Art Enthusiast

Most of the important things in the world have been accomplished by people who have kept on trying when there seemed to be no hope at all,” said Dale Carnegie. So believed Anand Rao Balluru as well when he decided to start Par Data Systems. Incepted in 1994 Par Data was into networking space and PC based solutions. The company went into full-fledged distribution in 1996—97 for D-Link products. By the end of 1999-2000 it started tier-1 and tier-2 distribution for Tyco products and today it offers end-to-end IT infrastructure products and solutions.

Journey so far

Armed with an engineering degree in electronics and communication, Balluru always wanted to be an entrepreneur. With the support of his wife Padmajyothi who is also an engineer, Balluru founded Par Data Systems. After being successful in selling PC based solutions, Balluru expanded into enclosure solutions, racks, enclosures and desktop space. His main target was to cement channel ecosystem which consisted of system integrators who were into network cabling. “We have tied up with Cisco and we promote 3Com and HP ProCurve. Currently we address the Karnataka market and have a branch in Chennai since four years,” remarked Balluru. Today, Par Data Systems covers IT infrastructure products and solutions, wall-mounted racks, closed racks for servers and closed racks for LAN equipment.

Challenges

During the dotcom phase 1999-2000, Balluru experienced a dip in revenues. "That phase was a bit bad but we did not lose focus. Again in 2008 and during 2009-10 we went through the same phase, but situations like this makes you spruce up the business. Today, we are registering good numbers and profits. Being in a niche segment as racks and enclosures, partners are the most important link for us as they form the backbone of any company. Over the last 15 years we have hardly lost any significant partner and this adds to our USP. In spite of any given market condition, we make sure that our partners make decent numbers," commented Balluru.

Interests

Balluru believes in having a perfect balance in life. He loves to relax by listening to all kinds of music, from classical numbers to old hindi film songs. Once in a month Balluru gets a couple of friends and business associates to jam and have karaoke sessions. He believes that one has to pursue and appreciate any form of art. Balluru was also heading the Association of Information Technology (AIT) Bangalore, and is now in the advisory committee. He takes keen interest in the association activities and welfare of fellow members.

Family

A true Bangalorean at heart, Balluru's family comprises of his wife Padmajyothi, son Rohith (who is pursuing engineering) and daughter Rachna who is studying in the 11th grade. Owing to business pressures, Balluru makes a point to spend quality time with his family over the weekends. “Things are moving very fast nowadays and it is very important to bind family into some values. I love to spend time with my children and wife and take them out on holidays. My most memorable family trip is our visit to London and Amsterdam. We had a very good time exploring new places and cuisine,” recalled Balluru.

Future Plans

Balluru wants to explore new territories and expand his business into voice-based solutions. He also wishes to introduce new technologies in racks and enclosures which will set his products apart from the rest. Since things are going good for the company, Balluru is now hopeful that the new year will bring in new opportunities. “Everyday is a new beginning. Forget about what might have been and look at what can be,” signed off Balluru.

Revathi Raghavan

(revathir@cybermedia.co.in)