Fujitsu talks up business tablet chances

Vendor claims channel momentum is gathering behind its Q550 device

The battle for channel supremacy in the business tablet space is hotting up as Fujitsu launches a "massive and sustained" advertising and marketing campaign for its Stylistic Q550 slate device.

Fujitsu claims several resellers, including Q Associates, Tracline and Centerprise have already thrown their weight behind the Q550 since it was unveiled in May.

The Intel-based device, which runs Windows 7.0 Professional, is being billed as one of the few business-leaning alternatives to the iPad.

Andy Hill, Stylistic slate channel manager at Fujitsu, claimed the Q550 is already gaining traction in verticals such as education, telecoms, healthcare and utilities.

He said the device's removable battery and security features such as advanced theft protection and smartcard reader, would act as powerful differentiators from rivals targeting the business space.

"We see Acer a lot but in a straight battle of features [Fujitsu's] are better thought through," he claimed.

"Fujitsu has 20 years' experience in making slate-style devices so we have a strong pedigree."

Andrew Griffiths, sales and marketing director at Q Associates, said in a statement: "We have already placed a number for pilot projects and strong prospects for major orders."

Hill added: "I am spending as much time going out to partners and getting them up to speed as I am on my other functions."