Distribution Briefs

Infotel Adds Server Models

new server lineup built on Intel platforms. The entry-level system features P4 processing and dual-channel ATA RAID. The small office, workgroup and departmental models have dual Xeon capability with either ATA or SCSI RAID options. Infotel, based in Fletcher, Ohio, now also offers 1U, 2U and 4U high-density solutions that incorporate Xeon technology. The Ultra PCs, along with many peripherals and optical drives, are available with a more high-tech look and color,midnight black. The same enhancements are also available with the Ultra's new series of low-profile PCs, which offer flexibility and performance in a small-form factor.

D&H Brings Web Storefront 'Rite2u'
Harrisburg, Pa.-based D&H Distributing has launched Rite2u, a Web-site service for VARs that offers a content-rich storefront customized with each company's branding. The service provides a full-scale, e-commerce business with no investment, inventory concerns or credit risks to D&H partners. Sites can be implemented in a few days' time at no cost to the VAR who is given an account, can resell thousands of SKUs and is paid agent commissions of up to 20 percent on purchases. While D&H remains invisible to the customer, it does maintain each site and fulfill shipments, which are branded Rite2u with VAR contact and support information included. Rite2u handles the credit-card transactions as well.

Cingular, Tech Data Go Out On the RIM
In a new agreement with Cingular Wireless, Tech Data increased its wireless offerings to include Research In Motion (RIM) 957, 950 and enterprise server-software communications products with Cingular's Xpress Mail Enterprise Edition nationwide wireless service. Xpress Mail gives users a real-time and secure view of their desktops. The RIM 957 is a palm-sized wireless handheld, the 950 is a two-way pager and the enterprise server is optional add-on software. VARs certified in Microsoft Exchange and Lotus Domino Server are eligible to become authorized dealers.

Catalyst Telecom Offers Avaya IP Tool
ScanSource division Catalyst Telecom has unveiled an online Avaya IP Office Configuration Tool at catalysttelecom.com. Developed by Catalyst's technical services team, the 24/7 tool allows customers to quickly develop and configure an IP Office,a converged communications solution from Avaya that helps SMB customers utilize VoIP technology. Solution providers fill out a needs-analysis form outlining their customers' IP Office needs, and the entire system is built within seconds, including all necessary components and a price quote. They will also have access to technical support and Avaya-related configuration tools.

Westcon Bolsters Security Portfolio
Tarrytown, N.Y.-based Westcon Group will distribute Secos' SecoSpider and SecoShield security products throughout North America, according to a recent announcement by the companies. Secos, based in Irvine, Calif., provides security products for enterprises and SMBs. SecoShield is a network-based, real-time intrusion-detection system. SecoSpider is an enterprise security-management software solution that maximizes network security by centralizing critical security components on a single console.

Graybar Tackles $90 Million IT Network Upgrade
Electrical distributor Graybar, based in St. Louis, has taken on a $90 million project to upgrade its IT network and systems across more than 250 U.S. locations. The upgrade will link 14 regional-zone warehouses and 200-plus local branches to a robust data network, which will make 24- to 48-hour delivery of products possible. Customers will have access to numerous offerings, including advanced project management, kitting, assembly, build-to-spec, rack and stack, and more than 1.2 million different products made by 4,500 manufacturers distributed by Graybar. Earlier this year, the company announced a partnership with SAP, bringing in its full line of products for the upgrade, including supply-chain management, CRM, enterprise portals and business intelligence,making it SAP's largest project in the distribution/

logistics industry.