eSP - IT Solution Providers in Europe

According to Context, PC sales through the largest W. European distributors are up by 38% Yo-Y on the first 3 weeks of March, as the spread of the coronavirus (aka Covid-19) drives demand for remote-working hardware.

The demand for home-office equipment has lead to 51% Y-o-Y sales growth of notebooks, and a 9% rise in desktops. The increase is greater for business-targeted products, since commercial notebook sales are up by 56% Y-o-Y compared to 44% for consumer-targeted products. The difference is more stark in desktops, with a 16% Y-o-Y increase in just the business-targeted segment.

The coronavirus (aka Covid-19) pandemic leads to the cancellation of another trade event as AVIXA announces InfoComm 2020, set to take place in Las Vegas on 13-19 June, will no longer take place.

Initially the organisers were optimistic the show could go on, but following recommendations from the WHO and CDDC, not to mention the extreme circumstances and the size of the show, they decided not proceeding was the best choice.

HP announces a means for SMBs to stay productive even while working from home with the Neverstop Laser, a line of monochrome laser printers promising the toner capacity of tank-based inkjet printers.

According to the company, the first three Neverstop models ship with enough toner for 5000 pages, x7 more than comparable products from rival vendors. Once toner is required, customers can order lower-cost refill kits with 2500-page capacity. HP says the the refill kit are unlike traditional laser printer replacement cartridges. Whereas traditional cartridges contain both a print drum and toner, Neverstop refill kit only contain toner. Installation is also simpler, since users simply need to snap the device in the receptacle and lower a plunger to transfer toner from the kit to the printer.

Fortinet announces Fortinet Engage-- a partner program providing specialisations with a focus on growing markets, including SD-WAN and cloud, customised support and engagement flexibility to accelerate business growth and expansion.

“With today’s digital innovations being a catalyst for organisations to evolve their networks and security strategies, we have transformed our partner program so partners can untap new opportunities and rising markets, including SD-WAN," the company says. "Building on our investment in our partners, the new program offers specialisations, updated enablement initiatives and tailored support for unique business models to further partner success.”