[January 19, 2005]

AT&T Scores Tech Data Contract

BY JOHANNE TORRES

AT&T announced today that it scored a global contract extension from Tech Data Corp. The long relationship between both companies started when AT&T arranged to provide Tech Data with an array of services that support the company’s logistics management and ordering system. Tech Data believes that such services are instrumental to the company’s success and evolution within the IT industry.

Tech Data has been using AT&T’s MPLS-enabled Internet Protocol Virtual Private Network (IP VPN) service, traditional voice and Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP - define - news - alert) and Internet services to support its U.S. and Canadian operations; and voice, Internet and a fully managed MPLS-enabled IP VPN to support European operations.

Tech Data’s IT product’s business pivots around its ordering and logistics management capabilities. These capabilities are delivered to customers through Tech Data’s call center and Web portal, which are both supported by AT&T’s services. 

“Tech Data’s entire business focuses around its ability to manage an effective supply chain—from our suppliers to our customers,” said Joseph A. Osbourn, Tech Data’s executive vice president & worldwide chief information officer. “We’re pleased to continue our strong relationship with AT&T. They have shown a strong commitment to understanding and responding to our changing needs while consistently delivering high quality service and support.”

Today’s announcement closely follows Tech Data’s recent launch of two Web-based tools that enable resellers to build fully configured whitebooks and servers powered by Intel processors. By utilizing these tools, resellers can add an array of compatible components such as memory, hard drives and DVD drives to dozens of barebones server chassis and unbranded laptops.

In other news, AT&T also released today an official announcement about a $1.4 million, two-year renewal contract it won to provide networking services for Election Systems & Software Inc. (ES&S), a provider of total election management software. ES&S provides integrated election management systems and services – supporting every phase of the election process. AT&T provides ES&S with data and voice services integrated through its AT&T Business Network (ABN) offer, which consolidates communications needs into a single contract, with a single bill. In addition, through the AT&T BusinessDirect portal, ES&S gains online access to tools that provide near real-time reports on network performance and direct access to trouble management systems.

Tech Data Corporation
www.techdata.com

AT&T
www.att.com