"Some people see the world as it is and ask, 'Why?' Others see a world that isn't and ask, 'Why not?'" - Anonymous

Technology is a Commodity

Stalwart represents what it believes to be the best technology available for the markets it serves. Moore's Law essentially equates the best information technology with technological advances. If it is anything, the information technology market place is a place of robust innovation. However, leading edge technology does not mean the technology has not become commoditized at the reseller level. For example, there are hundreds of Cisco resellers in North and South Carolina. Since our clients must buy through the reseller distribution channel, which has very little differentiation, highly differentiated technology purchases are, in effect, commoditized.

Where's the Value?

We have asked many, many technology leaders ranging from CIOs to Directors what the difference in value was between buying commoditized technology through one reseller versus another. In asking this question, we assume price, availability and service parity since this is the baseline cost of entry in our business. So why is it more valuable, for example, to buy Cisco product from one reseller versus another? Is the resller's value in peddling product, or is it in engineering services and the knowledge transfer that accompany them (provided the reseller offers these services)? If it is in the latter, then why are the great majority of reseller/integrators making 65-90% of their profit from selling products that don't really add value to their clients?

What's the Catch?

There is no "catch" per se, unless you consider cash in advance a catch. If you do, then you probably look askance at payment discount terms like 2% 10, net 30 (but I doubt your CFO does!). This is simply another Stalwart innovation that gives you the option of acquiring technology in a way that no other reseller offers.