IT, AV converge

Ingram Micro Australia's decision to open a Consumer Home and Office Solutions (CHOS) division has got both the IT and consumer electronics/audio visual industry talking, says CRN Australia.

While the convergence between IT and AV continues, both industries still feel they are two separate markets and this is unlikely to change anytime soon.

In a statement to the media on 25 February, Ingram Micro said its new CHOS division will reach out to CE vendors and reseller customers across Australia. The new CHOS division will cater for the integration of consumer electronics, software, networking, digital signage and security products, within the home and office environments.

Security vendor, Websense, has dropped itX in favour of a new partnership with Avnet Technology Solutions, says ARN.

Websense channel manager Mark Spencer said it went through an extensive business planning process following its acquisition of SurfControl to decide how to approach the channel. Websense announced its acquisition of SurfControl in October.

The vendor decided on a sole distribution strategy in the local market because it provided key efficiencies and benefits around channel relationships, he said.

Hifn unveiled its partner programme for 2008, giving resellers with marketing programmes and dedicated resources to take part in the iSCSI market with IP SAN appliances, reports The Earth Times.

Hifn's new Channel 100 Partner Programme for its Swarm iSCSI IP SAN storage appliances is composed of three tiers based on annual sales volume- Fast Start, Freeway and Autobahn -- and is designed to help VARs utilise and leverage Hifn's iSCSI expertise.

The Fast Start programme is designed to assist VARs that are in search of a channel-friendly iSCSI vendor. Hifn has already received some new resellers, including prominent Texas VAR, Dallas Digital Services.