| NEW
DELHI: The 14th Convergence India 2006, which was inaugurated yesterday by the
minister of state for telecommunications Shakeel Ahmed, saw over 60,000 visitors
on day two, clamouring to have a peep at new technology on display.
The event also hosted a high-powered
round table conference comprising infotech secretaries from the states of Uttar
Pradesh, West Bengal, Uttaranchal, Himachal Pradesh and Karnataka (that has been
the home to some of the biggest Indian infotech success stories). The round
table meet focussed on bridging the digital divide and a host of other issues. The
three-day event, boasting of 386 exhibitors, 1,500 delegates and 23 countries,
is aimed at highlighting India’s information, communications and telecom
(ICT) prowess. Designed around the theme
of `ushering the ICT revolution’, Convergence 2006 has global and Indian
corporates showcasing technology and equipment in the field of mobility, broadcasting,
infotech and network security. The event is jointly organized by the Cellular
Operators Association of India (COAI) and Exhibitions India. According to
Exhibitions India MD Prem Behl, “Alongside the display of latest technologies
and innovations in telecom, India’s leading mobile service providers are
showcasing innovations being brought into the market.” Director-general
of COAI TV Ramachandran said that the organization is confident such an event
will bring additional focus to the needs of the industry that are essential for
the overall growth of the sector. “The B2C and B2B environment at the
event will translate into extensive exhibitor coverage converging into genuine
business opportunities,” he added. Known for facilitating business
deals and throwing up new ideas for discussion during conferences that are held
simultaneously, the event is also being used by companies to launch new products. For
example, Chinese telecom major Huawei today launched eight new CDMA handsets and
it is also showcasing its globally award-winning exhibit booth at the Convergence
2006. Some of the participating companies include 3M Electro & Communication
India Pvt Ltd, A&P Technologies of Korea, Accelink China, Acceltree Software
Pvt Ltd India, Ace Marketing China , AFL Telecommunications of the US, Canada’s
Aheeva Technology Inc, Ai-Logix APAC of China, ALV Arion of Israel, Andrew Telecommunications
India and Avitec of Sweden. Also, taking part in the event are Beijing
Fibridge Co Ltd, Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited, BindView Corporation of the UK,
Biometrics Direct of the US, China Broadcasting Journal, Consumer Electronics
& TV Manufacturers’ Association (CETMA) India, department of IT, India,
Enterprise Networks Asia of Hong Kong, Euromedia of the UK, Lucent Technologies
Hindustan Pvt Ltd, Scientific-Atlanta (HK) Ltd, Shenzhen HXT Technology Co Ltd
of China, Shin Satellite of Thailand and ZTE Corporation. | 
