Ingram scheme gets channel in ship shape

Distributor takes wraps off global strategy for resellers which will speed up shipping times through integration services

Ingram Micro has unveiled a worldwide plan to speed up assembly and configuration for its resellers, aiming to ship systems within five days.

The distributor is offering integration services ? called Frameworks ? ranging from component shipping to complete system assembly. It can provide custom configuration, unbranded systems, Acer Open OEM components, IBM-authorised channel assembly, OEM component supply, and Unix configuration for Hewlett Packard and Sun Microsystems hardware. The programme also includes OEM components such as motherboards, video cards and memory for resellers that build their own systems.

In Europe, Ingram will use its ISO 9002-certified configuration centres in Copenhagen, Munich, Stockholm, Milton Keynes and Utrecht to ship finished systems within five days of ordering. It has also set up four configuration sites in the US and one in Canada.

John Winkelhaus, executive VP of global channel assembly at Ingram, insisted that Frameworks will cut costs, delivery times and help forecasting. ?The [indirect] channel is at a major crossroads, and we believe channel assembly, integration and configuration services will be the pivotal distribution model of the future,? he said.

Ingram claimed that its service is better than those of rival distributors because it offers ISO quality certification and because it has such a large number of vendor products to choose from when building systems.

The company said its resellers are getting help to compete with direct sellers through Frameworks, which is part of the industry?s move away from build-to-forecast towards build-to-order PC deliveries as it combines fast delivery with reseller expertise.

In a separate announcement, Ingram announced it has signed a deal to carry Sun?s software products, Sunsoft, in the US.