3M Digital Signage injects some Zest into its UK channel launch
Vendor signs its first UK channel partner for the retail sector
Vendor 3M Digital Signage (3M) has signed its first UK channel partner for the retail sector, following its launch into the UK a month ago.
Simon Birkenhead, UK sales and marketing manager at 3M, told CRN: “In the US, 3M has operated in the digital signage market for 15 years.
We then decided to roll the business out across Europe, and launched in the UK four weeks ago. The UK is our pilot country. We will then look to launch business in other European countries.”
Audiovisual (AV) VAR MediaZest has been appointed as a Certified Reseller for all of 3M’s digital display products. Under the agreement, both companies will have access rights to each other’s products and technologies.
Sean Reel, chief executive of MediaZest, said: “3M’s digital signage software stands out as one of the most advanced systems on the market. This is why we will be offering it as the preferred software platform for all our in-store media projects.”
MediaZest and its subsidiary TouchVision, an AV services provider, will use 3M’s digital signage software as an element of its one-stop media offerings for retailers and brand owners. In return, 3M will offer technologies from MediaZest and TouchVision, where they form part of a 3M solution.
Birkenhead said: “The combination of MediaZest’s strong market position and portfolio of solutions, combined with our suite of software, display products and services, will be a key advantage that allows MediaZest to reach its potential in the European retail sector.”
He added that 3M’s preferred route to market is through resellers, and that 3M has a handful of partners in the UK, but it is looking for more.
“As a 3M Digital Signage Certified Reseller, MediaZest will benefit from access to 3M sales and support collateral, joint marketing activities, product discounts, training programmes, as well as technical support services for all 3M digital signage products,” Birkenhead added.
He said that the surface has barely been scratched in the digital signage market. “People are experimenting with digital signage, but no one quite knows how to get the most out of it,” he said.