System Builders, VARs Flocking To D&H Show For 64-Bit Training
More than 350 solution providers and system builders have signed up for the session and the number is increasing every day, said Dan Schwab, vice president of marketing at D&H, Harrisburg, Pa. More than 1,000 people are expected to attend D&H's annual Mid-Atlantic show in Hershey, Pa.
"Based on the huge demand and questions around the 64-bit desktop launch, we added the session after [an agenda was set]. It shows that it's a real opportunity," Schwab said. "We had tremendous demand when [Microsoft] launched an integrated 64-bit solution. Its resellers and system builders [are interested in the technology]. It's on desktop and on the server."
TCW Computers has sold 64-bit systems to a few customers, but the technology is too new for widespread use, said Jared Groff, sales representative at the Manheim, Pa.-based solution provider. He hopes to learn more at the D&H show.
"It's fantastic. I can't wait to use everything. But we've had a couple of headaches. There's no drivers for some things yet, so it alienates some software packages out there," Groff said.
D&H also plans to offer an Intel training presentation on the emergence of the Entertainment PC, and a Microsoft/Intel seminar on Server Solutions for Small Business, Schwab said.
"Even though this is more of an order-writing show, a product showcase, our customers have said they want other value. [The training sessions] make it more of an industry event," Schwab said. "One of our primary objectives is to move our customer base upstream and to bring enterprise technologies into SMB."
In addition, the distributor plans to showcase a digital home environment that highlights display, gaming and other technologies.
"This is an IT show, but we have solution providers also looking at digital home solutions, which are also applicable for real estate customers, boardrooms. All digital signage solutions can go to businesses," Schwab said.