Tech Data to Distribute Xperia Phones Through Sony Partnership

Tech Data (TECD) and Sony (SNY) have entered into a new partnership that will allow the distributor to provide the Sony Mobile line of smartphones, tablets and accessories through its Systems and Peripherals (S&P) division. The agreement will allow authorized Sony resellers to offer their customers a complete mobile solution, including the company’s wearable devices.

“We are pleased to add Sony Mobile Communications to our S&P portfolio,” said Wendy Maurer-Linsky, vice president, Product Marketing, Systems & Peripherals at Tech Data, in a prepared statement. “With the addition of the Sony Xperia lineup, we are further enabling solution providers to capture the opportunities that exist in the mobile market, including expanded merchandising and solutions bundling, to offer their end-user customers a complete solution. Xperia smartphones complement the greater Sony ecosystem of devices, creating a natural fit for our channel partners.”

Currently, Sony sells more than half a dozen different Xperia smartphone models, including the Xperia M and Xperia Z. Several notable features that distinguish the Xperia lineup from comparable Android devices include Sony’s promise of waterproof capabilities for certain models as well as the same display technology featured in its HD televisions. The company recently released the Xperia Z2 tablet in April.

“Sony Mobile is excited to partner with Tech Data and add mobile to the current key partnership that exists with Sony Electronics,” said Takeshi Ishida, vice president, Sales, Sony Mobile Communications US. “It is important to us to bring the full ecosystem of Sony products and experiences as a perfect complement to Tech Data’s S&P division.”

Last week, Tech Data announced it would begin distributing 3D printing and scanning products from MakerBot as the printing company looks to branch out into channel sales in North America. Tech Data also expanded its existing alliance with Extreme Networks, which will allow the distributor to provide additional customer resources, credit opportunities, technical support and more to its network of solution providers. Tech Data launched its TDSMB website at the beginning of the month to help its pool of small- and midsized-business solution providers access its growing product portfolio.