VAR Vendors and Resellers April/May 2018

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A F R I C A

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Issue 223

April/May 2018

What’sNew - Pg 12

News - Pg 10

News - Pg 7

News - Pg 8

PNY Elite 512GB microSD Cards

Zotac showcased range of products at Computex 2018

Epson’s latest business inkjets

Sony’s New BRAVIA 4K line-up

Barco, Trigon Reinforce Channel Partnership for UniSee LCD Video Wall in UAE The MEA division of global technology company Barco has reinforced its partnership with Trigon, the value-added distributor (VAD) for its UniSee LCD video wall platform in the UAE, through holding the first joint sales training workshop for IT and AV resellers. ...continued on P - 4

Toshiba STARS Award Event ...continued on P - 4

2018

June 2018

News

New Velop Dual-Band mesh Wifi System in UAE

Linksys, celebrating thirty years of networking and WiFi innovation for the home and business this year, has announced the availability of its latest addition to the Linksys family of Velop Whole Home WiFi Mesh Systems, the new Velop Dual-Band Mesh WiFi System. The new Velop Dual-Band Series is a smaller and more affordable WiFi System that is designed and built as the world’s first entry-level flexible WiFi System. It also provides all the same software features found in the Velop Tri-Band offerings as well as ease of use and set up with the Linksys App but in a smaller form factor with Dual-Band technology at a more affordable price.

It can be installed in various mesh configurations to support any type of home, floorplan or WiFi footprint.

Velop is compatible with any ISP modem or gateway. Both Dual-Band and Tri-Band nodes are 100% interoperable and interchangeable and allow for easy upgradability based on a customers’ need. Velop Dual-Band nodes are designed for performance and stand about two inches shorter than the Velop Tri-Band solution making it small enough to be placed anywhere. Watch out for coming out this month, Velop Wall Mount to put Velop in high locations on the wall or remove from shelves for a clutter-free environment.

Key benefits: • Powerful Dual-Band Technology–Each Velop node is a Dual-Band AC 2x2 802.11ac Wave 2 with MU-MIMO radio configuration with combined speed up to 1300 Mbps**.

• True Modular Mesh Design – Each node is built to connect with each other over WiFi or wired Ethernet orr combination of the two for best performance. They auto configure to connect in multiple different mesh topologies.

• Intelligent Mesh Technology – Intelligent Mesh Technology is aimed at simplifying Wi-Fi networking and optimizes end-to-end performance. The Velop system adapts to a user’s WiFi needs. It self-heals and optimizes to consistently deliver fast, flawless WiFi everywhere in home.

• Velop Dual-Band and Tri-Band are interoperable – Velop is the most flexible WiFi system which users can n simply select a Velop system based on size of their home, Internet service package or smart home readiness. Velop users can use both the Tri-Band and Dual-Band versions on the same network. Adding a Dual-Band node to an existing Tri-Band mesh network is an affordable way to extend coverage.

• Easy App-Led Setup – Linksys App-based set-up makes it easier than ever to setup and manage a network.

• Patent-Pending Spot Finder Technology – The placement of each node is critical to establish a reliable connection. During setup, Velop will recom mend the best placement to reduce latency, maximize throughput and improve range and signal strength.

• Velop works with Amazon Alexa – Velop includes custom Amazon Alexa “skills” that can turn the guest network on/off and read back the credentials of both the main and guest networks • Automatic Updates – With automatic software updates, Velop will always remain up-to-date and highly secure without having to update hardware. Velop will automatically monitor for updates and apply new software that unlock new features, resolution to security vulnerabilities, and improved performance as they become available.

• Superior Warranty and Support – Velop comes with a 3-year warranty and support

LG V35 THINQ: a faster V series phone

LG Electronics (LG)announces the LG V35ThinQ, the latest iteration of its V series of premium multimedia smartphones.

The LG V35ThinQcontinues to improvethe V series platform with better performance,photography, audio and AI functionalities.

Catering to the most demanding of users, the device features the latest Qualcomm Snapdragon 845 mobile platform paired with 6GB of RAM and 64GB/128GB of internal storage.

