Business Laptops

Tablet market under pressure

The tablet form factor finds itself in a difficult position as shipments continue to fall and rival technologies emerge Continue Reading

Intec Microsystems gains fresh owners and sets sights on growth

Distributor picked up by private equity player and signals intent to grow, adding a channel veteran to help with strategy Continue Reading

The worst might be over in the PC market

An analysis of Q2 shipment numbers from Canalys indicates that declines are slowing, and the hoped-for recovery later this year is still on the cards Continue Reading

Five-minute interview: Marcus Harvey, Targus

Revealing some fascinating details about himself is Marcus Harvey, regional director of B2B at multinational mobile computing accessories company Targus Continue Reading

Mobile computing market continues downward trend

Life might get better later this year, but for now, even the optimistic predictions from Context make difficult reading for those selling hardware Continue Reading

EMEA channel leading the way on sustainability

Canalys survey indicates that the issue is a priority for the global channel, but some have moved faster than others Continue Reading

Channel has reasons to be optimistic, says Dell

Dell’s UK channel boss has outlined the reasons why partners are cautiously optimistic about the rest of the year Continue Reading

Jamf extending channel reach

Apple device management specialist is looking to work with managed service providers and security players to get in front of more customers Continue Reading

IT spending will grow and the channel will take a major share

IDC is expecting growth across Europe in 2023 and is anticipating that around a third of spending will go through partners Continue Reading

HP channel-driven education trade-in scheme rolls into second year

Vendor looks to get more resellers involved as it embarks on a more ambitious scheme Continue Reading

Dell Q4 numbers add to picture of PC woe

Vendor joins Lenovo and HP in describing a tough end to last year, as commercial and consumer demand for hardware dropped Continue Reading

Context adds to expectations of a PC recovery later this year

Analyst house Context adds its weight to the view of a pick-up in the hardware market towards the end of this year Continue Reading

Lenovo boss talks of a PC rebound in second half

Talking around the firm’s third-quarter numbers was an opportunity to provide an update on the prospects of the vendor’s core product area Continue Reading

PC market struggles in 2022 but future positivity remains

Canalys has shared its analysis of the fourth quarter and the full year, with it clear that although times are challenging now, there are reasons why that should change Continue Reading

MicroScope: Channel themes for 2023

In this month’s ezine, we provide a guide to the main areas of focus for the channel in the year ahead, with security, sustainability and hybrid working already standing out as major themes. We also look at what makes a good partner incentive programme. Read the issue now. Continue Reading

Prices are rising and maybe that’s not so bad

Life is getting more expensive and many will look to cut costs and reduce prices where possible – but in the channel it might be OK to do the reverse Continue Reading

Refurbished has to be part of the sustainability approach

Industry challenged at Canalys Channel Forum to do more to allow channel to sell second-hand products Continue Reading

Providing the right tech to your employees matters more than ever

Providing staff with the right technology is vital, says Tim Bodill, chief sales officer at Jigsaw24 Continue Reading

Stone Group snapped up by Converge Technology Solutions

Deal worth not far off £40m will give Canadian cloud and IT solutions player a greater foothold in the UK Continue Reading

Jigsaw24 launches Apple support service

Jigsaw24 looks to help Windows specialists cover all the bases with a service that will ensure they match levels of support across a wider range of devices Continue Reading

Inflation fears hit Western European PC market

Second-quarter analysis from Canalys shows inflation and supply chain issues took a toll in shipments Continue Reading

Education spending slowdown hits tablets and Chromebooks

Q2 market analysis from Canalys charts further shipment declines, but positives are sounded for those in the channel sitting on inventory Continue Reading

Supply issues hit global PC sales

Second quarter blighted by more production issues in China, which hit shipment levels Continue Reading

MicroScope: The slow march to Windows 11

It's taken a while, but the latest Microsoft OS is having an impact – read all about the journey to Windows 11, as well as the uptake of co-innovation and co-creation strategies in the channel, and Broadcom's acquisition of VMware Continue Reading

Five-minute interview: Kit Kyte, Checkit

MicroScope talks to Kit Kyte, CEO at intelligent operations platform CheckIt, to discover what makes him tick and what his opinions are surrounding remote working and technology Continue Reading

