Datatec, Westcon create Cisco unit

Johannesburg, 07 Dec 2006

International ICT group Datatec and its Westcon AME subsidiary have signed a strategic agreement with Cisco.

The deal will lead to the establishment of a dedicated operation in Dubai UAE, focused on the sales and marketing of Cisco products in the Gulf region.

In a statement to shareholders, the London- and Johannesburg-listed Datatec said the new entity would be called Comstor Middle East.

Its intention is to "support the reseller channel in the region by providing products; selling tools; technical, integration and financial services; market and technology expertise; and an environment to enable it to more efficiently and profitably sell solutions to its end customer".

Former Tech Data UK and Middle East MD Steve Lockie has been appointed as head of Datatec Group's Westcon Middle East operations, with effect from April.

Datatec Group CEO Jens Montanana says the move is in line with the company's strategic objectives. "This is the first of many planned steps towards achieving our objective of increasing our exposure to emerging markets by working closely with key vendors."

The sales, marketing and logistics activities of Comstor Middle East will be supported through Westcon Group European Operations, leveraging the sister company's existing position within the Cisco marketplace.

In addition, Comstor Middle East will offer Westcon Group's OneDefense and OneVoice programs, which form the delivery and targeting mechanism to enable Comstor customers to compete most effectively in their advanced technology markets of choice.