The LG V35ThinQ retains the stunning 6-inch 18:9 OLED FullVision display with QHD+ (2880 x 1440) resolution in a compact form factor that weighs only 157g and measures a thin 7.3mm.

The display is also equipped with the scratch-resistant CorningGorilla Glass 5 that is curved around the edge for a sleek and premium feel. The LG V35ThinQis built to withstand the rigors of daily use with its IP68 rating for dust and water resistanceand a passing grade in 14 of the US military’s MIL-STD 810G tests for reliability of equipment performance in harsh environments

A Better, Smarter Camera

PNY Introduces the Elite-X Type-C USB 3.1 Portable SSD At this year’s Computex PNY Technologies will be showcasing several new products at the Grand Hyatt Hotel; among them is the PNY Elite-X Type-C USB 3.1 Portable SSD. The portable SSD, offering storage capacities ranging from 240GB-960GB and transfer speeds of up to 800MB/s read and 660MB/s write. The sleek aluminium pocket-sized design makes it the ideal travel companion for photographers, videographers, graphic designers or any mainstream computer user who needs to store or transfer large files on the go.

The PNY Elite-X Type-C USB 3.1 Portable SSD is compatible with USB Type-C and Type-A enabled PC and Mac desktop and laptop computers. In addition, it comes with Acronis True Image Data Protection software, which allows users to manage backups in a simpler and safer way because of its visual backup feature, which shows the status, size, speed, and versions, as well as colour-coding the users file types.

It is the next generation mobile storage solution offering users convenience, fast transfer speeds and large storage capabilities to transfer and store anything from documents

and music, to photos and videos – wherever they are. With PNY’s latest Portable SSD, you can take your data with you, wherever you go.

The new Elite-X Type-C USB 3.1 Portable SSD will be available beginning July, 2018.

The LG V35ThinQ sports a new rear dual camera module featuring two 16MP lenses in standard and Super Wide Angle configurations that was first introduced in the newLG G7 ThinQ. It now features less edge distortion with sharper and more natural photos from previously. The front camera gets a huge bump in resolution from 5MP to 8MP. It also has the improved AI CAM with 19 shooting modes to help users take better photos every time. Improving on the low light photography capability in the V30SThinQ, it features the new Super Bright Camera to capture low light images that are approximatelyfour times brighter. With the help of pixel binning and advanced software processing techniques, the AI algorithm determines the best settings when shooting in dim environments.

AI Features to Make Life Convenient The newest V series smartphone will also feature Google Lens in the camera app as well as from within Google Assistant and Google Photos. With Google Lens, users can get more information on objects such as landmarks, plants, animals and books by just pointing with the camera.

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News

Editorial

Trigon

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Truly unique Hope you all are enjoying the summer that's setting in the region and strategizing to consolidate your positon as you enter second half of the year.

Information technology has transformed our lives during the past half-century. And it has enabled a new generation of Brands, products & entrepreneurs, to honor the best in the industry we have launched special category awards for the unique products and services.

Soon you will hear on our upcoming awards which is a mix of channel and consumer identifying the best in business as we truly believe Awards is a great certificate to recognize and honor the innovation emerging from IT companies in the region and to recognize the impact they have on business and society. We have received more than 200 nominations from the industry and it will go through a complex but a very transparent & scientific process of voting and will include new introduced products and services and also those who have truly impacted our lives positively and shaping the future that beholds.

We don't want to miss on any of you and encourage you to participate in full capacity. Our Choice of Channel Awards are scheduled for last quarter this year and Channel will further consolidate and

The MEA division of global technology company Barco has reinforced its partnership with Trigon, the valueadded distributor (VAD) for its UniSee LCD video wall platform in the UAE, through holding the first joint sales training workshop for IT and AV resellers.

Following the official announcement of the collaboration in October 2017, the event took place at Barco’s Experience Center in Dubai Media City. Headlined by Eric Brouwers, Vice President for MEA at Barco, and Arun Chawla, CEO of Trigon, the workshop showcased the capabilities of Barco UniSee video wall platform.

