In 2007 Rick Reid was a part of the long and painful fall of NexInnovations, one of Canada’s largest solution providers.
This year wasn’t so eventful as 2007, but it was significant for the long-time president of Tech Data Canada. Reid has been focused on ensuring the distributor’s partners have the technology, support, solutions and financing tools in place to navigate a rocky period for the IT industry.
The distributor moved to fill-out its line card in 2008 by adding new vendors in key strategic technology areas. Polycom was inked to bring its high definition video, wireless and wireless voice and content products to Tech Data Canada partners while LifeSize, an Austin, Tex-based high definition video communications provider, also came on board. In the printer space, Ricoh Canada’s printing and imaging offerings are now available to Tech Data partners as well.
Access to financing and credit is always a concern in a challenging market, but Tech Data says its business as usual on this front.
With increasing shipping fees squeezing margins however, Tech Data has begun charging a $2 handling fee on all orders shipped, following the lead of most of the other major distributors.
The broadline distributor hopped onto the green bandwagon in 2008 with its ECO-Technology program, which will formally launch in January. It includes a Web site which will help vendors pitch their green credentials in a virtual trade show. Resellers will also have access to case studies, green calculators and a green tool kit. A System Builder program will also provide more resources and support to this part of Tech Data Canada’s business.