Navision take-over boosts Anglia's business

Business management systems VAR wins contracts worth more than £1m

Business management systems VAR Anglia Business Computers has defied the 2003 doomsayers by securing contracts worth more than £1m and announcing plans to double its staff over the next two years.

The firm cited Microsoft's acquisition of business management systems vendor Navision as a reason for its increased business, as this boosted awareness of the importance of business management software.

David Hurley, managing director of the company, said: "The take-over of Navision has flagged up business management software to many mid-range businesses with smaller subsidiaries, and we are also getting enquiries from corporates. We are seeing a great opportunity in the marketplace now."

Hurley explained that channel players which act as drivers for change, especially in the SME market, will succeed in the difficult trading conditions predicted for 2003, but those who rely on products alone to see them through will find the going tough.

Clive Longbottom, service director at Quocirca, agreed. "VARs trying to shift hard or soft boxes will find 2003 and beyond tough. SMEs are looking for solutions, not technology that means they have to employ more technical staff," he said.

"Those resellers that progress towards being implementation partners will move up the chain and watch the box shifters become bottom feeders."