Original URL: https://www.theregister.com/1998/08/21/sun_rises_on_horizon_s/

Sun rises on Horizon’s horizon

Reseller gets shot, in the arm

By Sean Fleming

Posted in On-Prem, 21st August 1998 13:53 GMT

It’s been an eventful summer for Sun Microsystems reseller Horizon. In the UK it has stepped up its level of accreditation with Sun by becoming a Sun ServiceManager centre, while its Ireland operation received a welcome shot in the arm when it snapped up Ingram Micro’s training division. The distribution giant had been expected to sell its training arm to Dutch firm CompuTrain, Holland’s largest Microsoft training house, when Horizon stepped in and pipped the lowlanders at the post. With only hours to spare before the sale was due to be completed, the dramatic turn of events came as a surprise to CompuTrain’s MD, Jeroen van Hilten, who said: “The only thing that was left to do was for me to put my signature on the contract. As far as I was aware, we had agreed the deal in the morning and were ready to sign. It was a sure thing as far as we knew.” Van Hilten went on to say that he was disappointed, while his counterpart at Horizon Technical Services, Patricia Fitzgerald, said: “Business will continue as usual.” Back in the UK, Horizon’s improved Sun service status means it can now boast a full range of products and services. UK MD Pete Deane said: “By achieving Accredited Sun ServiceManager status, we've demonstrated how committed we are to investing in the skills and infrastructure needed to provide a higher level of post-sales support.” ®