ZyXEL aims to build in education

ZyXEL is planning to build on the success of its Q1 education campaign with a further set of initiatives that will ensure resellers focused on selling to schools and colleges keep their sales moving. The company has already been giving resellers strong support on public sector sales by providing access to special bid pricing, deal registration and other benefits. This activity generated a significant six-figure total of potential opportunities for partners and ZyXEL is now intensifying the focus with a series of workshops detailing specific deployment scenarios in the classroom. These hands-on events will demonstrate how ZyXEL’s wide range of Gigabit Ethernet, 802.11n wireless networking solutions, and USG security appliances can be used to improve efficiency, reduce costs and enhance learning. Antony Byford, Head of Channels UK and Ireland for ZyXEL, says that although what’s traditionally the peak buying period for education is over, there will be no shortage of potential business opportunities. ‘Schools and colleges will know what their budgets are by now.

 Unquestionably, they will have been reduced, but with the additional discounts and benefits that we are making available, ZyXEL’s solutions will have even stronger appeal in education. Increasing use of interactivity and collaboration tools, as well as rich video and multimedia, is putting added strain on school networks. There is also a need for tighter, easy-to-manage security and wireless solutions that offer a longer range and more reliable signals.’ The workshops will commence in June. There will be no charge to resellers for attending but places are limited and priority will be given to partners that have a defined focus on the education sector. An added benefit is an ‘Education Specialist’ badge from ZyXEL, giving them more visibility on the ‘where to buy’ locator on ZyXEL’s web page. For more information on the workshops or on how you can benefit from ZyXel’s focus on the education market, email dawn.hains@azlan.com

First Cloud Discovery Day sees great turnout

 Above: Alan Finden of HP talks about his experiences at The TD Cloud Discovery Day

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D-Link now full up and running

D-Link’s consumer and business IP surveillance cameras, storage and networking products are now fully available from the Computer 2000 PC Components division – so please let us know if you have any questions or special requirements that you think might be suited to a D-Link solution. We’re looking to drive growth with the company. Andrew Mulholland, Business Solutions Manager at D-Link UK and Ireland, said: ‘The addition of Computer 2000 as a distributor is further evidence of D-Link’s ongoing commitment to the channel in the UK and builds on the recent launch of our Value in Partnership+ programme. We have expanded our Business Solutions product portfolio considerably, with the launch of new switching, storage and IP surveillance products. In addition, we have successfully launched devices such as the Boxee Box to the consumer market. We are one of the only vendors who can offer such a breadth of networking products to resellers. By partnering with Computer 2000 we now have new routes to business and consumer markets meaning we can target even more reseller partners.’ We’ll be working with D-Link to ensure resellers have access to training and support
and that you can also benefit from D-Link’s Value in Partnership+ programme (http://vipplus.dlink.com), which is designed to help partners grow revenue streams and enter new markets. Central to this, D-Link is offering in-depth training and certification on all its products and access to a dedicated campaign and lead management system that will allow partners to take advantage of D-Link resources for their sales initiatives.

For more information email pccomponents@computer2000.co.uk

SonicWALL crowned winner by Network World

Coming right on the heels of the fabulous results received at NSS Labs, SonicWALL SuperMassive was recently crowned the winner in a Next-Generation Firewall performance test conducted by Network World. The results published last week were the first of two reviews published by Network World. Performance was rated in this round whereas features and functionality will be reviewed in round two around mid May.

 In this independent test SonicWALL SuperMassive was pitted against the Check Point 12610, Barracuda F900, and Fortinet 3950B.  SuperMassive performed particularly well when put under intense scrutiny. For a detailed report please click here.

 This comes from the latest positive feedback including:

•    Recommended Rating from NSS Labs
According to the Next-Generation Firewall Group Test of NSS Labs, SonicWALL offers high overall protection.

•    Gartner 2012 Magic Quadrant for Unified Threat Management
SonicWALL is positioned in the leaders quadrant of the 2012 Magic Quadrant for UTM.

•    ICSA Labs Certification
SonicWALL’s complete firewall portfolio is ICSA Labs certified.

 SonicWALL use the same technology architecture across Next-Generation firewalls and UTM appliances, making them applicable to a large enterprise or small organisation.

Together with their customer case studies – most recently added Getty Images, Taxback.com, Manpower, Carhartt, University of Wuppertal – these third party validations will be a great sales tool when meeting with customers and prospects!

