Top IT Associations in India- COMPASS Kolkata

In this new and unique Column in DQ Channels under Top IT Associations in India, we have covered the Computer Association of Eastern India (COMPASS) and gathered deep information, insights of the association, and Kolkata IT Market.

History/ Journey of COMPASS as an IT Association.

Established in the year 1994, Computer Association of Eastern India, popularly known as COMPASS, is an association of IT entrepreneurs of Eastern India that works to create and sustain an environment conducive to the growth of the IT industry for the last 26 years.

With more than 400 members and partnering industry through an advisory and consultative process, COMPASS has been a facilitator and catalyst working closely with government on policy issues, enhancing efficiency, competitiveness and expanding business opportunities through assorted services. The association is having headquarters in Kolkata and members spread all over eastern India.

COMPASS is actively involved in organizing trade shows, seminars, conferences, workshops, etc. for its members and other industry stakeholders. In addition, quite a few fellowship events including the Annual Cricket Carnival, Family Picnic, and the Diwali Meet are among the most awaited ones. In addition, COMPASS members also actively participate in industry-specific events of other associations.

Association activates in the last 6 months.

• Organised Diwali Milan 2019 for members on 10^th November 2019 attended by more than 600 persons including members, their family, OEM, and ND.
• COMPASS donated a sum of Rs. 1,00,000.00 towards CSR initiative to Shree Vishudhananda Hospital, 35–37, Burtolla Street, Kolkata 700007 on the occasion of 71st  Republic day, on 26th January 2020 towards one free Permanent bed which can be utilized by our members,  their family &  staffs on the recommendation of  COMPASS Office.
• Free legal consultation for members by appointment with our Advocate Tanay Saraf of  M/s SB Legal Partners, on every week at COMPASS office.
• Activities on prevention/awareness of COVID-19 between 16^th April to 19^th April 2020
• On 16th April 2020 COMPASS  as part of CSR initiative adapted Hati Bagan Market and there distributed the following items. The activity continued for the next few more days.

1. 3 Ply Mask 2000 Nos
2. Lifeboy Soap 1200 Nos
3. Sanitizer Bottle 110 ML 200 Nos
4. Poster for Public Awareness   100 Nos
5. Sanitized hands of Shopkeepers and shoppers.

• On 17th April 2020 COMPASS  as part of CSR initiative distributed the following items:

A) Hathi Bagan Market:

1. Mask 1000 Nos
2. Soap 600 Nos
3. Poster for Public Awareness 50 Nos
4. Sanitized hands of Shoppers. 600 Approx Persons
5. Public Address for Awareness

B) Shyampukur PS:

1. Mask    200 Nos
2. Soap    100 Nos
3. PPE Kit  05 Nos
4. Sanitizer 15 Nos

C) Chitpore PS:

1. Mask    200 Nos
2. Soap    100 Nos
3. PPE Kit  07 Nos
4. Sanitizer 15 Nos

• On Sunday, 19th April 2020 COMPASS  as part of CSR initiative distributed the following items:

A) Hathi Bagan Market:

1. Mask 1000 Nos
2. Soap 1000 Nos
3. Poster for Public Awareness     50 Nos
4. Sanitized hands of Shoppers. 1100 Approx Persons
5. Public Address for Awareness

B) Shyambazar Five Point Crossing to Police:

1. Mask 200 Nos
2. Soap 200 Nos
3. Sanitizer Bottle 30 Nos

• Exclusive Webinar meeting for members on “ Employment Contracts and Payment of Salaries in Lockdown Period ” on 30^th April ‘ 2020
• Training Sessions for members “ Microsoft Teams ” and “ Virtual Desktop” conducted by Microsoft on 1sy May 2020.
• For all members “Internet Security Pitfalls - Work from Home” (Zoom) Seminar by Cyber Security Expert Sandeep Sengupta on 18^th April 2020.
• Collected donation from members for COVID 19 during May & June ‘ 2020 & also collected  donation from Principal Co. representatives for Amphan during June and July ‘ 2020,  Amount collected was donated to  “West Bengal Emergency Relief Fund ”
• Awareness for COVID 19 to all members stores/offices by putting sticker “ No mask No Entry’.
• eStore by FAIITA Live Demo ( Zoom meeting) for members on 25^th July 2020.

Read Previously in Top IT Association in India: TAIT Mumbai

List of Executive committee members of your association

Number of active members in the association

At present COMPASS has 425+ Active members.

How is the market performing in the last 6 months?

IT Business in Kolkata and nearby market was average till March.  There was no business activity in April and May under complete lockdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic.  Now, the IT market is coming back to normal and partners are getting a good response.

What are the different challenges/ issues with the vendors or customers?

Due to the lockdown and the COVID-19 pandemic, the efficiency of work is coming down. Partners have less manpower with the unavailability of stock from Vendor's side. Costumers are trying to avoid visiting the local market and are worried, scared also, and facing challenges in the transportation of goods and supplies.

Which are the top-selling services/products?

In COMPASS, major partners are selling Router, laptop, desktop, peripherals. Now, partners are focusing more in AV and surveillance.