CHENNAI, September 16 : HCL
Peripherals, a division of HCL Infosystems, has introduced two new
networking products namely, Winbee 2000 and BeeLink FX. While the former
is a Windows based terminal, the latter is 8-port Ethernet switch.
BeeLink FX has `Wake-on-LAN' and `Green'
features--automatic power sleep and wake-up facilities. It can
automatically detect the link status of the workstation. The DOS and Linux
versions of Winbee are soon to be launched. The company's other networking
products include hubs, switches, LANSterm terminal server and LAN cabling
accessories (patch panels and cords). It has a manufacturing plant at
Vadapalani (apart from the one at Pondicherry) where these products are
developed. The company has 4 dealers in Chennai.
HCL Peripherals' main competitors are multinationals
like Lanbit, Accton and D-Link.
HCL Peripherals Vice President S. Pattabiraman said,
"Our products are priced at least 15-25 percent lower than our
competitors' products. In fact, Winbee is priced at 40 percent lower than
its competing products. We expect to generate a revenue of Rs 10 crore
this year as against last year's Rs 4 crore." He added, "By
dealing in large volumes and ensuring greater reliability, we hope to give
our competitors a tough fight."
The company plans to undertake export of Winbee 2000
to the UK and the US within the next six months. "We have an edge
over the other companies in the case of Winbee. Software is very expensive
in the US and our competitive prices ensure a good market for it abroad.
But it would not be feasible for us to export hardware," said
Pattabiraman.