PC World tunes in to wireless data
Retail giant to target SMEs with applications as well as mobile access
Retail giant PC World Business (PCWB) is looking to grab a big slice of the SME wireless data market this year, using sister firm Genesis Communications.
PCWB, which targets SMEs, is also talking to third parties such as Microsoft about offering applications as well as mobile access.
"We want to increase the attachment rate - the number of data cards we sell with laptops - from five per cent to 10 per cent within the year," said Simon Turner, managing director of the PC World Group.
"We are also talking to a number of partners, including Microsoft, about the application space for SMEs. However, one thing we are not going to do is design bespoke applications for SMEs."
Dixons Group, which owns PCWB, bought Genesis, a business mobile phone specialist, two years ago.
Rob Rawlinson, managing director of Genesis, said: "All the predictions are that wireless data is going to be very, very big. PCWB and Genesis know how to tap into this market."
Keith Yaxley, sales and marketing director at mobile data reseller Data2Hand, said the early adopter period for mobile data was over.
"We have been driving the early adopter market," he said. "If firms are going to PCWB for mobile data, then our model is going to have to change.
"Larger players inevitably have to go to market with a cavalier, shotgun approach. We just need to start sniping for those firms that don't need a generic solution."
Steve Muttram, managing director of distributor Portable, said: "Targeting SMEs with new products can only be a good thing for PCWB.
"However, the trouble with mobile users is that they are all different. Users can be anyone from an accountant to a petrol station attendant."