Distribution Watch: Avnet, Arrow

Happy Friday before Christmas, and welcome to Distribution Watch, our weekly collection of distribution news you need to know. We all know Santa’s got the best distribution model ever, but what’s going on with the other distributors, you may ask? Well, grab your eggnog, put on your ugly sweater and hear what we’ve got from Avnet (AVT) and Arrow Electronics (ARW).

Avnet: The Avnet Technology Solutions group has introduced the first in a series of application-specific solutions optimized for the HP ConvergedSystem portfolio, which consists of integrated IT systems purpose-built for key workloads such as virtualization, hosted desktops and Big Data, according to the distributor. Avnet will offer two solutions for Microsoft Exchange Server 2013 and virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI) environments.

The Avnet Exchange Server 2013 solution for HP ConvergedSystem includes an integrated architecture that partners can use to deploy large messaging mailboxes for their customers, using significantly less space and energy. It is pre-sized, configured and optimized to operate on HP ConvergedSystem, but can be customized to meet the unique needs of end customers, according to the company.

Avnet’s new VDI solution for HP ConvergedSystem, meanwhile, is an appliance-like configuration that removes the guesswork from sizing and deploying virtual desktop solutions. Avnet noted. It covers architectural design, sizing, performance, and configuration instructions.

In other Avnet news, the distributor announced it has entered into a distribution agreement with SanDisk under which Avnet will offer a portfolio of flash-based hardware and software solutions to its customers throughout North America, Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA), Asia Pacific and Latin America through its Avnet Electronics Marketing and Avnet Technology Solutions operating groups.

Arrow: The Englewood, Colo.-based distributor announced the availability of Arrow enVision, a cloud-based interactive reference design application for engineers around the world.

Available on the product life cycle services platform via arrow.com, Arrow enVision enables design engineers to either start their own or select approved starter designs from a comprehensive library. Arrow enVision facilitates designing in an online schematic environment to specific requirements, shortening design cycles, according to the distributor.

Design engineers can collaborate on shared designs securely using messaging and live updates, as well as with Arrow’s technical experts for additional support.

Arrow enVision interacts with real-time pricing and availability, and reports and bill of materials can be generated and downloaded instantly.

Arrow enVision currently offers more than 1,100 interactive reference designs from leading semiconductor manufacturers, with new designs being added weekly, Arrow noted.

And that’s Distribution Watch for this week. As I prepare for my visit from the jolly old fat man in a red suit, I wish you all a safe and happy holiday.