AN
INTRODUCTION:
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COMPANY NAME
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LIBRA COMPUTER AID
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ACCORONYM
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LCA
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LEGAL FORM
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SOLE PROPRIETORSHIP
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YEAR OF INCORPORATION
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1988
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ADDRESS SINCE INCORPORATION
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HOUSE 99, ROAD 11A, DHAKA
1209, BANGLADESH
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LIAISON OFFICE
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GRANS TECHNOLOGY
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A BREIF HISTORY:
Libra Computer Aid® (LCA) was incorporated in 1988 at a time
when the personal computer was much an unfamiliar medium to most in Bangladesh. LCA actually started
its operations with the introduction and marketing of personal computers (PC)
in Bangladesh. But it was unknown at that time
since it only supplied computer accessories, peripherals, and original
software packages to the major brand dealers. By providing these services, LCA
greatly assisted them in maintaining their service and warranty claims. Within
a very short period, LCA became known as a very dependable business concern. In
fact, its image became so creditworthy that many reputed computer dealers did
not need to maintain any inventory of widely required components as they could
easily acquire them from LCA.
LCA shot up to prominence as the compatible computer
market made its entry into Bangladesh. Besides its original
services, LCA also started supplying components to small and new computer
companies. In addition to reputed brand dealers, other institutional client
base began to grow - and within a short span of time, LCA succeeded in creating
a strong base of end users (both individuals and corporate clients) who became
loyal to LCAs unique services. Assisting in the growth of computer usage
remains an integral part of LCA’s policy and in addition to individual clients, the company still caters to the needs of the
secondary computer market. The entire foundation of this organization is based
on its uncompromising mission to provide TOTAL CUSTOMER SATISFACTION.
LCA has always tried to keep pace with the
advancement in technology, paying particular attention to the needs of the
market. With this view in mind it started to specialize in the marketing of
various kinds of printers from the mid 90s. It is now the only company that
caters to high-speed quality printers. In the beginning of the current century,
LCA further diversified its business by turning its focus to the World Wide
Web. It made its entry into the field of IT enabled services and started the
largest single Internet Service Provider in Bangladesh’s Northwest region. The
ISP delivers fast, uninterrupted Internet services to about 5,000 subscribers,
a number that is expected to double in the next 15 months.
AREA OF COVERAGE:
ENTIRE BANGLADESH AND THE
INTERNATIONAL WORLD. LCA is totally responsible for all computing needs in Bangladesh and uses logistic support
from GRANS TECHNOLOGY only when needed. GRANS is always involved whenever there
is an International tender at home or abroad. The Liaison office was
established to assist in providing quality products and enhancing the
efficiency of LCA. It ensures prompt sourcing and delivery of products, and
also helps in meeting and expediting warranty claims. Overall, the alliance
with GRANS allows LCA to represent itself in the international world and
participate in international businesses.
NUMBER OF DEPARTMENTS:
EIGHT
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NUMBER
OF DIVISION
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THREE
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i)
Computer, Computer Peripherals and Accessories
ii) ISP
or Internet Service Provider-LIBRABD.NET- the only ISP operating in Rajshahi.
iii) IT ENABLED SERVICES CENTRE
(Data Entry Center)
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PRESENT
MANPOWER STRENGTH
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20
EXPERIENCED AND TRAINED PERSONNEL
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This includes the personnel involved in the ISP in Rajshahi
And the ones involved in the IT enabled services center
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STYLE
OF MANAGEMENT
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HIGHLY
PARTICIPATIVE
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OFFERINGS:
In time, LCA became directly associated with
international brand names. The company had started in 1985 as the distributor
for selective Philips Monitors in Bangladesh. With the passage of
time, the company’s acquisition of sole distributorships started growing
substantially. Besides assembling of compatible computers and marketing of
peripherals, accessories and consumables – LCA itself started to offer world
famous Brand names. LCA dealt in numerous products from add-on card,
motherboards to monitors. But with the increase in small computer vendors and
computer literacy, it went into distribution to focus on fewer products in
order to build up better service and gain potential customers. It acquired
distribution of the following products from:
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Companies
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Products
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Appointed
Authorized
Distributor
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TallyGenicom Pte Ltd.
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Tally
Dot Matrix Printers, Line Matrix Printers, Color Laser Printers and Kyocera
Laser Printers.
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Since
January, 1993
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NEC Solutions Asia Pacific
Pte. Ltd.
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NEC
Monitors, Dot Matrix Printers, Laser Printers, LCD Monitors, Multimedia
Projectors
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Since
April
1, 1996
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Ricoh Printing Systems
Singapore Pte Ltd
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Dataproducts
High Speed Dot Matrix and Laser Printers.
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Since
January
11, 1999
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Thakral Information Systems Pte
Ltd.
