Recent data from research house BMI-TechKnowledge shows the computer market for SA has registered a unit growth of 56.5% for the first quarter (1Q) this year over 2003.
Within this context, Acer once again confirmed its positive growth trend by registering a unit growth of 136.3% for 1Q 2004 on the same reference market.
"Acer has always been a careful observer of market developments," confirms David Drummond, MD of Acer. "The overall market has been favourably influenced by the strengthening rand, the abolition of ad valorum duties on personal computers, economic growth in the country, and the effects of the Y2K replacement cycle."
Over the last few years, the IT market has shown both energy and dynamism, and Acer has heeded these signals by offering users a complete range of solutions that meet their every requirement.
In particular, Acer has invested in the fast-growing market for notebook computers. Within the Europe, Middle East and Africa region, Acer is the market leader in Italy, Austria, Spain, Germany, Belgium and Czech Republic, and comes a strong second in France, Switzerland, Greece, Poland, Denmark and SA.
In 2003, Acer South Africa realised the benefits of its restructuring efforts of 2002, with dramatic increases in overall revenue - up 85% year-on-year. Notebook sales, which increased 239%, were particularly gratifying.
"In Q1 2004, Acer has maintained its growth with revenues up 101% compared to the same period last year. Notebook sales increased 239% allowing Acer to maintain its strong second place position behind HP in SA with 16.5% market share," confirms Drummond.
According to Drummond, desktop sales growth also topped 43%, compared to the same period last year, while the server range performed steadily, recording growth of 7%.
"With an overall increase of 136% in units shipped and revenue growth of 101% compared to the same period last year, Acer is well positioned to achieve its plans in SA," says Drummond.
He attributes the success of Acer`s commercial desktop offerings to reliability and competitive pricing, while the company`s share of the consumer desktop market has seen growth due to its media centre offerings. Notebooks, however, remain at the helm of growth due to leading technology, aggressive pricing and a comprehensive support and repair network.
Drummond says Acer`s server offerings continue gain acceptance in the SME business sector and in some of its large, ongoing corporate accounts.
Q1 2004, Drummond says, saw Acer enjoy far greater acceptance in the high-end channels as a result of its consistent channel strategy.
In the retail sector, Acer`s partner, Incredible Connection, has reported strong earnings and sales, with Acer driving the demand in the SME business sector with catalogues, national advertising and excellent service.
"Technology products," says Drummond, "are only beneficial when supported by adequate services that provide real value to the end-user. Acer`s painstaking reorganisation in SA executed in 2002 allowed us to create a real value proposition for our customers and partners. Good availability of our products in channels covering the spectrum from retailer to value-added reseller has been complemented by a focus on customer care. The development in SA of an integrated service call centre, spare parts logistics hub, and notebook repair laboratory owned and managed by Acer has done much to improve the customer experience, and has allowed us to deliver precise services to the advantage of our end-users. The result has been increased confidence in our brand, which has led to the positive results we are currently enjoying."
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Acer ranks among the world`s top 10 branded PC vendors, designing and marketing easy, dependable IT solutions that empower people to reach their goals and enhance their lives. Acer`s product offering includes desktop and mobile PCs, servers and storage, displays, peripherals and e-business solutions for business, government, education and home users. Established in 1976, the pan Acer Group employs 39 000 people supporting dealers and distributors in over 100 countries. Revenues reached US$12.9 billion in 2002. Please visit www.acer.com.
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