Ingram takes on JVC's mini notebooks

Broadline distributor targets corporate resellers and retailers

Broadline distributor Ingram Micro is adding JVC's mini notebook PC range to its portfolio, and is initially targeting corporate resellers and retailers in a growth market.

The deal, which begins next month, will cover the JVC MP-XP7210 and MP-XP3210 mini notebook PCs.

"These are not handhelds or notebooks but ultra light notebooks ideal for nomadic workers. They will expand and complement our mobile range with a good brand name," said Matt Sanderson, head of category for PCs at Ingram.

The ultra small notebooks will feature high-quality graphics and sound and will use Microsoft's Windows XP Professional operating system.

Ingram expects growth in the corporate and consumer markets and is approaching corporate resellers and retailers to cater for this demand.

The company explained that JVC's expertise in audio visual (AV) can make a significant impact in the portable PC market by capitalising on the increasing convergence and demand for AV quality and PC functionality.

Gartner analyst Ranjit Atwal suggested that, if the laptops are targeting the corporate sector, the business tools will be the main concern. "AV and sound is not as high a priority for corporates," he said.

Kevin Crossland, sales director at JVC UK, indicated that Ingram's partner base offers broad market access.

"With its proven experience and expertise in supply chain management services, and its strong business partnerships with the reseller market, Ingram Micro UK will offer us an excellent route to market," he explained.

The vendor has been proactive in developing a channel, according to Sanderson. "JVC is taking to the channel very well, has invested heavily and is open to new ideas," he said.

According to Crossland, the combination of JVC's established reseller marketing support and Ingram's supply chain expertise will give the channel a flexible and complete business package.