Around the globe, more than 260 million people use the Internet to access information, ranging from a detailed road map for a vacation destination, to a history lesson for a child’s book report, to instantaneous updates about financial markets anywhere in the world. Just one example of the power of information systems and Internet applications is the use of on-line services for banking and brokerage services. In 1999 brokerage firms managed close to $700 billion in total assets on-line. By 2004, on-line financial services as a whole are expected to account for more than $3 trillion.
The rapid evolution of the Internet could not take place without technology–both computer power and knowledge. It takes a team of suppliers, value-added distributors, and technical resellers to supply organizations with servers, workstations, data management storage systems, and enterprise software that enable instant access to information. Arrow’s sales to OEMs and resellers of data storage and mid-range computing systems accounted for close to $3 billion of our sales in 2000. Our mid-range computer selling groups are at the center of this market, providing technical assistance, training, products, and systems configuration and installation support to a broad range of customers.
To respond to the constant demand for data management and Internet infrastructure technology, Arrow employees undergo continuous training that covers the newest applications and the use of those applications in a variety of industries. With each selling group solely focused on the products and services of major suppliers such as Sun Microsystems and IBM, Arrow teams become experts in every aspect of the supplier’s computing and enterprise solutions.
Arrow team members share their expertise with customers in conversations, technical seminars, and on the Internet. Each day, they work with resellers to analyze end-customer hardware and software requirements and to recommend technical and configuration solutions. Arrow system engineers provide technical drawings, operating system and hardware/software support, and work on-site with resellers and their customers during installations. Frequent technology seminars hosted by Arrow keep resellers informed of new solutions that leverage the computing capabilities of Arrow’s suppliers. Arrow Webinars, web-based technical seminars, deliver on-line technical training programs to educate resellers and their customers. Our web sites provide on-going information about technical specifications, product promotions, industry trends, and emerging technologies.
At Arrow lab facilities, resellers can test and use a variety of systems to gain hands-on experience with the latest technology and applications. Resellers often bring their customers to Arrow facilities to test and to benchmark specific applications, providing the knowledge that end customers need to select the right enterprise solution for their business.
Arrow teams continue to share their knowledge from systems design and configuration through to installation. At Arrow integration centers, employees configure hardware, install software, and ship complete systems that are ready for installation, directly to the customer. Arrow teams often work on-site with the reseller and end customer to ensure a trouble-free systems installation.
The Internet has brought instant access to knowledge and information into our homes, schools, and offices. Arrow teams use their knowledge every day to help make that possible.
