GN Netcom hungry for hundreds of resellers

Headset manufacturer launches official partner programme following merger of its two divisions

Headset manufacturer GN Netcom is hoping to attract hundreds of UK resellers following the launch of its official partner programme.

Last month, the vendor merged its GN Mobile division – which incorporates its Jabra brand of Bluetooth-enabled headsets – with GN Netcom, its traditional office headset division (CRN, 26 May). A new company name for the merged divisions is expected in September.

GN Netcom has unveiled its partner programme for its range of corded and wireless headsets, which it has said will attract new resellers and improve support for its current partners.

The vendor claimed the programme will offer VARs free training, dedicated sales personnel, marketing materials and support, and demonstration equipment.

Jan McNair, managing director of GN Netcom, told CRN: “We want increased access to the UK’s SME resellers.”

McNair added that GN Netcom currently has about 500 UK resellers, but it is looking for new VARs that have a proactive interest in the headset market.

“We want hundreds of new VARs,” he said. “We don’t want too many on board so that support is reduced. I hope we can get an additional 250 to 300 by the end of the year.”

McNair said GN Netcom has relationships with traditional telecoms distributors such as Nimans and Rocom, and IT partners such as Azlan, Computer 2000 and Ingram.

“The significant increase in the uptake of wireless headsets, and the expected market growth offers a huge opportunity for UK resellers,” he added. “We are also building communication with our current VAR community in the UK. We can still do a better job educating them.”

Richard Carter, business development director at GN Netcom partner Rocom, said the distributor is seeking new GN Netcom resellers.

“GN Netcom has a good offering with good incentives and sales support,” he said. “Wireless headsets are opening up a whole new market for headsets. They improve efficiency for firms and have healthy margins for resellers.”

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