Hewlett-Packard, under their brand new channel development programme - HP Connect - recently accredited Blue Sky Networks, part of the USKO group, as their first to receive Select Corporate Reseller status in South Africa.
The HP Connect programme is aimed at bringing more and better visibility, business opportunities, and higher profitability to HP resellers. An inclusion in the programme differentiates HP resellers in competence and market focus. The accreditation is presented to resellers once they have achieved a measurable standard of HP expertise, as well as having demonstrated business stability and focus. The willingness to partner with HP and grow the business is vital.
According to Darryl Brick, HP corporate channel manager, the programme is designed to make it easier for end-users to do business with the channel, and easier for the channel to do business with HP. "HP recognises that channel partners have a significant role to play in helping to achieve challenging business objectives and maintain brand equity and awareness.
He said HP`s aim was to increase significantly the business put through the channel. "Already 100% of PC and printer sales go through the channel and by the year 2000, HP plans to see 80% of its UNIX sales going through the channel as well."
"Blue Sky Networks, now part of USKO, has demonstrated commitment to HP`s products and solutions and this accreditation will ensure a long term and progressive partnership with HP," added Brick.
Blue Sky Networks managing director, Rob Abraham, believes by consolidating more and more of their reseller activities under one programme, HP can now deliver solutions that truly benefit the resellers` business. "Connect is a long term programme aimed at strengthening our business by providing marketing support and business growth."
"HP has `connected" with Blue Sky and I am impressed with their attention to detail and the speed and quality of their responses. HP is fast becoming our partner of choice with their promise to bring business to the channel. HP has become the comparison benchmark for Blue Sky`s other partner," said Abraham.
HP has acknowledged the need for resellers to add value in order to be profitable, and with this strategy, plans to train partners in solutions and support.
Blue Sky Networks, founded in 1987, falls under the Communications Division of USKO Limited. USKO focuses on high value information technology products and services. Blue Sky Networks is, in its own right, one of the largest players in the South African computer desktop, server and networking market. Blue Sky`s key areas of expertise include software platform services, desktop, server and networking sales, integration and support and managed network services.
Hewlett-Packard Company is a leading global provider of computing, Internet and intranet solutions, services, communications products and measurement solutions, all of which are recognised for excellence in quality and support. It is the second-largest computer supplier in the world, with computer-related revenue in excess of $35.4 billion in its 1997 fiscal year. HP has 125,300 employees and had revenue of $42.9 billion in its 1997 fiscal year.
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