Tech Data signs Distribution Agreement with Linksys to expand presence in SOHO networking market

Linksys is a leading provider of broadband, wireless and networking hardware for the consumer and SOHO markets. Linksys' extensive product family includes wireless and wired routers, VPN solutions, NAS, NICs and switches, as well as a series of cables and accessories.

This agreement strengthens Tech Data's position as the leading distributor of SOHO networking products in Europe and the Middle East. It also gives Linksys access to a larger base of retail, mail-order and traditional resellers and provides them access to Tech Data's first rate logistics and financial resources. Tech Data continues to be one of the leading Cisco partners in the region, with clear leadership in the networking business.

Steve Lockie, Managing Director of Tech Data Middle East, says that Linksys is an important and highly significant signing for the company. "This is a landmark agreement for Tech Data. We see networking in the home and small office as a major opportunity. Linksys products are easy to set, up, fast, reliable and affordable and we believe that, by taking them to a wider market, everyone will benefit - Linksys, Tech Data, our reseller and retailer customers, and most of all, the SOHO end-users."

All Linksys networking products are manufactured to an extremely high standard and offer resellers access to an exciting new market. They are already selling successfully through major retail and on-line IT solutions providers The Tech Data agreement will give many more organisations the opportunity to expose their customer base to the Linksys range.

"We are pleased to be working with Tech Data, a leading distributor of SOHO networking products", explains Robert Auci, International Business Development Director for Linksys. "We believe Tech Data's access to the market and value-added services can help us significantly penetrate the key market segments and customers yet untapped by Linksys."

The entire range of Linksys products is immediately available from Tech Data. Designed specifically for use in the home and SOHO environment, Linksys products enable people to share Internet connections and other devices such as scanners, CD-ROM drives and colour printers, safely and securely. Feature-rich and easy to install, all Linksys products are highly flexible and scalable. For example, the four-port Linksys EtherFast Cable/DSL Router is ideal for smaller businesses or home users who want to connect multiple PCs to a high-speed broadband Internet connection or to an Ethernet back-bone. With support for up to 253 users and built-in NAT technology providing industry-leading firewall protection, this product is also ideal for the SOHO user.

The Linksys product range extends into gaming, multimedia entertainment sharing through to high-port density unmanaged switches, cables, accessories and print servers - all priced attractively for consumers and SOHO customers.