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Authorized
Reseller for IBM Servers, PC and Notebooks
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Since
January, 2004
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SpeedCast Limited, Hong Kong
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Internet
Bandwidth Solution Provider
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Since
January, 2002
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THE MAJOR DEPARTMENTS
MARKETING & SALES
LCA has a very well organized marketing department
with very able and trained personnel – but as a policy, every employee is a
marketing executive irrespective of which department they belong to. Their
knowledge may not be as extensive and exhaustive as the personnel in the
Marketing Department, but everyone is expected to know about the products that
LCA is dealing with and the services it is offering - including the
specification of the products and the inventory situation. This policy was
adopted to create a large base of direct and indirect sales force, and also for
the reason that no inquiry is unanswered in the absence of a sales executive.
To this end, all the employees are kept up to date through a report that is
prepared by R&D. In addition, a meeting presided by the CEO is held every
week regarding the marketing situation.
The products marketed by LCA have been grouped, and
in order to promote greater efficiency, the marketing personnel have been
segregated into teams with respect to these product groups. These groups
include – I) Computer systems ii) Printers and iii) Peripherals, accessories
and consumables.
Another unique system that is practised by the
Marketing Department is called Selected Account System. According to this
system each marketing personnel is responsible for particular clients –
existing or new. This system enables the clients to deal with one executive who
has the knowledge and history of their entire computing system, requirements
and needs. The respective marketing executive maintains a separate file for
each client and also assigns a second executive to handle matters in his
absence or whenever such a need arises. Each Marketing Executive of LCA has the
responsibility for different clients as per market segments like private
customers, government, defense, airlines, banks and financial institutions,
educational institutions, and international organizations. The Marketing
Executives have individual sales target, which is a part of the total sales
target of the Company.
THE MAIN
PERSONNEL IN THE MARKETING DEPARTMENT ARE:
RESPONSIBILITIES
OF MARKETING DEPARTMENT:
The main role of the marketing
executives is to develop, market and assist new
prospects by carrying system study to assess actual needs of the client and
propose them appropriate hardware and software solution. They are also
responsible for preparing tenders, closing sales, delivery, arranging
demonstration, seminars, exhibitions and Ad-campaigns.
HARDWARE DEPARTMENT:
LCAs Hardware department lies at the core of the
organization and plays a vital role in its success. It also plays a critical
role in the marketing of products as the department does much of the need
assessment when it comes to new clients and their requirements. In this aspect,
it is in constant collaboration with the marketing department and the concerned
executives.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
HARDWARE DEPARTMENT (Customer Service) of LCA is tasked with
ensuring total satisfaction to its valued customers by providing after sales
service. The department believes that the PROMPT & EFFICIENT AFTER SALES
SERVICE is the key to customer satisfaction as well as the overall success of
Libra Computer Aid®. Hardware Department is responsible for the following
services:
Providing technical
assistance to marketing executives.
Undertaking site
inspection and assisting our valued customers in preparing the
installation site of printer, computer and other peripherals.
System Integration
and checking of printers, computers and peripherals prior to delivery.
Installation
of printers and computers at client site.
Demonstrating
use of printer, computer in brief and safety measures for printer,
computers and peripherals.
Providing repair
and maintenance services under warranty and maintenance contract.
Providing services
on-call basis.
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PERSONNEL
INVOLVED IN THE HARDWARE DEPARTMENT ARE:
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Hasan Kabir Chowdhury
Co-coordinator
Customer Support
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Hasan Kabir Shamsuddin
Manager
Hardware & Customer Support
M.Sc.-Apply Phys. & Elec.
MCSE Certified
CCNA Certified
Additional: Completed Training on Satellite
Communication from SpeedCast HongKong.
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Md. Golam Kibria
Assistant Manager
Hardware & Customer Support
M.Sc – Apply Phys.
& Elec.
Additional: Project On Door Security
System
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Md. Saiful Islam
Sytem Engineer
Hardware & Customer Support
M.Sc.-Engineering
From MEEI, Varna, Bulgaria
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Paulinuz S. D’Cruze
Senior Executive
Customer Support
MCSE Certified
A+ Certified
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Abul Kalam Azad
Executive
Customer Support
Red Hat, Linux
Certified
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In
order to assist the Marketing Executives and the Hardware Department, there is
a Commercial Section within the Marketing Department that deals with issues
relating to advertisement, advertisement campaigns, LC matters, clearing and
forwarding of goods, materials control and planning. This section is also
responsible for maintaining all sorts of contact with Grans Technology. The
personnel in this section are:
OTHER PERSONNEL ASSISTING IN THE DAILY ACTIVITIES OF
LCA ARE:
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FINANCE
& INVENTORY CONTROL
E-mail: finance@libra-online.com
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Imran Ahmed
Executive
Showroom Sales
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Richard
Sowrov Palma
Executive
Accounts
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ISP AND IT ENABLED SERVICES:
In order to staying true to its promise of
responding to the dynamisms of the rapidly changing market, LCA made its entry
into the cyber world by getting involved in becoming an Internet Service
Provider. librabd.net is a sister
concern of Libra Computer Aid® having its Head Office in Dhaka City
and First Branch Office at Rajshahi. Librabd.net was established in January
2001. Its primary goal is to provide Internet Service at Rajshahi and adjoining
areas.
