Distribution Watch: Synnex, Arrow Electronics, Ingram Micro

Welcome one and all to Distribution Watch, where—you guessed it—we count down the hottest news from all your favorite distributors. We know you’ve probably been busy catching World Cup fever, but here’s a good chance to get back in the technology game and read up on any news you might have missed while cheering for Team USA. This week, feast your eyes on updates from our friends at Synnex (SNX), Arrow Electronics (ARW) and Ingram Micro (IM).

Synnex: Synnex is upping its game in the wearables market with the announcement that it has been named a lead distributor of iriver, which currently produces the iriver ON exercise headset. The headset will be available to retailers through New Age Electronics, a division of Synnex, as the company looks to expand its influence in the wearables market.

"We are pleased to expand our investment in the wearable health and fitness category by bringing iriver to the IT and CE channels," said Peter Larocque, president, North America Distribution, in a statement. "This unique product line brings new possibilities to a wider demographic of users and creates a new standard for devices that blend fitness, entertainment and functionality in one of the most rapidly growing technology categories in the industry."

The Bluetooth audio headset is designed to give users real-time biometric data while exercising, including heart rate, physical location and other useful workout information. The device is also compatible with iriver’s companion app to help them create workout programs on the go. Both Synnex and iriver hope to utilize the new headset to not only to break into the wearables market, but to also take a cut of the growing fitness market, according to the press release.

"An industry-proven leader in IT and CE distribution, Synnex enables iriver to expand its reach in these dynamic channels and capitalize on new growth opportunities," said Owen Kwon, vice president, Business Development for iriver. "Our agreement brings together two leaders in technology innovation and delivers the benefits of collaboration to an established and rapidly growing health and fitness customer base."

Arrow Electronics: New Horizons Worldwide has joined Arrow’s global training alliance, the distributor’s global learning ecosystem for IBM training programs. Through the collaboration, New Horizon’s 300 training centers will gain access to consistent IBM training for their employees.

“Education is a key element of our value-added services, enabling the market and the channel to support technology suppliers with product and solution readiness,” said Laurent Sadoun, president of the Europe, Middle East and Africa region and global services for Arrow’s enterprise computing solutions segment, in a statement. “Arrow and its global training alliance companies will soon complement the portfolio with a solution approach addressing critical business areas such as Big Data, mobility, security and cloud computing, leveraging its strategic IBM relationship in product businesses, combined with Arrow’s unique network of complementary vendors in security, virtualization and mobility.”

Arrow plans to extend and adapt its global training alliance to local customer requirements going forward, so it can provide the most useful education programs for each specific region. Available training programs for Arrow’s partners include IBM Systems training, Cloud Computing and IBM Software Training.

“The addition of authorized IBM training to our suite of offerings will allow New Horizons to provide even more training solutions to our customers,” said Earle Pratt, president and CEO of New Horizons. “We are excited to work with Arrow given it uniquely combines high-end technology distribution and value-added services with IT training capabilities. The collaboration will allow New Horizons and Arrow to provide a very comprehensive offering of training and product to our mutual customers.”

Ingram Micro: Ingram Micro debuted the company’s new makeover, as the distributor looks to rebrand itself with a more modern and global look and feel. Ingram says the redesign stemmed from its desire to signal its growth in technology and supply chain leadership while also creating a name for itself as a pioneer in new technology.

“This is more than a logo change; we view this brand refresh as an investment in our future," said Alain Monié, CEO at Ingram Micro, in a statement. "Ingram Micro has made bold new moves with recent acquisitions, establishing global business units and developing a more global and customer-centric mindset with an agile, insightful and dependable culture. Our new brand identity and strategy is a reflection of a bold new Ingram Micro.”

The new Ingram Micro design features chunkier lettering and a blue and white motif. Ingram says the tilted letter G signifies its acceleration and agility, with its virtual absence from the remaining letters shows transparency and the company’s unique insights into the channel.

"With our new brand, we want to present an identity that is simple, modern and represents who we are. We have the capabilities, insight and experience to help our partners—and their customers—understand, acquire and use technology to be more competitive," said Monié. “Refreshing and repositioning the Ingram Micro brand is a natural next step in our company's growth and success. It signals our evolution from a distribution powerhouse to the world leader in technology and supply chain services.

And with that, dear readers, we leave you to enjoy the summer sunshine and kick around the old football (as the Europeans call it) in preparation of the next exciting game. Make sure to come on back next week, and keep on distributing.