This has been proved once again, with Singapore-based hard-disk maker Seagate stepping in to sponsor the exhibition organised by the Computer Association of Eastern India (COMPASS). The show, eastern India's biggest, is being co-sponsored by peripherals maker Frontec.

This year's annual show, the sixth, will be held here from January 20 for four days and has attracted around 100 participants. The organisers have attracted participation from even local assemblers of personal computers.COMPASS officials said that local PC brands like Supercomp and various local UPS manufacturers have confirmed their participation. According to a top COMPASS official, the show has attracted a wide section of major vendors across the country.

"All the major vendors are participating through their dealers and resellers at the meet. Intel has already taken 10 stalls for the premium Genuine Intel Dealers (GID)," the official said.

For multinational Seagate, COMPASS will give enough visibility in return for the event sponsorship. Unofficial sources said Seagate is giving Rs 10 lakh to COMPASS, which will put Seagate's logo and name on the invitation cards and in every advertisement of the event. Frontec will also get similar mileage from the various event management activities.

"The eastern region market is growing and, with a low base, the growth is fast enough to attract considerable attention from the big vendors. We can expect more of this kind of sponsorship in future," said Mr VK Bhandari, director of Supertron Electronics Pvt Ltd.