Tech Data dirige sus esfuerzos a los integradores de Internet a través de su nueva unidad de negocios iEnterprise

25 de julio del 2000 - En inglés

CLEARWATER, FL (July 25, 2000) - Tech Data Corp. is underscoring the "i" in enterprise. The global provider of IT products, logistics management and other value-added services is establishing a new business unit for Web integrators and solution providers focused on bridging the gap between traditional legacy computing and the Internet. The new iEnterprise Business Unit Tech Data announced today at the Enterprise Vision event in Carlsbad, Calif., will offer extensive products and services specifically for this marketplace.

"Businesses today are really just beginning to integrate the Internet with other technological infrastructure," commented Maria Johnston, Tech Data's vice president of software product marketing, noting that the total enterprise market is expected to reach $40 billion this year with nearly 100% growth in e-commerce segments alone. "iEnterprise addresses this fast-growing demand by delivering what Web integrators and enterprise networking specialists need to build comprehensive end-to-end solutions."

In addition to launching the new business unit at Enterprise Vision, Tech Data will take its iEnterprise message on the road beginning with four regional events across the U.S., scheduled to begin in September. Locations are being finalized in California, Illinois, Texas and the New York/New Jersey area. Tech Data will establish an enterprise advisory council in conjunction with these events, which will include roundtable sessions.

"The industry is clamoring for a stronger approach to enterprise applications integration," said Jim Fish, a software division director at Tech Data who will lead the new division. Fish, an industry veteran who was a solution provider for 20 years prior to joining Tech Data, was instrumental in building Tech Data's focused business unit for Computer Associates' enterprise-level solutions, launched in January 1999. "The CA unit gave us great insight into the unique requirements of enterprise solution providers. We're now expanding our services and product offering to better reach the Web integrator segment."

The cross-divisional iEnterprise organization will include dedicated business managers, systems engineers, sales, tech support, customer service and credit personnel. Enhanced credit services are expected to be particularly compelling as venture capital support has dwindled in recent months for many Web-oriented companies.

"Credit is obviously an area of utmost importance," Fish said. "Without the right options, it's virtually impossible for any solution provider to do long-term business-especially when the enterprise is concerned. We will be very proactive in helping customers obtain the financing they need to procure products. End-user billing, assignment of proceeds, joint purchase orders and other types of special arrangements will be leveraged in many instances."

Education is another cornerstone of the iEnterprise division. Tech Data will incent customers to take advantage of a broad spectrum of enterprise courses and programs at its own training centers nationwide. These include Supporting Microsoft Windows NT Server 4.0 Enterprise Technologies; Linux Enterprise Administration; Citrix Certified Enterprise Administrator curriculum and Compaq Accredited Systems Engineer courses for enterprise-class hardware.

iEnterprise initiatives also include recruiting manufacturers and publishers to support a comprehensive marketing program and other business-building activities that target the enterprise/Web integrator marketplace. American Power Conversions, Computer Associates, Compaq Computers, Extreme Networks, IBM, Network Associates and Veritas are among the participants to date. Featured product segments range from Storage Area Networks (SANs) and high-end network management solutions to business intelligence/knowledge management applications, security systems and advanced server-based computing platforms.

Tech Data is currently developing a Web resource center that will include information on all products and services available through its iEnterprise business unit.

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