Resellers predicts growth in demand for wireless

Benefits of virtualised wireless still to be realised

12 December 2011, Cirencester – 93% of UK resellers expect their customers’ demands for wireless to grow, according to a survey by Zycko, the pan-European value-added distributor of leading edge IT solutions.

The research revealed that 78% of resellers already offer wireless to their customers, who use it primarily (68%) for data, and ranked security and reliability as the most important factors in selecting a wireless solution. According to respondents, the increase in the use of smartphones and tablets is driving the trend, with 75% claiming that customers had asked them about changing their network requirements to accommodate mobile devices.

However, only 7% of those surveyed claimed to have an advanced understanding of wireless virtualisation, with 42% admitting to having little or no understanding of the technology, suggesting that the channel is still reliant on microcell technology. Fewer than 30% of respondents were aware of the constraints of microcell, which include problems with radio interference, channel planning and bandwidth contention.

David Galton-Fenzi, Zycko’s Group Sales and Marketing Director, comments: “The channel’s positive forecasts for the wireless market are no surprise. However, as networks have to accommodate more smartphones and tablets, which require high density environments, the need to consider virtualised WLAN, such as that provided by Meru Networks, will quickly become apparent.”

A concurrent survey of business end users revealed that 40% are spending more than £5,000 on network maintenance and 27% are spending over £5,000 on copper cables each year.

Galton-Fenzi concludes: “With virtualised WLAN this level of spending becomes unnecessary. Wireless virtualisation represents a new way of building wireless networks, which demands more advanced technology from access points and controllers but less time and expense from the IT department. It is therefore likely that cost savings will drive growth in this market.”

-ENDS-

For more information or interview opportunities, please contact:

TopLine Communications

+44 (0) 20 7580 6502

zycko@toplinecomms.com

About the survey

The survey was based on a UK sample of 87 resellers and 48 IT managers.

About Zycko

Zycko is an international value-add distributor of leading-edge IT solutions, covering technology areas for every part of the business IT infrastructure, including: data networking, data storage, virtualisation and data centre infrastructure. Through extensive technology and marketplace knowledge, Zycko executes the due diligence necessary to select leading-edge strategic partners and technologies that give our customers an opportunity to differentiate in a crowded market, through first-class proven solutions.

Zycko's provision of leading-edge IT products and logistics management is supported by true value add professional and business services - such as pre-sales expertise, technical support, custom configuration, an industry-leading accredited training programme, full demonstration and proof of concept facilities, financing, waste management, and in-house marketing support. These vital services enable our customers to quickly deliver profits and invest in new market opportunities.

Zycko's strategic partner base includes world-class companies and next generation technologies such as Aastra, Asigra, Eaton, ExaGrid, FalconStor, Force10 Networks, Hitachi Data Systems, Huawei Symantec, Kemp LifeSize, Meru Networks, PowerDsine, ProLabs, Riverbed, Snom, SmartOptics, Spectra Logic, Talari, Tintri, USystems, Virtual Instruments, Vyatta and Xsigo.

Zycko is privately held and has been profitable since inception in 1999; it operates from 14 offices on 4 continents.

Zycko works extensively with its channel partners, delivering high value and excellent customer care.

Zycko is the channel partner of choice for IT solutions providers.

For more information visit: www.zycko.com