Ashram computers to foray into hardware business

Sethuraman N R

Chennai: Software solution resellers Ashram Computers and Consultancy
Services are planning to foray into hardware business in the very near future to
tap into the booming retail market. For almost 15 years Ashram computers has
been in the software solutions trade.

"We plan to set up a good showroom of about 800 sqft to display hardware,
software, branded PC's and latest IT products. This showroom will act as a
one-stop shop for all the costumer requirements in Chennai," said Kaushal
Srivastava, Branch Manager, Ashram Computers, Chennai.

When questioned about the sudden decision to enter into the hardware
business, Srivastava said the move behind the new venture was the booming retail
industry and Ashram didn't want to loose the opportunity. Claiming that most
of the revenue for Ashram came from antivirus products Srivastava said, "Seventy
percentage of the business for us comes from antivirus solutions. Even large
enterprises are in need for security, and the demand is increasing by the hour.
We are confident of meeting the customer demands in future as well." Rejecting
the idea that retail industry is eating the margins of the traders in a huge
level, Srivastava said that the move was a huge one and volume would compensate
the loss of margins. "The value addition in the service is always a necessary
factor for the survival and every trader should be providing that value addition
to his or her customers," he added

Ashram computers already has a footprint in Cochin, Bangalore and hopes to
open outlets in Hyderabad and Delhi soon. On the road ahead, Ashram computers
has planned to target the end users through its showroom facility and replicate
the same at its branches, besides adding Apple's products to its portfolio.