Samsung storms thin-client arena
Electronics giant launches first thin-client displays
Monitor giant Samsung Electronics is hoping to cause a stir in the server-based computing channel after launching its first thin-client display range.
The vendor has kicked off a reseller recruitment drive with distributor Avnet Visual Data Solutions (AVDS) to promote the ‘SyncMaster’, a range of display screens featuring integrated thin-client technology.
The products will also be available from Samsung’s four other UK distributors: Computer 2000, Westcoast, Micro Peripherals and Midwich.
David Morris, product marketing manager at AVDS, said: “Until now, the integrated thin-client market has not been huge. It needed a big player such as Samsung to come in and create demand through its brand and aggressive price points.”
Ami Randhawa, senior product marketing manager displays at Samsung, said the vendor would pool its effort behind server-based computing specialist AVDS for the launch, but stressed that it was a “level playing field” on price for all its distributors.
“We have the right route to market for our monitors, but we’re entering a market where we don’t have expertise so need to rethink our channel strategy,” she explained.
“This is very much a first step for us and we are working with AVDS because of the resellers it already has on board.”
Morris claimed that the SyncMaster would appeal to verticals, such as government, healthcare and retail.
Morris added that AVDS would also hunt for Samsung VARs yet to work in the server-based computing space.
He admitted that other vendors, including Neoware, have already launched integrated thin clients. The total European thin-client market increased 17 per cent in 2006, according to market watcher IDC.
John Busfield, sales manager at VAR Network SI, said: “It does sound like an interesting proposition, but Samsung is entering a crowded market with Wyse and Hewlett-Packard already in there.”