By Shane Kennedy, IBM Division Manager at Annex Distribution
The IBM division at Annex Distribution is ready to leverage off change and related opportunity within the global corporation`s South African and African market.
Recent developments, including the sale of IBM`s Personal Computing division to Lenovo, have helped to reinforce market perception and adoption of the IBM brand on the continent and also expose the potential for greater trade.
At the annual IBM Sales University held at Sun City recently, resellers and distributors were informed as to where the corporation is positioned currently and the prospects that lie in new avenues of business such as IBM global finance, which has resulted in substantial financed IBM equipment in SA, the value of which is over $36 billion.
There are also offerings aimed at the small to medium market and one of the key advantages of the global finance facility is that it is not reserved exclusively for IBM product.
An interesting projection made states that most IT infrastructure worldwide would be probably better served, from a total cost of ownership point of view, by financed items because the actual costs decrease through ownership phases, from inception to destruction. It is also a method of deferred payment, especially for SMEs that find themselves in a situation in which they are compelled to outlay a substantial amount of IT infrastructure. Financed items resource offers up a viable alternative to upfront payments.
The event also highlighted IBM`s increase in focus on the Africa market and the central objectives behind an intensive and aggressive marketing and awareness campaign. One of these objectives is to turn the focus onto sales which is imperative in terms of the corporation`s demand generation approach.
This is being done on the back of the PC sale to Lenovo. As from 1 August, we now refer to Lenovo South Africa. The change has been exceptionally smooth and we have witnessed a lot more flexibility and willingness to do business from Lenovo`s side.
The gauntlet for an increase in trade and benefit for the market has officially been laid down. We look forward to the challenge.
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Gauteng-based Annex Distribution is a leading distributor of building block solutions to sub-Saharan Africa.
The company features a line card of recognised brand names including AMD, BenQ, Creative, Fujitsu Siemens Computers, IBM, Intel, LG, Matrox and MSI.
Throuh established partnerships with international specialist suppliers, Annex is positioned to provide value-add service and support for clients to ensure they remain in the forefront of ICT requirements and e-commerce.
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