Linksys signs Tech Pac

Cisco-owned SMB network equipment provider Linksys has signed Tech Pacific as its third distributor in a move that would give it a foothold in the retail channel.

Tech Pacific joins Ingram Micro and Multimedia Technology on Linksys' distribution list. Brian Allsopp, regional manager for Cisco's Linksys business unit, said the vendor also has distribution arrangement across the region with Tech Pacific and Ingram Micro.

While Linksys would compete against other players that make up Tech Pac's networking stable, the company had a goal next year to be number one or two in the marketplace and the 'ace in our hand is the ability to leverage the Cisco machine,' Allsopp said. 'The great thing about having Tech Pacific on board is the retail perspective. We're about to launch into retail through Tech Pac,' he said.

Tech Pac's appointment follows Linksys' decision last year to cut Bluechip IT and Digiland from its distribution list.

John Walters, director of sales at Tech Pacific, said the distributor struck the arrangement with Linksys due to the vendor's focus on the 'digital home' an area that would also be a major focus for the distributor this year.

He added that one of Tech Pac's major strengths was selling to the retail market.