Metro Systems broadens base

Local IT company Metro Systems has set up a new company called Metro Connect to provide hardware solutions to support system integrators and independent software vendors.

The new firm is expected to generate about Bt300 million in revenue before the end of this year.

Metro Systems' deputy managing director Kitti Techataveekijkul said Metro Connect, which was formed last month, had a registered capital of Bt10 million. It would become IBM's distributor to provide hardware products to system integrators and independent software vendors. The new company will help these customers to create markets by providing training, presales, conducting activities and seminars and offering proof of concept.

Bodin Parapagpenjun, a consultant to Metro Systems' executive committee, said the firm was trying to diversify and expand its business base to support small, medium and large enterprises so it could cover various industries.

Kitti said Metro Systems had divided its business into three groups: an enterprise system group (ESG), a solution integration group (SIG) and an office supplies group (OSG).

The enterprise system group focuses on various manufacturers, such as auto, electronics, or export manufacturers. It provides technology which supports returns on investment, including server consolidation, green technology such as green data centres, and business intelligence solutions enabling customers to create greater business efficiency and competitive advantages.

The solution integration group offers proactive approaches to support productivity growth and business efficiency. It focuses on three areas: enterprise data integration, unified communication, which helps customers to use infrastructure, technology and networks to improve their information and communication, thereby increasing productivity and saving investment costs, and improving and exploiting the skills of internal human resources to improve professional services to customers and to cope with dynamic change in technology.

Finally, the company's office supplies group provides products such as laser printer multi-function, inkjet printer multi-function, toner and ink cartridges. It covers government organisations and wholesale operations as well as small- and medium-sized enterprises.

In 2009, Metro Systems is expected to generate about Bt5.3 billion in revenue - the same as last year. Of this, 29 per cent will come from the ESG, 26 per cent from the SIG, and 45 per cent from the OSG. In 2008, 31.9 per cent of the company's revenue came from the ESG, 24.9 per cent from the SIG, and 42.6 per cent from the OSG.