HOME From sex tech to induction chargers
The market for Qi-induction chargers is expecting rapid growth in 2018. New brand ChargeSky will leverage its presence at next month’s DISTREE EMEA to showcase its new induction charging solutions to top buyers from distributors and retailers from 50-plus countries. The ChargeSky brand has been developed by the team behind sex tech brand MysteryVibe.
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Distributors boost two-way market data flow
Distribution, while well placed to provide vendor information to channels, is increasingly offering market insights back to vendors, according to the latest research from the Global Technology Distribution Council (GTDC). The research looks at what vendors think about distribution’s new emerging roles, which includes expanded services going forward. Vendors also mentioned they would like to see a program for increasing trust and partnership between the various channel tiers.
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Javelin Networks has announced its entry in to the Benelux market through an expanded partnership with cybersecurity solution distributor Exclusive Networks. Barrie Desmond, COO at Exclusive Group, said: “Exclusive Networks chooses the most effective solutions for a dangerous world of hacks and exploits. Javelin Networks, under the Exclusive Networks family of cybersecurity solutions, will offer innovative products and services throughout Western Europe, enabling enterprises to measurably improve their stance against threats, network breaches and data loss.”
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AB posts first quarter figures
Central & Eastern European distributor AB Group has reported after-tax profits of €3m (US$3.53m) on sales of €435m (US$511.2m) for its first quarter ending 30th September 2017. This represents an after-tax margin of 0.69%. Andrzej Przybyło, president of the board at AB, said: “We are satisfied with generated quarterly results. The AB Group is a stable and predictable entity whose business model and action strategy works in any market condition.”
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Acer hits highest profit in 27 quarters
Tech vendor Acer has announced that its after-tax profits for the third quarter of 2017 hit their highest level in 27 quarters. Acer posted sales of NT$60.58 billion (US$2.01 billion) for the quarter – up 13% sequentially and 3.4% year-on-year. After tax profits hit NT$1.45 billion (US$48.2m) – up more than fivefold year-on-year. Acer claimed that the results demonstrated the company’s strong business momentum, stabilising operations and renewed profitability.
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Ring signs Al Jammaz as distributor in Saudi Arabia
Smart home security solutions vendor Ring has signed Al Jammaz Distribution as a channel partner in Saudi Arabia. Ring hopes that the distribution deal will help it expand its reach across the Saudi Arabian market, offering customers Ring’s innovative home security products and solutions. Mohammad Meraj Hoda, managing director at Ring, said: “Al Jammaz has been providing technology-driven business solutions in Saudi Arabia for almost a decade and in that time, has succeeded in reaching almost 90% of the Saudi Arabian channel and distribution market.”
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Smart home market worth US$6 billion in 2017
Smart home devices are going mainstream, according to the analysts at Futuresource Consulting. Its latest report reveals that the devices will achieve a retail value of US$6 billion worldwide this year, with revenues expected to triple by 2021. "The smart home has arrived and its impact is indisputable," said Filipe Oliveira, a market analyst at Futuresource Consulting.
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Jarir opens new outlet in Kuwait
Retailer Jarir Bookstore has extended its regional network, opening a new store in Kuwait. Jarir’s now operates a network of 49 stores across the GCC with four in Kuwait. The new Kuwait store covers more than 3400 square metres and is located in Salmiya Park Boulevard. Jarir has invested just over US$5m in its latest store, which is the fourth new outlet it has opened since the beginning of 2017.
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Ingram Micro signed as Kaspersky Middle East training partner
Ingram Micro Training MEA, a provider of instructor-led technical training, has partnered with Kaspersky Lab as training provider for the Middle East Region. With this partnership, Ingram Micro is now authorised to provide certified training for end point solutions of Kaspersky Lab in the GCC. Ingram Micro will provide training services to all Kaspersky Lab customers and partners, aiming to further strengthen the vendor’s training offerings for the channel community.
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Exertis adds Warmup smart thermostat rights
Distributor Exertis has added Warmup’s range of smart thermostats to its UK portfolio. The thermostats can be placed anywhere in the home, communicating with a wireless receiver unit which is connected to the central heating system’s boiler, working remotely with a smartphone to provide consumers with an optimised heating solution.
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