Coles-Myer owned reseller, Harris Technology, is preparing to launch itself into the IT services market.
For the past twelve months, the reseller has been quietly building its internal services capability as well as using the services of several outsourced service providers to prepare for an imminent launch.
“We are building a stronger services capability to refect the requirements of our customer base,” Harris Technology’s general manager, David Foster, said. “We are building our internal systems and supplementing that with business partners to gain wider geographic coverage and specific skill sets. We want to become a one-stop shop for our customers.”
Foster was not prepared to put a figure on the revenue growth he expects from the services build-out. But more than one of Harris Technology’s partners said that the reseller would like to be earning over $200 million of services-related revenue within two years.
Foster said it was too premature to talk figures.
Prior to launching its services play, Foster said Harris Tech was investing in new systems and new people.
The reseller has already taken the break-fix warranty service capability it acquired through its purchase of Portable Computer Systems in October 2003 from a NSW-based service to a national, Harris Technology-branded, operation.
The reseller has also hired former Volante and BCA IT staffer, Patrick Viney, to employ a new team of service technicians.
This internal capability is being complemented by the services of outsourced partners such as Brennan IT, Quicknowledge and United Electrical.
Director of consumer services for Quicknowledge, Greg Beckett, said that Harris Technology and Quicknowledge had formalised an arrangement whereby Quicknowledge provided bundled services such as onsite IT support. Quicknowledge's services bundles were marketed via Harris Technology’s website and by its call centre staff, Beckett said.
At present, Quicknowledge was providing services to Harris Technology’s consumer and SOHO customers, but Beckett said with some small infrastructure improvements the service provider could also tackle the SME market as well.
Harris Technology has also signed up United Electrical to tackle the small business market and select Government and Education clients.
United Electrical director, Rolf Latzel, said that 160 of United Electrical’s tier-one service agents would provide infrastructure roll-out services, warranty and maintenance services, and a 24x7 technical support help desk to Harris Technology customers.
Brennan IT is taking on the role of Harris Technology’s preferred partner for corporate, Government and education partners.
Harris Technology essentially resells Brennan’s infrastructure services such as server platform builds, network implementations and PC roll-outs.
Stevens said the relationship had been successful and rewarding.
