Abdul Rauf Chougle, the Group General Manager at SNB Distribution, says that a proper channel community is the most important aspect of any distribution business.
Tell us something about your company. The profile, number of partners and so on?
SNB is a Value-added Distributor focusing on Security Surveillance, Data Storage, Networking and IT Security products and solutions. We represent some of the leading IT vendors like Allied Telesis, Axxonsoft, Enterasys, Infortrend, Mobotix, Nexsan, Proxim Wireless, Retrospect, Seclore, Sentry360 and TandbergData. We work with more than 1000 IT resellers, system integrators, consultants, and contractors in Middle East, India and East Africa.
What markets are you currently present in and what products do you distribute?
We are currently present in the Middle East, Levant, North Africa, India and East Africa. SNB focuses on Security Surveillance, Data Storage, Networking and IT Security products and solutions. We have a strong technical services division that takes care of pre-sales and post-sales requirements. We are the authorized distributors for Allied Telesis, Axxonsoft, Enterasys, Infortrend, Mobotix, Nexsan, Proxim, Retrospect, Seclore, Sentry360 and TandbergData.
What is the workforce strength of your organisation and the annual turnover?
SNB has a strong workforce of 30+ employees. Of the 30+ employees, about 20 are in Sales and Marketing, 5 in Technical and 4 in Operations and Finance. SNB’s turnover for 2012 was approximately $5 Million and the target for 2013 is $10 Million. Our strategies for 2013 include getting into new technologies, new products and new geographies.
Do you plan to add any new service, product or brand to your portfolio?
Yes, after successes in Security Surveillance, Data Storage and Networking, we are getting into IT Security products and solutions. We have already tied up with Seclore for its IRM (Information Rights Management) products and are on the verge of signing up with new brands in IT security.
Do you plan to add new channel partners to your channel community this year?
Addition of new channel partners is an ongoing process. Currently we are engaged with more than 1000 IT resellers, system integrators, consultant and contractors in Middle East, India and East Africa.
How has the technology and telecom market grown in the MEA region?
The technology and telecom market is growing consistently in the MEA region. Some of areas, especially Security Surveillance and Data Storage, are seeing tremendous growth. This year, we will participate at GITEX Technology Week for the first time. We are hoping that it increases brand awareness and brings new business for the company.
