Distributor aims for faster and better customer service

Computer 2000 (C2000) has linked up its Licensing Online (LOL) software system with Microsoft Open License and now claims to be able to process confirmations within four hours.

The distributor has linked the front end of its LOL systems, which allows the company to confirm orders more rapidly, according to James Reed, Microsoft business manager at C2000.

“This is what everyone in the channel has always wanted,” he said. “We have linked LOL directly into Microsoft’s own systems, so we can now process orders and issue the license confirmation on the same working day. If the reseller places a Microsoft order on LOL, it should receive the confirmation in four working hours. This means that VARs can deliver better customer service, process orders faster and get paid sooner.”

Reed added that it should help to improve cashflow because invoices can only be issued once orders have been confirmed. However, he said the order must be placed by 10am.

Stuart Fenton, managing director of VAR Insight, said the move is positive for the channel.

“Any improvement to processing time and service is good, although whether this can be sustained in the long-term remains to be seen,” he said.

As revealed exclusively by CRN last week, Insight has acquired Spectrum Software, which has claimed
to be the biggest Microsoft VAR in the world. The $287m deal is expected to be completed in the third quarter (CRN, 24 July).

Fenton told CRN that the acquisition had been made for three reasons.

“First, it will give Insight a global footprint,” he said. “It adds 21 countries to the three we already have. Second, it gives us a range of additional products, especially in the software arena. Finally, there is minimal customer overlap, so we have a new set of customers.”