MicroScope: A return to face-to-face meetings

With the world emerging from the pandemic, what role does the personal event and face-to-face meetings hold in business? Also read about the next step for the future of collaboration and communication services, and why there needs to be greater diversity across the channel Continue Reading

Mobile computing prospects looking solid

Research from Context and Canalys should provide some cheer for those in the channel that handle mobile computing hardware Continue Reading

Unpicking the cable mess

There are so many different chargers and cables available now that Billy MacInnes is wondering how we got into this state Continue Reading

Restore and Vyta acquiring more ITAD expertise

Recycling market received a double dose of consolidation over the past few days as firms look to bolster their market positions Continue Reading

Flex and Peak supporting circular economy drive

With recycling a key part of getting to net zero, we take a closer look at the actions of a couple of players in the market Continue Reading

How can technology drive environmental sustainability for the channel?

To mark Earth Day, David Nelson, sales director trade-in services – EMEA, Tech Data, shares his thoughts on how the channel can make a difference Continue Reading

Windows 11 adoption increasing, but challenges remain for the channel

Adoption of the latest operating system from Windows is picking up, but those pitching software and hardware upgrades still face a number of obstacles to see it increase further Continue Reading

Canalys: Short-term challenges mount for the PC market

Despite revenue improvements in the first quarter, there are a number of reasons why the hardware world is getting ready to navigate potentially choppy waters Continue Reading

Channel helping Dell to navigate supply constraints

Vendor Dell talks about how its partners have helped it to deal with the ongoing shortages that have been a feature of the entire industry over the past year Continue Reading

Channel tech predictions for a hybrid working future

Nick Offin, head of sales, marketing and operations at Dynabook Northern Europe, shares some thoughts about the opportunities that are emerging for the channel Continue Reading

Channel needs to get sustainability message to protect bottom line

Research from DataSolutions and Hoxton Macs underlines the risk of losing contracts and denying customers savings for those that fail to get to grips with sustainability Continue Reading

Supply issues affect Currys over peak period

Getting hold of products and dealing with changing customer preferences have not been confined to the enterprise market, with retailer Currys suffering from supply shortages Continue Reading

PC market ends 2021 with a strong finish

For the second year running, those selling PC hardware are celebrating another period of double-digit growth Continue Reading

Want to be green? Maybe look at production cycles

This is the age of sustainability and environmental responsibility – but being green might be harder than some vendors think Continue Reading

Dell CTO’s predictions focus on edge, mobility, data and security

There will be plenty going on in 2022 as debates on some of the big topics evolve to meet changing trends Continue Reading

Context and Canalys chart ongoing PC momentum

Analyst houses have been keeping an eye on the demand for desktops and notebooks across Western Europe as customers continue to buy hardware Continue Reading

ETB Technologies looks to Europe for further growth

Refurbished IT specialist marks two decades in business with a turnover update and an insight into its business strategy Continue Reading

Why some businesses are struggling to get to grips with working from home

We look at the reasons why some businesses have struggled to maintain productivity levels, staff engagement or creativity in remote working setups Continue Reading

PC market grows but shortages remain a hinderance

Canalys analysis of third-quarter performance in the global PC market shows the dial kept moving, but things could have been better Continue Reading

Canalys Channel Forum: Hardware leaders share shortages frustration

Given the impact that component shortages have had across the industry, the topic was bound to be a subject covered by some of the hardware giants Continue Reading

Channel will have to wait for impact of Windows 11 launch

Views coming out of Canalys Channel Forum indicate that maybe 2022 is going to be a year when the OS makes a real impact Continue Reading

Interest in Wi-Fi 6 laptops surges

The hardware has been in demand over the past two years but as users look to the future, the need for the latest wireless support is rising Continue Reading

Shortages cause the channel to ask questions

Component issues have been a feature of the market all year, but as the fourth quarter looms, the channel is being encouraged to get a strategy around products Continue Reading

Dell channel chief reflects on her first year

Rola Dagher has been in the hot seat since September 2020, leading Dell’s channel through a pandemic at a time when digital transformation continues to push changes at a customer level Continue Reading

