IBM tops in laptop sales in India in 2003

Our Corporate Bureau
29 March 2004

Mumbai: International Data Corporation's (IDC) PC Tracker Report 2003 has ranked IBM as the highest revenue earner in India in laptop sales. IBM India recorded 31.3 per cent market share in the notebooks segment (in revenue terms) to gain the leadership position, a clear 1 per cent lead over it's nearest competitor.

According to IDC, the laptop market in India grew by 65 per cent in 2003 compared to 2002 in revenue terms, where in IBM registered a growth of 85 per cent resulting in a market share gain of 3.7 per cent. This is a significant growth in the market share as against IBM's 27.6 per cent market share recorded in the year 2002.

In Q4 2003 (October to December), IBM India was declared No.1, both in Unit and Revenue terms.

Speaking about the successful positioning of IBM's ThinkPad range of notebooks, Sanjeev Menon, brand manager, mobile computing, IBM India Limited said, "IBM is No. 1 in laptop sales due to our innovative products coupled with an aggressive go to market strategy. In 2003, we had a very successful entry-level ThinkPad launch as well as introduced new products and refreshes at regular intervals. This enabled us to reach out to larger markets, specifically in the small and medium size businesses, while consolidating our leadership position in the corporate segment."

IBM's constant commitment towards the small and medium business (SMB), home segment and non-metro cities as well as innovative programmes for its channel partners have been highly instrumental in driving the sales engine for IBM laptops.

The IBM ThinkPad has consistently maintained its aspiration value for its target segment. In addition to this, its 'Think' strategy initiative, which evolved in mid-2002, has enabled the IBM ThinkPad to establish its distinct technology advantage in the laptop market. This strategy of differentiation with ThinkVantage technologies and superior design has resonated with IBM ThinkPad customers.