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RUMORS, TRUTH AND INNUENDO
Hewlett-Packard's enterprise solution providers and distributors are reeling from HP's decision to authorize CDW for low-end Unix servers and what they are calling "an unholy alliance" with Agilysys. Many see it as a plan to artificially pump volume through Agilysys' KeyLink distribution arm, which was added to HP's enterprise distribution roster last year. Our sources estimate Agilysys has only about 5 percent of HP's enterprise business through distribution, with the bulk of it going through Avnet Hall-Mark and Arrow.
Solution providers grouse that the deal smacks of the old Compaq network of alliances in which Compaq was tight with CDW and Pioneer Electronics (now Agylisys) and that the former Compaq people at HP want to take care of their pals.
Whatever the reason for the CDW authorization...