Technology Reseller - v10

01732 759725 14 NEWS : DISTRIBUTORS Going places Tech Data has announced a pan-European agreement with mobile connectivity provider iPass to distribute its intelligent connection management and Wi-Fi service offerings. The iPass SmartConnect service delivers simple, secure, unlimited Wi-Fi access on any mobile device, powered by the world’s largest Wi-Fi network. With access to more than 64 million hotspots globally and inflight Wi-Fi on more than 20 airlines, iPass SmartConnect uses intelligent network selection to choose the best network for a user’s needs, whether Wi-Fi or cellular, based on availability, performance and cost. Tech Data customers will be able to acquire the iPass solution as a standalone product or as a bundled solution, integrated with hardware devices. www.techdata.com Autotask EGIS integration Synaxon is making its EGIS channel information and procurement system available to hundreds of Autotask managed services partners who rely on the latter’s Professional Services Automation (PSA) to run their business. The integration between the two systems will give Autotask PSA users full access to stock availability and pricing from leading UK distributors and the ability to manage all their procurement through a single industry portal. Without leaving PSA, they will be able to check availability of channel stock; take advantage of exclusive deals made available by Synaxon distribution partners on EGIS; use their individual distributor account pricing; and place and manage orders with all EGIS distributor partners. Derek Jones, Managing Director of Synaxon UK, said: “This is the first time we have had full integration between an MSP management system and EGIS. It multiplies the benefits of PSA for our Autotask partners and enables us to work even more closely to support MSPs in driving their sales and business growth.” Tech Data has formed a specialist Credit and Finance Solutions team to provide innovative finance options for resellers as the cloud and emerging technologies force them to adopt business models based on a mix of traditional sales and subscription and services income. Born out of the old credit services team, the new unit puts much more emphasis on services and business enablement. Nick Tiltman, Credit and Finance Solutions Director at Tech Data, said: “The formation of the Credit and Finance Solutions team signifies a change of mindset for everyone across the business. We are not here just to set a credit line and manage risk; we are here to find a solution for every deal and help resellers and retailers do more business.” He added: “We see good potential for SMB resellers to develop and increase their business and we want to take a very progressive approach to supporting them and providing credit and finance options that enable them to take opportunities and fulfil their potential.” The Tech Data Credit and Finance Solutions team can give resellers access to a range of options, including leasing, loans, factoring, invoice discounting and deeds of assignment. Tech Data supports the UK&I channel with a ten-figure credit line and recently extended its Credit Elevator programme to make it easier for smaller resellers to climb the credit ladder. www.techdata.com Tech Data sets up ‘progressive’ finance team Hosted voice with a difference Wholesale connectivity provider Entanet has launched an all-new hosted voice service based on the FreeSwitch and OpenSIPS platforms. This, it says, will enable resellers to stand out in a market dominated by Broadsoft-based systems. Entanet’s Head of Products Paul Heritage-Redpath said: “When we originally set out our proposition for an all-new hosted voice service we wanted to create a solution that was easy to sell and easy to use. From the very start of the development process we involved several of our channel partners and their feedback was invaluable. They told us they needed a resilient, reliable hosted service that will help them differentiate themselves; is competitively priced and provides healthy margins; is hassle-free in terms of ordering, management and billing; and is delivered via a robust and proven platform and network with solid support. That’s what we’ve achieved with our new hosted voice service.” Entanet’s hosted service is available on a 30-day contract, providing complete flexibility, with competitive pricing and no upfront CAPEX requirements. Heritage-Redpath added: “As our new hosted voice service has been developed by our own software development team, we’re able to respond quickly to changing market demands.” www.enta.net/VoIP/ Nick Tiltman Derek Jones Midwich in a huddle Midwich has secured exclusive UK & Ireland distribution rights for Samsung and HARMAN Huddle Room Solutions. Suitable for an estimated 50 million small and medium-sized huddle spaces worldwide, these integrated solutions combine Samsung displays and audio and video technology from HARMAN Professional Solutions. There are four options and price points to choose from: the Huddle Standard Solution; the Huddle Premium Solution; the Huddle Enterprise Solution; and the Huddle Enterprise Plus Solution. Jon Dew-Stanley, Midwich Technical Director, said: “With key features, such as wireless screen sharing, Bluetooth, USB and Skype integration options, and green credentials through enhanced energy saving, Samsung and HARMAN have created a world class collaboration technology solution that seamlessly links a user to colleagues anywhere in the world.” www.midwich.com Exertis to distribute Ruckus Exertis has signed an agreement with Ruckus Networks, an ARRIS company, to distribute its complete range of wired and wireless access network and ICX switching products. Gareth Bray, Exertis Head of Commercial – Enterprise, said: “This represents a great opportunity for our resellers. Not only can we provide a world-class Wi-Fi proposition but also professional services that can support our customers in the implementation and monitoring of the solution.” He added: “Our exclusive distribution of Captivnet by AirAngel complements the Ruckus offering in guest-heavy wireless environments, enabling our resellers to offer a complete solution.” In addition to ICX switches and access points, Ruckus provides an IoT access suite that supports Wi-Fi and non-Wi-Fi IoT endpoints with a common multi- standard access network, using the same onboarding, security, management and network infrastructure as existing wired and wireless LANs. Research and Markets forecasts the global enterprise WLAN market to grow to $21.10 billion by 2021 at a CAGR of 30.7%. www.exertis.co.uk