Original URL: https://www.theregister.com/1998/09/14/resellers_unite_to_pitch/

Resellers unite to pitch for multinationals

A group of European companies plans presence in three continents

By John Lettice

Posted in On-Prem, 14th September 1998 06:36 GMT

A group of resellers with a presence in Europe and the US has formed an international consortium aiming at major multinationals. The consortium, IT International, claims combined sales of over US$1.7 billion, and is chaired by Philip Garnar of the UK’s Elcom Group, whose American parent also provides the US presence. IT International, says Garnar, intends to address the increased centralisation of buying decisions by major multinational corporations. "The consortium, which brings together the finest service providers in Europe and North America, has been formed to allow multinational players to implement global IT strategies with local support. "Customers will have single source ordering with an easy-to-monitor service level agreement and benefit from best possible pricing." IT International currently has offices in 12 countries, and intends to expand to 20 offices across three continents by the end of the year. Other founding members are AB Microconseil (France), Computer Company (Benelux), Bechtle Group (Germany), CMA Group (Scandinavia and Russia), Dirtesa (Spain). The group intends to use e-commerce systems to supply customers, providing them with real-time ordering, stock availability information and customised pricing (Does this mean online gouging? – Ed). It aims to offer an average ship time of five days, with a 99.7 per cent service level achievement. According to Computer Company's President and Chief Executive Jos Houben, IT International will deliver "comprehensive end-to-end solutions, via both central and local contact points, using consistent systems, prices, and operating practices across all countries". ®