Christian Lheureux wrote:
>
> Hi fellow listers !
>
> Well, I want to offer some suggestions, even if they're significantly
> biased, since I work for a certified HP reseller.
>
> Mark W. wrote :
>
> > Just took a look at this. On the MPE downside of things, the age-old
> problem
> > of
> > simply trying to buy something from HP raises it's head again.
> >
> > Is it still true that you can't buy an HP3000 direct from HP in the UK
> any
> > more
> > and that you have to go through VARs (like Riva for example), adding an
> > extra
> > layer of beaurocracy to the proceedings?
> >
> > Mark W.
> > SPE.
>
> It's not so much for the sake of bureaucracy, but I can contribute some
> very valid reasons (hopefully) why it's a good idea to have HP Systems sold
> thru resellers, as compared to direct selling.
>
> 1) A VAR/Systems Integrator adds a lot of technical expertise. This is
> validated by the level of agreement (VAR, Systems Integrator) granted by
> HP.
> 2) A VAR/Systems Integrator can sell a turn-key solution, complete with
> appropriate application software, third-party utilities and services. HP no
> longer has the resources and technical expertise to handle this from end to
> end.
> 3) A VAR/Systems Integrator can be closer to you, geographically speaking.
> 4) A VAR/Systems Integrator salesperson knows your company and activity
> pretty wsell, and has the possibility to spend time to increase his/her
> knowledge.
> 5) VARs/Systems Integrators are commonly companies smaller than HP, with
> less overhead. They tend to REDUCE "bureaucracy" (Mark's word) rather than
> increase it. They also tend to react much faster than a big structure like
> HP.
>
Once again HP is behind the curve.  With the advent of email,
where the
dissemination of information and the ability to order on line,
etc., many
companies are selling both ways.  Through a VAR (you get
integration and/or
support or whatever the VAR has to offer) and directly (you are
kind of on
your own, but are dealing directly - no middle bureaucracy).

Nick D.