Technology Reseller - v15 2018

NEWS : DISTRIBUTORS 01732 759725 12 Channel services group Synaxon UK has launched Cloud-iQ, a single- pane-of-glass solution that enables VARs and MSPs to benefit from the Microsoft Cloud Solution Provider (CSP) programme, including partners that are no longer able to trade directly with Microsoft. A new addition to Synaxon’s online EGIS system, Cloud-iQ enables Synaxon members to sign-up for the CSP programme and provision customers for Office 365 and other Microsoft cloud solutions, while giving them complete control over customer management and billing. Mike Barron, Channel Services Director of Synaxon UK, said: “If you want a simple, no-nonsense way to get on-board with the Microsoft CSP programme, Cloud-iQ is for you. Not only is it really easy to use, it has some of the most competitive prices of any CSP in the UK. In addition to Microsoft, Cloud-iQ includes IBM, Google, AWS, Veeam and VMware, with many more still to be added.” Synaxon helps VARs and MSPs get on board with Microsoft CSP New capabilities for Tech Data StreamOne plaform Following an agreement with unified communications solutions provider SoftApp Distribution, Tech Data is making The Voice of O365 available on its StreamOne cloud platform. The cloud service gives Office365 Business Premium, E3 and E5 Plan users the ability to use Skype for Business Online as a private telephone network (PBX). Nick Stancliffe, Business Development Manager, Modern Workplace Solutions at Tech Data UK, said: “The Voice of O365 enables resellers to offer their Office 365 customers the ability to make and receive phone calls with their existing Skype for Business license (part of Office 365). It effectively turns Microsoft Office 365 into a fully fledged soft PBX.” He added: “Because it works with existing SIP trunks, The Voice of O365 is extremely easy to deploy and manage and very cost-effective compared to other available options. It’s a great way for Microsoft cloud partners to expand their portfolio, add value to their Microsoft cloud sales and drive additional revenue and profitability for their developing cloud business.” Over the coming months, Tech Data plans to add more solutions for Office 365 and the rest of the Microsoft cloud solutions portfolio available via its StreamOne platform, giving resellers opportunities to grow their cloud business beyond Microsoft CSP. www.techdata.com New role to drive growth Tech Data has appointed James Baulch as its HP Inc. Business Development Manager. He previously worked in Tech Data’s Adobe team. His immediate priorities are to encourage HP SMB partners to make the most of growth opportunities with workstations and to increase the uptake of Technology as a Service (TaaS) options. Baulch said: “We are seeing high levels of interest in TaaS (Technology as a Service) amongst HP resellers. A lot of businesses want to invest in a trusted brand like HP and with TaaS they can do that and spread the cost, which makes it easier for them to commit and easier for resellers to sell.” Baulch will also be working with HP resellers to develop upgrade opportunities in the run up to January 14 2020, when Microsoft will no longer provide security updates for Windows 7, still used by more than 184 million commercial devices, of which 64% are more than five years old. Stampede integrated into Exertis Pro AV Solutions division Exertis, the trading name of DCC Technology, has completed the integration of Stampede’s UK and European operations into its Pro AV Solutions division, following its acquisition of the global Pro AV distributor in July. The UK and European operations of Stampede will be rebranded as Exertis Pro AV Solutions and be led by Warren Lewis and supported by Kevin Kelly, Stampede President and CEO. Jody Hutchings former Stampede director of European sales will lead the UK sales operation, reporting to Ian Aitken, Exertis UK Pro AV director. Warren Lewis, EMEA head of Pro AV at Exertis, said: “Integrating the combined businesses of the Exertis and Stampede Pro AV divisions ensures we can offer greater value with an extended vendor portfolio and a comprehensive range of technical support that can provide resellers with AV solutions to meet any requirement in any vertical market.” He added: “Importantly, we have a team of highly experienced and knowledgeable people who can tap into other product categories within the Exertis Group, providing resellers with a complete end-to-end solution for their customers.” n Following its acquisition of Stampede, DCC Technology has acquired Jam Industries, North America’s largest value- added distributor of musical instruments, professional audio and consumer electronics products. Headquartered in Montreal, Canada, it employs 600 people in sales and logistics operations across the US and Canada. DCC Technology now has a $600m+ revenue business in North America. DMSL targets MSPs DMSL, a distributor of broadband and communications solutions and a Premier Partner of BT, says it is looking to work with more managed services providers (MSPs) after smashing its own targets for sales of high-speed connections in Q3. BTnet offers dedicated Internet access with speeds of up to 10Gbps, 24/7 availability, Cisco Meraki WiFi technology and the option of BTnet Express security, including a next- generation firewall, anti-malware protection, content filtering and intrusion detection and prevention. DMSL has noticed that BT’s high- speed service is often installed to support the use of managed and cloud-based solutions and is now aiming to add more MSP businesses to its reseller network. DMSL Managing Director John Carter said: “Being able to offer reliable connectivity is now a vital element of an MSP’s value proposition. A customer that is dependent on external, hosted services wants to know that their connection is guaranteed. BTnet gives them a 100% SLA and around-the-clock availability from a brand name they can trust.” He added: “Smaller businesses are flocking to managed services because it means they can take the purchasing and management of hardware and infrastructure out of the equation. But they also need more reassurance, and having a name like BT behind the service is a great help.” www.dmsluk.co.uk Mike Barron Warren Lewis James Baulch Nick Stancliffe