/dqweek/media/agency_attachments/JNb31gQnqJvAm0jqPxaV.png)
Follow Us
the wake of an unexpected demand before the official launch of
UbiSlate 7 or Aakash 2 in the month of March, 2012,
is on
the verge of scaling up its existing Hyderabad production capacity
and hiring a couple of more facilities to stabilize the demand in the
next 2 months. In addition to this, the company has also completed
its selection of regional distributors. DataWind Innovation will be
the national distributor for UbiSlate 7.
an exclusive interview with The DQWeek, Vijendra Gupta, VP, CSD and
operators alliance, DataWind, said, “We have received overwhelming
response from the customers on Aakash and UbiSlate 7. We have
received 1.5 mn pre-booking orders on both the devices. Hence, our
priority is to fi rst meet the demand and deliver the device to the
customers. Additionally, we have decided on our own Indian arm
DataWind Innovation to be the national distributor for UbiSlate 7.
Also, we have included four additional regional distributors into our
fold.”
Datwind Innovation is distributing products including-PocketSurfer
hand-held internet device, UbiSurfer netbook and now Aakash/UbiSlate
tablet devices in India. The company will be taking an IT channel
route, however the core challenge before the company is to gear up
for its supply chain. For DataWind, scalability is not an issue but
sourcing multiple components from various countries in bulk is what
is delaying the entire supply chain. Thus, the company feels that the
demand crunch will improve in the next couple of months as they are
adding additional facility lines. Without divulging the name of the
regional distributors, Gupta added, “Biggies like Ingram and
Redington have showed interest in our tablets. However, we intend to
take the regional route as our low-cost device is meant for the
masses and not for the niche segment. Once we roll out the device in
channels, we will be sharing the leads and will allow our channels to
make money."
DQWeek has learnt from its sources that DataWind is likely to tie-up
with Delhi based Iris Computers. Sanjiv Krishen, chairman, Iris
Computers said, “The CEO of DataWind came to our office with a
proposal, but we have not yet signed up with the company.” He further added, “At the time of the launch, we will have
our go-to-market strategy, service support and supply in place. We
will fi rst introduce 2.3 Android tablet with resistive touch. ”