Business Laptops

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

By

• Simon Quicke, Microscope Editor

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

By

• Simon Quicke, Microscope Editor

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

By

• Simon Quicke, Microscope Editor

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

By

• Simon Quicke, Microscope Editor

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

By

• Simon Quicke, Microscope Editor

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

By

• Simon Quicke, Microscope Editor

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

By

• Simon Quicke, Microscope Editor

Five-minute interview: Nick Offin, Dynabook

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

By

• Nick Offin, Dynabook Northern Europe

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

By

• Simon Quicke, Microscope Editor

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

By

• Simon Quicke, Microscope Editor

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

By

• Simon Quicke, Microscope Editor

CDW weathering Brexit and Covid-19 storms

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

By

• Simon Quicke, Microscope Editor

Revenues continue to hit highs in distribution

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

By

• Simon Quicke, Microscope Editor

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

By

• Simon Quicke, Microscope Editor

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

By

• Simon Quicke, Microscope Editor

‘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

By

• Simon Quicke, Microscope Editor

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

By

• Simon Quicke, Microscope Editor

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

By

• Simon Quicke, Microscope Editor

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

By

• Simon Quicke, Microscope Editor

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

By

• Simon Quicke, Microscope Editor

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

By

• Simon Quicke, Microscope Editor

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

By

• Simon Quicke, Microscope Editor

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

By

• Simon Quicke, Microscope Editor

Lenovo: PCs are far from dead

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

By

• Simon Quicke, Microscope Editor

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

By

• Simon Quicke, Microscope Editor

Computacenter shows resilience in H1

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

By

• Simon Quicke, Microscope Editor

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

By

• Simon Quicke, Microscope Editor

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

By

• Simon Quicke, Microscope Editor

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

By

• Simon Quicke, Microscope Editor

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

By

• Simon Quicke, Microscope Editor

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

By

• Simon Quicke, Microscope Editor

TCO Development take sustainability finder online

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

By

• Simon Quicke, Microscope Editor

Coronavirus: How Covid-19 kick-started a shift to home working

Lockdown has forced people to work from home and turn to the channel for help in supporting the ‘new normal’ Continue Reading

By

• Billy MacInnes

Channel showing resilience as Q2 progresses

It's a bit of a rollercoaster out there, but the channel is showing some positive signs, according to the latest analysis from Context Continue Reading

By

• Simon Quicke, Microscope Editor

MicroScope: Staying connected

In this issue, read about how the channel is helping customers stay connected during the pandemic, with Covid-19 raising hardware demand as businesses aim to provide technology for home workers. Also discover the benefits of SD-WAN and learn about the top compliance concerns for the coming year Continue Reading

Easter holidays and supply issues reverse some March gains

Research from Context has found that the growth rates experienced by the channel in March took a hit at the start of April Continue Reading

By

• Simon Quicke, Microscope Editor

What will the next phase of working look like due to Covid-19?

Andy Jane, CTO at Olive Communications, looks back at the past couple of weeks as the UK has been on lockdown to see how businesses have coped during the initial stage of the Covid-19 coronavirus crisis Continue Reading

By

• Andy Jane, Olive Communications

Coronavirus: Tech to the rescue

It has largely been technology that has kept workers productive and the kids entertained during the Covid-19 coronavirus lockdown, says Billy MacInnes Continue Reading

By

• Billy MacInnes

Coronavirus: Supply issues hit PC market

Despite strong demand, the pandemic caused problems in sourcing kit and forced the PC market to reverse three quarters of growth Continue Reading

By

• Simon Quicke, Microscope Editor

Home working product demand increasing strain on channel stocks

The rush of customers to equip staff for a world of home working has led to huge spikes in demand of certain products over the past few weeks Continue Reading

By

• Simon Quicke, Microscope Editor

Tech Data has a taste for Apple

Company’s recent results got Billy MacInnes wondering about the importance of the relationship between the distributor and its key vendor Continue Reading

By

• Billy MacInnes

Hardware market gains growth in a virus-hit March

Surge in home working in response to lockdowns has caused big spikes in demand for certain hardware products Continue Reading

By

• Simon Quicke, Microscope Editor

Coronavirus: Partners add value as customers adapt to lockdown

Face-to-face meetings might not be an option, but the channel can still help users as they adapt to a new reality Continue Reading

By

• Simon Quicke, Microscope Editor

Coronavirus driving sales of remote working products

Sales of some products have gone through the roof, according to numbers from Context, as countries across Europe adapt to a life of home working Continue Reading

By

• Simon Quicke, Microscope Editor

Sales of peripheral devices surge as workers stay at home

Monitors, keyboards and mice are all in high demand as workers get set up for remote working to slow the spread of coronavirus Continue Reading

Coronavirus sparks remote working demand

The channel is in a prime position to help customers keep going through the coronavirus crisis by enabling more flexible working methods Continue Reading

