Iris adds mobile division to distribution

Delhi-based
Iris Computers, a national distributor for multinational PC brands
has forayed into mobile business. The distributor has recently tiedup
with ViewSonic for its entire product range which includes-monitors,
tablets, projectors, smartphones, etc. Unlike the PC business, Iris
has taken a different channel route to position ViewSonic tablets and
smartphones.

In an
exclusive interaction with The DQWeek,
Sanjiv Krishen,chairman, Iris Computers informed about its business
strategy for the mobile division. “We have partnered with ViewSonic
a month ago and are waiting for the first order of tablets and
smartphones to come in. Prior to ViewSonic, we were distributing
Motorola mobiles in northern region, which we discontinued 4 years
ago. Hence, for ViewSonic tablets and smartphones, we will have a
blend of IT and telecom channel. In addition to this, we are also
appointing 30 town distributors in major cities. And these town
distributors will supply to local retail channel partners.”

Krishen
also said, “We have a firm conviction that the future will be based
on tablets and smartphones. Today, IT business can't survive by
only selling PC boxes, as the current trend is moving towards
convergence of IT and telecom. Therefore, the IT channel partners
have to start selling telecom, so that they can do volume business.”

Today, Iris
has 4 key distribution businesses which include-PC
division, telecom division, power and Iris Care. The distributor
plans to grow its power business to Rs 50- 100 crore, and IT division
to Rs 700-800 crore. “With our new mobile division we intend to
have a Rs 100 crore business wherein, Iris Care will contribute Rs 30
crore. Moreover, we are also looking for partnering with telecom
companies.”

Besides
ViewSonic, Iris has added iGo brand for solar
torches and lanterns,and Canon and Lexmark for their printer range.
Talking about its expansion plan Krishen added, “Again, we are
looking at new investors to pump in funding into our business. Our
earlier financial investor was hit due to recession and we managed to
get 19% share of the investment. Despite that, we had touched a Rs
900 crore turnover. This year we want to cross the Rs 1000 crore
mark.”