Indian IT Associations have come a long way in playing a significant role in the uplift of the channel community. The IT Associations are bridging the gap in managing the supply-chain and vendor’s partnership. The changing technological landscape and the need to innovate are driving organizations to seek solutions to their business needs in a shorter timeframe and become more competitive.
After the unprecedented time, the contribution made by various Associations formed across the length and breadth of the country can be ascertained from the role they have played right from the evolution of the channel ecosystem to that of keeping a tab on the conduct of the channel partners for the betterment of the Indian IT industry.
• AIT • ASIRT • BITA • CMDA - Delhi • CDMA - Pune • CONFED - ITA • FITAG • JCDA • NECTA • PCAIT • TAIT
With 150 plus members, JCDA generating an environment to flourish creative ideas
“We as Association bring all our worthy members under one platform of (JCDA) Jammu Computers Dealers Association to connect with each other for sharing their problems and feedback regarding the current market trends & requirements for enhancing the new business opportunities. We as an association conduct different seminars & meets from time to time. We also conduct various Activities like Cricket Tournament / IT Expo’s/ Blood donation Camps/ festival celebrations / Donations for Old age Home & Blind schools etc on regular basis. In such activities many OEM’s / Vendor’s are also associated with us. We are also associated with FAIITA (Federation of All India IT Association) to remain updated for new ventures & updates. During this pandemic period we are in contact with various IT partners/ Associations across the country to get updated for the new or upcoming business opportunities or updates in our industry by conducting meetings thru online modes & even on phone calls. Our association also met with various Government representatives to support our members in the Govt. sector. In our Association there are about 150 plus members who are associated with us under all categories.
Whenever a new Vendor/ OEM comes to our region or state we as an association help them by conducting Dealer Meets/ Road Shows/ Trainings/ Seminars and give them a common platform to meet maximum partners under one roof. As our state’s topology is very different from other states, it is not easy for the OEM’s / Vendors to reach out to the far away members / regions, hence it is easy for the OEMs & Vendors to interact with all under one banner JCDA.
We as an association generate an environment where creative ideas flourish, not just in R&D, but throughout the organization at every level to provide opportunity through personnel autonomy. Also built cross organizational networks & focus on goal based thinking. We as an association are always ready to welcome the new and innovative ideas & partners to align with us for building a true bond with all the Associations / Federations in achieving the ultimate goal for the betterment of our IT industry.”
Rohit Jandial
President, Jammu Computer Dealers Association (JCDA)
ASIRT serves as a conduit for direct communication between OEMs and its members
“ASIRT today, is Mumbai’s largest aggregation of Indian ISVs, SIs, Resellers and Cloud solution providers. Promoted by leading IT service providers in Mumbai, this organization strives to foster collaboration and assist this community of IT businesses in achieving greater success and expanding their business boundaries.
The Association of System Integrators and Retailers in Technology (ASIRT) holds the distinction of having the longest-running monthly Techdays, having just finished the 99th. The Techdays are primarily intended to empower Members through contacts with IT industry professionals from technology OEMs, as well as experts in Cyber Security, AI, Big Data and Analytics, IoT and other technology fields. Members get the opportunity to learn about the latest product debuts and advancements, as well as how these solutions might benefit their consumers. As a result, ASIRT extends these interactions to their staff through TechEdge, a knowledge programme that provides extensive insights on the product/solutions. New product launches and introductions keep our Members ahead of the competition.
Our current membership count is 215, with more people applying for membership every day. Member admission is a well-defined process that is delegated to a team within the Board. The formerly SI programme is now being expanded to include OEMs and Distributors, with the need that these companies have a service and solutions arm that is in line with ASIRT's ethos.
ASIRT serves as a conduit for direct communication between OEMs and its members. OEMs can reach a significantly wider audience for their products through our Members than they could through their traditional distribution/dealer network. This also ensures that the two are in sync, with a well-defined method for resolving any transactional or other issues.
We have SIs among us who have grown to be bourse-listed as a result of their innovative attitude. ASIRT is an acronym for Partner - Progress - Evolve, which encapsulates the IT community's need to grow.
ASIRT is governed by a 13-member governing board. This board has a special agenda: to guarantee that ASIRT touches the businesses of all partners not just those with enormous volumes but also those with very modest volumes seeking new horizons. Reaching out to fellow business persons in the Information Technology space across India is one of the objectives. ASIRT and ASIRTers indeed assert the need to create the “differentiator” element. Uniqueness of approach - collaboration - cohesive actions - work ethics - camaraderie - transparency are the key elements of this ‘differentiator’ which will help enhance our geo spread moving beyond the state boundaries.”
