Kozhikode partners expect growth

Kozhikode, also known as Calicut, is a city in the southern Indian state of Kerala. It is the third largest city in Kerala. During the middle Ages, Kozhikode was known as the “City of Spices” for its role as the major trading point of eastern spices.

Education in Calicut

There are many premier institutes in the city. They are IIM (Indian institute of Management), NIT (National institute of Technology), NIRDESH (National institute of research and development in defence shipping) first of its kind in India, IISR (Indian institute of spices research), NIELIT(national institute of electronics and information technology). FDDI (footwear design and development institute) is upcoming. ZSI's (Zoological survey of India) western ghat centre is at Calicut. The University of Calicut the main university named after the city, is in Thenjipalam, about 24 kilometres (15 mi) south of Calicut. This university established in 1968 was the second university set up in Kerala. Most of the colleges offering tertiary education are affiliated with this university

Industries in Calicut

Calicut is one of the main commercial cities of Kerala. The economy is mainly business oriented. The city currently is the major trade hub of North Kerala with good connectivity through road, rail and air. There has been great leap in small scale industries in Calicut. It has become a major non-leather footwear manufacturing hub in India. Footwear industries have been flourishing in this city. There has been great leap in small scale industries in Calicut. It has become a major non-leather footwear manufacturing hub in India. Footwear industries have been flourishing in this city

IT Activities in Calicut

There are over 40 IT companies presently operating in and around Calicut, in different locations. The KINFRA Park at Kakkancherry has accommodated 16 companies. The NIT, Calicut has incubated about 14 companies. There are two professional organizations Kozhikode IT initiative and Caffit, who organize IT related seminars and workwhops in association with NASSCOM and KSITM. It is interesting to note that NASSCOM had maximum number of such events organized in Calicut, compared to the other cities in the State. This shows the initiative of existing IT companies in Calicut. It is interesting to note that there is focus on Product Development and IT services.

Challenges in IT market

State government is active and taking initiatives in building great infrastructure for IT sector in city. However, IT resellers are facing issues and struggling for their growth. Sajith of Surya Computers says that business has degraded due to online distribution. Another thing is product quality, which is poor and customers are not satisfied. Bad customer experience also affects our business.

Calicut at a glance

IT association: (Malabar IT Dealer Association) MITDA

No. of Resellers: 300+

Prominent brands: Lenovo, HP, Asus, etc

Interviews

Jijo K Verghese, Owner, J&T Computers

How do you analyse the growth of IT sector in Calicut?

Jijo: So far, in my opinion growth in IT market is stagnant, however central and state governments are doing their role but there is no margin in doing business.

Antony Philip, Computer City

What are the issues IT resellers are facing in Calicut?

Antony: In IT market our main concern is online sales, it’s the main issue we are facing. Online traders are supplying goods at very low price. On laptops and PCs there is difference of minimum 3000 to 4000 Rs. in our price and online price. Though we are looking forward to when GST will be implemented.