ABC Computers – Taking the ICT industry to a new dimension

By Shanika Perera

Having begun operations as Advanced Business Computers (Pvt) Ltd. in 1992, the business activities were consolidated and re-launched as ABC Computers in 1996. Originally dealing only in computer hardware, the company gradually expanded its reach to include various business software solutions and computer support services.

The market segments catered to, have also expanded in keeping with the high demand and now include the government sector, corporate sector, small office home office and end users.

Sporting a diverse range of services, the company distributes multimedia products, storage, networking, consumables and a range of other prime IT equipment. However the primary focus of the business has always been hardware. The company is therefore a premium partner for HP as well as an authorised reseller for Apple, DELL, Microsoft as well as Cisco, Genius, Planet, Manhattan, Intellinet and Intel.

Over the past 18 years ABC Computers have earned a reputation for exceeding clients’ expectations and building lasting relationships with them. This has been further helped by the over 200 dealer distribution network spread island wide.

Apart from this service centres and support centres have been set up at the Arpico Super Centre outlets in Battaramulla, Kandy, Nawinna and at Hyde Park Corner. Plans are underway to expand further.

ABC Computers provides friendly yet expert technical support to users of computers, printers, scanners, internet connections, networks, operating software and Microsoft applications. ABC Computers also solves hardware and software problems, performs system upgrades and assists with the purchasing and installation of new technology.

Looking at market performance in the recent past Asoka Jayawardena, Director Marketing and Operations said: “There has been steady growth and the consumer and corporate sectors are doing very well. Technology too is rapidly evolving and we must keep abreast and keep on par with International standards.”

With the changes in technology, ABC Computers hope to launch two new products in the near future. WACOM is a digital designing tablet, ideal for industrial or professional use in the architecture, engineering, graphic, interior designing fields.

Featuring the latest technology, this tablet will provide a much needed boost to these industries. PLANET – a communication product line – too will be introduced to the market. This in fact is a re-launch of the product that featured in the company’s portfolio a few years ago.

On comparison with world technology standards Sri Lanka is for the most part on par and is highly developed in this area. However it is of great concern that certain restrictions, especially in terms of abnormalities in import tax and delays in approvals to bring down new technology, are holding the country back from great success in the IT field.

“As an industry we can grow so much further if matters like import tariffs are in line with standard HS Codes which is issued by the manufacturers of such products. This problem creates substantial delays at the time of clearing goods from the customs which results in paying additional charges thus increasing the import costs. As it is a must to bring high quality new technology into the country, it is time that a closer look at this problem is brought to effect and a rational process implemented,” further stated Jayawardena.