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Acer, Dunn Create Federal Product Line

Acer America Corp., San Jose, Calif., and Dunn/IDP Computer Corp., Dulles, Va., have teamed to build a new line of computers for the federal government.

The new brand, Dunn by Acer, starts at less than $1,000.

Acer, one of the world's biggest computer manufacturers, is building the machines. Dunn, which builds workstations, servers and notebook computers, is providing customization, testing, integration and management services.

The computers will be built to order. Dunn is marketing the products to federal customers.

Vista Signs Exclusive Deal with Ericsson

Vista Information Technologies Inc., McLean, Va., has signed an exclusive agreement with phone maker Ericsson Inc., Stockholm, Sweden, to sell voice products, solutions and services to the federal government.

Vista, which has made five acquisitions in the past 18 months to create a $95 million company, estimates the agreement is worth about $10 million annually.

Vista is selling Ericsson products through its General Services Administration schedule. As a result of the exclusive agreement, Vista will be the only company selling Ericsson products via the GSA schedule for the next 18 months.

SMAC Data Systems Supplies Schools

SMAC Data Systems, Gaithersburg, Md., has won a $20 million contract to provide computer systems and information technology services to more than 40 schools in Newport News, Va.

Under terms of the five-year contract, which makes SMAC the schools' exclusive provider, SMAC will provide students and faculty with computer hardware and services, including more than 2,200 notebook computers for the district's teachers. In addition, teachers will be able to buy their own computers at the same prices negotiated under the contract.

Ingram Micro Adds 50 Manufacturers to Program

From January to June, Ingram Micro Inc., Santa Ana, Calif., added 50 manufacturers to its program that offers government resellers discounts on computer products.

Companies such as Sun Microsystems Inc., Palo Alto, Calif., and Advanced Micro Devices Inc., Sunnyvale, Calif., are two of nearly 300 manufacturers that are now members of Ingram's Partnership America program. Started in 1995, the program gives resellers access to credit services, contract bid and proposal support, technology refreshment and other services.

In other news, Computer Associates International Inc., Islandia, N.Y., has joined Ingram Micro's partnership program aimed at helping vendors reach resellers targeting the small to midsize market.

Ingram started the program, the VentureTech Network, last January to make it easier for large vendors and small resellers to get access to each other. Counting Computer Associates, the program now has seven vendors, including Compaq Computer Corp., Houston; Microsoft Corp., Redmond, Wash.; and IBM Corp., Armonk, N.Y.

Resellers that are part of VentureTech get product discounts, training and other privileges. There are about 300 resellers in the program, and Ingram expects to soon have a total of 500.

Dynamic Systems Sells Sun Products Through GSA

Dynamic Systems Inc., Pasadena, Calif., will soon begin selling products from Sun Microsystems Inc., Palo Alto, Calif., on its General Services Administration schedule.

DSI is a small reseller whose specialty is selling Unix-related products. The company provides products and integration services to its customers, focusing on helping clients manage and protect information.

? Richard McCaffery

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