Centralized association in UP; Jamshedpur gets a second IT association; CDAT elects new team for 2006-07; CMDA-Pune members get together to catch fraudster; Nagpur gets a new association; Karnal association focuses on IT awareness, defaulters; The progressive 15 (PCAIT), East Delhi computer traders form association; Siliguri gets its first IT association; TCCDA election a nonstarter now.

These were some of the prominent headlines that hit the channel publications over the last year. There is often a debate whether channel associations have any real existence or not. And the answer is yes and no.

Surprisingly, these comments came from members of the associations. Many channel associations in the country do exist only on paper and function only when there is an issue in the market. The reasons being that resellers do not have the time to attend meetings or to participate in association activities, there are no takers for office bearer posts, election are not held regularly, there are factions within the local body etc. However, resellers should understand the fact that there is strength in unity. As the saying goes, 'United we stand, divided we fall.'

Survey highlights

30 associations from 28 cities and towns 2 associations out of the survey, 4 new ones in 12 associations improved performance but 10 slipped

What makes an association popular and effective

Lobbying: Octroi and sales tax policies with government, networking with bureaucrats Resolving member issues: Taking up fraud, cheating and cheque bouncing cases Conducting member welfare programs: Training programs and seminars, sports meets, family get togethers Business development: Organize expos, business directory Active and transparent: Meets regularly and is prompt in conducting elections

Though, it is heartening to see business growing at a rapid pace and volumes touching new heights, it is simultaneously becoming very hard to run a business. Margins are under constant pressure. Undercutting and unethical competition is haunting the business. Defaulters and bad debts give nightmares to traders. It is at this juncture that resellers feel the importance of associations and their role in guiding (controlling) the market.

Understanding the power (and role) of the associations in business/market about two years back, DQ Channels embarked on a novel initiative of ranking the channel associations across the country based on their performance and activities. We got a very good response to our association survey. In fact, it acted as a catalyst and spurred associations across the country to become more active.

Now, we are proud to present the result of our 3rd annual ranking of channel associations in the country, in association with IDC India, world's largest IT market research organization. Who moved up, who slipped down. Here we present the 'DQC-IDC Annual Association Survey 2007'.

This year, the survey covered 30 associations across the country; two above the last years count. In our first survey in 2005, we covered only 26 associations. The association names were short-listed for the survey after thorough evaluation of their activities and performance over the last year. In fact, this year, TCCDA from Hyderabad and AKITDA from Kerala were not considered in the survey (both appeared in 2006 survey) as they are now completely inactive and defunct.

The four new entrants in this survey were: Bihar IT Traders Association (BITA) from Patna; Allahabad Computer Dealers Association (Allahabad); Malabar IT Dealers Association (MITDA) from Kozhikode and Computer Dealers Association of Tirunelveli (CDAT).

Out of the 30 associations covered across the country, South had the maximum with 10, while North and West stood second with eight each and East with four. In all, 274 respondents were covered from these 30 associations, in the survey. Chennai and Delhi were the only two cities that had two entries each (two regional associations from the same city participating in the survey).

Unlike last year, the results this time were no surprise. There were not many changes, drastic reposition (ranking) movement of associations. An interesting observation was that associations in the metros did pretty well. They either retained their positions or moved up from the last years, ranking, except in a couple of cases. Upcountry associations witnessed some strong changes, with seven moving ahead and eight slipping down from their previous positions. Overall, 12 associations moved up the list, while 10 slipped. Four associations retained their positions and an equal number made a debut.

TAIT: Two to tango
It was Traders Association of Information Technology (TAIT), which made it to the first position for the second consecutive year. TAIT scored a high of 6.96 to reach the numero uno position, which is based on analyst evaluation, size of the city and members feedback. The total weightage was divided in the ratio of 50:10:40 respectively. TAIT ranked fifth in the 2005 survey. It is Mumbai's premier trade body and one of the oldest associations in the country, established in 1996.

The association's victory was mainly influenced by a very positive feedback from the members coupled with good analyst ratings.

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