CDAT to strengthen its role

S Gopikrishna Chennai, Sep 20

Computer Dealers Association — Tirunelveli (CDAT) is all set to expand its
role in the region. The association, which recently went in for fourth annual
election and elected new set of office bearers, has resolved to promote a
conducive business environment in the region, by closely working with vendors,
distributors and channel partners. “We have prepared a five-point charter to
achieve set objectives and goals. CDAT will grow its profile from a local
association to a regional body, covering the nearby districts and down south
markets in Tamil Nadu,” said MV Shankar, who was re-elected as President for
the second term, this year.

R Mohan (of Sky Networks) was elected as secretary and D Vijayakumar (of
Superb Systems) as treasurer, CDAT. “We have only three posts in the
association and the election process started early this month, soon after our
AGM. First, we invited members to file their nominations for the various posts
and election was conducted last week. I was re-elected to the president post as
there were no candidates to contest and the other two office bearers (R Mohan
and D Vijayakumar) were elected unanimously by the members of the
association,” he elaborated.

MV Shankar, President		R Mohan, Secretary

CDAT has 54 resellers registered with it as members and now it is looking at
expanding its role beyond Tirunelveli. So far, it has been only a local
association in Tirunelveli. Now they plan to cover nearby districts such as
Tuticorin and Nagercoil. “It is a long-time plan to address the neighboring
markets,” quipped Shankar. However, CDAT will entertain only resellers who
have registered themselves with TNGST and paying income tax as its members. It
is also collecting an annual membership fee of Rs 1,000.

CDAT assures to provide a common platform to all its members to share views
and issues. “We assure all our members an equal and fair treatment whenever
there is some issue. In fact, CDAT will focus only on solving the issues
amicably and promote trade in the region. The association will be instrumental
in forming vendor-disti-reseller triangle and strengthen their relationships in
business,” he detailed.

CDAT has recently intervened and solved an issue between LG and a local
channel partner in Tirunelveli. The association is planning to conduct many
programs (such as technical workshops and tax consultation series) for the
benefit of channel community. It will also actively involve itself in public
service initiatives like blood donation programs and emergency care (trauma)
services.

The association will meet every second Saturday of the month to discuss
issues and future plans.