Tech Data Web Site Down, Disrupting Online Ordering
VARs said the system problems, which appear to include e-mail, are unusual and are hampering their ability to place and check on orders.
One VAR, who asked not to be identified, said Tech Data's site has been down all day, but the Clearwater, Fla.-based distributor is still able to process orders via phone.
Calls to Tech Data weren't returned Friday afternoon.
"Talking to them, they're having what sounds like system issues. It's frustrating to have to call them to get information," said Jay Tipton, vice president of Technology Specialists, a Fort Wayne, Ind.-based solution provider. Tech Data also is having disruptions in e-mail and phone service, he added.
"To be down this long is very unusual. All the distributors have had their hiccups with their Web sites. But the Tech Data Web site is not even responding to a ping," Tipton added. "We don't know what is causing it or when it will be back up."
Any VAR phoning in an order to Tech Data is being given free shipping because of the Web site problems, according to Tipton. "At least they are dealing with this proactively," he said. "They are in a real bad situation."
In the past, VARs have complained about the Web sites of broadline distributors, saying their e-commerce sites aren't as robust or easy to use as e-tailer sites.
Additional reporting: Steven Burke