How Dimension Data Expanded Its Global Reach

How Dimension Data Boosted Its Global Reach

Dimension Data (2010 VAR500 rank: 30) on Thursday accepted an offer from Tokyo-based NTT to buy the global IT solution provider for $3.2 billion. Here's a look at recent moves by the $4 billion-integrator that preceded the current deal.

Wins High Microsoft Status At Hong Kong Unit

In May, Dimension Data's Datacraft Hong Kong, part of DD's wholly-owned Asian operation, Datacraft Asia, earned Direct Large Account Reseller (DLAR) status from Microsoft, becoming the first partner there to offer the full services model of Microsoft's solutions. DLARs are uniquely able to place Microsoft volume license orders, such as Enterprise Agreement, Select, etc. to Microsoft directly, bypassing local distributors.

"The DLAR status reinforces both Dimension Data and Datacraft’s strong relationship with Microsoft, and underlines our excellent level of expertise in Microsoft solutions," said Steve Joubert, (left), Group Executive for Solutions at Dimension Data.

Acquires Majority Stake In Chilean VAR

Dimension Data acquired in April a 51 percent interest in Magenta Computacion S.A. ("Magenta"), a systems integrator based in Santiago, Chile. Financial details were not divulged. The deal let Dimension Data further extend its global footprint into the fast-growing Latin America market and also improved its service and better serve the Group’s multinational clients. Magenta will immediately be rebranded Dimension Data Chile. Alberto Mordojovich, (left), CEO of Magenta for the past 17 years, was named country manager, Dimension Data Chile. ’Our regional expertise, combined with Dimension Data’s long-standing global track record, positions us well for growth and success,’ said Mordojovich in a release.

Takes 51 Percent Share Of East African Integrator

Dimension Data acquired a 51 percent stake in ICL East Africa (ICLEA), the leading provider of end-to-end IT systems and services in the East African region. The partnership of ICL and Dimension Data encompasses three East African countries: Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda. The deal marked the launch of Dimension Data Kenya, which became the regional headquarters for Dimension Data’s East African operations, Dimension Data Tanzania and Dimension Data Uganda.

"With regional headquarters now established in the northern, southern, eastern and western areas of the continent, geographically we are now able to deliver our solutions and services more effectively and efficiently to many more countries," Andile Ngcaba, (left), chairman, Dimension Data Africa said in a statement in April. "The large population bases together with the predicted growth in terms of IT adoption to aid the economic and social development of these regions signals significant opportunities for us.’

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Expands U.K. Business

Dimension Data bought Teksys, a U.K.-based, Microsoft infrastructure and licensing services company, for an undisclosed sum, in February 2009. Teksys became a wholly owned subsidiary of Dimension Data. A Microsoft Gold-certified partner, it provided professional and managed services and was a Microsoft Large Account Reseller.

’The Teksys acquisition paves the way for the Group to immediately provide its UK clients with new services around virtualisation, data centre design, software asset management and Microsoft Office SharePoint Server 2007," said Russell Bolan, (left), CEO of Dimension Data Europe. "Our skills around a number of Microsoft’s unified communications technologies and systems management are also greatly bolstered.’

Dimension Data Americas CEO Honored At VAR500

Jere Brown, CEO of Dimension Data Americas, was presented with the 2010 VAR500 Executive of the Year Award at CRN's VAR500 event in New York City this past June. Brown has been CEO of the Americas since 2006. His pursuit of services and margin growth, as well as business expansion, with the aim of fulfilling the company's transition to a services-led company, was instrumental in his winning the distinction.