Arrow launches tool for iForce partners to manage Sun services business

The MOCA Division of Arrow Electronics, Inc. (NYSE:ARW), a Sun Microsystems, Inc. channel development provider, announced that Arrow iForce Partners now have the ability to manage and grow their Sun Services business using the new "Services Tool" on Vortex. Vortex, a unique web-based marketing tool designed exclusively for Arrow's iForce Partners, was developed in 1999 to track leads generated by tailored marketing campaigns. Vortex is now renown among iForce Partners as a critical marketing and business development tool that differentiates Arrow's MOCA Division from other channel partners. Arrow's MOCA Division has already trained 75 individuals on the Services Tool via a web cast and plans to hold additional web casts as well as onsite trainings in 2004. The new Services Tool on Vortex has four categories of support that Arrow's iForce Partners will use to maximize the time spent on Vortex and increase order accuracy. The four categories include: * Renewal Tool: The Renewal Tool enables iForce Partners to maximize renewal opportunities by automatically tracking services contract expirations. iForce Partners have the ability to export renewal contract reports to an Excel spreadsheet and communicate online with Arrow's services team through a notes section.* Forms Center: The Forms Center houses all services order forms and includes templates that help iForce Partners minimize data entry. Quality controls are also in place to ensure that forms are completed correctly before they are sent electronically to Arrow's services renewal team.* Information Center: The Information Center contains resources such as Sun and Arrow contacts and announcements.* Sun Services Database: The Service Database contains information on an iForce Partner's services contracts via a daily download of Sun's services contract database, with a search tool to sort and query contracts. iForce Partners have the ability to export contract lists to an Excel spreadsheet. "Because Sun Services will be a major growth area in 2004, we created a tool to help iForce Partners identify, manage and fulfill service opportunities within their install base from a centralized location," said Bill Page, executive vice president of services, MOCA Division. "Our goal is for Vortex to become an invaluable aid in helping our customers increase services revenue faster and easier."Source: PCBnewsline