Aakash II: DataWind inks deal with VMC

NEW DELHI, INDIA: After much hullabaloo with Quad Electronics over services breach and payment row, Datawind, the maker of Aakash tablets, has now roped in Hyderabad-based VMC Systems for the rollout of Ubislate 7 aka Aakash II tablets.

The new partner VMC will assemble Ubislate tablets through its automated pick and place component insertion line in its manufacturing facility at Maheshwaram in Hyderabad.

 Also read: No competition with BSNL tablet, says Datawind

There is, however, no official word either from the DataWind or VMC, but industry sources have confirmed that both inked a deal last week. The latter has even procured components to assemble 100,000 ultra-low cost tablets.

VMC, established in 1998, offers high-end PCB assembly, magnetic and power supplies, and product engineering and testing services. The company also recently received $25 million fund from the Fidelity Capital.

As IIT-Bombay is in the process of issuing purchase order to procure 100,000 Ubislate 7 or Aakash II tablets, to be priced at Rs 2,276, DataWind said that they would be able to start shipment from mid-May onwards.