Rashi to distribute IBM ThinkPads and TFT monitors

IBM India today announced that it has extended its distribution network by appointing Rashi Peripherals Pvt Ltd as national distributor for its entire range of ThinkPad notebook computers and ThinkVision TFT monitors. Rashi would promote both the products through its 3,000 reseller base across the country.

As a part of the agreement, Rashi will promote these products to a varied section of channels and market segment, through its dedicated network of resellers in the metro and non-metro cities. The business association aims to address the growing business requirements among large enterprises, small and medium businesses and professionals in the B & C class cities.

On its part, IBM will impart sales and technical training to Rashi sales and marketing team on notebooks as well as TFT monitors, as part of the partner enablement channel program for IBM distribution partners. Rashi, on its part, would appoint a separate team to handle the relationship and grow the business. Also from May 20 a nationwide eight-city roadshow is in the offing--bringing IBM products closer to customers.

IBM's Personal Computing Division is pursuing a two-pronged growth strategy including increasing depth in the top metro markets and breadth in the non-metro markets. IBM had set up a Very Focused Business (VFB) group last year and signed more than 750 partners to address the needs of customers in non-metro markets as part of its breadth strategy. This infrastructure and channel expansion has been backed by continuous marketing and partner contact programs.

Commenting on Rashi's appointment, Alok Ohrie, VP (Personal Computing Division), IBM India, said, "IBM ThinkPad notebooks have shown significant growth in the marketplace. With Rashi's channel expertise and its credentials of being one of the largest distributors of components and peripherals in India, we will be able to further strengthen our market proposition with enhanced market reach for our customers."

Added Kishan K Chaudhary, MD, Rashi Peripherals, "The IBM-Rashi partnership has set another landmark in IT business.

With IBM's superior, high quality products together with Rashi's expertise in its model of value added distribution, the venture is poised for wider and better channel reach and services. The venture would put efforts to explore newer avenues for not only achieving greater market share but also increasing the overall market size for laptops in India by educating and reaching the right prospects at the right place and time. Overall this venture promises a WIN-WIN situation for both the partners."

Cyber News Service