Distribution Watch: Avnet, BrightPoint, Computerlinks

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Avnet: The Phoenix-based distribution powerhouse has expanded in Latin America with the opening of a new full-service technology integration center in Joinville, Brazil. The 48,000-square-foot facility provides integration services for Avnet Embedded customers and Avnet Technology Solutions’ OEMs, VARs and supply chain partners.

With this latest opening, Avnet now operates technology integration facilities in North and South America, Europe and Asia-Pacific. According to Avnet, the Joinville facility has the capacity to ship more than 135,000 technology systems annually and provides hardware integration, software configuration, system maintenance, diagnostics and functional testing, as well as packaging and logistics solutions support. It will also have a first article lab, technology engineering team and fulfillment center with high-bay warehouse space.

“Avnet’s higher-end technology integration services, such as complex system configurations and software customization, are in high demand in the fast-growing Latin American market,” said Gerry Fay, chief global logistics and operations officer for Avnet, Inc. “The center is an outstanding addition to the scale and scope of our worldwide logistics network and is positioned to provide services throughout the region. It also reflects Avnet’s strategy of providing our integration customers with consistent customer service and quality in all regions of the world through Avnet owned and managed facilities.”

Brightpoint: The North American subsidiary of device lifecycle management services provider BrightPoint, BrightPoint Americas, has entered into a logistic services relationship with mobile broadband company FreedomPop, the free mobile broadband service provider whose forthcoming $99 iPhone 4 sleeve promises to deliver WiMAX with up to 500MB of data. Under the agreement, BrightPoint Americas will provide a variety of logistic services including inventory management, kitting, packaging, transportation management, order fulfillment and reverse logistics.

“We are pleased to work with BrightPoint Americas, a proven leader in logistics who can support the aggressive growth projections we have,” said Steven Sesar, FreedomPop COO. “This relationship enables FreedomPop to benefit from BrightPoint’s extensive logistics expertise and proven device lifecycle services and will provide our customers with prompt fulfillment and delivery of FreedomPop devices.”

Computerlinks: The global distribution company has added Websense (NASDAQ: WBSN) security solutions to its linecard, giving Websense North American partners and systems integrators another option to source Websense’s  TRITON solutions set.

Under the terms of the agreement, Computerlinks will offer pre-and post-sales activities, including professional services, financing options, marketing support, demand generation and more, according to the company.

“Websense is a superb partner because their security technology, roadmap and proven effectiveness have continued to exceed other security vendors in the same market space,” said Wendy Hoey, vice president for Computerlinks North America. “Every day Computerlinks works with our customers to fully understand their business objectives, and develop specific programs and tools that will help them increase revenue. This Websense partnership is a crucial piece of our strategy to meet the security needs of today’s enterprise.”

And that’s this week’s Distribution Watch. Check back next week for the latest news in the world of distribution. Until then, keep your nose clean. I’m watching you.