Ingram sets its sights on the mobility space

Distributor creates new business team as it looks to ensure VARs are ready for the wireless boom

Broadline distributor Ingram Micro has created a European mobility business team to strengthen its capabilities in the wireless space.

The firm has appointed Mark Moons, previously at Dangaard Telecom, and Remco van der Panne, founder of Ingram’s ‘working-out-of-office’ programme, to form the new team.

Both will work closely with all Ingram’s in-country specialists and vendor partners to expand the company’s mobility portfolio, dev-elop marketing initiatives and bundle offers for resellers.

Anita Lussenburg, director of European vendor management at Ingram Micro Europe, said: “Convergence is happening and to sell notebooks and PDAs in the future, resellers will need to ensure they can connect them. Our message to resellers is get ready for the connected world and make sure they can offer a complete solution.

“It is about creating an awareness that the world is changing and convergence is happening. Resellers have an important role to play. They can provide services that other players can’t.”

Hans Koppen, president of Ingram Micro Europe, added: “Mobile operators and mobility vendors have identified the IT channel as an attractive platform for growth. We are ideally positioned to couple complementary IT products from our portfolio with the new mobility products, offering our resellers complete wireless solutions.”

Gary Duke, sales director at VAR LAN 2 LAN, said: “Ingram moved into security a few years ago, so moving into mobility is a positive move. We have seen significant growth in the mobility space over the past months. Ingram needs to get the product set right as there are a lot of products in this area vying for space.”

Rob Bamforth, principal analyst at Quocirca, added: “Combining IT and telecoms skills in the channel is always a positive move.

“Consistency and simplicity across Europe is what businesses are looking for from their mobile and wireless investments. A strong distribution partner offer ing consistency across Europe is very worthwhile.”