participants at the event included Canon, Samsung, Frontech, Enter, RIAN Media, Hitachi, NetGear, Airtel, HCL, Best IT World, LG, Libert, Powercom, Boon PC, Acer, Microsoft, TVSE, Wep Peripherals, Asianet, Idea and Epson, among others. Airtel and NetGear converted the entire exhibition venue into a Wi-Fi zone.

“The major attraction of the show was free IT employment registration for the youth who are seeking jobs in the IT industry. We have generated a huge database through this show and now, forwarding it to the companies for their perusal. The exhibition was inaugurated by P Vijayan, IPS, city police commissioner,” informed Menon.

AKITDA recently conducted its third official election in Cochin. K Vijayachandra Menon (OM Computers, Cochin) was elected as the State President. While KK Manoj (ITS Computers, Thrissur) took over the post of General Secretary, Thomas Paul (Microcode Computer, Cochin) was nominated for the post of Treasurer. “There are two VPs-Binu Madhav of Cannanore and James of Pattinamthitta, in our association this time,” he mentioned.

Commenting on the association activities, Menon said, AKITDA has many challenges ahead and the association should play a key role in keeping the channel community intact. “AKITDA will play a neutral role and try to address the issues of channel partners, customers, vendors and distributors in business. As a step forward in this direction, AKITDA has set-up complaint cells across the state and appointed a chairman at the district level to handle complaints and address issues,” claimed Menon. Toshy P Mathew is the State Chairman for complaint cells.

AKITDA has set many targets for this year which include increasing the membership base from present 1,000 to 1,100, reviving association activities, launching an insurance scheme for the members and their workforce and conducting technical training programs.

Page(s)   1