Distributor joins Exertis Micro P and Ingram Micro in supplying Windows run Lumia handsets to the business channel
Tech Data Mobile has been appointed as a UK distributor of B2B Nokia Lumia smartphones, ending the exclusivity of Exertis Micro-P and Ingram Micro.
Nokia, which was acquired by Microsoft earlier this year, went exclusive with Exertis Micro-P for sales to the consumer and business telecoms retail channel and Ingram Micro for the business IT channel in 2011.
However, Microsoft’s stated ambition to be UK enterprise market leader within the next 12 months with the Windows Phone OS has seen it appoint Tech Data Mobile, as part of its efforts to reach that ambitious target. Tech Data began advertising for new sales staff to handle the Nokia account yesterday, as part of its plans for a full scale assault on the B2B market. It will distribute the full rage of Lumia devices – the 630, 635, 930, 1320 and 1520.
Earlier this month, Microsoft Devices vice president UK and Ireland Conor Pierce told Mobile News that the Windows Phone OS would double its UK market share from its current 18 per cent (Canalys) in the next 12 months.
Those comments echoed Windows Phone UK director Leila Martine who last month said that Windows Phone was ideally placed to take on current market leaders, Apple and Samsung, due to concerns over price, choice and security.
“When you think of Apple, how many CEOs and CIOs really want to pay for their employees to use an expensive premium device when they can choose from a full range of devices?” she said.
“With Android, Apple and BlackBerry, there are continued concerns about the fragmentation of the ecosystem, the segmentation of the experience and also the level of malware
Tech Data Mobile managing director Peter Hubbard in a statement, that many firms are looking to overhaul their IT strategy and that Nokia represents a god opportunity.
“Organisations are looking at new approaches to meet the expansive needs and expectations of today’s ultra-mobile workers,” he added. “With extended support ending for Windows Server 2003 and Small Business Server 2003 in a year’s time [July 2015], customers are reviewing their software strategy too, and many are actively looking at Office 365 and other cloud applications. They need to, because users are demanding a more flexible approach – and want to access data and apps on all kinds of devices.”