FD Insights Issue 5 | Page 39

The First Distribution Product Stack First Distribution’s Product Stack allows vendors and business partners to view the full extent of the company’s distribution offerings at a glance. T he First Distribution Product Stack was introduced partly to counter the notion that the company was still reliant on one or two sectors of the industry. Its roots are based on the technology stack models which are found in various forms within the industry where similar communication functions are grouped into logical layers. A layer serves the layer above it, and is in turn served by the layer below it. In First Distribution’s application however, each layer represents an integral component of a total packaged solution whilst simultaneously representing a broad industry area in which First Distribution offers vendor products and solutions. Breaking it Down First Distribution’s Product Stack can be broken down into eight levels, namely Client Computing, Hosted Solutions, Security, Software, Virtualisation, Storage, Servers and Networking. Let’s take a look at the various stack levels in more detail: Client Computing – The ability to remotely connect anytime & anywhere securely is in high demand. By de-coupling the device from the network, IT can now support all kinds of users in maximising client computing investment and minimising costs, on everything from smart phones to thin clients. First Distribution’s range of premium vendor offerings lead the way. Hosted Solutions – Providing services relating to software and associated data being centrally hosted on the cloud, and typically accessed by users using a thin client via a web browser. The potential to reduce IT support costs by outsourcing hardware and software maintenance and support to the SaaS provider makes this an attractive area for business partners. Security – The protection of information and information systems from unauthorised access, use, disclosure, disruption, modification, perusal, inspection, recording or destruction. Software - Providing solutions for enterprise software, databases, appliance software, CRM, ERP and middleware. Virtualisation – By dividing a single physical server into multiple logical servers, virtualisation creates a more dynamic and flexible data centre whilst also drastically reducing the total cost of ownership of IT infrastructure. Storage – The provision of the necessary hardware required to deal with ‘big data’ including archiving, data backup & recovery, warehousing, replication, virtualisation and content management systems. Servers - A complete portfolio of mission-critical servers that are engineered to deliver record-breaking performance, simplified management, and cost-saving efficiencies. Utilising best-of-the-breed hardware ensures resilience, interoperability and integration with leading cloud software providers. Networking - Communication and data networking within organisations, including areas such as connectivity, cabling, fiber, nested security, UTM, routing and wireless networks. The layout of the stack in this manner enables viewers to see that