Tushar Parekh
Chairman, Association of System Integrators & Retailers Technology (ASIRT)
With good relationships and good ecosystems, Innovation can be done
“We introduced a scheme “NECTA FESTIVE CARNIVAL” 11th Oct to 31st Dec which was exclusively for our members to increase their sales. It was first of its kind initiative by any association India, in which 129 partners participated and approx 20,000 coupons went in the hands of customers, which had weekly lucky winners, fortnightly lucky winners and mega winners. It was a great success that we were able to add approx. 40+ new members in our association along with 200+ partners in all categories.
We had a meeting with All State Heads of OEM’s and National Distributors Brand head on 4th Oct’2021 , the meet was focus to fill the gap between members and OEMs and ND’s , to strengthen the relationship in every terms , we urged to work closely with members for the mutual benefits and long term relationship.
Innovation can be done only if we all have a good relationship and good ecosystem , for that we need to understand each other’s problems and address the same , which will build a great relationship among OEMs , NDs and Partners, which will ultimately lead to great innovations.”
Avinash Jalan
President, North East Computer Traders Association (NECTA)
FITAG running its Innovation Tour to reach 24 locations of Gujarat
“We are empowering our member-partners in many ways, we are running different programs to empower our member-partners.
FITAG is a federation of 39 IT Associations spread across Gujarat with more than 5000 member strength.
We are running various types of programmes with our member associations & their members to accommodate OEMs to reach the extra miles in our region/State.
FITAG is already running the "FITAG Innovation Tour", which will reach 24 locations of Gujarat to address members of our partner associations. The motto of this tour is to explore innovations and new opportunities for our last mile members.”
Hitesh Patni
President, Federation of Information Technology Association (FITAG)
BITA believes survival is only possible by collective efforts
“Bihar IT Association’s tagline says "Together for Growth''. Bihar is the third most populous state but primarily an agrarian society. The share in national I T product sales is very small, just about 3%.
BITA is building an inclusive ecosystem where even non-member partners are supported in their issues with OEM and NDs. Partner Business Whatsapp group was introduced recently to help partners share & supply requirements for Products or services. The remote partner is getting the big advantage of Major Town colleagues.
Association is a member of the National organization FIIATA and through it OEM issues are getting resolved, actively.
Our association is in continuous dialogue with the Bihar Government for expansion of I T infrastructure, development and training in the state at every level. In the last 4 years around 20 new Government colleges have been added with one in each district, 2 central and 7 private i.e 38 Government, 6 central and 19 Private. Thus created demand in the market is benefiting our members and partners.
The various knowledge enhancement seminars and product training sessions are a regular feature. Any new development and copy of schemes or policies, which could impact I T fraternity, is promptly floated to partners by BITA
The next big thing which is being emphasized by the Association is to ensure every partner becomes part of the e-commerce business. Association is encouraging members to start such activity and secure one’s future. Again, support from FIITA is quite enthusiastic.
In over 30 years, this industry is seeing in true sense, a price rise but declined supplies. With big challenges of online sales, competitive pricing and changing market dynamics, survival is only possible by collective efforts. Many interactive sessions with national and global I T OEMs, in newer product & services portfolio, is required for smoother forward movement of trade fraternity.”
Rajiv Agrawal
President, Bihar IT Association (BITA)
AIT helps OEMs to identify products specific partners and bridge the gap
“Our Association is known for conducting periodic fellowship meets, product webinars, training programs, cultural programs, CSR activities and clarity on Tax compliances for the dealer community. Fellowship meets in particular will usually have product launches coupled with a motivational speaker which help in developing new business opportunities. Product webinars provide new insights to upcoming products. Training programs provide value to dealer communities in serving the customers effectively. Cultural programs bring in a sense of bonding and bonhomie amongst the members and their respective families. Due to the pandemic our CSR activities are working overtime not only within the community but also outside, lastly the tax compliance is quite a subject in itself and the association through its medium brings in awareness to the fraternity. We are proud to claim that all the above creates a well-rounded member personality.
Currently we are having almost 400 life members who are owners and CEO’s of their respective companies, this strength of members contain dealers, sub dealers, distributors and resellers. We have an extensive database of our community and any OEM fulfilling our basic parameters can access these facilities and vice versa. We also help OEMs to identify product specific partners and bridge the gap.
This is now the age of AI, IOT, Cloud Computing, Business Analytics and Big Data. The association has provided a platform to members by partnering with companies which address the above verticals and providing information and solutions by way keeping the members informed thru online seminars and other mediums that are being used within the member community. Lastly the pandemic has taught us how to unlearn what you have learned all the while and give a new outlook to the way business is done.”
