Ingram Micro has unveiled plans to target a greater share of the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) market, through the signing of FreeWave in New Zealand.
Headquartered in Colorado, US, the vendor specialises in the provision of wireless solutions and third-party application hosting, with expertise across energy, manufacturing and agriculture sectors.
“The ability to securely collect, monitor and analyse data has become mission critical for businesses and organisations attempting to make their remote industrial sites run optimally,” Connector Systems general manager, Mark Dasent, said.
“The benefits in developing a robust IIoT network are now easier than ever to show a return on investment. We’re excited to sell FreeWave’s ground breaking technology to our partners in New Zealand and the Pacific.”
According to Dasent, the vendor’s range of solutions to enable communications, monitoring and application control of sites at various locations will bring “huge value” to channel partners across the country.
“FreeWave wireless IIoT solutions deliver reliable voice, video, and data access to companies in the IIoT markets,” he added.
“Their easy-to-deploy solutions for streamlined connectivity over long distances help create operational efficiencies for organisations seeking to maximise real-time decision making.
“FreeWave’s solutions provide flexible development environments so companies and organisations can design their IIoT networks from the ground up – or integrate with an existing network. It’s this approach to enabling innovation which we believe will really appeal to the New Zealand and Pacific market.”
From a channel perspective, Freewave primarily works with value-added resellers, with technology partners including Oracle, DH Wireless Solutions and Solis Energy.
“We’ve been impressed by their knowledge of the IT sector in this market and their insights into where our solutions can make a positive difference,” FreeWave director of channels, Tony Battaglia, added.
“FreeWave has over 25 years of experience in developing IIoT solutions, and we have established a strong customer base in areas such as precision agriculture, energy and smart grid networks, as well as local and central government agencies around the world. FreeWave’s products can be adapted for nearly any environment.”
Showcase 2018
The announcement comes as Ingram Micro prepares to kick-start Showcase 2018, the distributor’s annual event which is held in Christchurch, Wellington and Auckland.
“The theme for Showcase 2018 is Leading the Way – demonstrating what’s new, what’s next and how it can be used to improve business and everyday life,” Ingram Micro New Zealand executive managing director, Gary Bigwood, said.
“But Showcase 2018 will deliver more than just a quick look at the latest hardware and software – for those attending it will connect the dots through education, demonstration and proactive thought leadership.”
While change has always been a constant in the IT industry, Bigwood said the distribution giant is seeing a trend of businesses placing greater emphasis on combining commoditised products with valued-added services.
Consequently, Bigwood said channel partners must become “even more consultative” to add value.
“Businesses have always, to a greater or lesser extent, looked to their technology providers for leadership and guidance when selecting and implementing solutions,” he explained.
“What we are seeing more of now though is a distinct trend for businesses to combine commoditised products and services with greater consultation and advice from specialist partners where needed.
“Services such as the Ingram Micro Cloud Marketplace which now has IDSync (automated billing integrated to a reseller’s own system), makes it easier than ever for resellers to order, configure and deliver fully automated software keys to their clients within minutes, and then automate the monthly billing without the need for hours of manual work each month.
“However, that’s very much business as usual – the real value and opportunities are in providing insight and guidance that helps businesses use their technology investments for market advantage.”
The first leg of Showcase 2018 kicks off at Horncastle Arena in Christchurch on 15 May.
