Acer strengthens server channel with customization features and industry's shortest lead time to market

In a first of its kind for the region, Acer has introduced an online configuration tool to make finding the right solution for customers even simpler. With this tool available only to channel partners and built around a set of business logic rules, partners can construct a server from hundreds of different components and instantly learn both the price, and whether the configuration chosen is practical.

"Making sales simpler for channel partners, that is what we at Acer are aiming to do. With this feature, solutions providers will be able to quickly and conveniently ascertain which configuration is most suited to their customer," said Andrew Lamb, business development manager servers and storage, Acer Computer (M.E.) Ltd. "Rather than spending time waiting for a quote from the vendor, all the details they need are in easy reach on our website, which they will then be able to immediately pass onto their client."

Complementing Acer's online configurator, the vendor has moved to streamline its server distribution model. On assembled solutions shipped in from Acer's main manufacturing facility in Europe, lead delivery times to distributors have been reduced with all models to be available from distributors within industry standard lead times.

"Due to the increased levels of commoditization in the industry, there is very little difference between offerings from different vendors. What we are doing is offering a superior service to our channel, simplifying the entire sales cycle from the initial query right down to delivery," explained Lamb.

"With prices that are extremely competitive, a product line that is customizable for every component, and industry-beating times from factory to customer, Acer offers a compelling advantage to solutions providers looking for that extra value-add," concluded Lamb.