Tekdata Distribution morphs into Micro-P Security
Security distributor looking to take on new vendors following name change
Tekdata Distribution has adopted parent Micro-P's brand moniker in a move it hopes will lure in new vendor and reseller partners.
The Stoke-based security distributor has operated as a separate trading business with its own profit and loss accounts since Micro-P acquired it in November 2007.
From the start of April, it will be rebranded as Micro-P Security and will move across to its parent's IT systems, handing it access to the broadliner's reseller database.
Tekdata Distribution sales director Jason Hill stressed that the only change resellers will see is to the sign on its door, but claimed the rebranding will raise the £14m-turnover outfit's profile.
"Hopefully it will help us get recognised by some new vendors and reseller partners and help grow the company more quickly," he said.
Tekdata's distribution business started life in 1969 as a small unit of Tekdata Ltd, a firm focusing on manufacturing bespoke cable harnesses for OEMs. The business was split into two units in 2004 and Tekdata Interconnections still operates today.
Today, Tekdata Distribution counts Dell SonicWall, Trend Micro and Vasco as its three key vendor allies but Hill said the distributor is open to taking on new manufacturers.
"We're not looking for a firewall vendor as we have a fantastic relationship with [SonicWall] but if anyone else knocks on our door, we will see what they have to offer," he said. "We can offer all the services expected of a true VAD, including outbound telesales, inhouse technical support, training and field sales staff."
Hill said clear rules of engagement have been set to ensure his staff are not butting heads with those of Micro-P when targeting its parent's customer base.
The rebranding also fits in with Micro-P's desire to become a one-stop-shop for the IT needs of both consumers and businesses, Hill added.
"They are trying to become specialists in different areas of IT," he said.