Rocom picks up UK Ericsson deal
Distribution outfit Rocom, part of the AT Communications (ATC) Group, has secured a deal with Ericsson to act as UK master distributor for the vendor’s voice, data and mobility applications for small, medium and large enterprises. ATC reckons that the deal will deliver several million pounds of additional sales for the group with ATC’s Servassure division providing ongoing maintenance on the Ericsson kit sold.
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Microsoft tackles South African pirates
Software giant Microsoft has cracked down on South African dealers selling counterfeit and illegal software. Microsoft has reached settlements worth tens of thousands of US dollars with 21 local computer dealers. The 21 dealers, based in Cape Town, Johannesburg, Durban and Pretoria and a number of smaller regional locations, were found to be selling computers loaded with unlicensed Microsoft software.
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Document management outfit Version One has announced a partnership with UK-based Microsoft reseller VAR One. Version Once claims its latest channel move demonstrates its ongoing commitment to providing the Microsoft base with document management functionality. VAR One focuses on the Microsoft Dynamics suite and claims to be the UK’s fastest growing Microsoft value-added reseller.
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Vendors run channel programmes, not value-added distributors (VADs). South African VAD SecureData Security begs to differ from this conventional channel wisdom and has whipped the covers off its own channel scheme called the enterprise security partner programme – abbreviated to ESP². The new programme aims to reward the VAD’s enterprise security channel partners for focus and commitment.
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Mannai makes Microsoft LAR status
Microsoft has strengthened its channel-to-market in Qatar, naming Doha-based Mannai Corporation as a large account reseller (LAR). Achieving LAR status authorises Mannai to offer customers Microsoft ‘enterprise’ and ‘select’licesning agreements and technical support for all of the software giant’s products.
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ITConcepts becomes Entuity partner
ITConcepts Switzerland has joined ECPnet, the Entuity channel partner programme. The two companies will work together to deliver business service management (BSM) solutions to the Swiss market. Entuity provides network service management solutions and is the global develop behind the Eye of the Storm (EYE) software suite. ITConcepts is the first Entuity partner in Switzerland.
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GDI reaches out to rugged resellers
General Dynamics Itronix (GDI) has launched its Aces channel programme to offer greater support for resellers of its rugged computing products and services. GDI has established a global network of resellers and distributors spanning Europe, the Middle East, North America and Latin America. Designed to help computer resellers increase revenues and market share in the rugged computing market, the Aces channel programme delivers an array of new elements to GDI business partners.
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Comtrade and Hermes Softlab form regional giant
Comtrade Group, one of the largest IT companies in South East Europe, has purchased Slovenian software and IT services powerhouse Hermes Softlab. Unicredit Group provided both debt and equity financing for Comtrade and will become a 21% minority shareholder in the combined entity. The combined group boasts 1,600 employees, annual sales of approximately US$465m and operations in 14 countries.
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NASDAQ-quoted wireless device distributor Brightpoint has gobbled up Hugh Symons UK-based wireless distribution business. Brightpoint has paid US$586,000 for Hugh Symons plus the value of inventory at the date of closing. Brightpoint has also put in place a three-year earn out agreement worth a maximum of US$7.2m.
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Force10 storms into UK channel
High performance player Force10 has stormed into the UK channel with the appointment of Zycko as the company’s first in-country distributor. Force 10 Networks claims that its high performance networks fit perfectly into Zycko’s open-standard solutions strategy.
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