ASIRT, the key association in Mumbai for system integrators and retailers mainly who are client/customer facing channel has brought Jiten Mehta as the new chairman. Jiten Mehta has rich experiences as a leadership with ISODA and other forums. Jiten wants to make the association more professional body by bringing mentorship and guidance which he cultivated from his professional and social life. Edited excerpts of his quick interaction for Cell IT.
Cell IT: What are the top 3 key plans you have for ASIRT under your leadership?
ASIRT: Yet we do not have firm plan as it is just a week and because of quarter end pressure could not define and now I am leaving for US for 3 weeks.
But main focus is that we want to start the Chairman’s club and invite large SIs rope them in as member and get their guidance and mentorship to guide the existing members and get them to next level. Also we want to get it aligned with different association pan India base so that our members can leverage the business opportunities irrespective of the locations.
Cell IT: AsIRT has a reputation of attendance, speaker selection and vendor-coordination. What new, according to you, your leadership will add value.
ASIRT: Yes I am aware that the bar is too high to reach but we will definitely try and get new principals in security vertical and others who have never been approached for the benefit of the members. For big Principals and the Big Sis should value add.
Cell IT: Right now, AsIRT has operations in Mumbai. What about the expansion plans?
ASIRT: I believe it was always on card and we will working towards the same.
Cell IT: What role will AsIRT play with national forums like Nasscom, MAIT and how much importance will be given for the Govt-related issues like GST?
ASIRT: No plans as such but yes we might get some consultant for GST on board once it rolls out for our members help. Already we had some session on GST in one the tech Days.
Cell IT: Some vendors feel that the sponsorship-levels are comparatively high. Will there be any more innovation for the vendors in terms of sponsorship-related activities?
ASIRT: I though our membership are the cheapest so I really need to relook into the same and need to speak to vendor for their feedback and then only we can think of the new innovations.