Education still spending on laptops

Sales figures might not be at the levels of last year, but Q2 saw decent activity in the market, according to Context research Continue Reading

Canalys: PC market keeps growing through Q2

Analyst firm charts ongoing strength in the hardware market as many of the pandemic market conditions remain in place Continue Reading

Restore adds more recycling muscle with PRM Green buy

Restore makes its fourth acquisition in 12 months as it continues to expand its recycling and data disposal reach Continue Reading

ITAD demand rising as offices reopen

As staff head back to work, questions about disposing of old equipment and erasing data are also increasing Continue Reading

Microsoft hands partners cloud PC option

Vendor reacts to emergence of hybrid working with a hosted desktop option that partners and ISVs can get behind and involved with Continue Reading

Commercial market continues to drive PC growth

Market analysis from Canalys and IDC shows business customers are continuing to spend, with desktops enjoying a decent quarter Continue Reading

Dell UK boss positive that momentum will remain in market

Vendor shares insights into how the market is faring and what the prospects are after more Covid restrictions are lifted Continue Reading

Acquisitions fuel strong first half at Restore

Recycling and data management player’s trading statement indicates it has enjoyed 2021 so far Continue Reading

Context to start tracking average selling prices in the channel

Market watcher Context will start benchmarking the average selling prices of certain products across Europe Continue Reading

Stone Group gets refurbisher status from Microsoft

Channel player will be able to add Windows 10 onto refurbished hardware and help others in the market handle their licences Continue Reading

Lenovo ramps up DaaS through the channel

Vendor has completed pilot of programme and is getting more partners involved with its desktop-as-a-service offering Continue Reading

Time to face up to rising demand for power

Research from Schneider Electric has indicated that the demand generated by IT for power will increase significantly and actions to counter carbon dioxide rises need to be considered Continue Reading

Transparency and flexibility best ways to approach PC supply woes

Canalys has revealed that vendors that were open with partners about supply constraints and had options for resellers have fared well in Q1 Continue Reading

Component shortage warnings take gloss off Dell Q1 numbers

Dell delivers strong revenue growth in its first quarter, but indicates that second quarter might be hit by the ongoing industry-wide component shortages Continue Reading

Fujitsu putting €3m into its channel programme

Vendor will use funds to support enhancements and increase rewards for partners that line up behind its strategic areas of focus Continue Reading

MicroScope: Exploring digital metamorphosis

Digital transformation is the buzz phrase, but is it more a question of evolution? In this issue, experts weigh in on digitisation and its effect on the world of work. Also read about local broadband providers aiming to improve internet connection and productivity, and find out how to tackle sales in a post-pandemic landscape Continue Reading

Context: Distribution set for solid second quarter

Analysis of the market across Europe indicates that, if conditions are right, it could be a strong year-on-year performance in revenue growth Continue Reading

Consenna and Microsoft look to bridge education digital divide

Channel player creates initiative that should put quality tech into the hands of one million students over the next year Continue Reading

PC market enjoys best Q1 for almost 20 years

Market analysis from Canalys and IDC reveals that the start of the year has been solid for those in the channel selling PC hardware Continue Reading

Stone gets Microsoft thumbs-up and Redstor adds Azure support

Stone has been recognised for its position in the education market and Redstor is becoming a greater source of support for Microsoft partners Continue Reading

Five-minute interview: Nick Offin, Dynabook

Dynabook’s Northern Europe division leader, Nick Offin, is the latest to share some personal insights Continue Reading

Computacenter records fastest profit growth in 2020

Channel player releases full-year results showing that the business navigated the choppy waters of the pandemic successfully Continue Reading

Restore bolsters Apple business with Bookyard buy

Recycling specialist Restore continues with its strategy of acquiring more market coverage with its second deal this year Continue Reading

MicroScope: The 5G opportunity

Experts predict that 2021 is meant to be the year of 5G, but what does that mean for the channel? In this issue, discover what 5G technology could bring to the reseller community, learn about how smart buildings are influencing the way we live, and discover how remote working is shaping the way we work Continue Reading

Distribution helps UK deliver laptops to schools

Figures from Context indicate the impact of the government schemes to get laptops into the hands of students learning from home Continue Reading

