i-mate retailers given major boost by Source IT

A visit to one of the company's many retail and vendor partners at GITEX 2005 confirms that the scope of this shift is more than just a passing whim.

As the authorized distributors of some of the leading mobility brands such as i-mate™, the specialist Microsoft Windows Mobile handheld devices, as well as NAVIGON, Bluetrek, Jabra, Covertec and Leadtek, Source IT are building on the phenomenal success of GITEX 2004, where commendations were received for their unique and refreshing approach to technology product distribution.

The company's "Shop-in-Shop" concept, for instance, is a perfect example of Source IT's innovative and direct approach to improving service at the shop floor level. The idea involves a team of highly specialized sales promotion consultants, trained by Source IT, deployed at key retailers to sell a specific product line, and offer expert advice about associated options and accessories.

This strategy proved so successful last year that this time around, Source IT has trained 25 of these sales consultants, especially for GITEX, for utilization throughout the company's retail partners. Deployed specifically with the i-mate™ product portfolio in mind, a range which includes brand new i-mate™ devices, the i-mate™ JASJAR and the i-mate™ K-JAM, the experts will be operating in Wireless Planet, Compume, Jacky's Electronics, Kite General Trading and Plug-Ins Electronix.

Ahmed Al-Azzawi, director, Source IT, commented: "As the Middle East technology landscape matures, handheld mobile devices are becoming increasingly common, and the trick with such "converged" devices is to get the right mix of features and corresponding options. By deploying highly specialized retail experts in key locations, customers can receive a comprehensive education about the full benefits of such devices, so they can be confident of making the right choice."

GITEX also sees the continuation of Source IT's "hard-bundling" sales approach, a concept that the company pioneered in the Middle East, whereby products are sold grouped together, adding value to purchases, and providing visible savings for customers.

This year, Source IT has built further bundling options around the i-mate™ range. The "JAM Pack" for example, includes a Bluetrek bluetooth headset; an aluminium flight case; a three-in-one travel, sync and car-charger; and additional memory, all sold alongside the 64MB i-mate™ JAM Silver device.

Additional bundling options will also be available for other products in the i-mate™ range, which include the 128MB black-coloured JAM, the recently introduced PDA2, the SP3, the PDA2K, and the SP3i.

"Buyers will have the chance to upgrade the capabilities of these i-mate™ devices with additional memory, Wi-Fi cards and other key enhancements. Choosing the hand-picked, customised options, grouped together, not only gives the customer extended choice and higher specifications, but also presents a unique value proposition," continued Al-Azzawi.

Source IT is leading the market by introducing innovative retail marketing techniques and by insisting on close involvement with all aspects of its distribution channels, from the vendor to the shop floor. The strategy has enabled the company to develop in size, reputation and revenue, beyond market expectations. As the Middle East technology market continues to surprise, so does Source IT.

Technology retailers or IT-Communications vendors looking to increase or enhance their regional penetration can visit leading representatives from Source IT at the GITEX trade show, on the i-mate™ stand, hall 6, A6-1.