SANTA ANA, Calif., March 7, 2005 /PRNewswire-FirstCall via COMTEX/ -- Ingram Micro Inc. (NYSE: IM), the world's largest technology distributor, today announced the expansion of its reach in the global mobile convergence market through a new European partnership with Vodafone, the world's largest mobile community. The new agreement complements Ingram Micro's existing Vodafone relationships in Australia and New Zealand.
"One of the key advantages that Ingram Micro brings to our customers -- which include resellers, vendors and suppliers -- is our access to global markets," said Greg Spierkel, president, Ingram Micro Inc. "The agreement with Vodafone reflects the advantages of this worldwide footprint. We're building on our successes in Australia and New Zealand to help our European resellers capture market share in the rapidly growing market of mobile business solutions. At the same time, Vodafone will be able to leverage our company's position as the only truly global distributor and channel partner for the world of information technology."
According to market research and advisory firm IDC, demand for smart handheld devices, which includes converged mobile devices, is growing, with the number of units worldwide expected to increase nearly 150 percent in 2005 versus the prior year(1).
"There is a heightened demand for real-time, anywhere communications as consumers and businesses recognize the value of mobility," said Kevin Murai, president, Ingram Micro Inc. "Ingram Micro recognized this trend early and is rapidly building a portfolio around complete 'working out-of-office' solutions. Mobility and wireless opportunities represent key components of the company's worldwide growth strategy. I'm pleased that Vodafone recognizes the value of channel relationships and the success it can achieve through a partnership with Ingram Micro."
Hans Koppen, president, Ingram Micro Europe, said that the agreement with Vodafone offers an attractive platform for growth for the company's European customers.
"IDC research also indicates that the number of smart handheld devices shipped in Western Europe will double this year,(1)" said Koppen. "Our goal is to help our resellers capture market share in this segment and empower them with the tools and services they need to successfully sell wireless mobile solutions, including training on the technologies and market opportunities."
Spierkel added that the company's businesses in Australia and New Zealand currently distribute Vodafone handsets and computer products that connect to the Vodafone network.
"Australia and New Zealand have been enthusiastic adopters to wireless technologies," he said. "Although the wireless markets in these countries are more mature than those in many parts of the world, growth is still expected to exceed the average for overall IT spending. For example, IDC estimates that spending for smart handhelds in Australia will grow at a compounded annual rate of 12.5 percent through 2008(2)."
In Europe, Ingram Micro will offer a wide range of Vodafone mobile solutions to its resellers. The Vodafone Mobile Connect Card, coupled with complementary IT products from Ingram Micro's broad portfolio, offers the capability when roaming to connect in 35 different countries worldwide, without the need for telephone cables or converters. Wireless communication solutions also available through Ingram Micro from Vodafone include the Blackberry(R) from Vodafone that combines the basic features of mobile phones with access to e-mail and attachments.
Peter Bamford, chief marketing officer, Vodafone said, "This partnership enables Vodafone to use an effective channel for selling our mobile data products, in addition to our retail stores and direct sales force. Partnering with a leading pan-European distributor who has significant market reach, means a greater number of business customers will have wider access to the Vodafone range of business products and services."
About Ingram Micro Inc.
Ingram Micro Inc. is the world's largest IT distributor. As a vital link in the technology value chain, Ingram Micro creates sales and profitability opportunities for vendors and resellers through unique marketing programs, outsourced logistics services, technical support, financial services and product aggregation and distribution. The company serves 100 countries and is the only global IT distributor with operations in Asia. Visit www.ingrammicro.com or www.ingrammicro-europress.com.
Sources:
(1) IDC Worldwide Smart Handheld Device 2004-2008 Forecast Update: The Shift Toward Converged Devices, IDC #32618, December 2004.
(2) IDC Worldwide IT Spending 2004-2008 Forecast: The Worldwide Black Book, 2004, IDC #32321, December 2004.
(C) 2005 Ingram Micro Inc. All rights reserved. Ingram Micro and the registered Ingram Micro logo are trademarks used under license by Ingram Micro Inc.
Vodafone and Vodafone Mobile Connect are trade marks of the Vodafone Group. Other product and company names mentioned herein may be the trade marks of their respective owners.
SOURCE Ingram Micro Inc.