CDW weathering Brexit and Covid-19 storms

Channel player CDW shares details of its trading as it wraps up on 2020 Continue Reading

Revenues continue to hit highs in distribution

The first few weeks of 2021 have started strongly for distributors across western Europe Continue Reading

MicroScope – February 2021: The forecast on channel security

MicroScope asks experts to share their opinions on what lies ahead for the channel in the security market, along with their predictions for what upcoming threats to expect. Also read about how the managed service community helped to keep SMEs afloat during Covid-19, and how to arm the business with the best IAM tools for remote working Continue Reading

It’s not just laptops, as tablets and Chromebooks see huge growth

Canalys has tracked the fortunes of the form factors through a record-breaking 2020 Continue Reading

Context: Shortages causing concern, but distributors optimistic

The first few weeks of this year have come on the back of a solid Q4, but it is still difficult to get stocks in some hardware product categories Continue Reading

‘Sticking plasters’ applied in first lockdown leave users vulnerable

Channel urged to make sure customers are not left using inadequate products that they acquired in March last year to get them through the pandemic Continue Reading

PC market enjoying a revival

Shipments tracked by Canalys in 2020 were the highest for a decade as users embraced notebooks and mobile workstations Continue Reading

2020: A year of accelerated change in the channel

A look back over some of the main themes of a year that will be long remembered thanks to the pandemic Continue Reading

In a crisis, users have kept taking the tablets

Canalys has tracked stellar growth in the demand for tablets as users react to changing conditions forced by Covid-19 Continue Reading

MicroScope: Simplify the path to partner programmes

In this issue, discover how to navigate the complexity of channel partner programmes to best foster relationships, how business intelligence software is helping companies look beyond Covid-19, and why leaders are looking forward to 2021 Continue Reading

Dynabook increases digital support for partners

Mobility specialist has reacted to the pandemic with partner programme enhancements and increased online support Continue Reading

Lenovo benefiting from strong PC market

This has been a promising year for vendors selling hardware, and Lenovo’s latest quarterly results bear that out Continue Reading

Third quarter was a stonker for laptops

Evidence of a resurgence in the hardware market continues with the latest quarterly analysis from Context Continue Reading

Canalys: A profitable year for the channel

The channel has managed to navigate one of the most challenging years so far in a positive way Continue Reading

Lenovo: PCs are far from dead

The shift to home working during the coronavirus has breathed fresh life into the PC market Continue Reading

As-a-service offers take centre stage at HP Reinvent

HP shares details of more services that partners can take out to those working at home during the pandemic Continue Reading

Computacenter shows resilience in H1

Channel player Computacenter shares first half numbers and reveals its latest acquisition to bolster US revenues Continue Reading

MicroScope: Reach out to resellers

In this issue, discover how the channel is making sure the human touch is maintained during the pandemic, with insight into how closer bonds can be developed and on how to maintain productivity. Also read about how 'hybrid working' is set to shape the future of the workplace Continue Reading

Dell: Working will never quite be the same

Vendor Dell adds its voice to the growing number that expect changing working patterns to remain in place after the coronavirus pandemic is over Continue Reading

Channel sees supply issues ease in PC market

The second quarter proved to be a good time for those selling PCs, particularly those handling laptops Continue Reading

MicroScope: MSPs lend a helping hand

In this issue, read about how the Covid-19 pandemic has allowed for managed services players to show their worth, and discover how the use of collaborative tools has made businesses consider how to make conference calls more engaging Continue Reading

Agilitas extends reach into security market

Firm signs up as a Fortinet partner as it looks to make more of an impact in the cyber security space Continue Reading

MicroScope: The surge in home working

The shift by many to home working has created opportunities and challenges for the channel as it looks to help customers through the changes. Also discover the importance of diversity in your workforce, and how Covid-19 is affecting IT events Continue Reading

Dell benefits from ‘flight to quality’

Vendor shares Q1 numbers and shows it has navigated through supply chain problems better than some of its competitors Continue Reading

Lenovo starting to see results of transformation strategy

Vendor is continuing with a shift towards emerging technology areas that will secure future growth for the business Continue Reading

TCO Development take sustainability finder online

Efforts increased to try to make it easier to signpost sustainable products online Continue Reading