Atul Kapoor

Multiple Zones India (MZI) is planning to offer security and access control solutions to SMEs and has recently launched a range of security solutions. Atul Kapoor, chief operating officer at MZI said, “We spotted an opportunity in the security market six months back and started talking to several international and domestic customers regarding our security offerings. Security will be a separate line of business for us that will complement our existing business.

Currently, we have a portfolio of customers who run call centres, data centres, hotels and banks. We have over 500 customers and our strategy will be to target existing customers.”

The company has soft launched some of its products, including a file encryption solution and a fingerprint/retina identification and access-control device for laptops, desktops and servers. Another range of products—RFID (Radio Frequency-based Identification Devices)—has multiple applications ranging from warehousing solutions to corporate security. At the high-end, MZI has products such as door locks that work in tandem with fingerprint scanners. These products are being targeted at hotels, call centres and corporate server rooms. “We are test marketing these products and will undertake a full-fledged launch in October,” said Kapoor.

MZI expects business worth Rs 25 crore from this new venture. Kapoor said, “By March 2003, we expect to do sales worth Rs 6 crore.” MZI will not be appointing any new channel partners, and will instead utilise its 40-strong direct sales team for selling these products.

Entry-level products for desktops and notebooks are priced from Rs 7,000 onwards. Pricing for high-end solutions such as biometric door locks starts from Rs 55,000. “We are formalising special schemes for corporate sales. MZI will bundle these products with notebook and desktop sales,” added Kapoor.