ASIRT’s Vision for the Future: Bharat Chheda on Expanding and Innovating in India’s IT Landscape

Over the years, ASIRT has expanded its focus from purely information technology to include security solutions, telecom, and cloud services, reflecting the dynamic nature of the tech landscape. In this interview with Amit Singh, Bharat Chheda, President, ASIRT, discusses the significant challenges facing channel partners today, including shrinking margins and the rapid influx of new products. He also highlights association’s initiatives to help members stay ahead of the curve through skill-building programs like Tech Day and Tech Edge, as well as the transformative Synergy event. Chheda emphasizes ASIRT’s core value of collaboration, encouraging members to work together to expand their offerings and overcome the challenges of a competitive market

Amit Singh: How is ASIRT contributing to shaping the IT industry in India, and what are your priorities for the next few years?

Bharat Chheda: To address that, I’d like to provide some context. ASIRT was established with the goal of addressing the unique challenges faced by system integrators, which were not being effectively addressed by other associations. Since its inception in 2012, our focus has evolved. Initially, we concentrated on IT system integrators, but over the past 12 years, we’ve expanded our scope to include security solutions, telecom, and cloud solutions. We continue to grow both in terms of our membership and the technologies we cover. Our goal is to support system integrators across all peripheral technologies.

Amit: What are the major challenges that channel partners are currently facing, especially with changing customer expectations and evolving business models post-COVID?

Bharat: The challenges for our members have certainly increased. One of the biggest issues is the compressed margins coupled with the ever-growing number of products and technologies to master. Over the past decade, the technology landscape has changed dramatically, leading to a surge in the number of products and solutions available. This rapid evolution means that our members need to continually update their knowledge and skills to provide the necessary support and service. It’s not just about selling products but also about supporting them, which adds another layer of complexity.

Amit: Can you share some recent initiatives that ASIRT has introduced to help channel partners overcome these challenges? Any specific programs or best practices?

Bharat: We have several key initiatives. Firstly, we organize a monthly program called Tech Day, where we invite technology leaders and vendors to present their products. This helps our partners understand the latest opportunities and advancements. Additionally, our Tech Edge program offers online training for our members and their staff, helping them stay current with the latest technologies. Lastly, our Synergy event, held annually for the past four years, serves as a major networking platform. It allows members to collaborate and build trust, which is crucial for expanding their business and overcoming challenges.

Amit: Are there any plans for expansion or new focus areas for ASIRT in the coming years?

Bharat: Our focus will remain on three main areas. First, increasing mandates and expanding our reach. Second, securing more sponsorships from OEMs and large enterprises to support our activities. Third, continuously enhancing programs that boost the productivity, efficiency, and profitability of our members. We aim to provide resources and support that drive growth and success for all our members.