Only a month after being unveiled as Cisco’s distribution partner (CDP) for Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, the UAE and Yemen, Logicom has its sights set on the Saudi market. The Cyprus-based distributor is looking at plans to move into the Kingdom and develop Cisco’s channel.
“We are going to have our own people on the ground in Saudi Arabia, supporting resellers and providing logistical support,” says Omiros Pissarides, general manager at Logicom. “We are not simply going to sit in Dubai and work remotely, as we believe that the closer you are to the customer, the more business you will get. Our successful approach is the reason why Cisco chose us to be a CDP.”
Logicom has been quick to step into the breach after Cisco’s distribution relationships with Online Distribution and Mindware ended in early 2004. It has been tempting resellers with good credit terms, local support and rapid product supply.
“We appeal to Cisco partners through offering that value added option in every area. Logicom is an attractive alternative to Cisco’s other CDP in the region. We hope to expand to meet the challenge of the emerging SMB market,” he adds.
While Logicom’s short term goals include making Cisco’s products a success in the GCC, its long term aims include possible expansion into north African markets to capitalise on the IT prospects in that region.