Apple gives VARs run of £500m university framework

Apple not bidding for HE National Apple Equipment & Services Framework, according to channel sources

Apple will not be competing with its reseller partners on a bumper new universities purchasing framework dedicated to Apple kit and services, CRN understands.

Last month the Higher Education Purchasing Consortium Wales (HEPCW) invited resellers to bid for the £500m framework, which all universities across the country can use.

The deadline for supplier bids for the HE National Apple Equipment & Services Framework Agreement was originally 29 January, but this was delayed by a week to 5 February.

Traditionally Apple has been known for cutting resellers out on university business and selling direct through frameworks.

During the bidding process, resellers were unsure if Apple would itself bid for the framework and be alongside resellers on the purchasing vehicle. But according to industry sources, Apple has made the decision not to bid for the framework, meaning it will be entirely made up of resellers.

One partner, who did not wish to be named, said this was good news for the channel.

"It's a positive move supporting the channel," he said. "The framework has opened up the value-add to resellers and Apple is obviously happy to support that.

"Ultimately it will mean more business will go direct to resellers which will be a good thing from their perspective."

The HE National Apple Equipment & Services Framework Agreement covers the supply of hardware, software, peripherals, accessories and services and will run for four years.

Apple was unavailable for comment on the matter.