Local and global firms join in with Strength Thailand

       Local and international PC vendors have joined the 4-billion-baht computer bidding project of the Office of the Basic Education Commission, running under the three-year "Strength Thailand" project, which covers more than 400,000 PCs - of which some 100,000 units are to be procured for the first batch.
       V Technology, of DCom Group, has teamed up with local PC manufacturer Atec Computers and says it is ready in terms of capacity and service network.
       According to V Technology System managing director Nathapong P, V Tech will be responsible for distribution channels and supply chain, while Atec will handle product specifications and manufacturing processes.
       "Having many players is of benefit to the project in terms of service because there is dissemination of computer dealers," Nathapong said, noting that the company expects to have some 10-15 percent of the total project value.
       The advantage of V Tech is the supply chain because components are delivered by DCom, so the cost is more efficient than other vendors, especially international brands,that have to ship in their products.
       "We try to link the system with DCom's dropping point centre which has networks nationwide and this will shortcut the procedure of system integrators and dealers," the managing director said, adding that the DCom network will boost the efficiency of the services offered to schools.
       The company has a target to enter some 3,000-4,000 schools by working with some 80 dealers nationwide. The first year will see an on-site service and after that the service network of DCom will handle matters.
       Atec Computer assistant vice president Jatupong Rongklad said that Atec machines have qualified in lab tests.They include machines for general processing, the server and the client for students, and now they are preparing for demonstrations this month.
       The capacity production is ready,he said, adding that 20,000-30,000 units should suffice.
       Nathapong added that next year the company will propose the government makes the procurement more open so all dealers nationwide can partake in the project and help schools make the right decisions based on the central specifications.
       According to SVOA CEO Vira Intanate, the company will partner with international vendors such as Dell and Samsung to supply computer servers and printers.
       The company will work with its 300 dealers nationwide to support the project, he said, adding that SVOA aims to increase 10 percent of its sales revenue if they win the project.
       Vira noted that readiness in products delivery and price are advantages of SVOA.
       Key players such as Acer, Hewlett Packard will also share the project biddings.