Avnet and Arrow confirmed as UK Oracle distributors

Exhaustive distribution review finally reaches conclusion, ChannelWeb understands

Done deal: Avnet and Arrow have triumphed after an elongated review process

Following a lengthy and hotly contested review process, Oracle has settled on Avnet and Arrow ECS as its distribution line-up for the UK market, ChannelWeb can confirm.

The review process was kicked off last month when Oracle issued a request for information from distributors wishing to secure a UK distribution deal. Incumbent Sun distributor Interface Solutions is thought to have bid, as did Computer 2000 and French player Altimate, which is owned my Micro Peripherals parent DCC.

A verdict had been expected as early as the end of the July, but the saga dragged on until this week.

ChannelWeb has learned from various sources that Avnet and Arrow have now been confirmed as Oracle's UK distributors of choice.

Oracle has spent the last six months digesting its mammoth, $7.4bn (£4.55bn) acquisition of hardware player Sun Microsystems. Earlier this month it announced its plans for its new-found tin portfolio, including lofty ambitions for Sun's storage wares.

Its combined channel strategy, which is currently being finalised and implemented across the globe, is the final piece in the jigsaw.

Neither Avnet nor Arrow was available for comment as ChannelWeb went to press.