Packing A Punch

Finally the fifth DQ Channels SP Summit is over. And what a show it was.
Close to 100 of the country's top solution providers had converged at Bangkok
for three days of interactive sessions from industry experts, vendor
presentations and networking with each other. What was different about this
year's SP Summit was the kind of sessions involved.

There were two reputed CIOs who spoke on what they expect from solution
providers who build or manage their infrastructure. They also spoke about what
they do not expect from solution providers-which involved non-conformity to
service level agreements, just looking at a corporate account for transactions
rather than real-time solution provider for their IT issues and much more.

There was also a fiscal expert who spoke about how solution providers could
build a more profitable company by adhering to some basic financial policies.
And he cautioned them about the pitfalls of some of the trade practices that
partners indulge in for short term benefits.

There was an HR expert who spoke about how to build teams that perform and
succeed, by selecting the right people, providing inputs to them and also plan
the succession for the team members. Coupled with several video clippings this
was one of the sessions which got the maximum interest from audience given that
building effective teams is the most challenging task an entrepreneur faces.

There was a brand expert who talked about how solution providers should wake
up to the need of creating a differentiated brand for themselves and which were
the media they ought to use to have a higher brand recall.

There was a market analyst who spoke about how the ICT market in India has
performed over the past few quarters and how it is likely to move in this
fiscal.

There was an angel investor who talked about what excites investors when they
choose to park their funds in solution providing companies. He also talked about
what experienced venture investors look for in such companies and the exit
mechanisms investors have. There were sessions by leading solution providers
themselves on what made them opt for the automated managed service business and
their experience offering this technology support to their customers.

There were also the Channel Excellence awards, on a cruise, alongside the
scenic Chaopraya River. There were enough success stories being shared amongst
the audience on who won the award and why, providing inspiration for others to
try their best top. There was also a lot of fun and frolic to be had by all,
with live performances and impromptu singing sessions by the partners present.

There was all this and much more, making it one of the most successful events
for the channel community in India. Those who were part of it took home a lot of
knowledge, fond memories and great insights on how to enhance their business.

I would like to thank all these delegates for making the SP Summit a success
story, yet again. It would not have been possible without you. And an even
greater thank you to my entire team which worked tirelessly for days on end to
ensure that the event went off as smoothly as possible. You are the true reason
why we can chart out such great events, on a regular basis.

Vinita Bhatia

vinitavs@cybermedia.co.in