JSE-listed Square One Solutions Group Limited has been appointed a colour specialist distributor for Epson SA's range of laser and inkjet printers, scanners, and supporting consumables, with effect from 1 July 2002.
It is a deal that will make Square One a major force both in colour solutions and input/output peripherals distribution and further strengthens the group's position in the marketplace.
Over and above this are the positive effects of assisting to stabilise the overall national IT distribution infrastructure still feeling the effects of limited local CAPEX spending, the severe devaluation of the Rand in quarter four of 2001 and the global shockwaves of the September terrorist attacks in US.
Square One CEO, Trevor James, says the Epson distribution agreement does not cut across any existing supplier product arrangement: "The Epson product ranges serve different markets and are not directly competitive. It does mean, however, that we are now in a position to offer a solution to just about any printer and peripherals requirement that may arise, from the smallest, simplest need to the largest and most sophisticated."
James adds that Square One's approach will be to afford Epson a significant distribution infrastructure, expertise within its viable target markets and an established reseller base. The company also has a wide range of products, including specialist software and storage devices that are synergistic to the Epson range.
"Square One gives Epson the competencies, marketplace positioning and access to new customers that will make it a force to be reckoned with," says Epson SA general manager, Hans Dummer. "We recognise Square One in the same way its channel partners do - as a value-add, solutions-orientated distributor".
Continues James: "Square One encourages and develops business relationships with its vendors that are based on entrepreneurship coupled to the security of a stable and financially sound partnership".
While the Square One-Epson product offering will include Epson's high-end inkjets, laser printers, scanners, supporting consumables and specialist media, Square One is quite clear on where its focus will be, according to James, who also sees Square One's national footprint in service and support realising value by extending the skilled support facilities available to Epson users.
"All of this will help us in our objective of accelerating the development of Epson sales and presence throughout South Africa and increase market share while offering appropriate market pricing within a policy of reasonable profit margins," concludes James.
Click here to read Bronwen Kausch's story on ITWeb.
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Square One provides integrated IT-based solutions to corporate, retail and government clients through a reseller channel that, in turn, integrates such solutions for end-users. The core business of the company encompasses document handling and information sharing solutions; knowledge management; networking; hardware, software and consumable products distribution; Internet, IT security (biometrics) and e-commerce technologies; data storage; variable data product marking and coding solutions; uninterruptible power supplies; and value-added business services.
Seiko Epson
Seiko Epson is a progressive company that increases its corporate value through its innovative and creative culture. The company's primary product lines comprise information-related equipment such as printers and projectors; electronic devices such as semiconductors, LCDs and crystal devices; and precision products, particularly watches. A global leader in high-quality technology products that meet customer demands for increased functionality, compactness, and energy efficiency, Seiko Epson had fiscal 2001 sales of 1,274 billion yen and deploys a workforce of 68,786 employees.
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