To all: News Release
INGRAM MICRO TEAMS WITH PROTEON AND NETCOM TO BRING
COMPLETE INTERNET ACCESS PACKAGE TO VARs
Innovative kit includes high-performance Proteon router, Internet service
from NETCOM, dedicated lease line and DSU/CSU connection device
Contacts: Cindy Vergets, Ingram Micro
(714) 566-1000 ext. 3364
Joe M. Grillo, Proteon, Inc.
(508) 898-2800
Jeannie Slone, NETCOM On-Line
Communications Services
(408) 556-3211
SANTA ANA, Calif., Sept. 9, 1996 -- Ingram Micro Inc. announced today the
launch of a new Internet access package designed to help value-added
resellers (VARs) provide a complete solution to customers looking for
Internet and Intranet connectivity.
The ProConnect Internet Access package is available exclusively through
Ingram Micro starting Sept. 16. The kit includes a Proteon
high-performance GlobeTrotter 60 remote access router; Internet access
through NETCOM On-Line Communication Services Inc. and a Digital Service
Unit/Channel Service Unit (DSU/CSU) connection device.
According to Amy Hoffman, vice president of product marketing for Ingram
Micro: "Internet and Intranet connectivity is becoming increasingly
important to the distribution business. We've teamed with Proteon and
NETCOM so we can better offer VARs the best connectivity solutions at a
competitive price. These packages are flexible, powerful and easy to use.
ProConnect will help VARs serve the millions of small businesses and
organizations that have yet to tap into the Internet."
To meet the wide range of needs for small- to medium-sized businesses,
Ingram Micro will offer VARs six different packages that will vary by
connection option and subscription length. Available connection options
include full T1, 128 Kbps or 256 Kbps service with six- or 12-month
subscriptions. Prices range from $8,995 to $18,905. Ingram Micro will
also offer NETCOM service extensions at reduced prices.
"This is a very exciting option for our VARs. They can now offer
end-users everything they need to access the Internet, World Wide Web --
and even Intranet sites -- all in one box," said Lori Snow, Ingram
Micro's senior director of product marketing and general manager of its
Technical Products Division (TPD).
According to Elizabeth Vanneste, NETCOM director of VAR programs, the
partnership will play a key role in expanding NETCOM's reach to this
specialized market. "This is a combination that makes sense for customers
being serviced by regional VARs. We are enthusiastic about the
opportunity to expand NETCOM services through Ingram Micro's vast
distribution network," she said.
"ProConnect packages offer VARs one-stop shopping", said Dale Rensing,
Proteon senior product marketing manager: "Ease of purchase, installation
and service is our primary goal.
"The Internet and Intranet are expanding markets with great revenue
potential for VARs. Many users are calling on VARs to provide Internet
access for everything from simple information gathering to more complex
remote office connections. With ProConnect, the VAR simply sets up the
router and the CSU/DSU and hooks them up to the NETCOM service. It's that
easy," explained Rensing.
Proteon, Inc., located in Westborough, Mass., offers a comprehensive
family of award-winning Internet, remote access and local access products
that deliver reliable, high performance networking to users worldwide.
Proteon products are found in more than 70 percent of Fortune 100
companies.
NETCOM On-Line Communication Services, Inc. is a leading international
Internet service provider based in San Jose, Calif. Leveraging its own
high-speed nationwide TCP/IP-based network, NETCOM provides a range of
value-priced Internet services for individuals and businesses, including
local access, software options, personalized services and 24-hour
customer service. NETCOM also offers business-minded communications
solutions such as high-speed connectivity, Intranet services, website
hosting and content development.
Ingram Micro Inc., headquartered in Santa Ana, Calif., is the world's
largest wholesale distributor of microcomputer products, with 1995 sales
of $8.617 billion. The company's inventory includes 36,000 products from
more than 1,100 of the world's leading hardware and software companies.
Affiliates in 15 countries sell to 105,000 resellers in 120 countries.
Ingram Micro is the leading provider of advanced value-added services
including technical support, field services, configuration, and
fulfillment. |
