Suzanne Mattaboni
Suzanne Mattaboni Communications
For D&H Distributing
(610) 261-4560
suzgm@aol.com

For Immediate Release:

D&H CANADA ENCOURAGES VARS TO CAPITALIZE ON FORTHCOMING SMB UPGRADE CYCLES

- Tablets, Touch-based Capabilities, the XP Support Deadline and Other Market Developments
Will Spur Changes in the Refresh Cycle That Can Bring Opportunity for Resellers -

MISSISSAUGA, ONT - July 31, 2013 - Major North American computer products and consumer electronics distributor D&H Canada wants to educate resellers about forthcoming upgrade opportunities. These developments are being generated by a variety of market catalysts, including the BYOD ("Bring Your Own Device") trend, an anticipated increase in touch-based computing, the ever-nearing deadline for support of Microsoft's XP operating system, and new launches of tier-one mobile devices at competitive price points.

D&H Distributing Co-president Dan Schwab predicts that touch-based GUIs originally associated with mobile devices will initiate an accelerated upgrade cycle overall. Owners of equipment from All-in-One PCs, to new touch-based notebooks and Ultrabooks, to tablets will look to obtain the latest features and apps, leading them to more frequently refresh their devices, incorporating more touchscreen interaction across-the-board. Touchscreen GUIs, including tablet formats, are creating an ecosystem of replenishable devices that can translate to ongoing revenue potential for VARs.

Both consumers and mobile workers have sanctioned mobile, touch-based interfaces, as evidenced by the explosive growth of tablets over the past year and the pervasive use of consumerized devices in the workplace. As touch becomes available in a greater range of computing formats, users will seek out the same look-and-feel they enjoy on their intuitive and easy-to-use tablets and phones.

The dynamic progression of new apps, features and capabilities is another potential driver of the hastened upgrade cycle. For instance, a slew of mobile apps for both tablets and smartphones undergo updates on a regular schedule. These applications evolve so quickly that "aging" models can no longer accommodate updates after a certain amount of an app's iterations. Operating systems also tend to sustain multiple updates per year, making it difficult for app developers to maintain versions for "older" systems. Therefore, individual units become obsolete astoundingly quickly, and sought-after capabilities are integrated into next-gen models.

Such a break-neck pace will motivate consumers to turn in their current units for fresh models approximately every two to three years, similar to the typical renewal pattern of personal phones. "The consumer is much more likely to purchase a new tablet in the $300 to $500 range in order to get the latest and greatest capability," confirmed Schwab. "For instance, plenty of consumers bought new iPhones just to get Siri when it was first introduced."

Along similar lines, as pricing for tablets and other mobile formats come down, industry-leading manufacturers are launching more devices in that "refreshable" price point of between $200 and $300. HP, for example, is offering the new Slate 7 Android-based tablets in this bracket. As users move more towards touch-enabled systems, they may seek to integrate models such as Lenovo's ThinkPad Twist, ThinkPad X1 Carbon Ultrabook and ThinkPad Tablet 2 into their business settings, to leverage additional features such as convertible formats, thin-and-lite technology, and the Windows 8 OS.

"Until recently, a tablet from a top-flight manufacturers ran more in the $500 - $600 range," explained Randy Churchill, D&H's business development manager for Canada. "When looking at the new models in the market, many users who currently own devices in a value price range will reconsider their options and upgrade to models like the Slate 7 to acquire a trusted, tier-one brand."

Microsoft has also announced the end of support for Windows XP, an operating system that is still prevalent in the business community, especially for PCs that are four years-old or older. The imminent closure of support of this OS could spark widespread upgrades. A recent study conducted by HP revealed that up to 40% of enterprise customers have not yet deployed a Windows XP alternative - and that 51% of SMB companies aren't even aware that support is scheduled to terminate. Research firm Gartner predicts that more than 15% of medium and large enterprises will still be running Windows XP on at least 10% of their PCs after support ends. Savvy resellers can pitch new models and features to this considerable pool of XP hangers-on by way of an upgraded system.

"Despite the reported impact that recent changes have had on the PC market, there are upsides to some of these events," said Churchill. "The IT marketplace never stands still. In the end, evolution leads to innovation, and to opportunities for resellers who stay informed and can adapt."

About D&H Distributing
As one of North America's leading technology distributors, D&H Canada provides a wealth of resources to empower solution providers and consultants, delivering a broad selection of SMB categories, products and applications.  The company's offerings span server and infrastructure, SOHO and mobile applications, consumer electronics and gaming. D&H's multi-market expertise, account-dedicated sales teams, sterling service and flexible financing options are unmatched in the industry.

With an impressive 95-year history serving as a trusted advisor to the reseller channel, D&H Distributing has been able to consistently reinvent itself based upon changing market conditions. The company prides itself on creating business partnerships with an astute focus on ease-of-doing-business, relationships, value, performance and service.

D&H has been named Cisco Worldwide Small Business Distributor of the Year. The company ships out of five separate locations in North America, including its US headquarters in Harrisburg, PA, and its Canadian headquarters in Mississauga, Ontario.  Additional US warehouses are located in Atlanta, GA; Chicago, IL; and Fresno, CA. Call D&H toll-free at 1-800-340-1008 or visit www.dandh.ca.

#