Planar Expands Channel Distribution of Touchscreen Monitors Through Tech Data U.S.
BEAVERTON, Ore., June 27, 2006—Planar Systems, Inc., a worldwide leader in flat panel display systems, today announced a distribution agreement with leading IT products distributor, Tech Data Corporation to expand the availability of its touchscreen products, services and support to target customers. Planar’s wide range of LCD touchscreen monitors, also available in open-frame LCD kiosk displays, are specifically designed for OEMs, integrators and value-added resellers (VARs) targeting the growing markets for point-of-sale and point-of-purchase touchscreen systems in the retail, hospitality and food service industries.
"Point-of-sale applications in the retail and hospitality markets represent a significant growth opportunity for solutions providers looking to sell higher-margin technologies to new market segments," said Annette Taber, director of Tech Data's Advanced Technologies Group. "We are seeing demand for superior technology interfaces – such as touchscreens, and Planar’s full suite of touchscreen monitors will give our resellers a cost-effective solution that can easily be integrated into their customers' business environments."
With more than two decades of experience in the flat-panel display market, Planar has developed a responsive, value-added customer support model that gives channel partners easy access to troubleshooting analysis and solutions to bid opportunities. Throughout the next year, Planar also intends to increase its product offerings to continue to provide customers with best-in-class products and industry-leading service and support.
"We built our solid reputation in the commercial channel by providing best-in-class warranty and customer service, such as Planar's "bid in minutes" promise, in-house technical support call center – a rarity in today's marketplace – and free demo program for qualified opportunities," said Mark Ceciliani, vice president and general manager, commercial business unit, Planar Systems. "Tech Data's industry-leading service and attention to its resellers illustrate a harmonious customer service philosophy."
Planar's PT Touchscreen LCD line and LA open-frame LCD kiosk displays are available in 15-, 17- and 19-inch models, with the option of resistive touch technology designed for attended environments, such as employee-operated systems, or rugged, scratch-resistant capacitive touch technology geared more for unattended environments, such as kiosks or price-check stations. As a stand-alone monitor, the sleek profile of the PT line touchscreen – available in black or white – is ideal for applications where space is limited, such as a cash register environment. The embedded design of the LA line is designed for applications that require displays as part of the larger system, such as ticketing kiosks or gaming machines.
As added assurance for OEMs, integrators and VARs, Planar guarantees the performance of each touchscreen monitor with its Customer First™ three-year warranty, which promises two-day advance replacement for the PT models. Design and engineering support are available for the embedded LA open-frame LCD models. All Planar touchscreen products are available through Tech Data.
To learn more about Planar’s touchscreen solutions, please visit www.planar.com or www.techdata.com.
About Planar
Planar Systems, Inc. (NASDAQ:PLNR) is a leading provider of flat panel display hardware and software solutions for demanding medical, industrial and commercial applications. Hospitals, shopping centers, banks and businesses of all sizes use Planar display technology to help connect people, information and ideas. Founded in 1983, Planar is headquartered in Oregon, USA, with offices, manufacturing partners and customers worldwide. For more information, visit www.planar.com.
About Tech Data
Founded in 1974, Tech Data Corporation (NASDAQ: TECD) is a leading distributor of IT products, with more than 90,000 customers in over 100 countries. The company’s business model enables technology solution providers, manufacturers and publishers to cost-effectively sell to and support end users ranging from small-to-midsize businesses (SMB) to large enterprises. Ranked 107th on the FORTUNE 500®, Tech Data generated $20.5 billion in sales for its fiscal year ended January 31, 2006. For more information, visit www.techdata.com.
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