Microsoft Datacentre Security & Management Update

Microsoft’s best worst kept secret is out, at the Microsoft Management Summit in Las Vegas they announced the general availability of System Centre 2012 on Tuesday of this week, it can be downloaded from Microsoft’s VLSC. On the same day Windows 8 Server got a new name, Microsoft Windows Server 2012 due for launch this autumn. To keep pace with all the announcements and catch up on the recorded sessions click here.

General availability will mean any new deals and renewals will need to use the new licensing model. This is only available as 2 suite licenses for managed servers and 3 client licenses for managed workstations, mobiles, slates and tablets. The Microsoft Systems Centre 2012 buyers guide is an easy to use website that steps you through new and existing customer licensing scenarios. It also provides FAQs, what’s new and how to buy information. However, if you would prefer to speak to a real person, either about the products or the licensing, please get in contact via mail staylor@computer2000.co.uk.

With System Centre 2012 private cloud management capability in mind Microsoft has released six short sales training videos to help partner sellers with selling Microsoft Private Cloud solutions. This will go towards the Microsoft Private Cloud Sales Specialist accreditation. You will need to login into MPN to view them but here is the link.

Adobe Creative Suite 6 has arrived…

So the wait is finally over and Adobe Creative Suite 6 is now here. CS6 offers exctiting new adaptions, a fresh variety of creative tools and delivers blazingly fast performance.  Retouch with new Content-Aware features, and create superior designs as well as movies using new and re imagined tools and workflows.

Check out our website for all Adobe products and CS6 upgrades.

Samsung is right on song with new tablets and ultrabooks

Samsung is coming to market with new additions to its Galaxy line of tablets and ultrabooks that promise to deliver plenty of good new opportunities to resellers. We’ve already had a taste of the new additions to the new Samsung Series 9 notebook range and the latest arrivals look to be even cooler and sexier – if that’s possible. The new Galaxy additions meanwhile extend the choice for customers even more with 5-inch, 7-inch and 9-inch versions providing something for everyone. With all these devices and a growing reputation, Samsung and its partners look set to profit from the BYOD trend.

Kingston’s got it cracked for iPad expansion

Kingston’s revolutionary Wi-Drive is the ideal way to add Flash-based storage for Apple iPads – and for the iPhone and iPod Touch too. Users can share their data, photos, videos, music, whatever, with up to three Apple devices, and stream media to get around the storage limitations of any particular device. With integrated Wi-Fi and four hours of battery life, the Wi-Drive is a highly portable (it slots into a pocket) and convenient storage. Apple users just love it, so don’t miss out. Take advantage of our superior stock holding and get some on the shelves, in your showroom, onto your website. Remember, Computer 2000 PC Components are the number-one for all your Kingston memory and accessories needs – so you know who to call for the Wi-Drive or all things Kingston.

Microsoft Datacentre Security & Management Update

If you’re like me getting to MMS in Las Vegas next month is something that will probably never happen and it’s at this Microsoft flagship management event that System Centre 2012 will finally launch, probably the best worst kept secret this year. However here’s the next best thing, Microsoft are running a series of UK based events entitled “The Best of MMS”. The 3 events will all run in May for details and to register click here.

Staying with System Centre 2012, it’s always good to see Microsoft eating their own dog food so to speak. In this interesting article Charlie Satterfield, Sr. Program Manager in the Management & Monitoring team, talks about how they’re transition to System Centre 2012 to provide the monitoring piece for www.microsoft.com, TechNet, Windows update, and MSDN.

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Computer 2000 gets Sweex

Computer 2000 has added the full range of products sold under the Sweex, Rocking Residence, and Yarvik brands to its PC Components portfolio, giving you access to the wide range of stylish keyboards, mice, MP3 players, cable converters and the many other gadgets and accessories that are produced under these names. Then there’s almost-famous low-cost Yarvik GoTab Exxa Android tablet, which sells for just €250 in Europe and is likely to retail for around £199 here. That kind of sets the tone for the whole of the Sweex range and we’re very excited about the prospect of bringing these ranges to a new audience in the UK. Sweex products are great for the consumer and home user, but they can also be just as practical in the office.

Who are Sweex?

Sweex is a Dutch producer of ‘street gear, computer-related products, and consumer electronics’. Established in 1978, its three brands – Rocking Residence, Sweex, and Yarvik – are renowned and respected all over the world. Sweex is the brand for all computer-related products, such as computer accessories, components, and peripherals. User-friendliness is the focus for all Sweex products, which are characterised for their accessibility, simplicity and reliability.