PCR Tech and IT retail, distribution and vendor news
Brent McCarty, Ingram Micro’s UK and Ireland MD, kicked off proceedings at the distributor’s IM One 2015 event yesterday, where he revealed that the firm so far has over 1,400 vendors in its portfolio.
It was clear from the second McCarty got on stage that Ingram Micro is focusing on the evolution of tech, and that the firm will continue to drive its core business model – distribution.
McCarty revealed to guests that Ingram Micro is trying to evolve to keep up with the changing industry through its various acquisitions of companies such as Cloudblue, MSS and Anovo.
McCarty said: “We are broadening our capabilities but we are definitely evolving."
TV presenter Spencer Kelly led the conference, where he informed the audience how he had previously taken part in a Gangnam Style dance with a robot, however sadly no such routine made an appearance today.
During his talk Kelly revealed that drones are becoming more and more popular with consumers thanks to their usability, and warned that resellers must take this new trend on board if they are to compete.
He also revealed new innovations in tech, for example Kelly pointed out that Moore’s Law suggests computers and chips will get smaller, but this could in turn damage the viewer experience when it comes to watching content on devices.
The solution, according to Kelly, will be the idea of detachable screens, meaning smartphones will remain small but the viewing experience isn’t impaired.
Kelly also highlighted the growth in 3D printing, and said: “3D printing is going to change the world.”
HP’s UK channel chief Neil Sawyer took to the stage next, where he outlined some of the future plans for HP Inc.
In just a few weeks the tech giant will be splitting into two separate companies, HP Inc and HP Enterprise, and it was clear just how excited the firm was about the dramatic change.
Sawyer told guests that HP has invested heavily in 3D printing and its Ink Jet technology. He added: “Ingram Micro are critical in us expanding our footprint in managed services.”
Marc Waters, HP’s VP of its Enterprise Group, also took the stage where he expressed how much he was looking forward to the separation of HP.
He commented: “We launch with a really strong portfolio – a pipeline of innovation and a really strong balance sheet. But more importantly we launch it with belief.”
Waters went on to hint that HP will be changing the Enterprise logo of the business from green to blue, even though Kelly went on to point out that blue and green should never be seen, according to his mother.
Dell’s UK channel director David Poskett also made an appearance on stage and noted that the firm’s recent acquisition of EMC is ‘a massive opportunity’ for the firm, but couldn’t disclose much more information.
With a broad range of vendors also on show, including Microsoft which debuted the new Surface Pro 4, Samsung, Dell, Intel Security and HP which showcased its 3D desktop known as Sprout, all in all the day proved to be a success with a lot on offer.
