Datrontech UK waves Wand to set up division

Datrontech UK has established a low-end networking division with the help of channel networking veteran Tony Wand, to focus on the small to medium-sized systems builder.

The distributor employed the services of Wand, now a consultant, on a contract basis to set up the division, which is expected to begin trading in September. He will remain a Datrontech employee for a minimum of 12 months.

According to Mandy Birtles, Datrontech Group's marketing communications director, the division will focus on commodity networking products, including internet-based systems, Intel and Kingston technology networking products, low-end hubs and routers.

'We will only sell stuff that is an obvious add-on sale such as email and internet products,' she said, claiming the division's operations would not clash with Datrontech Group's dedicated networking unit, Data Connectivity.

The networking arm follows the recent launch of the Datrontech Retail, based on the acquired Peripherique unit, set up to service a perceived shortfall in retail distribution in the UK and sell Datrontech own-brand products (Dtech) over the Web.

Wand said the bulk of the networking division's business was directed at small systems builders, not Vars as was the case with Data Connectivity. 'The majority of customers are already buying Intel chips and Kingston memory. We have found that the majority want to get into networking where there's more margin and would like someone to hold their hand,' He added.

The networking arm has five staff with a view to expanding the number.

Wand said he was at the division 'pretty much full time', with profit and loss responsibilities.

Prior to the Datrontech assignment, Wand was most recently employed as networking products marketing manager at Ideal Hardware after joining in June 1996. He helped set up a dedicated unit and established the storage distributor's networking channel consultancy three months later.