Crystal to expand UK channel

Vendor to increase reseller base after change of name

Software vendor Crystal Decisions has announced it is looking to increase its UK reseller base. The Ottowa-based company recently changed its name from Seagate Software to allow easier brand recognition and claims to have 8.5 million users worldwide.

Crystal has recently launched the latest versions of its Reports 8.5 web reporting software and its Enterprise reporting and analysis software, and John Bowell, vice president, Europe, Middle East & Africa, confirmed that the company would be looking to expand its UK channel this year.

"Because we have a 50/50 split between direct and channel sales in the UK, the channel is very important to us. We are always looking to recruit new partners that can increase our business reach and bring mutual benefits in terms of value add," he said.

Bowell claimed that both distributors and resellers had supported the name change and welcomed the latest software release. "The name gives us an instantly recognisable identity," he said.

According to a statement released by the company, which also produces Crystal Analysis and Crystal Applications, the name change is the result of a new ownership structure set up through the privatisation of its former parent Seagate Technology.

An investment group led by Silver Lake Partners and members of the executive management from Seagate now owns Crystal.

David Whitehead, managing director at Crystal partner Contemporary, said: "[Crystal] promises to continue to show great foresight and vision within the enterprise reporting market."

The strategy demonstrates the company's commitment to bringing the benefits of web and enterprise reporting to business decision makers, Whitehead claimed. "We feel confident that this will build on the success of its existing product portfolio and that its high quality of product functionality will be maintained," he said.