Avnet launches Rorke Global Solutions, a business unit providing OEMs, ISVs and channel partners with purpose-built solutions melding hardware, software and services for specific business requirements. 

Avnet Embedded senior VP Chuck Kostalnick leads the newly formed unit. 

The company crafts solutions using a combination of internally-developed and off-the-shelf technologies, while services align with each stage of the product lifecycle, from installation and advanced replacement all the way to end of life and asset recovery.  Read more...

Back in February 2013 Michael Dell announced a grand plan to bring a struggling Dell back on its feet-- a leveraged buyout (LBO) worth $24 billion. However the past months proved complicated for Dell, as shareholders division made efforts for Dell's privatisation difficult. But what exactly is going on within the Dell boardroom?

Spearheading efforts against the buyout is one Carl Icahn. A billionaire with a 6% stake in the company, Icahn opposes the buyout. He demanded a "leveraged recapitalisation" (meaning a recalculation of the PC maker's value) back in March 2013 together with other investors, chiefly Southeastern Asset management, who argue Dell's going price ($13.65 per share) is too low.

"We believe management is intentionally emphasizing declining PC sales in order to justify its inadequate buyout price," a March 2013 Southeastern statement claims.

Fast forward by four months, and Icahn fires another assault-- a letter with a very unsubtle title, "Why Does Dell Keep Attacking Its Own Business?"

Telecom Italia achieves Carrier Ethernet 2.0 certification, becoming the first company in Europe to offer such a service to enterprise and wholesale customers according to the MEF. 

“The MEF views the Carrier Ethernet 2.0 certification program as a very important chapter in the evolution of standardised Carrier Ethernet services. I believe it will open up new services and markets for Telecom Italia,” MEF president Nan Chen says. 

Italy is the 4th biggest European carrier ethernet market by revenue. Analysts estimate the Italian enterprise market Read more...

HP announces a change in leadership for the Printing and Personal Systems (PSS) unit-- after little more than a year executive VP Todd Bradley steps down from the role to assume leadership of Strategic Growth Initiatives.

In his new position Bradley will work with HP CEO Meg Whitman on boosting business in China and "extending the company’s critical channel partner relationships around the world."

“There’s nothing more important to HP than our channel partners and the future of our business in China,” Whitman says. “I’ve asked Todd to use his expertise to focus on these areas. I’ve also asked him to study the landscape of small companies and startups that could partner with HP to spur growth.”

Taking over PSS from Bradley is former Acer UK managing director and Lenovo VP (not to mention current HP PPS Asia Pacific and Japan senior VP) Dion Weisler.