Apple To Be Available Online

Appleshop is all set to make its debut in India. The online arm of Apple Computer will enable customers to order Apple machines on the Internet, making it one of the first PC manufacturers to sell on the web in India. Naren Ayyar, managing director, Apple Computer's India and SAARC operations, said, "Personally, I would like to get Appleshop to India by tomorrow. We are negotiating with the senior management at the global level to release funds to set up the required infrastructure in terms of technology and software for the online venture." Currently, Apple is selling its products on the Internet in Hong Kong, Singapore, Sydney and Seoul in the Asia Pacific region. Through Appleshop, customers will be able to choose from any of Apple's products as per his requirements lContinued on Page 8 online. The request will then be forwarded by the company to the nearest reseller who will then deliver the product to his doorstep. Initially Appleshop in India will showcase only select products like the popular iMac computers. Apple is also going aggressive on its marketing initiatives in India. "We came to India in 1994 but over the last 5 years have not achieved the desired success poor marketing channels. We are known as a great technology company but a poor marketer. It is a challenge for us to penetrate the Indian market." said Ayyar adding that Apple in India has increased its marketing budget by 20 per cent over the previous year. The company is also increasing the number of resellers in India from 35 to 100 in the next one year and is looking to improvise on its distribution channel. To get a larger share of the market, Ayyar said that the company has prepared a strategy with a special emphasis on the home segment.. "We do not sell to corporates. Of the total PC market, the share of PCs in the Indian home segment is expected to increase from the current 10 per cent to 30 per cent in the next one year owing to the boom in Internet usage." said Ayyar adding that the company has also identified dotcoms, entertainment industry and the educational segment as key thrust areas. The company has undertaken an awareness campaign to popularise Apple computers whereby roadshows are being held in housing complexes and offices to showcase Apple products.