Computacenter orders go online

Dealers able to order electronically as distribution arm starts Web service

Computacenter?s distribution arm, CCD, has launched a free internet-based ordering service for resellers, allowing them to place orders online.

The service will contain details of stock availability and pricing for several vendors, including Compaq, IBM, Toshiba and Madge Networks.

Computacenter?s Web-based ordering facility is an extension of an existing proprietary system but ported to the Web.

Martin Hellawell, general manager at Computacenter, told PC Dealer in July that the company would eventually offer users and resellers the opportunity to place orders over the Web. Computacenter has had the proprietary ordering network in place for some years for major corporate accounts, but Hellawell said he did not anticipate corporate customers switching away from the proprietary system.

?On the corporate system, our customers have been using it for a lot of years. Over a period of time, I think more of them will move to an intranet-based system, but it won?t happen overnight. The large accounts feel comfortable with the proprietary system.?

The ordering system will be available to any resellers with a Web browser. Resellers will be required to complete a dealer profile before they can use the system. They will then be able to log on by using a password, and access the system through their own home page, using their company logo.

Resellers praised the move, arguing that the system will simplify ordering and reduce the costs associated with processing orders.

But one expressed reservations about placing orders over the Web because of security issues. ?With a proprietary network the security is much greater,? he said. ?I think volume buyers may hesitate before placing large orders over an insecure network.?