Setting up India's first tech test lab

The early 1990s was an era of plentiful products—from printers, PCs and UPSs, to spreadsheets, word processors and PC databases.

- GIRIDHAR RAJAGOPALAN

GIRIDHAR RAJAGOPALAN

Group Editor, 9.9 Group Former Assistant Editor, PCQuest & Labs

The market offerings included products from international brands and Indian companies. It was also a time when money was tight, and investment in technology solutions was a decision that was not easily made. Users agonized over every purchase—and wanted value for money for every rupee spent. PCQ used to get regular letters and telephone calls from readers seeking advice on hardware, software and peripherals. Editors and staff were hard pressed to provide unbiased advice. So, we decided to verify product features and performance claims. That was the genesis of PCQ Labs.

World-class reviews, despite limitations

Without doubt, the idea of an in-house lab for a technology was not new. US and UK-based publications like PC Magazine, PC World, PC Week, et al were regularly reviewing products. However, few Indian readers had access to these international publications—and to the full range of products that they covered.