C2000 creates mobile computing group

Computer 2000, the UK arm of distributor Tech Data, is forming a specialist mobile computing team within its networking division to focus on mobile commerce and communications.

Computer 2000 (C2000), the UK arm of distributor Tech Data, is forming a specialist mobile computing team within its networking division to focus on mobile commerce and communications.

The team will offer resellers dedicated mobile services and connectivity to devices such as the Palm and the Compaq iPaq.

Nick Quattromini, previously C2000 business manager for Hewlett Packard peripherals, will head the new mobile team. A specialist technical support group will also be established.

Andy Shepperd, general manager of the C2000 networking division, said the growth rate of the mobile industry required C2000 to create a dedicated team. "The level of interest in mobile commerce and computing has sky-rocketed since the start of the year. There is a definite move away from the traditional laptop to the PDA [personal digital assistant]," he said.

The company reported a steady increase in sales of mobile computing products in the fourth quarter last year and the pace has accelerated in 2001, claimed Shepperd. "By giving our partners a sales and technical support resource dedicated to mobile computing, we aim to help them identify, develop and exploit the opportunities now emerging across the market," he said.

The formation of the mobile computing team follows the setting up of a security and enterprise group and a thin-client team last October.

Clive Longbottom, an analyst at Quocirca, said the move is positive. "C2000 can immediately support demand for services like Wap, but then migrate in a few years with minimal cost to more advanced and lucrative technology such as GPRS and third-generation," he explained.

First published in Computer Reseller News