HOME Cisco bets big on small business
Networking giant Cisco is stumping up US$100m to drive a new strategic initiative focised on the small business market. Cisco has set up a small business technology group (SBTG) to develop solutions for this segment. Following the unification of the Cisco and Linksys partner programmes in August 2008, the networking giant reckons that it can call on a network of more than 60,000 partners around the world capable of supporting small businesses.
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Bischoff bids adieu as Siemens sells out to Fujitsu
The writing had been on the wall for Fujitsu Siemens Computers, the joint venture EMEA hardware business between Fujitsu and Siemens. A deal has finally been hammered out – subject to government approval – that will see Fujitsu purchasing Siemens’ stake for US$579m cash. Bernd Bischoff, president and CEO at Fujitsu Siemens, has resigned for personal reasons and been replaced by CFO Kai Flore.
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Bell breaks 75 million HDD barrier
Specialist VAD Bell Micro has announced that its cumulative sales of HDDs has surpassed the 75 million mark with drives still flying out the doors. In 2007, HDD sales accounted for more than US$1 billion of revenues for the distribution outfit. Bell Micro has sold some 25 million HDD units in the last two years alone.
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Ingram reveals third quarter figures
Ingram Micro has announced global sales of US$8.28 billion for the third quarter ending September 27th 2008. Revenues were down 4% year-on-year from US$8.61 billion. Profits dropped 36% year-on-year to US$46.4m. EMEA third quarter sales were down 10% to US$2.86 billion despite the relative strength of European currencies causing an approximate 7% positive impact on year-to-year comparisons.
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Secure flash drive vendor Ironkey is opening a European office in the UK to support its growth in the region. Ironkey has appointed Jon Fielding as sales director in the UK office. Fielding will head up the company’s efforts to market and sell its secure USB memory sticks throughout Europe.
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Jensen bags EMEA sales role at Iomega
Iomega has named Jan Jensen as VP sales in EMEA. In his new role Jensen will lead Imoega’s business efforts in Europe and new business development across EMEA to spearhead the vendor’s geographic expansion. Jensen’s most recent role was president of Viewsonic Europe, where he oversaw the company’s operations in EMEA.
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Stonesoft adds more markets for Magirus
Stonesoft has extended its distribution agreement with Magirus to cover the whole of Europe. The deal, which initially covered Germany, Austria, Switzerland and Italy, has now been enlarged to include the UK, Denmark, Sweden, France, Spain, Portugal, the Netherlands and the Middle East.
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Westcon wins Avaya distributor gong
Westcon group has won an Avaya EMEA distributor of the year award for the fifth year in a row. The specialty distributor picked up the prize from Avaya in recognition of its role in developing international business and building up the channel to market for Avaya solutions through its ConvergencePoint programme.
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Ingram Micro lowers third quarter forecast
Global distribution giant Ingram Micro has lowered its third quarter sales forecast. Ingram now expects its sales for the quarter to come in at between US$8.3 billion and US$8.6 billion with profits in the US$30m to US$39m range. This includes a US$5m cost related to the completion of an expense reduction programme in Europe and North America.
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Novell names Colado as channel boss
Novell has appointed Javier Colado in the new position of general manager partners with immediate effect. As part of his new role Colado will take responsibility for leading and managing channel and partner strategy worldwide, with a focus on accelerating Novell’s channel transformation. Colado will be based out of Novell’s US headquarters and will report to Ron Hovsepian, Novell president and CEO.
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