SITA lifts ban on Logitech products

The ban on Logitech products will soon be lifted as a result of a meeting held this week at Surat between Logitech and Surat IT Association (SITA). According to the discussions held, Logitech would conduct future raids or any such activities only after taking SITA into confidence.

However, it is learnt that Sanjeev Shah, National Sales Manager, Logitech, has just given a verbal agreement and not a written one. "Sanjeev Shah did not agree to sign the resolution papers as he required permission from his seniors. However, they have assured the association members that such raids and arrests will not take place in future," said Brijesh Khanna, member of SITA and President of FITAG (Federation of IT Associations of Gujarat).

Rashi Peripherals, distributor for Logitech products, was also present at the meeting. The Gujarat channel community had banned Logitech products due to raids conducted at the premises of six traders recently. Manish Lodha of CM Computers was arrested, but was released on bail on August 15.

When contacted, Shah said, "It is essential that vendors understand the importance of local associations. In this case, SITA and therefore in the future there will be a definite plan for future activities. There will be a plan chartered out along with the association."

Even SITA has similar plans. "We are planning to bring out a charter whereby the association and the vendor can work together especially in the case of grey products and raids conducted by vendors," added
Khanna.

Nancy Sudheer