Tech Data Offers Palm Configuration Services

Tech Data Palm

The agreement with Santa Clara, Calif.-based Palm, unveiled this week, calls for Tech Data to provide services such as hardware and software installations, imaging, asset tag creation, reporting, testing, end-user setup, configuration of dial-up and network services, and special packaging, said Joe Serra, vice president of product marketing at Tech Data, based here.

"This is a great opportunity for solution providers to drive a little bit of cost out of their business by reducing touch points," he said.

Tech Data, which has been actively beefing up its mobile services, also is in negotiations to provide similar services for Pocket PC and tablet PC devices, Serra said.

Next quarter, the distributor plans to launch a dedicated business unit focused on mobile solutions, which will include sales and configuration of handhelds and wireless services, he said. The group will provide expertise in mobile solutions for handhelds, notebooks, tablets and wireless LAN and WAN infrastructure.

"People are looking for a way to differentiate themselves, and mobile has a relatively low cost of entry to move into the category," Serra said.