Technology Reseller - v29

NEWS : RESELLERS 01732 759725 14 Stuart Dickinson Simon Howitt IT solutions and managed services provider eacs has announced a strategic alliance with cloud hosting services provider Memset that will see both companies pool their expertise, resources and service offerings to meet the needs of customers as they implement IT infrastructure and business transformation programmes. The partnership will give eacs and its customers access to Memset’s expertise in areas such as cybersecurity and business continuity, while Memset will benefit from eacs’ capabilities in professional and managed IT services. Stuart Dickinson, COO of eacs, said: “The alliance offers us and our clients numerous benefits, notably the ability to enhance the scale of hosting options we are able to offer and ensure clients have access to more efficient, effective and modern data centres.” He added that the alliance builds on a recent history of collaboration between the two companies, in which both have achieved greater success working together on projects than they would have done by operating independently. “With our shared philosophy of putting the customer first, it was inevitable that an already solid working relationship would blossom into an alliance that ensured a more long-term, value-creating relationship. Alongside Memset, we want to make sure that businesses of all sizes can cut through the difficulties of IT and have access to best-in-class technologies in a way that is cost-effective and keeps them secure and resilient.” www.eacs.com • www.memset.com Memset and eacs turn close working relationship into strategic alliance inTec adds iTek to its expanding ICT reseller network North West-based inTec Business Solutions is continuing its ambitious growth strategy by taking a controlling interest in iTek Computer Solutions, a provider of computer support and consultancy services to businesses in South Cumbria and north Lancashire. Over the last few years, inTec has been building a network of telecoms and IT companies that it helps to transform into full-service ICT solutions providers, offering cloud services, IT managed services, IT infrastructure support, hosted collaboration and communication solutions. Kendal-based iTek Computer Solutions is the sixth company to join the inTec Business Solutions group alongside telephony specialists Hale Communications, Vision Corporate Services and Cheshire Business Services and cloud and IT experts CFM Hub and Titan Networks. As a partner of inTec, iTek will be able to expand its portfolio to encompass larger scale business optimisation solutions and a complete telecommunications offering. iTek Managing Director Ben Mitchinson said: “Over the last 10 and a half years, iTek has built up a professional, diverse and loyal customer base. This deal will allow us to expand our current product and service offering to our clients, enabling iTek to develop and move to the next level with the aim of becoming an all-encompassing ICT solutions provider.” inTec Chairman Simon Howitt said: “We give companies the ability to offer technology solutions and consulting services to their customers immediately, without having to invest their time and resources into building the necessary skill sets in-house. Our partners get access to the technology skills, consulting resources and full back office support necessary to grow their businesses (including Finance, Customer Relationship Management, Marketing, Billing, Leasing, HR) and we gain a loyal customer base that has been developed and nurtured over several years. It’s a win-win situation for all parties.” With locations in Altrincham, Birmingham, Stockport and a state-of-the- art, 4,000 square foot office in the heart of Manchester city centre, inTec is on target to cover the whole of the UK with specialist support functions within the next two years. Lyreco starts home deliveries Offices supplies company Lyreco has launched a home delivery service to support customers during the Covid-19 lockdown. An extensive product range will be available for home delivery, with employees able to place orders for themselves or on behalf of a team. A variety of Home Worker starter packs are available for staff who need to set up a home office quickly. Peter Hradisky, Managing Director of Lyreco UK & Ireland, said: “As employees across the country are forced to work remotely for an indefinite period of time, many will require equipment and supplies to carry out their roles effectively. We hope that through this service, businesses can minimise the impact on employees and allow them to continue operating as efficiently as possible.” www.wearelyreco.com CGI extension House builder Taylor Wimpey has extended its 15-year partnership with independent IT and business consulting services firm CGI with a five-year contract renewal for managed IT services including on-site support. Under the agreement, CGI will help to evolve Taylor Wimpey’s technology capabilities and accelerate digitisation, including an enhanced user experience, the responsible use of private cloud solutions, self-service improvements and the application of other emerging technologies. Pagabo’s eleven Pagabo has selected 11 new suppliers for the 12 lots of its ICT Solutions Framework for public sector and education establishments – Jigsaw24, Compu B, Western Computers, JTRS, MCC, Leverstock, Gamma, Talk Straight, Microtest, Lan3 and NETprotocol. JTRS is the biggest winner, having been named on 11 lots, followed by Western Computers and Jigsaw24, with six and five lots respectively. Running until January 2024, the framework covers a variety of hardware and software including 1:1 learning solutions, mobile device management software, networking and VoIP solutions, and STEM innovation products. www.pagabo.co.uk Avanade acquires AI expertise Avanade is expanding its industry reach with the acquisition of Altius, a UK-based specialist in data performance management and artificial intelligence (AI) solutions for the retail, travel and transport, infrastructure and public sectors. With a team of 300+ cloud and data specialists in the UK, The Netherlands and India, Altius will give Avanade additional expertise in data platforms, managed services and data visualisation and enhance its ability to deliver AI at scale and across more business solutions.