Centerprise's PC brand snags Microsoft Named Partner status

Reseller can now slap vendor's Shape the Future pricing on its own devices

Microsoft has adde Centerprise to its ‘Named' OEM partner programme, allowing it to buy licences direct from the vendor.

Centerprise has a system integrator element to its business, which sees it produce the Renatus PC that has been used by the UK defence forces and public sector for nearly 30 years.

The Basingstoke-based firm stated that its addition to the list allows it to put Microsoft's Shape the Future pricing on its own Renatus PCs.

This pricing gives eligible educational institutions significant savings on qualifying device purchases.

Jon Atherton, group commercial director at Centerprise, told CRN that fewer companies are being added to the list due to the changing nature of the market.

"There are very few now on it because of the way that the market has changed over the years," he said.

"It means a closer relationship with Microsoft, quicker feedback, we are able to buy direct, so there's a price advantage in doing that and we become more competitive in our desktop and tablet solutions.

"You need to fulfil certain criteria around building PCs to get onto it. We are probably the first reseller to be added to the programme for a number of years."

Microsoft introduced its Shape the Future scheme in 2012, as a means to drive down the cost of devices in schools based on the cost of the Windows component of the devices.

It has been the subject of some controversy among partners since its establishment.

"We're thrilled that Microsoft has recognised the growing potential of our Renatus brand - particularly as we continue to push into our key growth verticals," declared Jeremy Nash, Centerprise CEO.

"Supported by initiatives like Shape the Future and innovative solutions such as M365 that Microsoft continues to bring to the market, we know we can make a real difference as we continue to increase our presence in a greater number of organisations throughout the UK.

"Centerprise is focused on being the best we can be for our customers. We recognise that by blending our high-quality PCs with Microsoft's industry-leading innovation we can deliver material benefit to each and every organisation we support."

Nash also declared that being a Microsoft Named Partner puts the reseller in a stable position to weather any storm produced by Brexit.

"Renatus PCs are assembled using tier 1 components at our configuration facility in Wales," he stated.

"Irrespective of any political or economic challenges the UK may face over the coming months and years, Centerprise is positioned strongly to reassure our customers that we will continue to provide the quality of service and value for money they deserve.

"We continue to invest in our business so that we have the means to best serve educational establishments and the wider-UK public sector."