Print.IT Reseller - issue 85

BULLETIN Tech Data invests in AR/VR solutions Tech Data is making strategic investments to support partners in driving growth potential with augmented and mixed reality solutions. With the top three AR/ VR solutions – Facebook Oculus, Microsoft Hololens, and Google Glass – already part of its portfolio, Tech Data is ideally-placed to support partners in meeting the rising tide of interest from both the commercial and public sectors in using augmented and mixed reality solutions for hands-on training. Ryan Thomas, Business Unit Manager, Mobile and Consumer Electronics, UK and Ireland, said: “We have always believed there was real potential in mixed and virtual reality in both the enterprise and consumer markets. With the partnerships we have in place, we’re ready to help our reseller partners explore the potential and open up new opportunities. We are already seeing a lot of interest in hands- on training and a couple of projects are being rolled-out by partners across the EMEA region. We see that as a key opportunity. Interest in healthcare and the public sector is also growing and we see good potential looking ahead to the rest of the year and beyond.” While there is also interest from the retail sector (which Tech Data can also fulfil), the most promising opportunities are emerging in the enterprise market, for business simulations and staff training. Tech Data is working with a number of partners that also have expertise in the integration of cloud, collaboration, and IoT solutions. www.techdata.com Bluestar signs deal with Brother Brother UK has expanded its reach into the Auto-ID market after signing a deal with global technology solutions distributor BlueStar, as part of a pan-European agreement. The partnership will make Brother’s full thermal printing and labelling ranges available for UK & European distribution through BlueStar. Bluestar will provide IT resellers with value-added services alongside Brother devices, including marketing support, business development and support on integrating printing technology into wider solutions. www.brother.co.uk Exclusive distribution agreement Data Direct and SilexPro have entered into an exclusive distribution agreement for supplying Silex Virtual Communication products in the UK. The Silex range complements an expanding portfolio of workplace solutions being offered by Data Direct, designed for the office and workforce for 2021 and beyond. Data Direct Procurement Director, Peter Cowan, said: “By providing Silex to our core distribution channels, dealers can take very relevant, affordable and quality products that will resonate immediately with their end-user customer base. Virtual communication is no longer for a niche, IT/tech-led market place. For the past 12 months and more, we’ve all had to adapt our communication methods and we’re all very likely to continue this approach despite lockdown easing. The Silex brand offers dealers a huge opportunity to deliver best-in-class communications at a properly affordable price point.” www.data-direct.co.uk Integra announces conference plans Integra Business Solutions is rescheduling its 2021 National Conference due to take place in November this year. The decision to postpone has been made in conjunction with the venue following ongoing concerns in relation to the pandemic and the format of the event. The National Conference will now take place on November 10 2022 at the same venue, the Hilton at St George’s Park, Burton Upon Trent, home to the FA and England football training ground. CEO, Aidan McDonough, said: “The decision to reschedule our National Conference hasn’t been taken lightly and has been done in consultation with members and our key suppliers to assess the general appetite for face-to-face events this year. We are looking forward to a fantastic event in 2022 and a celebration of the independent dealer channel.” www.integra-business.co.uk Exertis acquires Azenn Exertis has completed the acquisition of Azenn Holding Développement (‘Azenn’), a leading distributor of structured cabling solutions and network devices to the French installation market. Headquartered in Montauban de Bretagne, Brittany, the business employs approximately 200 people across five locations throughout France, including a large distribution centre in Satolas- et-Bonce, Lyon. Azenn also provides logistics, refurbishment and staging services for network devices to some of the largest Telecoms operators in France and delivered revenues of € 60 million in the last financial year. Azenn is led by Philippe Betherlot, President, who will remain with the business and continue to drive its future growth. He said: “This acquisition is a great opportunity for Azenn, our people and our customers. We’re really looking forward to being part of the ever-expanding DCC Technology business.” This acquisition continues the European expansion of Exertis, following the acquisitions of Amacom, Comm-Tec and Keren in the last two years. Clive Fitzharris, Managing Director, Exertis International, said: “Azenn is a great fit with our existing commercial business in France and will allow us to offer a broader range of network devices and cabling solutions to customers, both inside and outside the building.” www.exertis.com PRINTITRESELLER.UK 7 Ryan Thomas Clive Fitzharris