ITK distributors put out over new master

The ISDN vendor has picked a master distributor for its BusinessConnect solution without telling its existing distributors

ITK has signed Data Connectivity as master distributor for its Business Connect integrated network messaging solution, without telling its other distributors they will have to source product through the new partner.

The Germany-based ISDN vendor distributes in the UK through Volante, Data Pacific, PBCP and Tech Concepts, but these four will only have access to Business Connect via Data Connectivity.

Volante sales director Richard Jackson said he was aware of the product but had not been told of the change in distribution structure.

'ITK have not told us we will have to go through Data Connectivity. We were under the impression that they were committed to us,' he said.

ITK UK MD Steve Shergold said: 'Data Connectivity was picked as master distributor because of the level of commitment and the dedicated marketing and support it was prepared to offer. Our other distributors will still deal direct with us on other products.'

Business Connect, which is aimed at the SME market, has been developed in conjunction with Novell and Uunet Pipex and will also be sold through their channels. Its manufacturers claim it is the first product to offer a one-stop package for businesses requiring a range of connectivity options in addition to a PC Lan, including Internet, intranet and remote networking access.

The components are full versions of Novell Netware 4.1 and Novell Groupwise, the ITK MPR for ISDN 3.1, Quarterdeck's I-Ware Internet gateway, ITK's second generation ISDN PC adaptor card and Uunet Pipex's Internet connection application.

Data Connectivity has also been signed by Israeli wireless networking vendor RDC Communications to distribute its products in the UK.