HOME 
Data Robotics – the vendor behind the Drobo family of storage products – has appointed Paul Thackeray as VP of its operations in EMEA. Based out of the vendor’s regional headquarters in the UK, Thackeray will report into Data Robotics’ CEO Tom Buiocchi.
Read full story
Aptec extends Microsoft OEM distribution
Middle East distribution giant Aptec has extended its sales territory for Microsoft OEM products. Aptec previously only held distribution rights for Microsoft OEM products in the UAE. The expanded agreement adds Bahrain, Qatar, Oman and Kuwait to Aptec’s authorised territory.
Read full story
Also-Actebis deal reshapes European distribution channel
The proposed merger of Actebis and Also will create the third largest IT and consumer electronics distribution company in Europe with annual sales of approximately US$9.8 billion. Actebis is a subsidiary of Droege International while publicly listed Also is a subsidiary of Schindler Holding. The deal is subject to approval from competition authorities.
Read full story
UK-based distributor VIP Computers has picked up exclusive channel rights for Bigfoot Networks branded Killer 2100 gaming network card. Bigfoot claims that the component is the world’s fastest networking solution for online PC gaming. The Killer 2100 gaming network card delivers maximum networking performance for online games by reducing lag and latency.
Read full story
Networking and accessories vendor Belkin has bolstered its Middle East channel, striking a new distribution agreement with Logicom. Belkin reckons that its new partner will enable it to strengthen its presence in the region. Logicom, which is quoted on the Cyprus stock exchange, will push the full portfolio of Belkin products in multiple countries including the UAE, Bahrain, Oman, Lebanon and Jordan.
Read full story
DCC SerCom has boosted its retail distribution credentials in France, acquiring a majority stake in 65-strong Comtrade subject to clearance from French competition authorities. DCC SerCom will splash out US$14.6m for a 74% stake in Comtrade with an earnout attached ending March 2013 that could value the remaining 26% at up to US$12.5m.
Read full story
Computerlinks signs up SteelEye
VAD outfit Computerlinks has struck an exclusive deal to distribute business continuity solutions from SteelEye to resellers in the UK and Ireland. SteelEye is part of SIOS Technology and offers a family of data replication, application protection, high-availability clustering and disaster recovery solutions.
Read full story
IC Intracom plans distributor event
US-based brands Manhattan and Intellinet will stage an international distributor meeting in late September in Lüdenscheid, Germany. The vendor expects to gather 100-plus executives and business partners from more than 50 countries to attend the event. The two brands have a common parent company, IC Intracom, with Intellinet focused on networking kit and Manhattan offering a wide range of PC accessories and peripherals.
Read full story
South African distributor iData has struck a deal with Motion Computing to sell the vendor’s tablet PCs in Southern Africa. iData operates as a distributor of automated identification and mobile technologies for the reseller market. The agreement positions iData as the first VAD offering Motion’s tablet PCs in the region.
Read full story
Axiz gets full HP networking rights
South African distributor Axiz has been awarded rights for HP’s full suite of networking products including H3C. The agreement forms part of Axiz’s HP enterprise strategy and comes following HP’s global review of distribution contracts in the wake of its acquisition of 3Com.
Read full story
