Trade Association of Information Technology (TAIT), founded in March 1996, represents the interests of the IT community, including distributors, resellers, system integrators, and service providers. In an interaction with NCN Magazine, Mr. Rushabh Shah, President of TAIT shares insights on membership growth, cybersecurity, and key initiatives.
How does it feel to lead such an important association in India?
It’s both an honor and a huge responsibility to lead TAIT, given its significance in India’s IT industry. I thank the Board to have thought of me as a person worthy enough to take this mantle. It is my fourth stint as the President and I am fortunate to have a wonderful team of directors to support our vision. I have been active and associated with TAIT since inception and have donned different hats. I have had the opportunity to be guided by very accomplished directors during my 16 years as a TAIT Director. I have had the opportunity to lead or represent the association in several important meetings. Some of them were with the Governor of Maharashtra, Chief GST Commissioner, trade delegations from countries like Germany, Korea, Japan, Taiwan, Romania, etc.
The IT business is becoming increasingly competitive, so it’s the board’s collective responsibility to help members grow, both personally and professionally. We’re committed to continuing the great work set forth by our predecessors.
Could you elaborate on your strong focus and strategy for membership growth?
Membership growth has been one of my personal goals. Just 2 years ago we were languishing with a membership count of around 268. Now, we’ve surpassed 410, and we’re aiming to reach an initial target of 500 in the coming year and a much lofty figure thereafter. I envision a 15-20% CAGR for our membership, considering a natural attrition rate of around 2-3%. What excites me is the diversity of new members joining us—they include system integrators, solution providers, software professionals, and mobile app developers. There’s a common misconception that TAIT is exclusively for traders, but it’s actually an all-encompassing association with a diverse spectrum of members, including dealers, retailers, solution providers, and OEMs. This diversity adds new energy and momentum to TAIT.
Could you discuss the significance of initiatives like TAIT Knowledge Series and Paathshaala?
Our TAIT Knowledge Series is a flagship event designed to educate members on various relevant topics, and it’s gaining strong momentum. The goal is to keep members updated with the latest developments, best practices, and innovations. This year, we’re focusing on expanding the Paathshaala program, which is an enabling initiative for our staff members. We plan to cover essential skills such as accounting software, spreadsheets, data recovery, audio-visual technology, and more. Our vision for Paathshaala is holistic: we want not only our members but also their team members—accountants, salespeople, engineers, and solution architects—to grow along with us.
Why do you consider cybersecurity a key growth area for TAIT members?
Cybersecurity is indeed critical. With the rise in cybercrime, there’s a growing demand for cybersecurity solutions, and the Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Act will soon be in effect. This legislation will make it imperative for end customers and SMEs to safeguard their data, which they can often achieve only with the help of cybersecurity experts. We believe this field offers substantial growth opportunities for our members. By diversifying into cybersecurity, our members can expand their services and increase revenue while protecting their customers’ data. My goal is to help our members avoid a zero-sum game where small margins on one service simply offset other costs. Instead, we want them to increase the share of services in their business portfolios.
What are some key differentiators in an association like TAIT?
One of our very stong forte is international tieups and opportunities. Being a leading IT Association, we are the preferred go to partners for many trade bodies and companies looking to expand their business in India.
We am fortunate to have a senior industry figure like Mr. Champak Gurjar on the Board guiding us. He gets immense value to the table by way of his strongly forged ties over several years with Taiwan and other trade bodies.
What are some key benefits of joining an association like TAIT?
Joining TAIT provides numerous benefits. First, our programs allow members to connect with business owners, where they can gain insights, ideas, and best practices from some of the sharpest minds in the industry. We also bring in top speakers for our events, providing members with exclusive networking opportunities that would be hard to access otherwise. It’s a unique platform where members can meet key OEMs, top sales professionals, and industry leaders. This in-person interaction accelerates business relationships, transforming phone connections into face-to-face, mutually beneficial relationships.
Another significant benefit of TAIT membership is the personal and professional growth opportunities it provides. TAIT offers members real platforms for professional development, work-life balance, and even family connections.
Out track record of solving many trade disputes is looked upon as a yard stick by many associations. Over our 26-year history, TAIT has become a tight-knit community where members’ families know each other, creating a new paradigm of engagement. We’re committed to maintaining our legacy of consistency and results, which sets us apart from others who may make tall claims without delivering. TAIT members enjoy a good balanced mix of events including CSR activities.
What message would you like to convey to current and prospective TAIT members?
To our existing members, I would say: participate as much as possible and attend our events. It’s through active involvement that you’ll experience the full value of TAIT membership. For those who aren’t yet members, I encourage them to come on board and see how TAIT can transform your business. We’re a proven platform for growth, innovation, and community, and we’re excited to have more IT professionals join us on this journey.
Covered By: NCN MAGAZINE / TAIT
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