MEA Q3 2020

8 MEA MARKETS / Q3 2020 MEAMARKETS / Q3 2020 9 , Shared Vision Mindware to drive Acer’s MEmarket share in the commercial sector by signing distribution deal. Mindware, a regional leader in Value Added Distribution, announced that it has signed a commercial distribution agreement across the Middle East with Acer. This will include the vendor’s commercial and education portfolio including Windows based laptops, Chromebook devices, accessories, projectors, Enduro and ConceptD devices. The main focus will be on the Travelmate Series, specifically designed both for the corporate world and the public sector. Mindware will drive the market penetration of these devices by mobilizing its extensive channel network across the region. As part of the strategy to engage more closely with the enterprise sector, vendor and distributor will work hand-in-hand to educate the market on the latest commercial and education focused best practices and technologies. Providing an insight into the partnership, Mr. Nicholas Argyrides, General Manager - Gulf at Mindware stated, “The work from home and e-learning trends have fuelled demand for laptops and smart devices. For remote workers to maintain high productivity levels, devices need to have good processing power, portability, and durability combined with business features and advanced connectivity options. On the education front, teaching staff and students need to have access to modern, purpose-built devices and apps that support the new blended learning model.” “Acer Middle East is a company that understands these imperatives and are playing a vital role in the transformation taking place in the digital workplace and the education field. Devices like the TravelMate have never been easier to work away from the office. Their wide range of robust, easy-to-use and manage Windows and Chromebook devices enables digital learning at the highest technical level. The devices facilitate collaboration and cooperation between teachers and students. We are very optimistic about the rapid uptake of these products as companies and educational institutions realize the tremendous benefits that these devices will bring to employees and students,” continued Mr. Argyrides. Acer Middle East has achieved great success in the education market with a 92% market share in Chrome OS devices for Q1’ 2020 in UAE, as per latest statistics from research and consulting firm Futuresource Consulting. In 2019, Acer Middle East achieved the number one position in the region with 71% Market Share. “As Acer Middle East looks to capitalize on the digital transformation taking place in both the education and commercial sector across the ME region, we are very pleased to partner with Mindware, a company that we believe shares our vision and drive. The focus is on small and medium businesses and the K12 education space. Mindware is the perfect partner to expand Acer’s brand awareness and loyalty amongst a focused partner base. With the support of Mindware and their reseller network, we look to replicate in this region the resounding success that our Chromebooks have experienced thus far in the Middle East,” concluded Peter Lacey, Commercial Head, Middle East at Acer. Acer Middle East and Mindware will work closely together in conducting events and webinars so as to interact and engage with resellers. This will give channel partners a better understanding of the capabilities of the various products so that they can propose the best solutions to end customers. Acer Middle East will be offering the channel the opportunity of joining its Synergy program, which provides business rewards for supporting the Acer line-up. They will also bring the well- established and industry leading ‘Reliability Promise’ to the market. With a complete service, support and marketing back office based in Dubai, the vendor will be able to offer the region attractive promotions as well as International Software Vendor (ISV) programs. Mr. Nicholas Argyrides, General Manager - Gulf at Mindware (Main) and Peter Lacey, Commercial Head, Middle East at Acer (Inset)