PCR Tech and IT retail, distribution and vendor news
Nicola Young, OEM distribution and reseller sales manager at Microsoft, gives her appraisal of the key issues facing retail and how retailers can make the most of their trusted advisor status…
How important is it for UK retailers and resellers to connect with customers?
Customers always look for trusted advice and place value on experience and knowledge, but with the technology market moving so rapidly, now more than ever, customers are looking for impartial but credible advice.
What do you see being the key issues facing PC retailers in 2013?
The main issues will be how to help customers understand the roadmap for the ecosystem they are buying into, and helping them choose the right PC in an online, cloud-based and connected environment.
What products and services will you be promoting at the event this year?
Microsoft has launched a number of significant and exiting new products during recent months, so we will be spending time at this year’s PCR Boot Camp talking visitors through these new platforms and products – including Windows 8, Windows Server 2012 and of course the new Office suite.
Each of these new launches has opened up a wealth of opportunities for partners and helped them build value with their customers.
What should retailers look out for on your stand?
Throughout the day there will be short training sessions on Microsoft Office to help retailers and resellers understand the new product and the opportunity they have with new subscription models. In addition, we will also be available in the training room to go through the different types of devices and how Windows 8 provides a consistent experience.
What distinguishes you from your competitors?
The ecosystem. We have PC, tablet and phone offerings, a gaming platform plus the online services attached to it: Xbox Live, Outlook.com, Skype, SkyDrive. Our products are interoperable and offer a unique multi-platform experience that makes them both easy to use and to manage.
What are you looking forward to most at the PCR Boot Camp?
Seeing the variety of retailers and resellers that were in attendance at last year’s Boot Camp, it’s clear the event was well structured ensuring every delegate got something out of the day – whether it was peer interaction over drinks or learning about the latest tech during one of the seminars.
It’s great that PCR has taken the initiative to deliver this event, which provides value for retailers, resellers distributors and vendors alike. We are really excited to be involved and be at the show to speak with the channel and support our partners.
