Networking distributor Westcon Group is looking to make its service offering more European following quick-fire acquisitions of security outfit Noxs and voice specialist Crane.
Westcon’s purchase of Noxs in April gave it a managed security operation, while its move on Crane in May added break-fix capabilities. The distributor already offered professional services and training.
Westcon’s UK sales director Simon Thompson will bring the strands together under the new role of European services director. Former Ingram Micro, Computer 2000 and Steljes executive Clive Hailstone has stepped into Thompson’s old role.
Thompson said: “We have many services components, but we don’t have a Europeanised offering.”
Thompson stressed Westcon was still examining which services could be expanded geographically and across its subsidiaries. He added some services may be outsourced.
“This is about how we can add more value as a distributor. Resellers still need to buy in incremental services because they lack capacity or can’t do it themselves,” Thompson said.
Scott Dobson, managing director at voice over IP distributor VComm, said: “Westcon has obviously recognised that where it can add value and make money is on services and pan-European capabilities. It sounds like it is on the right track.”
John Howard, UK channel sales director at Avaya, said the move would benefit the channel: “Westcon will now be able to support resellers in the UK who have customers with satellite offices in France and Germany.”
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