ASIRT roars against 'unfair competition'

Association of System Integrators and Retailers in Technology (ASIRT) conducted its first Techday on 26th April wherein the association discussed with its member on unfair competition policies as recently US overhauled its export policies and also there was an engaging presentation from Suneel Agarwal, a well known motivational speaker and brand guru.

ASIRT presented a business opportunity to its members in wake of Unfair Competition Act (UCA) - USA. Elaborating upon the business opportunity, Chetan Shah, Chairman, ASIRT explained how this act is aimed at preventing unfair competition and to promote global fair trade practices. As per inputs received by ASIRT, Shah said, "Under the UCA exporters of both products and services to the US have to prove their compliance to the use of genuine software and hardware. This is applicable not only to the manufacturers but to the entire chain including their component suppliers, exporters and logistic as well as service providers; in essence every business associated to anything and everything that goes into exports intended for consumption in the US."

Shah further explained that on failure to prove compliance, not only would the goods be held at the US ports and the debilitating demurrage charges be levied, but also the insurance would lapse leaving the exporter and manufacturing chain to incur humungous losses. It is thus in best interest of this entire chain to take corrective steps proactively. The companies that could be affected by the UCA, exclaimed Shah, when educated by System Integrators and Retailers will not only fortify their first mover advantage and increased trust and traction, but also earn them goodwill and eventually business. For some members, this can actually be a start of their software practice by legalizing as well as signing up new customers.

Kshitij M Kotak, president, ASIRT stated, "This act while protecting the US manufacturing will actually give Indian exporters and manufacturers a huge advantage over other competing nations where piracy is rampant. This opportunity, if supported by Indian Government and grabbed wholeheartedly by Indian manufacturers would result in a booming Indian manufacturing and galloping Indian economy while generating unprecedented employment within India."

ASIRT has announced that it will also help its members with print advisories and other supporting material to help them take this message to their customers.

The next presentation was by Enjay IT Solutions Limited, which presented their IPPBX & CRM solutions to ASIRT members. Limesh Parekh, director, Enjay IT Solutions also offered to handhold ASIRT members through prospecting, pre-sales, sales and implementation process for Enjay Synapse as also hosted a training session exclusive to ASIRT members in May.

Next was the highlight of the event, the presentation from brand guru, Suneel Agarwal. He enthralled the audience with his unique presentation on brand building for small companies. He talked about how every small retailer or SI should go about building their own brand and should not latch on to bigger brands. He also presented 5 tips, which ASIRT members can practice at little or no cost to build their brands, brick by brick. The interactive session was well received by the association members.

ASIRT has indicated that it will conduct similar Tech days every month, which promise to bring a lot of value in terms of learning, networking and tie-ups.