Tech Data adds to RECON Security Suite
Distributor Tech Data has launched a new subscription-based managed security solution for endpoint mobility as part of the RECON Security Suite. The new offering will be available in Europe and combines IBM’s MaaS360 and Watson unified endpoint management platform with technology from Lookout, a leading provider of cloud-based security software for mobile devices.
Read full story
Distributor ALSO has acquired Internet of Things (IoT) specialist AllThingsTalk, which provides a platform to facilitate the acquisition, aggregation, visualisation and evaluation of machine and sensor data. This enables vendors, network providers, ISVs, system integrators and resellers to offer tailor-made solutions for their IoT projects to companies in various industrial sectors.
Read full story
D&H offering ALSO Cloud Marketplace
US-based distributor D&H is now offering its channel partners access to ALSO Cloud Marketplace, a platform-as-a-service (PaaS) solution. Resellers can use it to provide their customers with customised IT infrastructure and software on demand for their workplaces. This new strategic partnership in one of the world’s largest markets sends an important signal regarding ALSO’s expansion plans in North America.
Read full story
Distributor giant Exertis has announced further changes to its group structure to try and take advantage of the opportunities provided by the organisation’s increasing global operations. Neal Johnston becomes Exertis global operations managing director in an expanded role that includes responsibility for international sales and fulfilment; supply chain managed services; global procurement; voice of the customer; own brand development; and global vendor management for the Pro AV, gaming and enterprise categories.
Read full story
Ingram Micro secures Verburg appointment
Distribution giant Ingram Micro has appointed Brian Verburg as manager of its European cybersecurity centre of excellence. Brian will manage the centre of excellence (COE) recently launched in the Netherlands, that extends support across Europe, including Germany, UK, France, Spain, Nordics, Netherlands, Italy, Belgium, Austria, Switzerland among others.
Read full story
ELKO Group sales climb 11% in 2018
Emerging markets distributor ELKO Group achieved annual sales of US$1.768 billion in 2018 – up 11% year-on-year. The company attributed the growth to expansion in new markets, broadening of its product range and a successful operating strategy in existing markets. Gross profits climbed 6% to US$83m. Net profits fell 32% to US$9.4m, representing a net margin of 0.55%.
Read full story
Vitagliano appointed CEO of GTDC
The Global Technology Distribution Council (GTDC) has announced Frank Vitagliano as its next CEO. He becomes the organisation’s third CEO since its founding in 1998, replacing distribution luminary Tim Curran, who retired earlier this year after 16 years in the position. Alain Monié, GTDC chairman and CEO of global distributor Ingram Micro, said: “Frank is an ideal choice for this dynamic industry role. He brings a wealth of related experience from the entire ecosystem, including partnering with top technology distributors, OEM’s and solution providers.”
Read full story
VinSmart to acquire 60% of Archos
Vietnamese conglomerate Vingroup has announced that it has struck a deal to acquire a 60% stake in French consumer electronics brand Archos. Through its subsidiary VinSmart, Vingroup will initially take a 29.5% stake in Archos with an agreement in place to increase its ownership up to 60%. The companies plan to collaborate on the production and distribution of consumer electronics products. Vingroup is listed on the Ho Chi Minh stock exchange with a market capitalisation of nearly US$16 billion.
Read full story
NASDAQ-quoted gaming headset and audio accessories brand Turtle Beach has announced an agreement to buy Roccat – a German PC peripherals brand offering gaming mice, keyboards and other accessories. Turtle Beach will pay US$14.8m cash for Roccat, plus up to US$3.4m in earnout payments. Roccat is expected to boost Turtle Beach’s sales by more than US$30m in 2020.
Read full story
DISTREE EMEA 2019 drives channel collaboration
The 17th annual DISTREE Europe, Middle East & Africa (EMEA) consumer tech regional channel event took place last week in Monaco. More than one hundred tech brands were represented at the event, holding pre-scheduled one-on-one meetings with senior executives and buyers from the region’s leading distributors, retailers, e-tailers and channel partners. DISTREE EMEA 2019 took place at the Fairmont Hotel, running from February 19th to 22nd.
Read full story