Metrologie faces Microsoft chop

Software vendor threatens to axe distributor in annual review of its channel partners? performance

Broadline distributor Metrologie is expected to be dropped by Microsoft within the next six weeks as part of a review of the software giant?s channel.

The contract is being threatened by Microsoft?s annual review of distribution agreements before the rollout of revised Ts&Cs in July. The move would be a huge blow to Metrologie, which only managed to obtain the contract about a year ago after buying Olivetti Software.

Geoff Wright, MS distribution manager, did not rule out making further changes to the channel. ?As we move into the new financial year it is our policy to review each of our distributors on their merit and performance to date,? he said.

?We are trying to understand what the right number of partners will be. There is room to make further adjustments.?

Metrologie?s Microsoft business is understood to be dependent on its deal with Dixons. Peter Greenall, business development manager at rival Ingram Micro, said: ?We are in constant talks with Dixons and would love to do more business with them.?

Paul Cook, sales director of Frontline, said: ?We find that there are certain instances where Metrologie acts with a high degree of disregard for its own safety in terms of pricing. As far as I?m concerned Microsoft?s review of the channel can?t come soon enough.?

But one dealer source said: ?Metrologie is very competitive on software compared with Frontline and Ingram, so it would be a shame if it went.?

A Metrologie representative insisted that the company has a very strong relationship with Microsoft.