Number of local computer assembling companies decline
Posted by admin on April 20 2010 07:23:47
KARACHI: The number of companies assembling computers locally declined to nine from over 19, following relaxation in the rules and regulations of imported technology, according to statistics gathered from various research reports.
With the growth of the used computer industry, local computer manufacturers witnessed significant decline in their businesses. Closure of Viper Technology operations will result in the unemployment of over 200 graduates, said Khushnood Aftab, Chief Executive Officer, Viper Technology, while talking to The News.
“The local computer manufacturers were providing solutions for more than a decade,” he said adding that being an LCM, the company ensures that the solutions provided by it are at par with any international standards.
The company not only provides one-time solutions, but offers full warranty and after-sales services and on the corporate arena is offering managed, outsourced services, as well as service level agreements, said Khushnood.
At this stage, Viper believes that there is urgency in promoting the local computer manufacturers as an industrial asset rather than just computer dealers. Import of second-hand computers is creating hurdles in promoting the local computer manufacturers, he said, adding that these manufacturers play a key role in bridging price gap between new imported computers and used computers, thus, providing the consumers with versatility and competitive rates, said Khushnood.
The lack of government’s support will demoralise the local computer industry, leading to closure of foreign investment in the sector, said Viper Technology chief executive officer.
Local computer manufacturers are a major contributor in the IT growth of a country, as they not only support the economy, but also promote information technology in that country, he said.
Being a Pakistan-based organisation; Viper Technology expects the government to support the local IT industry by monitoring the import of technology, he said, adding that the company is not in favour of ban, however, the government should put a one to two years time limit on the import of obsolete technology.
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Enhanced tax on such imports will not only provide more revenue to the government, but will also discourage the practice of importing obsolete technology and electronic products, said Khushnood.
The government should levy import duty on new electronic items, which will help the local industry flourish, thus, more revenue will be generated.
A large segment of the people opts for used computers without being aware of the disadvantages of the same, he said.
Local computer manufacturers are catering to the market that is willing to buy new computers with value-added advantages and services, said Khushnood, adding, ìWe have to keep in mind that the new computers manufactured by these manufacturers are not expensive and are available with three years warranty.
The cost of ownership of a new computer is much lower than of an old one. Definitely, import of used computers has slowed down the growth of this industry, but encourages us to bring better technology that is affordable and within the reach of the common man,” he said.
Since its inception, Viper Technology has grown tremendously and established itself as one of the leading IT solution providers in the country, said the chief executive officer, adding that the company is providing corporate solutions in both hardware and software.
“We have recently ventured in the consumer segment, as well by launching Viper Notes (net-books) and Viper Pacers (Desk-top machines). The recent addition is to cater to the single consumers need within their price range,” he said.
Studies signify that an average per wattage consumption of a used machine is three to five times more than a new one. At this stage, when the country is facing power crisis, the people should start thinking about conserving energy by using new computers rather than the used ones, as it will bring improvement in the present energy crisis situation, said Khushnood.
As far as environmental hazards are concerned, developed countries are using Pakistan as an e-dumping station.
“We are importing material that cannot be re-utilised or consumed and we also lack the technology and facilities to degenerate them appropriately. Children are hired to extract lead and copper from the e-dump, the rest is unusable, hence, it is burned,” he said.
ìObsolete technology deprives us to work on the latest software, as the old technology is not compatible with the latest software, the company chief executive said, adding that there is no comparison between a new machine and a used one,” he added.