Fujitsu breaks cover over Microsoft schools PC scheme
PC vendor claims it is being inundated with reseller enquiries around Technology Access Programme
Fujitsu claims enquiries from reseller partners relating to Microsoft's Technology Access Programme have "accelerated rapidly" over the past two weeks.
The subsidised schools licensing scheme previously known as Shape the Future was revamped in February to encompass Microsoft's international OEM partners, who can then sell TAP units allocated to them through their reseller base. These include not only Fujitsu but also the likes of HP, Lenovo and Acer.
Larger national PC builders such as Stone, Viglen, Zoostorm and Novatech can also now take part in the programme.
Fujitsu, which is offering a range of laptops, desktops and workstations under TAP, said it had received an "enthusiastic response" to the scheme from education-specialist partners.
It is supporting participating resellers with marketing materials and sales and bid support through its Partner Centre. Prices are typically reduced by up to £150 under the scheme, it added.
"Everyone in education is looking at updating their systems at this time of the year and the Technology Access Programme really helps to bring the acquisition cost down," said Simon Worsfold, channel and enterprise sales director of Fujitsu's Technology Products Group.
"That's going to be a massive incentive for them to make purchasing commitments and we are taking a positive and active approach to helping our resellers draw the scheme to the attention of education customers."
Fujitsu said it has signed up four resellers who have their own letter of eligibility (LoE) under TAP with allocated volumes. It will also use its own LoE to support resellers which do not have their own LoE, with no limit on numbers.
Fujitsu said the number of units it has been allocated under TAP is in the "high five figures", but would not divluge an exact number.
Microsoft has been oddly coy about promoting TAP, even since the February revamp, much to the chagrin of resellers involved, meaning not all schools and colleges will be aware of the programme. Press releases from the major OEMs – barring yesterday's communication from Fujitsu – have also been conspicuously thin on the ground, while Microsoft has repeatedly refused our requests for an interview over TAP.
Fujitsu's claim that momentum is finally building may send a shiver down the spine of smaller local assemblers, who claimed recently that TAP has effectively locked them out of competing in their core education market.
Originally launched in 2012 in the UK, TAP is open to state-funded UK schools, academies and further education colleges. Since the revamp in February, teachers and admin staff, as well as students, are eligible to benefit.