Barco UniSee is a visualization tool for spaces such as high-end meeting rooms, lobbies and reception areas, experience centers and control rooms. The entire LCD video wall is completely bezel-less, creating a seamless viewing experience. It is based on a modular platform with individual liquid crystal monitor (LCM) panels, designed and produced in-house, fitted onto an innovative mounting system powered by gravity, ensuring perfect alignment. The mounting plug-andplay system includes all input and power modules, resulting in significantly reduced set-up and maintenance requirements for installers, IT professionals and facilities managers.

Speaking at the event, Chawla said: “We are proud to collaborate with Barco as its distributor for UniSee in the UAE. The demand for LCD video walls in the local market has increased significantly as the retail

and outdoor marketing segments continue to register unprecedented growth. As a global leader in the visualization technology space, Barco is well-positioned to meet the needs of the market and offer a superior user experience.”

For his part, Brouwers said: “Trigon is a trusted name in the UAE’s technology market and a strong player in the video wall segment. We are confident that this partnership will yield excellent results in the coming year, especially as the country gears up for mega events such as Expo 2020 that is expected to drive growth across target sectors within the LCD market, including retail, hospitality and other fields using digital signage.”

He added: “We developed Barco UniSee as our flagship LCD video wall platform, following years of investment in research and development focusing on market needs. Through our strategic partnerships, we aim to redefine and disrupt the LCD video wall segment in the UAE.”

sub-distribution model which is a mix of product distribution and services both at pre-sales level and implementation will take center stage in times ahead We wish every one Eid Mubarak and would be back with some path breaking initiatives from our side which further lay foundation of strong growth and success for all our trusted partner's and industry leaders.

Vivek Sharma Managing Editor

Managing Editor: Vivek Sharma Art Director: Faiz Ahmed Business Development Manager: Mallika Rego Sales Manager: Christopher David Published by:

JNS Media International MFZE P.O. Box: 121075, Montana Building 404, Zabeel Road, Near GPO, Karama, Dubai-UAE Tel: 04-3705022 Fax: 04-3706639 sales@var-mea.com or info@var-mea.com www.VARonline.com Disclaimer: While the publishers have made every attempt possible to get accurate information on published content in this magazine they cannot be held liable for any errors herein.

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Toshiba STARS Award Event The Storage Division of Toshiba Gulf FZE, the regional subsidiary of the Japanese digital and storage giant Toshiba, honored top performing distributors, retailers and resellers in the Middle East and Africa region at the annual Toshiba STARS Award event in Dubai on May 7.

The Toshiba STARS Award event was held at MonaLisa Yacht in Dubai Marina Promenade, distribution, retail and dealer channel partners attended the event.

Toshiba STARS Awards are given annually for each business unit to top performers in the distribution, retail and reseller category. The award has three categories, Gold, Silver and Bronze.

This year in the HDD distributor category, winners of the Gold Award included Al Futtaim Electronics LLC (UAE), Ashtel LLC (UAE and KSA); Mitsumi Distribution LLC (East & West Africa), and Mustek Limited (South Africa). Jarir Book Store (KSA), Carrefour (UAE) and Lulu (GCC) were winners of Gold Award in Retail Partner category. Global Computers LLC (UAE) won gold for top performance as a reseller.

Toshiba STARS award was part of Toshiba’s annual MEA Distributor Conference for Hard Disk

Drive held in Dubai on 7th May 218 at Hyatt Regency Creek Heights.

22 distributors attended the annual Distributor event across Middle East and Africa region. These distributors are focused on distribution of Toshiba Storage products, including the complete range of Hard Disk Drives from Personal Storage to Enterprise Storage.

At the event Toshiba launched its new branding campaign “Think Back Up! Think Toshiba!’’ Toshiba also unveiled a new range of color-coded internal drive offering higher storage capacities, low power management or extreme performance for high-intensity gaming and applications. Highlights of the product launch was the World’s 1st 14TB Capacity CMR HDD with the Helium Sealed design for better Power efficiency (50% Power saving W/GB) Hirohisa Fujiki – General Manager, HDD Sales & Marketing Department, Toshiba Corporation, also attended the Distributor and Award event. Fujiki San commented ‘’ Toshiba targets to be a market leader in the HDD segment , we aim to increase share in each category from personal Storage to Enterprise storage, Toshiba HDD range offers superb quality, reliability and technical expertise.’’

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