Socket Mobile strengthens channel with new partner and service programmes

Socket Communications, Inc., dba Socket Mobile, Inc., a provider of mobile productivity solutions, has introduced two new partner programmes to support resellers of the companys business mobility system.
 
The Vertical Industry Partner (VIP) Programme is being introduced in conjunction with the upcoming general availability of the Socket Mobile SoMo 650 handheld mobile computer later this month. The programme was created to support Socket channel partners and better enable them to fully capitalise on the business mobility market opportunity. The programme is designed to focus vertical market penetration, align partners with the right resources to match their business needs and provide increased incentives, tools and support.
 
A three-tiered approach means members can increase their revenue potential over time. Gold and Silver tier partners will receive significant discounts on demo units and also be eligible for a new Marketing Development Fund. A third tier, the ISV partnership level, will entitle partners to recommend products and receive a range of supporting benefits such as discounts on demo units and access to the Marketing Assistance Programme.
 
The SocketCare Service Programme features fast product replacement and repair, one or three-year coverage options and technical support for the SoMo 650 handheld computer, the Cordless Hand Scanner Series 7 and the Cordless Ring Scanner Series 9. By applying to become an authorised SocketCare reseller, Socket Mobile partners can enhance their service offering and help customers protect their business mobility investment. This programme will be available to channel partners in the fourth quarter of 2007.
 
The VIP and SocketCare Programmes are designed specifically to enable Socket Mobile channel partners to tap the business mobility market opportunity by servicing the gap that exists between consumer PDAs and ruggedised industrial-grade mobile devices. The Socket Mobile SoMo 650 handheld computer bridges this gap by combining the portability, form-factor and affordability of a consumer device with strong connectivity, durability and business-class functionality. These features make it ideal for mobile workers such as nurses, doctors or retail managers, enabling them to increase productivity and efficiency. Together with a range of application-specific peripherals from Socket Mobile, the SoMo 650 handheld computer is addressing the demand for small and mid-sized deployments of business-focused mobility systems. Gartner / Dataquest forecasts that three million units of this type of device will be purchased by enterprises in 2007[1].
 
Socket Mobile is fully committed to its channel and recognises that the vertical industry expertise of its partners is key to meeting the business mobility needs of customers, said Bob Zink, senior vice president of worldwide sales and marketing. The SoMo 650 heralds a new direction for Socket Mobile as a systems company and we want to arm our partners to reap the full benefits from this opportunity. Strengthening our channel and service programmes, formalising the structure and introducing new benefits and incentives is an essential part of our strategy.

 
[1] Dataquest Insight: PDA Quarterly Forecast Scenarios, 2007-2008 1Q07 Update, Gartner / Dataquest, March 2007. 30 per cent of PDAs purchased in 2007 will be devices without cellular communications capabilities. This represents approximately six million PDAs. 50 per cent of devices will be purchased by enterprises.
 
About Socket Mobile           

Socket Mobile makes mobility computing and productivity work. The company is a one-stop supplier of mobile computing hardware systems by offering a handheld mobile computer and one of the most complete portfolios of essential mobile data collection and networking connectivity peripherals that will enable mobile automation and productivity increases for small to medium deployments. The company also offers OEM partner solutions and software development programmes. Socket is headquartered in Newark, Calif.