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Setting the business goals straight,
the software major,
has outsourced its online shopping
platform to Delhi-based Quasar Media, but the channel fraternity
laments over the transparency. Microsoft has tied up with Quasar for
its online store initiative that allows dealers and resellers to put
their products on its Web portal. The range includes office products,
PC games, Windows mobile phones, accessories and software. However,
the channel partners feel that this move by Microsoft is aimed to
benefit the preferred ones. Speaking to The DQ Week, Vineet
Durani, Director-Central Marketing Group, Microsoft India said that
the company's online store is a one-stop-shop for consumers looking
to buy genuine original Microsoft products at the best offers and
most reasonable price points.
"Since its launch, which happened
early this year, we have had over five lakh unique visitors and on an
average, we get approximately 1.25 lakh unique visitors every month,"
Durani said. The Microsoft online store is an e-commerce marketplace
that allows reach to prospective online customers. "There are
various partners for the Microsoft India online store, such as
Redington, Aditi Computers, Vipra, Technofirm, Lets Buy, Prentice
Hall India (PHI), Bhawar Lifestyle and Unique Infoways," added
Durani.
Amit Sharma, CEO of KK Infosoft, Ajmer
felt that the process is not fair. "I do not know, if Microsoft
has set up any benchmark to allow channel partners to conduct
business on its platform or if it is just a partisan attitude to
reward the favorite partners. The company should disclose the norms
for its online store initiative to all partners," said Sharma.
Durani commented, “They have licensed
their brand and its assets to Quasar Media, which owns and manages
Microsoft India online store. The pricing and commissions are set by
partners in conjunction with Quasar.” According to him, the
decision to take on additional partners rests with Quasar and any
organization is free to approach them to explore business
opportunities for partnership. Alok Gupta of Delhi-based Softmart
said, "Microsoft is bypassing the channel. Though, the end-users
are getting benefits, but it is not fair market practice. We should
be given equal opportunities too."
When
The DQ Week contacted
Singh
of Quasar Media, who heads the Microsoft-Quasar alliance, she
informed that they have developed Microsoft online store and would
also offer operational and maintenance services. She however
said that there is a process and a partner needs to enter into an
standard agreement with Microsoft, and has to pay an upfront fee of
Rs 50,000 for products listing." All the current partners on
Microsoft India online store are being recommended by Microsoft, and
we had
role in alleviating
them," added Singh.
Hemant
Chabria of Chabria Infotech, who is on board Microsoft's
online initiative said that, they have not paid any requisite amount
to Microsoft India. "We are not receiving volume business as the
new concept is yet to pick up. Online consumers are often reluctant
to put heir credit card numbers on a website," added Chabria.
Hyderabad-based G Mahender said that, though it may be Microsoft
India's policy, but however they are not aware of its online
initiative. Mumbai-based software reseller, Devesh Gupta of
Compusoft, who avails Microsoft India's online business initiative
said, "It is a marketplace to sell stock, and we have not paid
any amount to them.” However, Gupta said that their association
with Microsoft India online store did not make any difference in
business and the channel partners could come together for price
uniformity and fair trade practices.