The snippet is an intervies dicussion with Mr. Rajiv Bhalla, the Country Manager for NEC India.

1.    What are the segments that NEC India looks into?

At NEC, we are focused on enabling more and more Businesses to leverage technology in their everyday lives. NEC India works towards providing leading edge  Retail solutions (Hardware and Software),  Private Network Solutions (which  includes Digital EPABX, Enterprise solutions - IP Telephony and converged solutions like voice, data, mobility and integrated solutions, Unified Communications, and  KTS systems), High Performance Computing (Super Computers), IT Platform Products such as Servers, Storage and Thin Clients in addition, to the sale of its Multi Media Products such as, Projectors and Commercial Display Products. NEC India also provides Solutions for Security and Surveillance Systems

2.    Elaborate on NEC India's journey so far.

NEC India Pvt. Ltd was established in India in August 2006 to expand its operations.
Prior to 2006, NEC India has been present as a Liasion office. Initially limited to only Display products and Networking Solutions, NEC India has been consistently expanding its product line.
We also have to our credit the following achievements:
1956 : NEC supplied 2Ghz Microwave Communication system to National Physics centre, Ahmadabad.
1964 : NEC supplied Medium wave broadcasting transmitter to AIR (All India Radio) having technology transfer to BEL (Bharat Electronics Limited)
2002 : Supply of Paso  Link to mobile operators

3.    What is the sales and distribution approach of the company?

NEC is in the Business to Business space and caters to it’s customers through a network of Distributors, System Integrators, and, Value Added Resellers.
 
We are looking at increasing presence through strengthening our distribution, system integration partner ecosystem and simultaneously looking at increased channel breadth and depth.

NEC India has recently tied up with Syntel to augment its distribution for Key Telephone systems. Similarly talks are on with some System Integrators, and Distributors for the projection or commercial display space.

4.    What has made NEC amongst the lead players in the projectors market?

NEC projectors have tendered consistent performance and Lower Ownership Cost with exceptional After Sales service. Our products are known for their technical superiority, ruggedness, 24x7 functionality, and have performed under the toughest “test conditions”. We have innovative products like the “Short throw projector” WT 610 and have recently introduced the new portable range of projectors NP 100/NP 200.

5.    Which are the latest NEC projectors in the market?

NEC has recently launched a new series of NP projectors in the market. The NEC NP400, NP500 and NP600 projectors offer extensive functionality at an attractive cost-performance ratio. A key innovation with the projector series is the possibility to manage and control the devices directly over the network via the RJ45 interface.
Built-in Eco modes ensure a long lamp lifetime and energy-efficient operation. With a weight of only 2.9 kg the projectors are versatile in their deployment either for use as portable devices or desktop projectors, through to ceiling mounting.

With brightness of 2,600 (NEC NP400), 3,000 (NP500) and 3,500 (NEC NP600) ANSI lumens, NECs’ new projectors are particularly well-equipped for operation in teaching and meeting rooms with high ambient light levels. 

The projectors‘impressive and comprehensive functionality allows particularly easy control and portability. Vertical keystone correction and wall-color correction are automatically handled, whilst the Quick start function ensures that the devices are already fully functional only eight seconds after the power is first switched on.

The Auto Input function allows the projector to automatically recognize the connected signal source, whilst Auto Power On allows the device to automatically switch itself on.
An important innovation compared with the previous NEC VT series is the ability to manage and control the projector directly over a network using the RJ45 port.
The Virtual Remote function allows the various projector settings to be managed not only using the remote control unit, but also from the computer connected to it via the VGA cable. Additional cables for the RS232 or USB ports aren’t necessary. The required software to enable control of the projector over the network or by using the Virtual Remote function can be downloaded from NEC free of charge.


6. What are NEC India’s plans for growth?

NEC is committed towards the Indian market. We have gradually strengthened our portfolio in the country which now includes products and solutions to address the Commercial Projection and Display, Retail, Hospitality, Enterprise storage and Telephony segments.

We hope to move from a mere product selling organization to a solutions driven approach.
NEC continues to expand its channel/partner ecosystem and is looking at strategic partnerships with key players to accelerate growth.

We look at the strengthening our presence in the Education and Hospitality Segments.
An attempt is to increase Awareness, Interest, and Desire for NEC products by replacing “Mass marketing tactics” with a targeted customer focused approach. 
 
7. Please elaborate on NEC offerings for the Hospitality segment.

A hospitality establishment that works like clockwork, delivers high-quality customer service, and yet manages to keep costs low and productivity high. Sounds like a tall order, but NEC makes it happen every day around the globe at the finest hotels, restaurants and cafés. 

NEC’s IT and telephony solutions help the hotel mgmt keep track of their staff and ensure their optimal productivity. With digital signage and network solutions, NEC also helps the establishment deliver new, top-of-the-line services to your customers and takes care of all your communications needs.

8. Please elaborate on NEC offerings for the education segment.
Ensuring a focused learning environment for students is the key for excellence. NEC offers a versatile technology that enhances efficiency and productivity in the school management space.
Our offerings for the education segment range from projectors, thin clients, servers to even telephony and security products.


9. What are the products that NEC routes through the channel?

Projectors, servers, Key Telephone equipment are routed through channel partners. NEC believes in continuously upgrading the skill set of these partners through frequent product trainings and regional meets. We also run periodic incentive programs to help drive sales to the next level.

Renu, Anuj/ITVoir Network