ChannelMentor develops open source solution for channel managers

Providing an alternative to steeply priced channel management solutions from enterprise software companies,
Bangalore-based ChannelMentor has developed a new solution based on open source for
SMBs. Called ChannelGrid, the solution can be linked to packages like Tally and also SAP. 

Elaborating on the product, ChannelMentor CEO, Subir Pal said, "We have tried to address the major pain points that channel managers face, such as errors in paper orders, time lost in agreement renewals and delayed orders. In addition to this, the solution also provides MIS on business through channel partners. This solution could be ideal for SMEs across various segments that need to put in systems in place to keep up with their business plans." 

Subir claims that ChannelGrid, a real-time application, costs one-fifth the price of conventional enterprise solutions. "The major reason we are able to slash down costs is because we don´t use proprietary technology. The only cost that the customer would incur is the cost of deployment and there are no recurring costs. We use the Jboss application server and the J2EE server Tomcat," he said. He believes that there is no other similar open source product in the market place. 

Apart from its flagship product ChannelGrid, the company has also developed a vendor evaluation system. The company is currently expanding its engineering and marketing base in the country. While the company plans to directly market to customers in the south, Subir said that it would appoint franchisees in the western region,
Bhubaneshwar, Delhi and Chandigarh. He hopes to turn in revenues of Rs 25 crore in a couple of years. 

About the company´s USP, Subir said that his own experience as channel manager in ABB India had given him an insider perspective of the issues faced by companies, thereby providing domain expertise in the area.

PRIYA PADMANABHAN

BANGALORE