Local open source company Linux Warehouse has joined the Zimbra partner network as an authorised distributor in the African region.
Zimbra, a Yahoo company, offers next-generation open source e-mail and collaboration. With this partnership, Linux Warehouse hopes to satisfy the local market's growing demand for more sophisticated and cost-effective collaboration tools, says Linux Warehouse MD, Johnny Martins.
“The Linux Warehouse is incorporating more open source products into our distribution model to ensure an encompassing product offering. Zimbra is a market leading collaboration suite, and there is a huge demand for such a product in our market,” explains Martins.
Leveraging its two years of experience with the Zimbra product line, Linux Warehouse is confident about its go-to-market strategy in the African industry. In addition to providing resellers with pricing in local currencies, Linux Warehouse will assist Zimbra in expanding into the African market by means of focused marketing activities, local pre-sales support and facilitating resellers that want to sign up as Zimbra partners.
Martins explains that as an open source solution, Zimbra offers the affordability and scalability companies are looking for in the current economic downturn. “We believe the market is as ready as it will ever be for a complete collaboration suite at an affordable price. Almost all companies out there are looking for ways to save money and the IT budget is normally one of the first to be cut,” continues Martins.
Andy Pflaum, vice-president of Zimbra channel sales, says: “Zimbra is focused on improving the overall collaboration experience through innovative e-mail messaging, calendaring and mobility.
“It is ideal for organisations looking for more flexibility, power and a cost-effective platform; we are excited Linux Warehouse is bringing Zimbra to its customers,” he adds.
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