For many companies, it's an ideal opportunity to build on their databases and to showcase their new launches to woo millions of visitors at exhibition stalls.

Says Duncan Infotech (a division of Duncan Industries Ltd) director (enterprise solutions) YK Gupta: "This is an opportunity for us to showcase our products and services. Since the inception of our company in August 1999, we were not seen or heard in domestic markets. As part of our branding exercise, we have put up posters for high visibility."

Coinciding with the event, the company has launched two new products - Frontstep e-CRM Solutions and Syteline - a core enterprise system for end-to-end e-business.

Yet another IT company, Blue Star Infotech Ltd has displayed its new WAP models at the venue. According to Mr Sandeep Kawadkar of Blue Star Infotech, the company has also launched brand promotions to gain visibility at the event. "We have distributed questionnaires to expand our database," informs Mr Kawadkar.

In a bid to promote its ISP service - TringTring - Aptech Internet Ltd has floated ground promotions to grab the attention of visitors. The company has deployed attractive teenagers dressed in black to distribute handouts and questionnaires to visitors. "We have adopted direct marketing methods to promote our services, here. By noting down the IDs of visitors, we plan to expand our database too. As free gifts we offer key chains," explains a spokesperson for the company.

As part of its promotion strategy, PC Quest has launched special offers and mystery prizes to expand its annual subscriptions. As for big players like Rolta India Ltd and Microsoft Corporation (India) Pvt Ltd, it's time for brand building exercises too. According to Rolta India Ltd vice president, e-business e-services division, the company plans to host roadshows to promote their products. "Like Nasscom 2001, we plan to participate in major exhibitions across the country."

As part of its marketing strategy, Microsoft Corporation India plans to adopt direct marketing route by sending mailers to visitors. "We will of course host roadshows and also participate in seminars and events such as this," says Mr Alok Verma, business development manager, e-commerce Group, Microsoft.