By

• Simon Quicke, Microscope Editor

Computacenter boss shares coronavirus concerns after solid 2019

Last year was a solid one for Computacenter, but the firm's CEO has indicated that Covid-19 is making forecasting for 2020 a challenge Continue Reading

By

• Simon Quicke, Microscope Editor

Software focus spurs channel growth at IGEL

Endpoint OS specialist has seen its decision to split the hardware and software offerings deliver results, which could lead to a widening of its channel base Continue Reading

By

• Simon Quicke, Microscope Editor

Commercial PC market holding steady course

This year has started much as the last one ended, with the business customer base continuing to drive the fortunes of the PC market, according to Context Continue Reading

By

• Simon Quicke, Microscope Editor

Xerox moves to bring HP takeover saga to a conclusion

Channel businesses might not have to wait too much longer for outcome as Xerox appeals directly to HP shareholders Continue Reading

By

• Simon Quicke, Microscope Editor

Are users ready as coronavirus sparks more remote working?

More firms are starting to send staff home as the coronavirus continues to spread, but there are concerns their technology is not up to supporting more remote access Continue Reading

By

• Simon Quicke, Microscope Editor

SCC shares insights into workplace mobility

Channel firm casts an eye over the current extent of mobile working and the consequences for customers Continue Reading

By

• Simon Quicke, Microscope Editor

SSD becoming the norm in laptops

Hardware resellers looking for an angle to encourage some fresh laptop spending should take note of what’s happening on the storage front Continue Reading

By

• Simon Quicke, Microscope Editor

Zero clients: The future of mobile security for the channel?

As cyber attacks and security breaches continue to grow, IT managers are seeking new ways to secure their critical business data. While thin clients have been a good option in the past, they have limited benefits for remote working. That is where zero clients step in Continue Reading

By

• Nick Offin, Dynabook Northern Europe

Consenna launches HP trade-in programme targeting SMEs

Firm kicks off trade-in programme to encourage smaller companies to invest in fresh desktops and laptops Continue Reading

By

• Simon Quicke, Microscope Editor

BETT: HP hits the road to support educational partners

Vendor aims to get its education offerings out in front of customers and support resellers across the country Continue Reading

By

• Simon Quicke, Microscope Editor

Intel boss ‘maniacal’ about eliminating supply constraints

CEO updated analysts on the progress the vendor is making in eradicating the CPU supply issues that have been a problem throughout 2019 Continue Reading

By

• Simon Quicke, Microscope Editor

BETT: Lenovo calls for more tech investment

The hardware vendor has worked on a report that indicates that money needs to be spent on tech to keep education in touch with the digital demands of the future Continue Reading

By

• Simon Quicke, Microscope Editor

Canalys warns 2020 unlikely to match last year in the PC market

The analyst house has cast its eye over the state of the PC market and given the reasons why the months ahead might prove to be slightly more challenging than 2019 Continue Reading

By

• Simon Quicke, Microscope Editor

PC market enjoys annual growth for first time in nine years

Both IDC and Gartner agree that last year was the best year for PC hardware since 2011 Continue Reading

By

• Simon Quicke, Microscope Editor

Windows 7 turn off sparks security pitches

The end of support has finally arrived and the spectre of rising security risks is likely to be a boon for the channel Continue Reading

By

• Simon Quicke, Microscope Editor

Consenna gearing up for HP for Education programme

Channel player ready to support the eighth year of the vendor's education trade-in programme Continue Reading

By

• Simon Quicke, Microscope Editor

Context warns channel to expect challenging year ahead on the PC front

Without some of the reasons to upgrade that have existed throughout this year being around for much longer the analyst house is warning of a soft second half to 2020 in the PC market Continue Reading

By

• Simon Quicke, Microscope Editor

Stone Group undergoes an MBO

Firm goes through second MBO in the space of 11 years as it changes investment backers Continue Reading

By

• Simon Quicke, Microscope Editor

Lenovo lifts lid on SME demands for more flexibility

The vendor has found that a significant number of staff working for SMEs would like to get access to mobile and cloud computing tools Continue Reading

By

• Simon Quicke, Microscope Editor

PC market enjoying the good times but shadows falling across 2020

Current market conditions are delivering strong growth but Canalys has warned that some of those factors will not last for much longer Continue Reading

By

• Simon Quicke, Microscope Editor

Supporting intelligent workspaces

As new technology continues to drive new ways of working, IT departments need support in facilitating the flexibility and connectivity demanded by today’s tech-savvy workforce Continue Reading

By

• Matthew Beale, Ultima Business Solutions

Education sales drive Chromebooks to a strong start in Q3

Distributors have enjoyed strong demand for Chromebooks over the summer months, according to Context Continue Reading

By

• Simon Quicke, Microscope Editor

Dynabook looking to reengage with channel and core markets

Hardware player has a widening portfolio and a determination to regain its position in some key verticals Continue Reading

