Inprise widens competition with online shopping site

Internet software tools and services vendor Inprise will challenge resellers and mail-order specialists with the launch of its new e-commerce site.

Internet software tools and services vendor Inprise will challenge resellers and mail-order specialists with the launch of its new e-commerce site.

The Inprise online shop began selling a range of upgrades, including JBuilder and Delphi products, direct to existing customers last week.

Although Inprise already advertises and sells upgrades, the vendor aims to take advantage of users visiting its existing site for information or details of where to buy.

Nigel Brown, UK managing director of Inprise, said he did not expect the site to significantly affect the channel. "We have planned this since early 1999. The whole world is doing e-commerce and customers expect to be able to buy online," he said.

"The impact on the channel should be minimal as there is enough opportunity for all, and to be honest, customers should get a cheaper deal from a reseller."

Brown insisted resellers will die out if they do not face the e-commerce challenge. "We are hopeful that we can expand both the online business and the amount of sales moving through the channel," he declared.

Details of the products sold online have yet to be finalised, but Brown said cut-down versions of some products would be available to download soon. "The site will be very successful but there are plenty of reasons why our customers will continue to buy through a VAR," he added.