Tech Data launches Windows Server 2003 finance package

Distie aims to help local VARs migrate SMBs before end of support in the summer

Tech Data has promised to help resellers encourage their SMB customers to migrate from Windows Server 2003 by launching a zero per cent finance scheme as part of a new upgrade campaign.

The distie's Azlan division has launched its Server Migration programme, which offers the channel a range of services designed to encourage customers - particularly SMBs - to upgrade.

Resellers will have access to marketing materials such as videos and brochures as part of the programme as well as audit tools and preferential pricing on customer audits. Free disposal and removal of all old Windows Server 2003 kit is also included in the scheme, as well as a new finance option.

The distie's marketing director Andy Dow (pictured) said the finance scheme is aimed primarily at SMBs, which may be more likely to get caught out by the looming end-of-support date in July.

"It's backed by HP Financial Services, but it doesn't have to be for full HP kit by any means," he said. "It is designed for resellers to talk to customers who might not have budgeted or planned [for migration] and are looking for a way to spread the cost if it was not pre-budgeted.

"We're targeting the SMB market - the resellers that service it - because that is where there is a wealth of server installations and where the budgeting and the pre-planning wasn't as in place as in corporates.

"Corporates see this coming and are fine. It's the five-to-250-seat customers facing the biggest challenge here and the resellers that service them."