Sony, Synnex In VAIO Distribution Pact

The San Diego, Calif.-based IT products unit of Sony said in a statement Tuesday that Synnex would pick up the line of VAIO professional notebooks – including the BX, TX and new SZ series. Synnex, Fremont, Calif., had already been an authorized distributor of Sony LCDs and storage products.

Earlier this year, Sony said it would provide some additional financial incentives through the channel to boost its VAIO lineup, and began offering $500 trade-in payments on any working Dell notebooks. Since re-engaging with the channel more than two years ago, Sony has maintained a strict, two-tier distribution policy.

A Sony spokesman said among the existing distribution partnerships the company now maintains are with companies including Ingram Micro, Santa Ana, Calif., and Tech Data, Clearwater, Fla. Sony executives said a Synnex distribution relationship would help the company reach a greater number of sales in the small and mid-sized business segment – an area the company says is strategic for its VAIO line.