|
|
|
10 Sep 2009
Sony has collapsed its VAIO notebook business into its wider business-to-business portfolio in a move it claims will make it easier for its channel to deal with.
CRN understands the restructuring drive has led to a small number of job losses, while former business-to-business VAIO channel manager David Spratt has moved to a large projects-based role within the firm.
In a statement, Jonathan White, business-to-business sales director for Sony, claimed the move would allow it to better focus on the needs of its resellers and distributors.
Further reading
“These changes enable our VAIO business, professional and relevant consumer product ranges to be integrated into our overall business product portfolio, providing a one-stop-shop for business customers,” he said.
VAIO dealers will now be overseen by newly appointed dealer head Naina Tailor. Unlike Spratt, she will also look after other business-to-business products such as recordable media and audio-visual. New distribution head Richard Carr has also been granted a wider role.
Sony unveiled its first annual net loss for 14 years in May and the firm is striving to become more cost effective globally. Last December it announced plans to cut 16,000 part-time and full-time staff by March 2010.
Mark Glasspool, general manager for PC Systems at Computer 2000 - one of three VAIO distributors alongside Micro-Peripherals and Ingram Micro - admitted that the restructuring had thrown up some “short-term” challenges.
“But long-term the new alignment and the way the new heads line up is really positive,” he added. “I am confident it is the right thing for Sony and us going forward.”
Spratt is now head of Vertical Solutions for Sony’s business-to-business sales channel, where he will oversee large projects.
Related articles
In this video find out about the fast-growing Chinese vendor's plans for market domination and how the channel is its route of choice
Find out what gifts Acer has in store for partners for 2012 in this exclusive roundup of its recent conference
CRN's premier networking event is back on 17 May at the Ricoh Arena
Date: Thu 17 May 2012
Channel fighters preparing to square up once more on 24 May
Date: Thu 24 May 2012
The proliferation of endpoint devices within the enterprise has highlighted the shortcomings of one of the traditional approaches to data security
This Forrester report compares the costs and benefits of legacy email and productivity software with Google Apps
Dave discovers that rozzers are seemingly living in the technology dark ages
Mark Needham, founder of distributor Widget, argues that John Browett leaves for Apple with Dixons in better shape than when he arrived
|
|
|
Do you agree?
Have your say