Unipalm networks get Global Caché boost
Distributor makes progress in the home networking market
Specialist distributor Unipalm is branching out into the home networking market by signing an agreement with Global Caché.
The deal will see Unipalm supply Global Caché’s flagship product, the GC-100 Network Adapter, which it has claimed will enable resellers to network all electrical appliances to create an automated environment for homes and businesses.
The distributor last month appointed John Turner (formerly business manager at Midwich) as head of its multimedia networking division to spearhead its drive in this new market.
Speaking to CRN, Turner said: “Joining Unipalm presented me with a good opportunity to grow something from the beginning. There is a lot of automation products coming on the market and we were keen to get involved in what is going to be a massive market, from the early stages.
“We are already seeing a lot of interest from resellers from both sides of the channel – those selling to the home market and those from the business market,” he said.
Turner added the distributor has a “number of other relationships in development” and is poised to sign software vendor Convergex in the coming days. It has already signed tablet-control vendor HomeLogic.
Lee Nunn, managing director of VAR Faith & Gantry, said the home market is growing.
“Over the past two years, digital home solutions have started to gain a lot of momentum. That has mainly been because of a shift in technology from expensive proprietary systems
to more open-based standards, which has driven down costs and made it more affordable.
“Unipalm has spotted an opening and it is a welcome addition to the market. For too long distribution in our market has been very high-end, which has kept manufacturing prices high.”