BTN arm pushes access routers using mail order

Networking systems integrator BTN has set up a mail-order operation to sell access routers direct to customers.

The Wokingham reseller has set up a separate arm, BTN Direct, to sell product from Ascend, Cisco, Shiva, Paxdata, Security Dynamics and Seelabs via off-the-page adverts.

BTN managing director Ken Baynton said other resellers could follow suit as remote access products become increasingly commoditised, customers demand an immediate boxed-up product and technical expertise within larger companies broadens.

But he warned that installing routers within a network is still a complex task, which requires support. BTN Direct will bundle product with a two-hour starter pack and provide further support if customers require it.

?We?re not just trying to flog products cheaply,? said Baynton. ?We?re aiming to be very professional. The customer is buying off-the-page but from experts in the field.?