Establishment of Index

The leading information technologies distribution group of our day, Index Grup’s 37 years of success story full of love, respect, and endeavor starts with the office that was opened on the first floor of a modest but pretty apartment in Beşiktaş on July 10th, 1989.

A new graduate of Istanbul Technical University and among the first computer engineers of Turkey, Erol Bilecik started his career in 1987 at a corporation. However, in a short while his entrepreneurship passion motivated him to establish his own business and in 1989 Index Grup took its first steps towards success.

Furniture of the first office that was a very modest apartment were bought from a second-hand store in Topkapı for a very moderate price. This initial investment had a very small material value for those days while its moral value was unmatched. Since those days were when baby steps were taken with a small number of people, with high enthusiasm, hopeful, fanciful, confident, working for long hours and with devotion, labor, and great effort. Today, those colleagues that worked in that first office still describe the tasty food they had from the meatball restaurant on the lower floor of the office and the dreams they shared while having that food. Although small steps were taken during those times, dreams were big from the very first day. And from day one, Index had a clear vision: “Being the Technology Source of Turkey!”

First Steps

Flow of encounters and having the correct hand is important in life. In the beginning of the 90’s a compliment made to 3M that was one of the most innovative American companies had a high return and distributorship contract was signed with 3M. This cooperation lays the ground for a major success story.

For initial commercial experiences of Index, working with such a large and international company proves to be very valuable. Index gained significant experiences in many basic areas such as making business plans, establishing production forecast, planning marketing activities, warehouse and shipping management, giving postdated checks. In this process, the experience of working with dealers was among the most important gains for Index. Especially many steps taken in Anatolia during that time created foundations of partnership relationships that are still continuing today with pleasure. And at the end of a six-month period, the company starts to occupy the market leading position with 60% market share in all magnetic peripheral products, mainly, floppy disks.

Increasing transaction volume of 3M creates the need to lease and invest on a warehouse for Index for the first time. Thus, in a short while like six months, when the small office in Beşiktaş is no longer sufficient for growing business needs, Index moves to its second office in Gayrettepe and invests in a 30 square meter warehouse that was then called “the major investment”. Considering the enormous logistics center of the group today, modesty of that first warehouse investment in 1990 becomes even more evident. Although steps and square meters were small, unlimited dreams of Index starts demonstrating itself even then.

And at the end of 1990 the company takes its proud place in “Top 100 Computer Companies” list created by Bilgisayar Magazine.

The First Branch

Decision was taken to open a branch in Ankara to access public offices that were perceived to carry major sales potential for 3M products.

Thus, in April 1991 the first branch opens.

By the end of 1991 Index rises to the 45th place on “Top 100 IT Companies List”.

Growth Continues

In the beginning of 1993 another assertive decision is taken at the biggest office investment to that day is made and the company moves to its third office. This new office leased in Mecidiyeköy is known as “Mezzanine”.

Index continues its fast rise on “Top 100 IT Companies List” in 1993 and this time occupies the 20th rank.

Significant Collaborations

One of the most significant cornerstones for the group belongs in this year: distributorship contract with HP is signed for consumer goods.

Contracts with Siemens Nixdorf PC APC brands that is still a partner are also signed in this year.

Index continues to rise on “Top 100 IT Companies List” in 1994 and occupies the 19th rank this year.

Major Change that Starts with IBM and Acceleration

While growth continues every year, a motto loved and embraced by all employees is found: “Index #1 in 2000!”

Now all efforts are spent to become the sectoral leader. 70% of revenues of the time comes from consumer goods while 30% comes from hardware products. It is decided that there must be a change in these percentages to become the sectoral leader. Now it is time to get a hardware contract from the 1st League and there is only one way of doing this: Working with the then leader of the PC market, IBM!

And as a result of intense efforts, in August 1995 one of the most significant developments in the group history materializes: “Solution Partnership” contract is signed with IBM.

Index is off to an amazing start with IBM and in a short time many successful results are achieved. “The Highest Number of Sales Points” that is achieved in only four months after the beginning of the contract brings “IBM PC Solution Partner Success Award” at the end of the year.

Izmir branch is opened in the same year.

Index continues to rise on “Top 100 IT Companies List” in 1995 and occupies the 16th rank this year.

IBM Distributorship

Index, becomes the first company to sign distributorship contract with IBM in Turkey and its success story gains a historic momentum.

This year also a record that is still remembered with pleasure and pride is achieved: sale of 4127 IBM Aptiva PC in only 8 days!

1996 becomes an active and fruitful year. Index occupies the 9th rank in “Top 100 IT Companies List” in 1996. The company makes it to the top 10! Thus, faith in leadership target is reinforced!

Growth and Move

Growing year after year, Index decides to move once again to catch up with increasing business and the land in Gürsel Neighborhood is purchased and ground broken for the new building. This valuable building with extraordinary architecture makes significant contribution to promotion of Index.

Index continues to carry its rank forward on “Top 100 IT Companies List” an occupies the 8th place in 1997!