Are tablets actually eclipsing PCs? How do tablets match up against traditional notebooks? As tablet sales continue to grow, so do concerns that the new mobile device will cannibalise notebooks and eclipse the traditional PC. Not to worry, says Fujitsu India CEO Pallab Talukdar. ?Both the devices will coexist as they have their own functionalities and purpose.? Words of wisdom from an IT industry veteran of 22 years, Pallab has had a good exposure to developing many businesses in India. His deep understanding of managing and developing channel and his in-depth knowledge on the Indian IT space has helped add great value to India operations of Japan?s largest IT services vendor, Fujitsu. In a recent interaction with Sudhir Chowdhary, he shares the key initiatives undertaken and future plans to enhance Fujitsu?s presence in India. Excerpts:

The tablet market is growing faster than expected. Do you think it is impacting the PC and notebook market?

There is a huge opportunity for tablets in India and the market has also been experiencing healthy growth. However, that will not eat into the notebook or PC market. Both tablets and the computing devices have their own functionalities and purpose. It is believed that in the days to come, both will coexist.

What is the segment you are targeting with the Lifebook notebook series?

Our broad Lifebook portfolio offers a range of entry-level and more powerful, individual solutions for growing organisations. This range of over five notebooks has configurations specifically designed for SMBs/commercial customers. In addition, these are perfect option for the junior or mid level executives of large corporate.

What is the idea behind launching notebooks at competitive prices?

The idea is to offer innovative, reliable, green and human centric work place devices and solutions at a competitive price point. Whatever are the computing needs, it is extremely important to offer reliable notebooks that provide outstanding mobility and security and it should be able to address the customer needs effectively. Our mission is to provide world-class quality at a competitive price point.

Tell us more about the notebooks.

Driven by a unique combination of German engineering and Japanese quality, each one of the Fujitsu Lifebook delivers highest reliability. All the products from the Lifebook series are available with the latest processor technology, with the experience of the smart family of Intel Core processors that deliver performance that adapts to the needs of customers, making laptops faster and more responsive. They are also available with 2nd generation Intel Core i3, i5 or i7 processors and latest Intel mobile platform. Each of the products from the series has its own unique features.

For instance, Fujitsu Lifebook LH531 is the perfect choice for an all-purpose notebook. Weighing only 2.2 kg this 35.6 cm notebook is small and light enough for every trip and at the same time big enough to check emails, surf the Web, edit pictures or watch a movie conveniently. With the optionally integrated Blu-ray Disc drive one even can enjoy high-definition entertainment at its best. This lean notebook boasts an HD anti-glare display with LED backlight, integrated 1.3 Megapixel webcam and digital microphone, Anytime USB Charge to charge phones/media devices even when the system is turned off.

Notebook computers are truly going mobile…

In fact the second product from the series is the compact Lifebook SH531. This is the perfect everyday mobile companion at home, in the office, at school or on the go. With its 33.8 cm display, this 1.9 kg notebook is small and light enough for every trip. Staying connected becomes a breeze with family and colleagues via WLAN, and it is easy to upgrade the Lifebook SH531 with an external UMTS solution in its 34 mm ExpressCard slot. The other product, Lifebook AH531 is a solid and reliable notebook in a classy black high-gloss finish. Its high-definition anti-glare 39.6 cm LCD is perfect for outdoor working. Thanks to integrated WLAN, Bluetooth and embedded 3G/UMTS helps the user connect and work remotely. The next one from the Lifebook range is Fujitsu Lifebook A531, a solid and reliable notebook to overcome daily challenges. Thanks to integrated WLAN, Bluetooth and optionally embedded 3G/UMTS one can work anytime and anywhere.

If the customer needs a reliable and energy-efficient notebook for daily business use, then the company has the Fujitsu Lifebook E751. The 39.6 cm display and useful interfaces offers enhanced convenience. The modular bay allows adding extra memory or a second battery to increase flexibility. Moreover, advanced security features protect valuable company data.

What will be your go-to-market strategy?

We are a 100% channel driven company. Our channel partners are integral to our go-to-market strategy in India. Both our select partners with system integration capability and those who only stock and sale our products will be instrumental in our growth. In addition to the large corporate, in 2012, we also will be focusing on tapping the opportunities in the SMB space. Our regional heads are already in the process of identifying partners with an SMB focus.

Does you have any retail expansion plans in the near future? How does Fujitsu plan to further strengthen its post sales support?

As of now we do not have any plans to foray into the retain arena. Currently, our entire focus is on our channel partners. This year, we intend to invest in further strengthening our post sales support team by 50%. We currently have more than 50 centres across the country. The focus is on increasing the availability of the spare parts and the onsite support for products with channel expansion in more and more cities. Currently we are focusing on SOHO, SMB, and enterprise segments.