HCL Infosystems Ltd (HCL Insys), India's premier technology integration company, will open its 'Total IT Expo' on Friday 27 August 1999 simultaneously in 81 cities.

'Total IT Expo' is a special initiative launched by HCL Insys's Frontline division. It will be the largest information technology fair of its kind, offering user segments a comprehensive exposure to the world of computing solutions. The expo will specially focus on products and solutions for the SOHO (small office home office) and SME (small and medium enterprises) segments.

The exposition will also offer products and solutions for the home and FTU (first time user) segments. The carnival will go to buyers in the metros, cities like Hyderabad and Bangalore, as well as towns with population less than 5 million, and less than 2.5 million such as Nashik, Aurangabad, Erode, Patiala, and Guwahati.

The timing of the expo allows the SOHO and SME segments to claim depreciation benefits up to 60 per cent of the cost. In the metros, the Frontline division will extend easy and convenient financing options to buyers through its tie-up with non-banking finance companies.

During the exposition, buyers will be able to avail of innovative offers and gifts with purchases such as bundling of Internet time, printers and software, among others. These will contribute to a significant reduction in overall cost of the purchase.

Speaking about the expo, A Mohan Rao, chief executive, Frontline division, HCL Infosystems, said, "Our focus in this year's expo reflects the increased offtake and actual usage of IT products in the SME and the SOHO segments. Our custom-developed, comprehensive solutions portfolio addresses even the finest segmentations seen in these segments."

One of the highlights of the fair is the launch of an electronic mail solution, called HCL E-mail messaging solution and a range of IT support services, which include complete solutions for IT infrastructure, asset management, onsite help desk services, and telesupport. Targeted at the SME segment, this range of services will be provided under the portfolio of HCL's SupportNet services.

In addition to its comprehensive range of computing products, the fair will showcase HCL's complete Y2K compliance solution. The entire range of HCL Busybee multimedia and non-multimedia computers, NetManager servers, Toshiba Notebook computers, accounting package and a range of Dragon speech recognition software will be on display.

About the company: HCL Infosystems's Frontline division markets national and international brands of computer systems and peripherals in India. With its extensive network of 800 resellers across 300 cities, the Frontline division has actively promoted the penetration of PCs in the home and SOHO segments.

To provide its users innovative support services and solutions the division has established a countrywide network with 170 partners across 100 cities, termed 'SupportNet'. The division has offices in Mumbai, New Delhi, Calcutta, Chennai, Bangalore, Coimbatore, Lucknow, Chandigarh, Jaipur, Ahmedabad, Pune and Nagpur.

HCL Insys, a technology integrator, offers customers technology solutions across multiple platforms. This is a result of its expertise in developing state-of-the-art indigenous enterprise solutions; integrating diverse hardware components and its access to specialised technology for turnkey projects through partnerships with various world class players.

With a definite and distinct focus on enterprise solutions and personal computers, HCL Infosystems has direct customer service centres at 143 locations and modern manufacturing facilities.