Modular launches state specific versions of its language solution

Pune-based language software solutions provider Modular Infotech Pvt Ltd, has launched state specific versions of the language solution Shree-Lipi in order to reach out to a wider market. The company has launched five language versions of Shree-Lipi - Shree-Lipi Kannada Ratna for the Kannada market, Shree-Lipi Tamil Vairam catering to the needs of the Tamil population and Shree-Lipi Utkal for the Oriya market. Shree-Lipi Deva Ratna Shree is meant for the Hindi market, while Shree-Lipi Deva Ratna Marathi is meant for the Marathi language users.

According to Dr. MN Cooper, Director, Modular Infotech, although Shree-Lipi was popular, the product had lacked specific regional focus. The state specific versions have been done entirely in the respective languages so that, users do not find any kind of difficulty in using the software package. "It is not a huge market, however, rampant piracy and too many players has made it difficult for the company to make inroads into the local language market."

According to RR Joshi, another Modular Director, "We have reduced prices of our products by 50 percent, in order to ensure that the users remain with us". Modular Infotech has been tough on offenders who have been using pirated versions of Shree-Lipi so far. Around 250 anti-piracy raids have been conducted across the country till date, of which 10 raids were conducted last year alone. 

With more than 100 cases filed by the police pending in courts against offenders, a disheartened Joshi said that the company is now trying to convert the offenders into regular users by persuading them to switch over to legal versions of Shree Lipi. "We are fighting a losing battle," he said.

The company has therefore decided to shift focus and produce language specific versions of Shree-Lipi in order to reach out to a wider base. The products will be sold through the 55 odd distributors, who have another 250 odd resellers below them.

According to the company, the test launch of these products in various markets has yielded encouraging results, with the company reporting a 10 percent rise in sales over the last few months.

Nanda Kasabe

(CNS)