SANTA ANA, Calif., March 23, 2005 /PRNewswire-FirstCall via COMTEX/ -- Ingram Micro (NYSE: IM), the world's largest technology distributor, today announced the expansion of its e-commerce solution provider initiative with the certification of Flashecom and Ingeniasoft, leading online storefront and quoting tool partners. The distributor's e-commerce initiative delivers best- in-class solutions to the reseller community in North America.
Ingram Micro's e-commerce initiative was rolled out in April 2004 and progressively opened up to its customer base throughout the remainder of the year. Flashecom and Ingeniasoft join VARStreet, a leading sales and e-commerce solutions provider to the IT channel, as the latest members of the Ingram Micro-certified e-commerce portfolio. Solution providers have access to a comprehensive mix of e-commerce configurations, services and pricing through the distributor's initiative.
VARs seeking an online quoting/ordering tool or storefront can choose from offerings ranging from low-maintenance turnkey ASP setups to self-hosted solutions offering the potential for full integration with a reseller's existing back-office systems. Depending on the reseller's or targeted end- user's needs, the stores can include supporting services, such as product catalogs, multiple-distributor pricing, reporting, alerts, tracking, order acceptance, cross-selling suggestions, e-mailable interactive quotes, and front- and backend customization. Each certified partner offers storefront pricing strategies that may include one-time setup fees, monthly subscriptions and support upgrades.
"The addition of Flashecom and Ingeniasoft to our storefront offering is further evidence of Ingram Micro's commitment to providing our customers with a broad range of affordable business-building services and support that elevates their presence in the marketplace and makes doing business easier," said Justin Crotty, vice president channel marketing, Ingram Micro North America. "Along with VARStreet, our two new partners deliver to VARs and their end users in the SMB, Gov-Ed and even the enterprise markets, a world- class flexibility and choice in how they can establish, enhance and maintain their online presence."
Flashecom's eConnect solution offers quick-uptime, low maintenance, and unlimited internal licenses per store. Features such as automatic display of related products, multiple tax rates, and order status tracking and history are standard to all eConnect packages. eConnect is available to Ingram Micro resellers in a special discounted four-tier pricing structure with a discounted $200 setup fee (a savings of $299) and starts with a special $150 per month subscription package allowing up to 15,000 site visitors per month. This also includes a free fraud-protection package (a $375 value). Ingram Micro customers can get more information and a free demo at www.flashecom.com/ingramflash.htm.
Ingeniasoft's solution, FourChain, is available as an ASP service or as a self-hosted enterprise license. The FourChain Hosted version (ASP) offers resellers online quoting, ordering and customer store-site building with minimal investment and short ramp-up time. The hosted version is offered to Ingram Micro resellers at a 25-percent discount off list price and has no setup fees. Also, Ingeniasoft is offering up to three free months of service for those resellers who convert from a non-Ingram Micro-certified ASP solution to the FourChain ASP service.
For solution providers who need a premium solution, the FourChain Enterprise License allows resellers to host their own storefronts and integrate them with all internal systems. The Windows 2000 Server-, SQL 2000- compatible solution, provides complete control over their online system and offers unlimited concurrent end-users and storefronts customized to each customer's needs. Ingram Micro resellers can purchase the enterprise application at an 8-percent discount off of the list price, plus get an additional $1,000 off installation or custom integration services.
In April 2004, Ingram Micro introduced VARStreet as its first certified e-commerce partner. VARStreet, offering a standard and an enterprise level of its solution, has had success within Ingram Micro's channel communities, such as VentureTech Network and GovEd Alliance. The e-commerce partner is preparing to roll out in April a new entry-level solution designed to get resellers online quickly and at an attractive price point.
Ingram Micro continues to look for partners and solution to further enhance its offering and to capitalize on the remaining need in the channel.
About Ingram Micro
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.
About Flashecom
Flashecom is a leading ASP (Application Service Provider) development company, providing small to medium-sized businesses with industry leading eCommerce solutions. Using the latest technologies, our company provides retailers and computer resellers with the tools they need to establish, manage, and grow a reliable online store. We provide an array of extensive web-based management tools and utilities, giving businesses of all types and size a scalable product -- one that grows with their business, accommodating each item on their growing list of needs.
About Ingeniasoft
Ingeniasoft is a world-class software developer and provider of custom applications, e-business software, integration services and Internet technologies for business computing. The company offers a wide range of solutions and services designed to automate business processes through Web- native, workflow automation and other technologies. Visit www.ingeniasoft.com.
About VARStreet
Established in 1999, VARStreet: the Xponential Commerce Company -- is the leading provider of online sales and E Commerce solutions to IT VARs and Solution Providers -- enabling VARs to electronically connect to leading distributors and serve hundreds of their customers with advanced E Commerce storefronts -- driving higher operational efficiency and exponential growth in commerce through the IT Industry Channel. VARStreet is located in Santa Clara, CA. For more information, visit http://www.varstreet.com.
(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.
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