While a single distributor may not be able to offer a total solution to its reseller network because it does not always offer a comprehensive range of products and services, Tarsus Technologies, a member of JSE-listed MB Technologies, believes that a distributor has an integral role to play in assisting resellers in the implementation of IT solutions.
As a distributor of Hewlett-Packard (HP) products, the company focuses strongly on the establishment of long-lasting partnerships with its resellers, so as to assist them in implementing solutions based on the HP offering.
"HP`s solutions often form the foundation of an overall solution, and includes the hardware, as well as some management and software components," explains Louis Helmbold, HP networking and storage consultant at Tarsus Technologies. "Our pre-sales consultant can assist resellers in designing an HP solution that meets an end-user`s specific requirements.
"Beginning with a requirement definition, we help in scoping and sizing the application, and in defining hardware and software requirements," he says. "We also help the reseller decide whether a custom or off-the-shelf installation will best suit the end-user, and then match their software needs to the hardware requirements. Finally, we assist in hardware sizing and selection, and in the eventual implementation of the solution.
"Additionally, the Tarsus Technical Configuration Centre provides assistance with the installation of hardware and application software on the workstations or additional hardware on servers in an ISO9002 environment," Helmbold continues. "Included in our Tarsus Support Centre are highly qualified engineers, junior engineers and trainees, MCSEs, CNEs, HP NSPs, Compaq ASEs and IBM PSSs."
Deployment of the application software is done using the Altiris Rapid Deploy system, which enables Tarsus to clone machines to any number, reducing costs and implementation time. "The customer only needs to set up one workstation, loading applications as required in the corporation," Helmbold explains.
By utilising the Configuration Centre in configuring the machines the only thing left is to deliver to the customer. That is done directly from our warehouse to the end-user saving the dealer money on delivery and insurance on consignment.
"By assisting the reseller in this way, we not only help to reduce time to implementation and costs for the end-user, but also help resellers improve their business by enabling them to provide a comprehensive offering to their clients," Helmbold concludes.
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Tarsus Technologies is the distribution arm of MB Technologies Limited - a company listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange and one of SA`s leading IT groups.
The founding company of the group, Tarsus Technologies, was established in 1985 by Leo Baxter, and was involved in the development and sale of software before diversifying into hardware distribution.
In 1989 Baxter sold a majority share to M+PD Electronics, which was subsequently sold to Siltek. In the early 1990s, Tarsus expanded its hardware sales, and was appointed distributor for OKI, Samsung and Compaq. In 1992, Baxter bought back Tarsus, selling a majority share to Persetel, and in 1994 he took advantage of an opportunity for a management buyout and repurchased the company with Mike McGrath acquiring an equal share.
The company was now growing strongly, and MB Technologies was formed as a holding company to cater for the group expanding and diversifying its operations into new areas.
Today, Tarsus Technologies is one of South Africa`s leading hardware distributors and widely recognised by the channel for its service ethos, product knowledge, excellent support and channel focus.
With an executive board comprising Mike McGrath (the founder of M+PD and past MD of Siltek), Leo Baxter, Guy Whitcroft, Pierre Spies, and Jamie Scott, Tarsus` management team is arguably the most experienced IT distribution team of any company in the country.
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