Starr Computers teaming up with Japan firm

Local information technology solutions and equipment provider Starr Computers last week disclosed that it had finalised its latest distribution deal with a high profile international company aimed at enhancing the quality of IT solutions available to the local business community.

Last week, Starr Computers Chief Executive Officer Michael Mohan announced at a media briefing that the company had sealed a deal with the Japanese IT solutions company Star Micronics Co Ltd under which the local company will serve as distributor for a range of efficiency-enhancing services for business houses.

Mohan told the briefing that Starr Computers will be working with the Japanese company to bring significantly upgraded points of sale services to local businesses. “Our work with Star Micronics is a response to what we believe is a particular need in the Guyana business community at this time, Mohan said. “Business, particularly small business, is growing.

Starr Computer CEO Mike Mohan (left) and General Manager Rehman Majeed (right) with the visiting Star Micronics official
Starr Computer CEO Mike Mohan (left) and General Manager Rehman Majeed (right) with the visiting Star Micronics official

There is clearly a need for IT solutions that can provide different services simultaneously.” Mohan said Starr Computers was keen to offer the Japanese company’s solutions to small local businesses. “We’re hoping to work with those small businesses that want to improve the efficiency of their operations at a cost that is affordable,” Mohan said after the briefing.

At last week’s briefing where a visiting Star Micronics official was present Starr Computers displayed some of the hardware which Mohan said would do much more than track sales records. He said that some of the common challenges facing small, low-income businesses include limitations in inventory control, inefficient or non-existent maintenance of customer records and less than accurate VAT collection procedures. “These are among the key weaknesses that affect small businesses in Guyana and elsewhere, and those are some of the weaknesses that we are targeting through our collaboration with Star Micronics,” he added.

The software would also help to identify shortages, reduce fraud, improve inventory procedures, create enhanced VAT collection procedures and facilitate faster customer checkout.

The collaboration between the local company and the Japanese IT giant follows various other initiatives undertaken by Starr to bring international companies here. Recently, the local company closed a deal with South Korean mega company Samsung Group, to serve as its local distributor. Starr Computers has also been instrumental in recent engagements between Samsung and President Donald Ramotar regarding the setting up of a Smart School here.

According to Mohan, the new relationship with Star Micronics was in fact the rekindling of an old one since the first printer sold by Starr Computers in 1990 was manufactured by Star Micronics.