FD Insights Issue 13 | Page 4

Credits Editorial Team Editor: Tristan Penver ([email protected]) Designer: David Less ([email protected]) First Distribution Company Details Managing Director: Debbie Abrahall Executive Management: Tony Abrahall, Tamzin Gray, Brett Stevens, Kevin Derman Cape Town Head Office Tel: [phone] Fax: [phone] The Cloud Opportunity & Maximising Channel Value Welcome to the latest issue of FD Insights. First Distribution is a forward-thinking organisation. Whilst we pay a high-level of attention to our core business areas, our ability to scan the market environment and identify both current and future opportunities enables us to thrive in our highly competitive channel environment. Johannesburg Tel: [phone] Fax: [phone] First Distribution has displayed a consistent track record over the last few years in this regard. We were one of the first distributors to open our very own cloud licensing aggregation division, a move which has paid rich dividends, as this part of our business has grown very quickly to become an integral part of our overall strategy. Durban Tel: [phone] Fax: [phone] Then in 2014, aware of the ever-increasing influence of cloud, we launched our very own (and Africa’s first) cloud services brokerage First for Cloud. Port Elizabeth Tel: [phone] Fax: [phone] These are but two examples of our willingness to identify market trends, and I believe our latest opportunity is being awarded entry to Microsoft’s prestigious Cloud Solution Provider (CSP) programme. Kenya Tel: [phone] The CSP programme allows partners to directly manage their entire Microsoft cloud customer lifecycle, drive sales, take control of their own billing and support, and grow their business their way. Nigeria Tel: [phone] Printed by Hirt & Carter. 1 Intersite Ave, Umgeni Business Park, Durban Tel: [phone] Fax: [phone] Disclaimer All rights reserved. While precautions have been taken to ensure the accuracy of information, neither the editor, nor First Distribution can be held liable for any inaccuracies, injury or damages that may arise. 02 | www.firstdistribution.co.za As long-time and award-winning Microsoft partners, we are thus perfectly placed to serve as the enabling intermediary between the Redmond giant, and our valued local channel partners. As such, this issue is dedicated to the CSP opportunity which exists now via First Distribution - the opportunity to resell some of the most trusted products in the software world, and take advantage of the seemingly endless cloud growth within the industry. Regards, Debbie Abrahall