Rectron brings Microsoft-via-ESD to South Africa

Rectron can now electronically send product key details to its clients via electronic software delivery (ESD) for Microsoft products. Rectron is the second Microsoft distributor in Middle East and Africa, and the first in South Africa to launch ESD.

ESD is a secure way of delivering a product key directly to consumers and small businesses via the retail, e-tail and reseller channel. The offering aims to empower the channel by providing a new, convenient way of delivering Microsoft solutions.

The delivery method offers numerous benefits to the channel, including:

· Faster turnaround times РProduct keys are delivered within minutes, rather than days.

· Lower costs РCourier costs are eliminated as there is no physical media that needs to be delivered.

¬∑ Wider product variety – Resellers no longer need to hold physical stock on premises. Any of Microsoft’s retail products can be accessed via ESD.

· No stock risk РNot having stock on premises eliminates a number of risks, including theft and damage. Resellers can also deliver the solutions to their customers faster, without the risks associated with physically delivering products.

We’re living in an age of instant gratification. People have become impatient: they are used to having immediate access to a plethora of apps at their disposal and are accustomed to making purchases with ease. We believe that this access should extend beyond personal usage and into business purchases within the channel too,” says Elaine Wang, Group Microsoft Business Unit Manager at Rectron. “The new electronic software delivery method provides the channel with a quick, convenient and hassle-free option for procuring Microsoft products. It boosts their reputation and trust among customers and enhances business relationships. As there are no delivery costs, the channel also saves money, which translates into a healthier bottom line. Best of all, it’s secure and there’s no learning curve.

Resellers can order ESD products from Rectron in the same way they have ordered other products. Once an order is placed, Rectron systems automatically fetch the product tokens from Microsoft, which are emailed to the reseller. These emails contain activation links, which customers click on to download the software.

Electronic software delivery is a channel differentiator,” concludes Wang. “In order to remain competitive, we need to think outside the box in terms of services and value proposition. Through this delivery method, we’re empowering the channel to improve service and delivery times to their clients, and are streamlining software installation and usage. As more and more services move into the cloud, and as more businesses leverage as-a-service offerings, ESD will become a fundamental competitive advantage for resellers.

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