C2000's licence to please
Distributor Computer 2000 (C2000) has launched an online licensing scheme to simplify the process for VARs and shorten the time it takes to issue licences.
Distributor Computer 2000 (C2000) has launched an online licensing scheme to simplify the process for VARs and shorten the time it takes to issue licences.
The licensing online (LOL) system officially went live last Tuesday, offering VARs the full range of licences for Microsoft software.
Gordon May, software general manager at C2000, said online licences from vendors including Novell, Adobe, Symantec and Lotus are expected during the next few months.
May also claimed that LOL, which automatically calculates possible savings and allows VARs to track the progress of licence requests, will reduce the average time it takes to issue a licence from 15 days to two.
May said the system will enable VARs to begin selling licences as a value add. He expects half of C2000's Microsoft licensing business to come via LOL within the next six months. "This really is licensing made simple.
It is easy for VARs to become lost in the maze of rules covering licensing schemes and for errors to creep in, but LOL ensures the reseller is making the best possible arrangement for the customer," May said.
Peter Matkov, sales director at Microsoft VAR Netcom Internet Services, said LOL was a good initiative but "only with clear direction". He added: "If you know what you are ordering, it could make life easier. But when the order gets more complicated, ordering licences online could get tricky." He said the time saving was a major benefit as "time is money".
Online ordering of products and licences will eventually take off in the channel, according to Malcolm Kerry, managing director of VAR Thames.
He said: "Online ordering is the way everyone is heading. Currently, we use only distributors' sites to check stock and compare pricing, but in time, I can see us using the sites for other things."
Alex Tatham, commercial director at Ideal Hardware, admitted VARs have shown little desire to go online, but added: "Our e-commerce plans are in development. We will be using it to drive down transaction costs."
TOPSY TURVY AT THE TOP
C2000 has made several UK management changes, following the departure of deputy managing director Andy Gass. Julian Klein, UK sales director, will assume Gass' s role from the beginning of February and will also become commercial director. Alistair Brett, who is currently general manager of peripherals, will take over as UK sales director. Graeme Watt, UK managing director, will assume responsibility for expanding the company's international sales division, which will be moved to the UK. Watt will also control the Nordic and Baltic regions.