SCC Unveiled as the UK's first Apple Authorised Systems Integrator

GLASOW, SCOTLAND, February 05, 2011 (Press-News.org) In the latest stage of its strategy to help clients cope with the increasing impact of the consumerisation of IT, SCC has become the first UK Apple business partner to secure its 'Authorised Systems Integrator' accreditation. Awarded following an extensive qualitative review process, the certification recognises Europe's largest independent technology group's expertise in the fields of virtualisation, unified communications and optimisation around the IT infrastructure.

"One of the biggest issues facing business leaders today is how to respond to the fast growing trend for users to bring web enabled gadgets such as laptops, smart phones and iPads into the workplace. It's a movement that's gained real critical mass, and one that made introducing Apple's powerful range of consumer technologies into the company's customer solutions and services array a natural and obvious step," said Rhys Sharp, SCC's Chief Technology Officer.

"The use of Apple Devices in a corporate environment is growing parallel to the consumerisation phenomenon and the need for an alternative form factor to the PC is more evident than ever before. As a Systems Integrator, we needed to ensure that we remain best placed to ensure devices are deployed correctly, securely and appropriately."

The announcement follows a highly successful 2010 for SCC, which last year unveiled its cutting-edge Desktop as a Service (DaaS) offering with the first UK demonstration of virtual desktop technology using the iPad. The company capped the year off by winning the Best Demo award at Citrix Synergy 2010, demonstrating how businesses can connect via various devices to a virtual Windows 7 desktop hosted in the firm's custom built Data Centre.

SCC believes that many of the major issues driving the IT industry today are part of a bigger consumerisation picture. Whether considering options such as virtualisation, Desktop as a Service, cloud computing, VDI, Windows 7 or collaboration, each topic needs to be fully analysed before being effectively integrated into an organisation's key business infrastructure.

SCC's Director of Vendor Alliances, Andy Wright, added: "Exciting technologies such as those from Apple are part of our everyday life and SCC is committed to working closely with customers to help them create competitive advantage from these emerging new platforms and solutions."

"This latest accreditation underlines SCC's capabilities and commitment to helping its customers embrace consumerisation. Turning operational challenges into competitive differentiators, all the while removing cost and enhancing business performance, comes hand in hand with working alongside one of the most influential players in the technology industry today."

Notes to Editors

About SCC

SCC is Europe's largest independent technology solutions provider around the infrastructure, and is part of Specialist Computer Holdings (SCH) plc. The Group has regional operations in five different countries, employs over 7,000 professional staff and has delivered sustained, profitable growth for some 35 years, with annual turnover exceeding GBP2.25 billion.

Long term partnerships with the world's leading solutions providers combine with SCC's services capabilities to create a rapid return on an investment in IT. It has an enviable track record of successfully helping European-based companies and Government organisations better manage their technology infrastructure, remove cost and create business advantage.

For further information:

Judy Groves: judy.groves@sch-group.com / T: 0121 766 2594