New and Improved Version

Please don't get startled. You haven't got any new publication in your
hands. It's the same DQ Channels-your old favorite-in a new avatar or
Version 2.0, to use the current lingo.

When we unveiled this publication almost six years back in June 1999, the
industry dynamics were on a different plane. Today, the scenario has changed
completely. So, it was imperative for us also to keep up with the change-as is
expected from a market leader.

Over the last half a decade, DQ Channels has managed to carve out a very
important place for itself amongst the Indian IT community. By always giving an
unbiased, completely authentic and authoritative picture, we are today
considered the most influential channel publication.

However, the channel landscape has changed a lot over the last year or so.
And this change is still evolving. It is no longer one single community; rather
it is an amalgamation of a number of communities. Out of these, the solution
provider community is the fastest growing one. Rough market estimates put it at
30 percent of the total India channel community.

Going by that estimate, the solution provider community is already 5,000
strong. However, there is not a single publication addressing their information
needs. So, we took it upon ourselves and turned DQ Channels on its head. We
reoriented the publication in a way that would give the solution providers a
sense of fulfillment.

So, the last one-year has been a year of constant and sustained changes for
DQ Channels. We phased out a number of grids, re-tooled some grids and more
importantly, introduced a whole new range of grids. Then we changed the way we
were presenting and packaging information. Lastly, we instituted DQ Channels
Excellence Awards to recognize and reward the best performers amongst the
solution provider community. The first such awards-it will be an annual
feature-were given away in a glittering ceremony in Bangalore two months back.

The whole process of change has completed the circle with the new logo, which
gives a smart and contemporary look, and new tagline. Along with that comes the
new design of the pages.

So, what you have in your hand is the same old tried and trusted publication,
but with a new look and more relevant content. However, our odyssey has not
stopped as yet. Rather, it is the beginning of a fresh new voyage-to go where
no one has gone before. We will strive to keep the momentum going. All we need
is the constant feedback from our valued readers. Please do keep them rolling
in.

Asim Raina