Midwich Launches Hardware as a Service Programme

12 August 2020

Midwich PLC

("Midwich" or "the Group")

Midwich Group Launches Global Hardware as a Service Programme in partnership with Poly

Midwich Group Plc, a global specialist audio visual (AV) distributor to the trade market, announces a new Hardware as a Service programme, designed specifically so that new and existing channel partners can offer the latest UC technology to their customers, without the requirement for substantial upfront outlay. The new offering coincides with the announcement of a worldwide distribution partnership with Plantronics, Inc ("Poly" - formerly Plantronics and Polycom) and is initially designed to meet the demand for the Zoom Video Communications, Inc. platform.

Officially launching on September 1, 2020, the Hardware as a Service offering will address the increase in end-user demand for consuming technology as a service and will initially be available in the UK and Ireland, North America, Australia and New Zealand, with a subsequent roll-out to additional regions planned.

Further to this announcement, and in alignment with the Group's ongoing focus on UC for its channel partners, the Group welcomes Poly, a global communications company that powers meaningful human connection and collaboration, as a global vendor, whose renowned video solutions certified for Zoom will be deployed by Midwich as part of the Hardware as a Service offering.

Stephen Fenby, Group Managing Director, Midwich Group Plc, commented:

"The global pandemic has resulted in unprecedented financial constraints and a need to optimise communication is key for every organisation, through work-from-home (WFH), office or classroom UC solutions.

The launch of the new Hardware as a Service programme along with this exciting new global partnership with Poly, leaves us well positioned to offer the leading UC technology to our channel partners and their customers, without the substantial upfront costs."

Nick Tidd, Vice President - Global Partner Organization, Poly, commented:

"Customers are facing the unprecedented challenge of navigating a world where the work 'place' is less important. The partnership we have with Zoom, coupled with this impressive Hardware-as-a-Service model, enables our customers to not only connect from any location, but maintain productivity effectively." 

Jeff Smith, Head of Zoom Rooms, Zoom Video Communications, commented:

"Hardware as a Service is an important tool to help customers deploy video communications equipment more quickly in these challenging times. We're pleased to work with Midwich Group to enable channel resellers to offer Zoom appliances as a service to our joint customers."

Enquiries may be directed to the Group's global UC team in the relevant region -

● UK & Ireland - jon.dew-stanley@midwich.com

● North America - doug.shields@starin.biz

● Australia & New Zealand - mark.buckley@midwich.com.au

For further information:

About Midwich Group

Midwich is a specialist AV distributor to the trade market, with operations in the UK and Ireland, Continental Europe, Asia Pacific and North America. The Group's long-standing relationships with over 500+ vendors, including blue-chip organisations, support a comprehensive product portfolio across major audio visual categories such as large format displays, projectors, digital signage, unified communications and professional audio. The Group operates as the sole or largest in-country distributor for a number of its vendors in their respective product sets.

The Directors attribute this position to the Group's technical expertise, extensive product knowledge and strong customer service offering built up over a number of years. The Group has a large and diverse base of over 20,000 customers, most of which are professional AV integrators and IT resellers serving sectors such as corporate, education, retail, residential and hospitality. Although the Group does not sell directly to end users, it believes that the majority of its products are used by commercial and educational establishments rather than consumers.

Initially a UK only distributor, the Group now has 1,000 employees across the UK and Ireland, Continental Europe, North America and Asia-Pacific. A core component of the Group's growth strategy is further expansion of its international operations and footprint into strategically targeted jurisdictions.

Visit www.midwichgroupplc.com

About Poly

Plantronics, Inc. ("Poly" - formerly Plantronics and Polycom) (NYSE: PLT) is a global communications company that powers meaningful human connection and collaboration. Poly combines legendary audio expertise and powerful video and conferencing capabilities to overcome the distractions, complexity and distance that make communication in and out of the workplace challenging. Poly believes in solutions that make life easier when they work together and with our partners' services. Our headsets, software, desk phones, audio and video conferencing, analytics and services are used worldwide and are a leading choice for every kind of workspace. Visit: www.poly.com.

Poly, the propeller design, and the Poly logo are trademarks of Plantronics, Inc. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.