i-mate™ targets Europe with Brightpoint
Windows Mobile® specialist signs new European distribution deal
3GSM Barcelona 12th February 2007 – i-mate™, the leader in Windows Mobile® based devices and solutions, has appointed Brightpoint EMA B.V., (‘Brightpoint’) a subsidiary of Brightpoint, Inc. as a major distributor for its portfolio of Windows Mobile® smart devices. This move follows i-mate™’s international team expansion and highlights the company’s commitment to reach new markets. Brightpoint will be responsible for distribution and channel development in a number of key strategic European growth markets.
i-mate™ has an existing presence in the UK and Italy where it has sales operations in place and the deal with Brightpoint means that the whole of Western Europe is now covered both in terms of sales and customer support.
“These are very exciting times at i-mate™. We are expanding to reach more mobile operators than ever before, while continuing to build on our strong market presence in key global markets. We have made major strides in terms of industry presence through strategic partner and mobile operator relationships, and are at a crucial stage of our evolution towards becoming a truly global brand,” said Jack Craine, Global Sales Director at i-mate™. “We were looking for a trusted partner who would understand our industry and share our same commitment to customers. On that basis, Brightpoint simply is the right choice for us. This step will bring us closer to our European customers and ensures more businesses and mobile operators become familiar with i-mate’s products and services.
Recent Canalys1 research forecasts that 3.8 million smart devices will ship in EMEA in 2007 and pinpoints Russia, France and Germany as three of the main markets that together with the UK, Italy and Spain will represent 67% of the wireless handheld shipments in 2007 for that region.
“We are committed to providing the best quality of pre-sales and after sales services with all of the brands we support,” stated Jac Currie, President of Emerging Markets at Brightpoint. “In a competitive mobile market, bringing the manufacturer as close to the consumer as possible is critical and we believe that Brightpoint is perfectly positioned to provide that support for i-mate™.”
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About i-mate™
i-mate™ (AIM: IMTE) specialises in Windows Mobile® hardware and software solutions and services.
i-mate’s cutting edge, customer-centric solutions offer the latest technology and device features. As a Microsoft® Gold Certified Partner, i-mate provides customers with the best Windows Mobile® experience for business, for pleasure, for life.
As part of its integrated solutions support, i-mate develops in-house leading-edge software solutions for Microsoft® Windows Mobile® platforms. Exclusive software products include interactive games from www.clubimate.com and i-mate Suite (www.imatesuite.com) an advanced management solution for mobile devices that gives you IT support in the field, safeguards data, and allows secure access and information transfers on the go.
Club i-mate™ - i-mate’s device-owner dedicated portal - provides 24/7 multi-lingual technical support and value-added offerings such as subsidised software and systems updates to help customers take full advantage of their i-mate devices. Club i-mate is the world’s largest online Windows Mobile® user group.
About Brightpoint:
Brightpoint, Inc (NASDAQ:CELL) is a global leader in the distribution of wireless devices and the provision of customized logistic services to the wireless industry. In 2006, Brightpoint handled 53.5 million wireless devices globally. Brightpoint’s innovative services include distribution, channel development, fulfillment, product customization, eBusiness solutions, and other outsourced services that integrate seamlessly with its customers. Brightpoint’s effective and efficient platform allows its customers to benefit from quickly deployed, flexible, and cost effective solutions. Additional information about Brightpoint can be found on its website at www.brightpoint.com, or by calling its toll-free Information and Investor Relations line at 877-IIR-CELL (877-447-2355).
Contact Details:
i-mate™:
Nadine Salem
Marketing Manager – Middle East
Tel: +971 (0)4 390 1989
Fax: +971 (0)4 390 4428
Email: contactus@imate.com
