Samsung aims 20 p.c of netbook mkt share in 2010

BANGALORE, INDIA: Samsung, which is creating waves in the mobile world, is gearing up for a similar fight in the netbook space too. With the focus on B2B segment, the consumer electronics major is looking at increasing market share in the PC space, while increasing retail visibility.

Ranjit Yadav, director — mobile and IT, Samsung India, said, “The overall notebooks and netbooks market stood at 2.3 million last year and is expected to grow to 3 million in the current year. By the end of 2010, we are expecting to notch up around 20 per cent market share of the netbook market in India.”

According to Yadav, Samsung's IT business braved against the market gloom positively and is expecting the same in the next couple of years.

He added, “At Samsung, we expect the netbook sales to contribute 50 per cent of our overall sales of portable PCs. We have launched three netbook models from the 'N' series in February which are witnessing good sales across markets.”

The company has sharpened focus on the B2B business. In the printer section alone it is expecting 30 business from this category.

Samsung is working on strengthening the distribution network and brand visibility. It is ramping up the distributor infrastructure by ensuring availability of products at all times and increasing inventory levels.

“We are very upbeat about demand from SMBs which is why we are looking to scale up our sales in this particular segment with about 100-125 channel partners in the Tier I and II markets. In Tier III markets, we are deploying resources to engage retail and resellers. Samsung foresees exclusive brand shops and engagement with large retailers contributing around 5 per cent to the company's sales this year.”

The company credits the marketing and distribution activities for the sales, especially in the Tier II and Tier III locations. It has set up Samsung IT Brand shops in Delhi and Chandigarh. These outlets are a one-stop shop for all Samsung IT products from netbooks/notebooks to printers along with mobile phones.

At present, Dell leads the market of 15.2 per cent of the overall PC (Notebooks and Desktops combined) market. According to the latest IDC report, dell leads the league followed by HP (14.3 per cent) and Acer (11.5 per cent) which took the second and third spots, respectively.

“In terms of desktop PC shipments HP retained its top position with a market share of 10.2 per cent, followed by HCL and Acer in second and third spots, respectively during 2Q 2010. In terms of notebook PC shipments, Dell reclaimed the top spot with a market share of 29.2 per cent in 2Q 2010; HP slipped back to second position, while Acer was ranked at number three.”