NEW DELHI, September 10: Systems integrator and IT services/solutions
company IT&T Ltd. has added `Smart Sourcing' to its portfolio of
services. The term, coined by the company, refers to specialized
contractual buying (outsourcing) for customers. "Sourcing is a done
thing in more mature markets. With smart sourcing we are providing
acquisition services for bulk IT buyers in India. Those who spend over Rs
1 crore on IT per year," explained IT&T CEO Hemant Kohli. The
company has already applied for registering Smart Sourcing as a trademark.
It claims to be the first company to introduce the concept in India.
Mr. Kohli claims that Smart Sourcing offers choice, time and cost
saving to companies that opt for it. "Typically, a company spends
three months deciding on buying equipment. Because of our relationship
with our principals and our insight into the business, we can cut that
time down to two weeks." IT&T makes money by charging two to
three percent of the billing amount as its commission. "We encourage
placing orders directly to our principals," he added.
Although other organizations like Wipro, IBM Global Services, Compaq
and MicroLand offer similar services, IT&T is distinct in the sense
that it is not tied to any one brand. IT&T, at present, is trying to
popularize the concept starting with its existing clientele. In the first
year, Kohli sees only Rs 50 lakh or so coming from Smart Sourcing.
"We really are just trying to make a positioning statement."
However, he believes that the future for outsourcing in India is very
bright especially when leasing becomes available alongside.