- To organize conference on 'Free for SMEs' in association with IAMAI
- First-of-its-kind exchange of ideas on free and low-cost ICT solutions for SMEs
- Aimed at enhancing efficiency & productivity of small businesses
- Focus on unlocking potential of Internet-enabled computer for SMEs
Aspiring to enable the Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) harness the power of Information and Communication Technology (ICT), India's largest online B2B marketplace, IndiaMART.com,joins hands with Internet & Mobile Association of India (IAMAI)to present a first-of-its-kind conference 'Free for SMEs'which would lay thrust on cost-effective ICT applications and services. For the first time ever, a conference would enable exchange of ideas over various ICT solutions that are available freely but yet not leveraged by SMEs. These specialized ICT solutions can ease and streamline different aspects of SME business viz. Accounting, Human Resource, Business Communications, Sales & Marketing, among others. In its second year, the pacesetting conference is slated to be held on 6th July, 2010 in New Delhi.
Emphasizing on the urgent need to make SMEs aware of the ICT solutions, Mr. Dinesh Agarwal, Founder and CEO, IndiaMART.com,said, "Convergence of Information and Communication Technology has catalyzed business opportunities across geographies. However, Indian SMEs are still to leverage the benefits of ICT. We, at IndiaMART.com, have always been professing the growing need of technology usage by the SMEs in order to eliminate the barriers of distance, time and cost, etc. I am certain that this conference would provide an insight to the SMEs who would be able to explore the ICT world and dig out cost-effective solutions. These would not only help them manage their day-to-day operations efficiently but also grow their business immensely and boost profits. We certainly cherish our association with IAMAI for this conference."
IAMAI, the nodal body of India's Internet and mobile industry, has also been playing a role of a benefactor for the SMEs in the segment. Sharing a perspective on 'Free for SMEs', IAMAI President Dr. Subho Ray, said, "This conference is an outcome of a well-thought of strategy to benefit the entire SME sector and their business functions across the value chain. Given the fact that ICT usage by the SMEs is still at a nascent stage in India, it becomes pivotal to host such a platform to create awareness amongst the SMEs about the readily available low-cost ICT tools and services. We are delighted to partner with IndiaMART.com for the conference and together aim to spur growth in the sector through such initiatives."
Providing his insight on the potential of ICT for SMEs' business functions especially Marketing, Mr. Arun Tyagi, General Manager – Marketing, IndiaMART.com, said, "Until recently, majority of SMEs were unaware of the advantages of ICT tools. In this conference, the focus would be to unlock the power of an Internet-enabled computer for the SMEs. It would further enable them to establish their marketing efforts through a digital presence for free or at a minimal cost."
ICT usage is imperative for seamless business operations. Thus, the 'Free for SMEs' conference would elaborate on the ICT applications and tools which are economical and effective for different business divisions, resulting into higher efficiency and productivity of SMEs. The conference would have eminent speakers including thought leaders, entrepreneurs, etc. deliberate on the subject.
IAMAI has started an aggressive drive to recruit start-ups as members. It is a part of their long-term strategy to include all stake-holders in the digital space such as telecom operators, venture funds, ISPs in addition to its existing constituency of online and mobile value added services companies within its ambit.
IndiaMART.com and IAMAI had organized this first-of-its-kind conference 'ICT for SMEs' last year as well to focus on technology-driven growth avenues for the SME sector. The hugely successful conference was attended by over 300 stakeholders from the ICT and SME sector. The distinguished guests had applauded the conference for the thoughtful theme selection and fillip intended for the SMEs through the same. This year too, the conference shall synergise ways for SMEs to reach out to a larger base of buyers while running their business functions optimally.
About IndiaMART.com
IndiaMART.com is India's largest online B2B marketplace connecting global buyers with suppliers through business directories, online product catalogs, buy-sell offers, industry specific marketplaces, printed media and trade shows participation.
Founded in 1996, the company has a presence in over 100 cities pan-India. With approximately 1000 employees, IndiaMART.com offers an extensive range of value-added products and services to over 500,000 members and over 5 million global buyers across industries and verticals.
IndiaMART.com has won numerous awards over the years including Red Herring 100 Asia & Emerging India and the company has been widely covered by media such as CNBC, BBC, BusinessMoney, CNN, Businessworld, Economic Times, Financial Express, etc. Its existing investors include Intel Capital and Bennett, Coleman & Co. Ltd (Times Group), India's largest print media group.
For more information, please visit: www.indiamart.com/press-section/
About IAMAI
The Internet & Mobile Association of India (IAMAI) is a not-for-profit industry body registered under the Societies Act, 1896. Its mandate is to expand and enhance the online and mobile value added services sectors. It is dedicated to presenting a unified voice of the businesses it represents to the government, investors, consumers and other stakeholders. The association addresses the issues, concerns and challenges of the Internet and Mobile economy and takes a leading role in its development.
For more information, please visit: www.iamai.in
