The firstEastern India Information technology Fair(EIITF) - 2010 was organized on 23rd July, 2010 at Hotel The Park , Kolkata. It was graced by eminent personalities likeDr. Debesh Das, Minister In-charge, DIT & Environment, Government of West Bengal;Mr Siddharth, IAS, Principal Secretary, IT & Biotechnology, Government of West Bengal;Dr. G. D. Gautama, IAS, Principal Secretary, Department of Power & Non-Conventional Energy Sources, Government of West Bengal;Dr. N. Vijayaditya, CCA, Ministry of Information Technology, DIT, Government of India;Mr Manjit Nayak, Joint Director, STPI, Kolkata;Mr Ashwani Jain, Executive Director, PGCIL, Ministry of Power, Government of India;Mr J. P. Singh, Executive Director, RailTel, Ministry of Railways, Government of India;Mr Arindam Dutta, Member, Standing Advisory Committee, (NIRJAFT) ICAR, Calcutta;Mr Alok Garodia, President, COMPASS;Mr Shri Pawan Jajodia, Vice-President, Confederation of West Bengal Trade Associations; andMr Asoke K. Laha, President & Managing Director, Interra IT; as well as IT heads of various departments of the Government of West Bengal, PSUs, senior officials of DIT, Government of India and industry associations. 

West Bengal turned out to be the perfect venue for EIITF - 2010, where an attempt was made to understand the IT corporates and vendors to enable their mechanism to create custom-built solutions in a cost-effective manner. 

The theme of EIITF - 2010 was: "Innovations in IT for a Shining Bengal". The event started with the lightning of the ceremonial lamp. In his welcome address,Mr Deepak Kumar Sahu, Publisher, VARIndia, spoke about VARIndia and the potential of Asia. Asia has emerged as a global economic powerhouse from the recent worldwide financial crisis and no one can doubt that Asia's economic performance will continue to grow in importance in the years to come. India offers vast scope for WiMAX/BWA and penetration of broadband.

Dr. Debesh Dasappreciated the efforts of VARIndia for organizing this IT Fair and providing a unique platform for IT companies to interact with each other and initiate a dialogue to improve the prospects of IT in the State. Speaking about the opportunities in West Bengal in IT and telecommunication sector, he said, "A lot of new companies are setting up facilities in West Bengal and the existing ones are on an expansion mode. We expect that about 2,50,000 jobs will be added this year." He added, "West Bengal has received considerably high capital investment compared to other states, and highest ever in the state."

Addressing the audience,Dr. G. D. Gautamasaid, "West Bengal has come along way in becoming one of the most attractive destinations as far as investment is concerned. Today, West Bengal can boast of having many of the major IT companies of the countries having their facilities in the state." 

Shri Siddharthstressed on the latest happenings under his leadership. Speaking about the strides made by West Bengal, Shri Siddharth said, "The IT sector in the state of West Bengal is expanding in a big way with the addition of new companies in the state. Many SMEs are coming very aggressively by complementing for the large sector organizations into ERP, video conferencing solutions, BPO, KPO, Software development and open-source development techniques."

In his address to the audience,Shri Arindam Duttastressed about the role of start-ups in creating  a dynamic  eco-system. Addressing the audience,Mr N. Vijayaditya, said, "Information technology is a befitting answer to most of the issues that the country is faced with at present. The growth of India can be achieved if we are able to offer employment to the youth."

Presenting an overview of the projects being implemented by PGCIL in the telecom segment,Mr M. M. Baidya, General Manager, PGCIL, said, "PGCIL has been actively introducing IT and telecommunication through their OPW Networks  in existing  power networks throughout the country and has implemented projects for many states."

Mr Alok Garodia, President, COMPASS, said, "The Computer Association of Eastern India, popularly known as COMPASS, has been a facilitator and catalyst working closely with government on policy issues, enhancing efficiency, competitiveness and expanding business opportunities through assorted services and how they are helping vendors and corporates for the growth and mutual benefits."

The purpose of attracting IT vendors community to address the audience on their focus on the West Bengal market was successfully achieved as the major IT giants like Cisco, HP, Iomega, and Trend Micro spoke about how their companies are geared to face the challenges in the technology and innovations.

The initiative of VARIndia for holding EIITF was well received by the big corporates, PSUs like PGCIL, RailTel, STPI, WEBEL and BSNL, and it was hoped that it will become an annual feature. The event instilled a lot of confidence in the business community for promoting business in West Bengal. Last but not the least, EIITF provided an opportunity to entrepreneurs, VARs, SIs, corporates, resellers and government officials to interact with each other. 

While concluding, Mr Deepak Kumar Sahu, Publisher & CMD, Kalinga Digital Media Pvt. Ltd., proposed a hearty vote of thanks to the assemblage.