Microsoft gives Tech Data the nod for Band 2 distribution

Distributor will work with resellers to target opportunities in corporate wellness, blue-light services, utilities, insurance, healthcare and research sectors

Tech Data has landed exclusive B2B distribution rights for Microsoft's Band 2 activity tracker, which it claims is the "most sophisticated" wearable around.

The distributor says it will work with select resellers to drive commercial opportunities for the device, which went on sale in the UK in November for £199.

Key verticals it is targeting include corporate wellness, blue-light services, utilities, insurance, healthcare and research.

Gartner predicts wearable device shipments will rise 18 per cent to 275 million this year, with smartwatch shipments alone hitting 67 million.

Tech Data claimed Band 2's 11 advanced sensors, which track calories burned, deep exercise, floors climbed and sleep quality, make it "the most sophisticated wearable in the market today". Wearers can also use its Cortana voice activation to reply to texts at the touch of a button.

The distributor said it is keen to support ISVs that can develop applications for Band 2 for deployment in commercial settings.

"It's still very early days but we are already uncovering huge opportunities and creating some very interesting case studies," said Michael Cain, business development manager for wearables at Tech Data.

"Demand from our reseller partners has been huge and the initial ADR pilot programme that we launched with Microsoft at the start of the month has been really well received."

According to Gartner, fitness wearables such as wristbands, smart garments, chest straps and sports watches are continuing to swell in popularity, driven in part by US wellness schemes.

"Of all the fitness wearables, the sports watch will be the one product category to maintain its average retail price over the next several years," said Gartner research director Angela McIntyre.

"Race runners, cyclists and divers will choose sports watches over smartwatches because the user interface, capabilities and durability are tailored to the needs of an athlete in their sport. Continued advances in sensors and analytics for sports watches will bring new capabilities that bolster average retail prices."