Technology Reseller v07

01732 759725 BULLETIN : DISTRIBUTORS 10 Eliminate dead spots Nimans has produced a BT Wifi guide to help resellers capture a bigger slice of the mesh networking market. Following a recent update to BT’s Whole Home Wi-Fi firmware, it is now possible to create a mesh network of up to six discs, which can be placed around the workplace to eliminate dead spots. Each disc can support up to 32 concurrent users. www.nimans.net Tech Data introduces new global brand Following its acquisition of Avnet’s Technology Solutions business earlier this year, Tech Data has established a unified brand identity, grouping its solutions into two portfolios, both under the Tech Data brand. The Tech Data Endpoint Solutions portfolio, previously known as the company’s broadline offering, includes PC systems, mobile phones and accessories, printers, peripherals, supplies, software and consumer electronics. The Tech Data Advanced Solutions portfolio includes primarily data centre technologies, such as storage, networking, servers, advanced technology software and converged/hyperconverged infrastructure, as well as next-generation technologies like cloud, IoT, mobility, security and analytics. https://global.techdata.com DMSL promotes BTnet proposition Resellers urged to take their heads out of the cloud NEC encouraged Nimans’ resellers to ‘take their heads out of the cloud’ at a recent Inside NEC roadshow showcasing its new SL2100 system. NEC Sales Director Andrew Cooper said: “According to industry analysts MZA, an estimated 88% of the UK’s sub-100 extensions are premises-based, so there’s still plenty of life in traditional comms-based platforms. Their demise has been greatly exaggerated and they remain the dominant force. The SL2100 gives resellers even more compelling reasons to sell hardware- based technology as part of NEC’s strategic evolution and business transformation – a three-phase process to deliver better customer solutions and support to resellers.” The NEC SL2100 system offers home workers, office-based personnel and on- the-road professionals enterprise-grade voice over IP (VoIP); built-in apps; and unified communications and collaboration (UCC) features. According to NEC, it is more economical and offers better functionality than hosted solutions. www.nimans.net New agreements for Beta Distribution Beta Distribution has signed new distribution agreements with CHERRY, a manufacturer of computer input devices; TREKSTOR, a German manufacturer of IT products and consumer electronics; and Patriot Memory, a manufacturer of gaming peripherals and high performance memory solutions. As an official trade partner in the UK, Beta Distribution will distribute CHERRY’s portfolio of B2B solutions to increase sales and give CHERRY a greater market presence. TREKSTOR is entering the UK market with a range of tablets, notebooks and convertibles (the Primetab P10, Primebook P14, Primebook C11 and Primebook C13), while Patriot hopes Beta Distribution will be able to increase its share of the PC gaming market. Beta Distribution is also continuing to distribute Billion’s range of Premium DSL and LTE business grade routers. www.betadistribution.com DMSL has launched a campaign to drive sales of BTnet Express leased line services, which are now available to end-user customers with speeds of up to 30Mbps for as little as £225 per month. John Carter, Managing Director of DMSL, said: “This is a breakthrough offer and one that can generate good business and invaluable recurring revenues for resellers. Most firms depend on the Internet now and they need to know the connection is going to deliver enough speed and capacity to support their apps and services. For these companies, a BTnet leased line is an excellent option and one that will mean they are never competing for bandwidth. It’s a great deal for the customer and fits hand-in-glove with the transformation that’s taking place in the channel right now, with resellers switching to subscription and services-based business models.” www.dmsluk.co.uk Westcoast Retail eases AO.com ’s expansion UK distributor Westcoast Retail has signed a deal with online electricals retailer AO.com to provide distribution and fulfilment services for its growing range of computing products from brands such as Apple and HP. As well as holding stock, delivering orders directly to customers and handling returns, Westcoast Retail will be responsible for all aspects of stock management, including forecasting sales and ordering products directly from vendors. AO.com Director of Consumer Electronics Simon Exton said: “Entering the computing sector is an important step for AO.com as we continue on our mission to become the best electrical retailer in Europe. In Westcoast Retail, we feel we have the perfect partner. The company is trusted by an impressive array of vendors and retailers and its distribution models and ability accurately to forecast sales is invaluable as we establish ourselves in the computing sector.” www.westcoast.co.uk All in a good cause Seven Exertis directors, a project leader and three colleagues from vendor partners NETGEAR and Fujitsu have raised £21,000 for the Naomi House and Jacksplace charity by cycling 100 miles around the Isle of Wight in a single day. Exertis HR Director Nick Foster also contributed, choosing to run a half marathon from Cowes to Ventnor instead – in 2hrs and 20 minutes. Exertis UK Managing Director Paul Bryan said: “A challenging day, with a few bumps, cramps and sores. But most importantly we were able to raise a significant amount for a tremendously worthwhile cause. A big thank you to all the riders and sponsors that supported our event.” Naomi House and Jacksplace are hospices for children and young people with life-limiting or life-threatening conditions. The charity provides care to young people and their families in communities across Berkshire, Dorset, Hampshire, Isle of Wight, Surrey, West Sussex and Wiltshire.