Datrontech turns to commodity networks

Datrontech is launching a new division, Datrontech Networking, to target the small and medium business market. This new section will be promoting network computing to the PC builder community and is intended to complement the higher end networking division, Data Connectivity. The new division aims to increase network competency in PC builders and provide support and training for vendors. A survey carried out by the company found that 32 per cent of respondents look for technical support as the most important quality in an networking equipment supplier. A further 21 per cent cited speed of response as their top priority. "Most significantly this section of the market is not looking at brands but at service," said Datrontech Networking general manager Tony Wand. The education and support services is intended to differentiate Datrontech in an increasingly crowded market, while, said training would encourage high levels of customer loyalty, Mark Davison, Datrontech business manager said. The company says that it has a head start since demand for networks -already high - is being driven by hype such as the government push to get schools online, and fascination with the Internet. Vendors are also aware of the diminishing margin in PCs, and are looking to networked computers to make a profit. They include: Intel, Hewlett-Packard, Seagate Software and Kingston Networking, according to Wand. "Most networking vendors desire a presence in the SME market. Many have produced products that fit the 10-75 node network perfectly and their problem has been no effective channel to market," he said. "Datrontech customers serve the SME market and we are perfectly placed to exploit this opportunity." ®