Fujitsu Siemens Computers is planning a series of rises to its UK PC, server and storage prices from the beginning of November.

Back in September the vendor vowed to hold its distribution prices for as long as possible as those around it, including HP and Acer, reacted to the weakening pound by implementing steep price hikes (Channelweb, 17 September).

But Ian Newall, SME and channel sales at FSC, admitted it could no longer swallow the rising cost of buying in dollars after the recent collapse of sterling. The pound fell from $1.86 to $1.54 between 23 September and 27 October, before making a slight recovery to $1.63 today.

Newall said the first rise will kick in on 1 November and will impact FSC’s whole portfolio, although he was unable to give further details at this stage.

But Newall claimed the changes would be enacted in a way that would enable FSC to “keep its competitive edge”.

He added: “This is a fantastic opportunity for resellers. The industry has been crying about ASP erosion for years and this increase in prices is a fantastic opportunity for them to increase their top line and margins too.”

Asked if end users would swallow price rises in the current climate, Newall replied “they will have to”.