By

• Simon Quicke, Microscope Editor

Commercial PC growth better for channel than consumer PC growth

The commercial PC segment experienced a 15% sales increase in July, while consumer sales dropped by 2% – but that’s better than the other way round Continue Reading

By

• Billy MacInnes

Commercial PC demand continuing in Q3

Context has taken an early look at how PC sales have fared in early Q3 and found that things are looking good for those selling hardware Continue Reading

By

• Simon Quicke, Microscope Editor

Dell shows there is plenty of life in the commercial PC market

Vendor's second quarter numbers include record revenues and units in the client services group with strong sales of notebooks and desktops Continue Reading

By

• Simon Quicke, Microscope Editor

Tech Data CEO points to Q2 results as validation of strategy

Rich Hume is keen to move the firm to higher value solutions and viewed the second quarter results as a sign that the strategy is delivering Continue Reading

By

• Simon Quicke, Microscope Editor

Control or shift – channel’s role in the move to business-led IT

What impact could the shift to business-led IT have on channel partners’ role with customers and the relationships they have grown and developed within customer organisations? Continue Reading

By

• Billy MacInnes

Intel increasing CPU production

Vendor reveals that it expects to deliver more CPUs to ease some of the shortages that have been in the market Continue Reading

By

• Simon Quicke, Microscope Editor

Rivals moving to plug the Arrow ITAD gap

The decision by Arrow to exit the IT asset disposal business in the UK could be an opportunity for others Continue Reading

By

• Simon Quicke, Microscope Editor

Windows migration helping drive growth in the PC market

Both Gartner and IDC agree that the second quarter was a good one globally for the PC market Continue Reading

By

• Simon Quicke, Microscope Editor

Remanufactured laptops ticking the green boxes

Resellers selling into customers keen to reduce electronic waste advised to consider the remanufactured option Continue Reading

By

• Simon Quicke, Microscope Editor

Exertis stepping up DaaS efforts

Distributor hires former Tech Data staffer to come on board and run its desktop as a Service efforts Continue Reading

By

• Simon Quicke, Microscope Editor

Channel delivers solid growth for Lenovo

Firm aiming to build on the momentum of its last fiscal year with the channel playing a key role in delivering the growth Continue Reading

By

• Simon Quicke, Microscope Editor

Lenovo joining the DaaS party

Vendor on the brink of rolling out an offering that channel partners can take out the SME customers Continue Reading

By

• Simon Quicke, Microscope Editor

Windows 7 refresh driving commercial PC market

Forecasts from IDC indicate that the Windows 7 refresh is going to help keep the momentum going in the commercial PC market Continue Reading

By

• Simon Quicke, Microscope Editor

Firm grip on technical asset management eluding most customers

Real time insights into the technology estate is a wish for the majority of customers but at the moment just remaining a dream which is opening up an opportunity for the channel Continue Reading

By

• Simon Quicke, Microscope Editor

Michael Dell: Customers need trusted advisors more than ever

Channel will be “super important” for cutting through complexity, says CEO of the hardware giant Continue Reading

By

• Christine Horton

How to protect your intellectual property

Just what is intellectual property and why does it matter to a small business? Here is some practical advice to protect the unique aspects of your business from competitors Continue Reading

By

• Paul Clapham

Which? warns Brexit could lead to more unsafe products

Consumer group highlights concerns that lack of intelligence sharing could leave UK behind in dealing with dangerous electrical problems Continue Reading

By

• Simon Quicke, Microscope Editor

CPU shortages hitting PC shipments

Intel CPU shortages and Brexit issues have combined to hit the UK PC market in the first quarter Continue Reading

By

• Simon Quicke, Microscope Editor

HaaS already an option for many customers

Hardware as a Service is a model already being used by plenty of customers according to research from Spiceworks Continue Reading

By

• Simon Quicke, Microscope Editor

PC revenues holding up

Context figures indicate that although volumes might be down slightly revenues have increased for distributors in the first couple of months of this year Continue Reading

By

• Simon Quicke, Microscope Editor

Making the business case to create a successful IoT initiative

The internet of things has the potential to address multiple business objectives, but it is not a miracle technology that will provide business benefit in isolation – true value comes only when the wider challenges are considered across all departments Continue Reading

By

• Nick Sacke, Comms365

Component shortages continue to plague PC market

Analysts warn of disruption throughout the first half of the year before shortages ease Continue Reading

By

• Simon Quicke, Microscope Editor

Workers shifting away from desktops in search for flexibility

Pressure on the humble desktop continues with LaptopsDirect.co.uk charting its decline in the workplace Continue Reading

By

• Simon Quicke, Microscope Editor

CPU shortages and political issues hit PC market

Things had been going well in the first half of 2018 but then a couple of negative factors undid a lot of that good work in the last months of the years Continue Reading

By

• Simon Quicke, Microscope Editor