Technology Reseller - v08

01732 759725 BULLETIN : DISTRIBUTORS 10 Midwich takes on Barco UniSee Specialist audio visual and document solutions distributor Midwich has been appointed UK and Ireland distributor of the Barco UniSee platform for tiled LCD videowalls. Midwich claims that by completely rethinking and optimising every aspect of tiled LCD video walls, Barco UniSee enables faster installation, easier servicing and higher reliability in control rooms, reception areas, experience centres, showrooms and other applications. Midwich Business Manager Ross Floyd said: “UniSee is set to revolutionise the market place, providing a seamless viewing experience for end users, along with a bespoke bracketry solution behind the screen, making installation quicker and easier.” www.midwich.com Channel Vision Ross Floyd, Business Manager, Midwich 1 What was your greatest challenge in 2017? The market has seen a lot of consolidation in 2017, and it’s great to see a lot of people finding work really quickly – it’s a good sign for the industry. 2 What was your greatest achievement in 2017? Working closely with all of our vendor and reseller partners to bring stability to pricing despite the instability of FX rates throughout 2017. 3 What were the key growth areas for you in 2017? Our iFP and LFD divisions have seen exceptional growth in 2017.  With 4K panel sales increasing and ever improving touch technologies, the end user is getting a lot of technology for their money. SMART have some really exciting products for next year to complement their market leading interactive software offering. 4 What is your main focus for 2018? Working with AMX to grow sales and raise their profile in the market.  With the massive buzz around huddle rooms, the Acendo Vibe is going to attack this space head on. And, with adoption of AV over IP accelerating, we’re seeing the SVSI product leading the way.  5 Reasons to be optimistic about 2018? High-end Laser and 4K projection is really exciting for 2018.  All the major brands are continually developing their laser offering, which has turned this space into a major growth area for us. PSCo carrying Epson on their rental fleet has brought new opportunities to Midwich. 6 Reasons to be fearful about 2018?  BREXIT, fluctuating FX rates and becoming another year older.  The first two could also be seen as positives! Westcon-Comstor launches own VaaS service Westcon-Comstor has launched its own VaaS cloud HD video conference service, backed by a full provisioning, enablement and support service, including licence renewal management. Operating under the GoldSeal brand and powered by Videxio, the service enables reseller partners to enter the rapidly growing VaaS market with a professional HD quality, highly-scalable and interoperable cloud solution. Partners can look forward to high margins, recurring revenue, white-label options and no up-front investment requirement. www.westconcomstor.com Econocom distributes HoloLens in Europe Econocom and Microsoft have signed a partnership to distribute the Microsoft HoloLens mixed reality headset in the UK, France, Belgium, Spain, Ireland, Italy and Luxembourg. As a member of the Mixed Reality Partner Program, Econocom works with other members to develop personalised solutions, including new computer-assisted maintenance and training applications due to be launched in 2018. www.econocom.com Midwich acquires Sound Technology Midwich has acquired Sound Technology Limited, a value-add distributor of audio and lighting solutions in the UK. It will continue to operate as an independent company and wholly owned subsidiary of Midwich Limited. Sound Technology has a number of exclusive brands, including several under the Harman audio and lighting umbrella, as well as high profile musical instrument brands such as Nord. www.midwichgroupplc.com Exertis adds TrilbyTV digital signage platform Exertis has signed a distribution agreement to provide software licenses for the TrilbyTV cloud-based digital signage platform through its specialist AV division Exertis Medium. TrilbyTV enables educational establishments to share and display content quickly, easily and securely, with no limit on the number of screens or users. Each TrilbyTV license comes with 25GB of storage, providing approximately 6-8 hours of continuous video. Exertis Medium Director Ian Aitken said: “TrilbyTV has started to become widely used as a digital signage platform in education, as users appreciate the simplicity and reduced set up time it enables. The TrilbyTV app works with any Apple, Microsoft or Google device and content can be pushed to an unlimited number of screens with fully assignable permissions to control access.” Azlan to distribute Micro Focus Azlan has been selected as an official European distribution partner for Micro Focus, the world’s seventh largest pure-play enterprise software company. Following the completion of its merger with Hewlett Packard Enterprise’s (HPE) software business in August, the combined Micro Focus organisation is focused on building, selling and supporting software to solve the most complex technology problems through hybrid IT. Ben Viollet, distribution director, Europe Middle East & Africa, at Micro Focus, said: ‘Through our partnership with Azlan, we are uniquely placed to help customers and partners address opportunities and challenges within the new hybrid model for enterprise IT – from mainframe to mobile and cloud.” Operating as a Tech Data specialist brand since 2003, Azlan will be transitioned into Tech Data’s Advanced Solutions portfolio in Europe by May 2018. www.techdata.com