The recently held National Distributor Conference (NDC) 2004 was a novel and unique event in the annals of the IT industry. Even more overwhelming was the number of queries received as feedback from the readers.

Skepticism abounds in the minds of the industry veterans as to whether the authenticity of such a dialogue remains valid for the benefit of the channel. And not without reason, as in the past we have seen many enthusiastic and energetic teams begin only to flounder as the days go by.

The NDC however, would beg to differ on such grounds. There is an inherent need to begin and initiate discussions among influential channel players. This was also explicitly expressed by the national distributors gathered at the meet. The fruition of such an event will surely be achieved one step at a time, even though detractors will scoff at such an idea.

The first meet clearly spelled out the theme of the forum, which will continue to remain a driving force for further such events to come - resolving channel issues amicably with a view to creating and developing a healthy infrastructure within the industry.

We would even go further to admit that it is a well-credited claim; the NDC will set the precedent in the industry for future such discussions. The objective indeed will be achieved by empowering the community, as they witness the outcome of such dialogues through both print and online.

As in the past, we have endeavored to initiate interaction through innovative ideas. It remains our commitment to indulge in more such community-building activities as we move on to a higher level.

The NDC event obviously has been viewed with wary eyes by seasoned players, wondering whether such forum actually benefits the channel overall. It would be best left to the reader as he witnesses the result of such discussions affecting his business in a positive manner at the macro level.

The need to seek answers to pressing questions has been taken care of. But how well the channel uses these answers to settle their doubts and implement in their business practice is a matter that would have to be tackled with great caution.