Satish Rao
Secretary, Association For Information Technology (AIT)
Innovation is the primary requirement to succeed
“TAIT Makes their members' businesses easy by way of updating them and conducting all the activities needed to upskill and re-skill them. TAIT Having various committees in place like grievance, events, liaison etc, which provides much needed support and handholding to all its members.
TAIT has around 350 Members, a mix of Distributors / Dealers /System Integrators/ Importers and Manufacturers too.
TAIT acts as a bridge between OEMs and Channel, by mediating in supply chain , Stocking , Warranty issues, Payment discipline and identifying right partners.
The IT ecosystem is one of the most dynamic fields, where innovation is the primary requirement to succeed. TAIT makes sure to arrange programs known as “TAIT Knowledge Session” periodically, where experts from respective fields are invited to share their wisdom on current trends and technology.”
Viren Bavishi
President, Trade Association of Information Technology (TAIT)
Appropriate innovative ecosystems essential for understanding current and changing dimensions of business
“The Association is empowering the member- partners by organizing the seminars / webinars/ training on different topics. The association organizes at least 15 events every year which enable our members to acquire the knowledge about happenings in the business world, precise guidance on taxation, management, sales achievements & personality developments of members as well as their staff.
We have 300 members registered & they are from all segments including ND-RD-SI-Retailers & Service providers.
We organize CMDA IT expo every year; this is the 24th edition from the last 28 years of CMDA. We have been publishing our own IT magazine called CMDA Times for many years. Both of our activities help OEMs to reach our members with the targeted segments & achieve results.
We are always open for all kinds of new associations which help our community to grow. Some examples are like - we have organized tours to Taiwan / China at their trade centers, we have conducted onsite visits of our members to giant DATA centers like YOTTA. We are coordinating with FAIITA & Other associations for projects like Web portals & Trade centers etc.
We always believe that appropriate innovative ecosystems are essential for understanding current and changing dimensions of business worldwide.
Chintamani V.Kuber
Secretary, Computer Media Dealers Association (CMDA), Pune
CONFED - ITA nurturing members to migrate from only box selling
“We are focusing on our partners’ ecosystem growth by providing the forecast of IT reselling in the next 5 years. We are nurturing them to diversify, become a solution provider and use the existing customer database and grow further.
There are about 1600 members which includes Sub/Regional distributors, Dealers/SI and T3 resellers. T3 resellers are about 75%. We constantly connect with OEM's for sales and product positioning training for new launch products.
Post Covid even to reimage and resilience new innovation and working towards a solution base is must and we are proposing it in every meeting and nurturing our members to migrate from only box selling.”
K. A. Prabhakar
President, Confederation of IT
Associations (CONFED - ITA)
IT Associations are channels between Government agencies and Trade
IT Associations are playing the role of conduit between Government agencies and Trade. IT associations are a platform from which its partners can share their suggestions and grievances with the Government for creating a conducive atmosphere in the growth and development of the nation.
This Government on paper has done a lot of work towards “Make in India” and “Ease of Doing business,” but reality a lot more is desired to be done if we really mean business.
The government needs to have participation from IT Associations while making policy changes to make sure the proposals are workable and understandable by the masses.
The government has proposed various financial schemes for providing fast and low-cost finance to MSME’s, but we have yet to see anyone benefit from them.
The government is aggressively promoting “Make in India”, our trade and partners are also in sync with the government but it cannot happen overnight, and we need to first alongside start “Assemble in India” also to let the technology enter our country.
We should not create bottlenecks in imports by playing in the hands of big sharks and impose restrictions like BIS, WTC, ETA etc. which complicates imports by small assemblers and MSME’s who want to promote Make in India by introducing new technologies.
If both Government and IT associations work in tandem, it will be beneficial for all and also fast track the growth of our economy.”
Manoj Khanna
Secretary, Computer Media Dealers Association (CMDA) - Delhi
PCAIT - a platform for all OEMs scouting for credible channel partners
“We at PCAIT are firm believers of synergetic member alliance and in its pursuance have organized conclaves in Delhi for strategic alliances of our members with India IT channel partners. Furthermore we have been organizing training sessions for business growth of our members and their employees. All these initiatives are mapped to committees within the members of PCAIT.
PCAIT has around 200 life members doing 80% of total IT business in NCT of Delhi. Business of members varies from Distribution, retailing, System Integration and Manufacturing under Make in India initiative of GOI. PCAIT has a committee to take forward this initiative
We at PCAIT act as conduit between our members and key OEMs. We have been escalating partner issues and woebegone related to channel business.
We are a platform for all OEMs scouting for credible channel partners in the region. We have been organising periodic member conclaves for OEMs to identify and firm strategic alliances.”
Saket Kapur
General Secretary,
Progressive Channels Association of Information Technology (PCAIT)
