Solitaire, a leading brand of IFPD and video conferencing products, recently engaged in an exclusive interview with Smart Solutions World, Dr. Ramya Chatterjee, Chief of Solitaire Brand Business shares insights on transforming education, enhancing corporate productivity, and the innovative technology driving these changes.
Transforming Education and Corporate Spaces
Solitaire, under the leadership of Supertron Electronics, is making significant strides in transforming both education and corporate spaces across India and neighboring countries. With a clear focus on two primary areas—education and corporate meeting spaces—the brand is solving two key challenges. In the education sector, Solitaire provides teachers with classroom equipment that enhances learning outcomes, aiming to make the lives of educators easier with innovative tools. In corporate spaces, the company strives to boost productivity in boardrooms and meeting rooms with its range of interactive and unified communication products.
Solitaire’s Offerings in the Education Sector
Solitaire’s product offerings are designed to elevate the classroom experience. The company has introduced a range of teaching equipment, including interactive flat panels, OPS computers, unified communication tools, interactive software, and document management systems (DMS). The flagship product, Solitaire Extreme, is a game-changer in the education sector. It features an 8K display with anti-glare and anti-fingerprint technology, true zero bonding, and advanced features such as NFC and biometric fingerprint touch. Additionally, the device comes with powerful built-in speakers, ensuring clear audio for students at the back of the classroom. This innovation marks a significant leap in the digital transformation of education.
Driving Digital Transformation in Education
The education sector has seen a major paradigm shift over the years. Traditional chalk-and-talk teaching methods have been replaced by interactive touchboards and digital content, enriching the learning experience through technology. Solitaire, as a tech-driven company, is dedicated to providing the best-in-class products to help schools and teachers embrace this transformation. The Solitaire Extreme, for example, is designed to enhance student engagement in a digital learning environment, reflecting the brand’s commitment to driving positive change in education.
Technical Specifications of Solitaire Extreme
The Solitaire Extreme is packed with industry-leading features that make it stand out in the education technology space. It boasts an 8K display with anti-glare and anti-fingerprint technology, and true zero bonding for an immersive visual experience. Powered by an RK3588 octa-core chipset, it operates on Android 13 and 14 platforms with 16 GB of RAM and 256 GB of storage. The device also integrates NFC and biometric touch technology for seamless user interaction. For audio, the Solitaire Extreme is equipped with a 60-watt sound system, ensuring excellent sound clarity for all users, regardless of their position in the room. These features collectively enhance the classroom experience in both visual and acoustic aspects.
Market Potential in India
The potential market for interactive teaching tools in India is immense. With over 1.25 million schools in the country, only about 20% are equipped with basic IT infrastructure. This creates a huge opportunity for growth, particularly as the government is heavily investing in integrating ICT into classrooms, both in private and public schools. The market for interactive flat panels in education saw approximately 400,000 units sold last year, with growth expected to continue. Solitaire is well-positioned to play a significant role in this ongoing digital transformation in education.
Maintaining Market Leadership
Solitaire has maintained its market leadership by leveraging over 30 years of experience in the Indian market through its parent company, Supertron Electronics. With a strong channel network and solid financial standing, the company is valued at approximately ₹7,000 crores. While many smaller brands are entering the market, Solitaire’s legacy and financial strength provide a competitive edge. The company is committed not just to offering products, but also ensuring world-class service and customer satisfaction, which has helped them maintain their market dominance.
Prioritizing Service and Training
Service is one of Solitaire’s strongest pillars. The company operates its own service infrastructure with 27 service engineers stationed across the country, setting them apart from other brands that often outsource service functions. Solitaire also offers up to 5 years of on-site service, ensuring that customers are supported long-term. Recognizing that technology alone isn’t enough, Solitaire places a strong emphasis on teacher training. The company offers proactive, quarterly training sessions to ensure that educators are equipped to use the technology effectively, thereby maximizing its impact in the classroom.
Maximizing Value through Teacher Training
Teacher training is a crucial component of Solitaire’s approach to maximizing the value of its products. Many schools invest in technology, but teachers often lack the skills to use it to its full potential. Through regular training sessions, Solitaire ensures that teachers are confident in using the products, which in turn builds trust with school principals and decision-makers. This commitment to teacher empowerment is part of Solitaire’s broader strategy to offer not just products, but comprehensive solutions that work in real-world educational settings.
Long-Term Vision for Solitaire in Education
Solitaire’s long-term vision in the education sector is to become a trusted, long-term partner for schools. The company aims to continue innovating and providing technology that enhances the effectiveness of teaching and learning. As the market for digital classrooms expands, Solitaire is focused on delivering high-quality products at competitive prices, supported by exceptional service. The company aims to be a complete solution provider for schools, helping them embrace digital education now and in the years to come.
