“MERLION Road Map” in Tatarstan

At the beginning of September 2009 in Kazan a conference “MERLION Road Map” was held for partners in Tatarstan. The largest world suppliers of computer equipment – Intel, Microsoft, Lenovo, LG, Western Digital, managers of MERLION and regional dealers - met at round table on the IT-forum. The conference program planned discussion of several issues: Condition and development of Russian IT-market, marketing products in the crisis period, discussion of manufacturer’s new product and existing marketing programs at MERLION.

The conference was declared open by Sergei Raskolov, Sales Director MERLION. In his presentation S. Raskolov recounted the current situation in the company, new exclusive offers for partners and MERLIONs new services, discussed the company’s strategic business model in detail in conditions of difficult financial and economic situation in Russia.

Then Alexei Bulatnikov, Representative for work with Lenovo partners, continued the forum with a presentation “Lenovo strength is in our partners”. A. Bulatnikov in his presentation acquainted partners with the history of formation of Lenovo and its achievements, dwelled in detail on the range of Lenovo ThinkPad and Lenovo IdeaPad notebooks, and presented the flag models of 2009. In conclusion the Lenovo representative recounted about the partner program for the 3rd quarter of 2009 to dealers from Tatarstan.

Renat Vyatkin, Intel Regional Representative in Tatarstan and Bashkortostan, continued MERLION conference with the presentation “Intel processors production plans for desktop systems in 2009/2010.” R. Vyatkin in his presentation announced the partners on the new Intel products in the processors segment for desktop systems and dwelled in detail on the manufacturer’s key advantages.

Vladimir Shevchenko, Manager Regional Development Western Digital, presented “Western Digital products”, where he presented the analysis of hard disk market in Russia to partners, and also announced the manufacturer’s new products including hard disks with 2Tb capacity and GreenPower technology.

Radik Nurgaliev, Manager on work with IT-partners LG presented “LG monitors: Market position and directions of development”. R. Nurgaliev gave a short review of the market and recounted the main tendencies in the market for monitors in 2009, and then switched over to new flag models of the manufacturers.

The presentation block was concluded by Alexei Galkov, Consultant on Microsoft Business Solutions with a presentation on “Windows 7. New opportunities and features”. Galkov in his presentation gave a review of the Windows 7 operating system underlining the new possibilities and advantages.

After the presentation block the partners could examine the newly produced products of the manufacturers in the specially equipped demo zone.

By tradition the IT-business partners met at separate meetings with managers of MERLION and representatives of vendors, where they discussed issues of mutually beneficial cooperation and business development.

A bowling competition was held as unofficial part of the event.