Hardware makers are branding. Notice that by the fourth quarter, somebody will have a MPEG-2 codec shipping in volume.............................
techweb.com
July 07, 1997, Issue: 744
Section: Channel Assembly
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Hardware manufacturers offer branding programs to VARs -- Simple Technology, Matrox logos give the 'inside scoop' on systems
By Kelly Spang
Boston -- With branding programs from hardware manufacturers, VARs are turning their custom systems inside out.
Following the "Intel Inside" branding concept, component manufacturers are providing VARs with logos that will let their customers know the brand of hardware pieces that are inside the system.
Manufacturers are providing incentives for VARs to stick their logos on custom-built systems as a means of portraying the quality of the components that are being used inside.
Component suppliers-including Matrox Graphics Inc. and Simple Technology Inc.-are using this logo strategy with both memory and graphics.
Simple Technology, Santa Ana, Calif., is offering a rebate for VARs using the "Powered by Simple Technology" logo sticker on their custom systems, designating that Simple memory modules and PC Cards are used in the system.
For each sticker, VARs can earn a 1 percent rebate. Simple Technology will determine the reimbursement level on a quarterly basis.
The rebate is part of the company's Simple-To-Order channel assembly program that was launched by the manufacturer in March.
Other features of the Simple-To-Order program include OEM pricing for systems integrators and help in identifying the correct memory module for specific systems.
The "Powered by Matrox" logo launched last month by Matrox will be used by the Montreal-based graphics manufacturer as its own marketing vehicle as well as by VARs and OEMs.
"Systems integrators like to show the hardware inside," said Matrox officials. "[VARs] can use the logo to associate [their system components] with a good reputation."
In conjunction with the company's new branding program, Matrox also unveiled its newest graphics accelerator-the Matrox Mystique 220-which is targeted specifically toward business applications.
The accelerator comes bundled with several software packages as Matrox aims to offer a complete graphics solution for business environments.
The Matrox Mystique 220 is a 2-D and 3-D accelerator for business applications on Pentium or Pentium MMX-class systems. The accelerator is upgradable with the Matrox Rainbow Runner series of video add-on cards for video editing, videoconferencing and MPEG-1 playback.
By the fourth quarter, the Rainbow Runner will include a MPEG-2 solution.
Specially targeting system integrators with the Matrox Mystique 220, VARs have options of bulk packaging for the accelerator. Five-packs are available that include five boards and one set of software for VARs building systems.
In addition, 10- and 20- packs are available.
Pricing for the Matrox Mystique 220 starts at $149 with discount pricing of between 20 percent and 40 percent in bulk packages.
Copyright (c) 1997 CMP Media Inc. |
