Specialty distributor ScanSource is helping VARs tie IP-based physical security products into their offerings through a new Web site.
Due to go live on May 15, the IP Center will provide information on network-based video and access control technology, as well as information on the physical security market in general.
This will be particularly useful to solution providers who want to integrate IP-based security tools into their customers’ networks. It will also serve as a resource for security dealers who want more information on the IT side.
ScanSource is also looking at the possibility of bringing security companies into the fold and building a more formal partner network. And that type of partner network is just what the industry needs in order to merge these two areas together.
But it will likely play out the same way IP did when it entered the telecom space – some VARs were takers and others weren’t. Regardless, it will still shake up the industry.
The distributor is also planning to open a new distribution centre, which will basically double its warehousing, storage and distribution capacity. The centre will also include integration capabilities to boost partner services offerings. The reason? It’s planning for future growth.
And if it’s able to build a solid business merging physical security with IT, it just may need that extra space.
In other distie news, Bell Micro has announced record-breaking preliminary first quarter results for 2007. Interestingly, this comes at a time when many VARs are feeling the squeeze from super-tight margins.
But Bell Micro is expecting record revenues of more than US$1 billion, which is about 15 per cent higher than the same quarter last year. It performed particularly well in North America, Latin America and Europe. The solutions category of products and services represent more than half of those sales.
Here in North America, the distie saw substantial revenue growth in higher-margin industrial and enterprise sales channels. President and CEO Donald Bell said in a statement that revenue growth was partially offset by revenue decreases in its U.S. commercial sales channel as it continues to focus on more profitable products and customers.
Other reasons for its revenue growth include the acquisition of Prosys and a focus on computer platform and storage systems.
However, its stock options practices are under review, and the Nasdaq listing council has given the distie until June 29 to submit restatements.