OTHERS SERVICES OF librabd.net
INCLUDES:
Networking
Web Development
Web Site Hosting
Domain Name Registration
Dedicated Lease
Line
Corporate E-mail
(UUCP)
Corporate Network
Solutions
Web Base E-mail
Service
Web Base Password
Change & Usage Check
Newsgroups
THE PERSONNEL IN THE ISP DIVISION ARE
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RAJSHAHI OFFICE
Click Here for Detail Information:
LIBRABD.NET
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Hasan Kabir Shamsuddin
Operation
In-charge
Internet
Division
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Mayanul Haque
Executive
Customer
Support (Internet Division)
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Hasan Iman Shamsuddin
Executive
Accounts
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Shamim Ahmed Milon
Executive
Marketing
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IT ENABLED SERVICES CENTER :
In 2002, Libra established a Computer Lab cum IT Enabled Services Center. Through this, it not
only involved itself in meeting international requirements but also aims to
assist individuals and organizations in meeting their short and long term
computing and IT goals without having to invest in expensive computer hardware
and other related costs. These organizations are free to use their own
employees or take the help of LCAs expert group of computer operators. The
Center is highly adaptable and specific hardware can be added as per
requirement.
The center is equipped with 50 PCs (25 PCs in each
floor), Server and A High Speed Printer with Network and Internet Connection.
The most unique feature of the Center is its continuous and instant hardware
support as it is located in the same building and constantly under the
supervision of experienced hardware personnel. Since its inception, LCA has
used the Center for meeting various international computing and IT
requirements. The activities involved were varied and ranged from Training,
Data Entry, and Data Conversion to Online Accounting support for companies
abroad.
MOVING INTO A NEW MARKET:
Libra plans to move into the rapidly growing
cellular handset market during 2005, owing to the large demand base for
economic & affordable handsets. The country has an existing subscriber base
of almost 6 million cell phone users, a number that is expected to double
before the end of 2010.
FUTURE PLAN:
Currently,
the Bangladesh government has awarded 4 major cellular licenses, in
addition to launching its own mobile phone service earlier this year.
The
first license was awarded to Pacific Bangladesh Telecom in 1989. The company
initially launched an AMPS-based service in collusion with Hutchison, and
converted to a CDMA system (CDMA 2000 1X) in 1999. They currently have over
800,000 subscribers. They have recently signed a partnership agreement with
Singtel.
GrameenPhone,
the country’s largest service launched its GSM 900 operation in 1997, and are
affiliated with Nortel Networks. They currently have close to 3 million
subscribers, and offer Global Roaming services, in addition to GPRS/EDGE
services, and all other basic options available today.
AKTEL
is also a GSM 900-based operator with a subscriber base of 1.5 million users,
and are affiliated with Telekom Malaysia.
Banglalink
is a jointly owned subsidiary of Orascom/Egyptel and Sheba Telecom, who
launched its operations late last year. In less than 9 months, they have
acquired a subscriber base of close to a million subscribers. They are believed
to be the fastest growing network. Banglalink is a GSM 900 service provider.
The
state-owned Teletalk GSM services also launched earlier this year, and already
have over 500,000 subscribers.
THE ADVANTAGE:
Given
the current demand and the existing subscriber base for users, we find great
opportunities with importing & marketing Curitel & Pantech handsets,
mainly owing to the success found with Samsung & LG phones. Both brands
offer basic as well as high-end sets. The demand is now for more affordable
handsets with an attractive array of options, and that of course, look good.
Currently,
there is a vacuum in the CDMA market. Fortunately for us, the provider has been
unable to market its low-cost & unattractive handsets imported from China. However, it has sold Motorola handsets with reasonable
success.
The
GSM market scenario is quite different. The biggest players in the market have
dominantly been basic Siemens (C25, C35), Nokia (3310, 3330, 5100), &
Ericsson (now Sony Ericsson) (T-100, T-200 etc). Korean brands such as LG &
Samsung would easily be the market leader, had their prices not been set so
high. A host of other brands are also available such as Alcatel, Sagem,
Panasonic, Philips, Motorola, Sharp, NEC, and Daxian & Hisense;
Our
aim is to provide both basic and up market models, but mostly basic handsets
that are easily affordable.
THE
TARGET
Our target will depend greatly on the quality of the
handsets, the after-sales services & support provided, and of course the
initial selling prices. Ideally, we will import a reasonable quantity to test the
market. This experience will also enable us to strategize and set realistic
sales targets. An approximate idea of the ideal sales volume is attached.
TOTAL CUSTOMER
SATISFACTION
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FAST ADAPTIBILITY
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CONTINUITY AND
STANDARDIZATION OF QUALITY SERVICE
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AND GROWTH AND PROMOTION
IN THE USAGE OF COMPUTERS AND OTHER
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RELATED FIELDS
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TECHNOLOGICAL ADVANCEMENT
BANKERS
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A. Dutch Bangla Bank Limited
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Banani Branch, 75 Banani, Block B,
Kemal
Ataturk Avenue,
Dhaka 1213, Bangladesh.
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B. Prime Bank Limited
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Dhanmondi Branch, 99, Dhanmondi, Road 11/A,
Dhaka-1209, Bangladesh.
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