C2000 projects high hopes for AV biz

Targets SMEs and education

By Kelly Fiveash • Get more from this author

Posted in IT Channel, 18th April 2007 08:02 GMT

Computer 2000, which recently ramped up its audiovisual business, has confirmed that more deals with manufacturers can be expected over the coming weeks.

C2000, the UK arm of technology distributing giant Tech Data, has already signed European deals with two AV accessory manufacturers (Ergotron and Vogels) over the past few months.

Although the audiovisual market is not an entirely new area for the firm - previously AV kit was part of the peripherals division - a team of eight salespeople has been installed to exploit what is seen as a clear gap in the market.

Darren Sainsbury, the newly appointed head of C2000's AV unit, told The Reg that he wants to offer a "one-stop shop" to its 14,000-strong customer base.

He also revealed that "the big focus areas this year will be education and small business" with products that include projectors, white boards, and lamps.

He said C2000 will be competing with the likes of channel distributors Maverick and Midwich for the AV business which he described as "a large opportunity" to simplify solutions for vendors and work more closely with a variety of resellers.

Sainsbury said that "I won't become number one over night" and that "Midwich has done a fantastic job" up to now.

He added that the AV market was no longer a specialist area and the timing was right for him to "take on a new and challenging role". ®

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