HCL ties up with Apple to market Apple iPods

New Delhi, May 29: Information Technology major HCL Infosystems Ltd today announced its strategic alliance with Apple to provide sales and complete service support for Apple iPods to make the digital music accessible to consumers across the country.

As part of the alliance, HCL will provide complete sales and service support for Apple iPods, leveraging its undisputable strength in marketing and distribution of ICT products in the country.

With Apple iPods, HCL will integrate the world's most iconic music appliance into its larger digital lifestyle strategy.

''This tie-up reflects two key milestones for HCL which includes marking a unique tie-up between two corporates, Apple and HCL, and HCL's renewed focus in addressing the emerging digital lifestyle revolution in India,'' Mr Ajai Chowdhury, Chairman and CEO, HCL said, while announcing the tie-up with Apple at a press conference here today.

Apple iPod has revolutionised the way people store and listen to their music and has inspired a totally new breed of technologies like ''Podcasting' as well as content development, he added.

As part of the tie-up, HCL is setting up distribution, logistics and service network to ensure availability of Apple iPods at key retail channels, including music shops, consumer electronic stores, format stores and other key outlets.

HCL Infosystems will also sell and distribute Apple Desktop Computers for Education, Media and Entertainment Space, Mr Chowdhury said, and added that HCL would also soon introduce leading iPod accessories across its network.

The addition of Apple iPod into the existing bouquet of wide range of varied communication devices and products namely Leaptops, Mobile phones, Digital Cameras and Media Centre PCs will further strengthen HCL's quest to bring a full digital lifestyle experience to the Indian consumer.

HCL has partnerships with some leading flgobal players like Intel, AMD, Toshiba, Ericsson, Microsoft, Nokia, Sun Microsystems among others.

HCL, a leading global technology and IT enterprise with annual revenues of 2.9 billion US dollars, comprises two companies listed in India -- HCL Technologies and HCL Infosystems.

The HCL team comprises of 32,000 professionals of diverse nationalities, who operate from 15 countries including 300 points of presence in India. It has global partnerships with several leading Fortune 1000 firms, including leading IT and Technology firms.

UNI