Archive for August, 2010
August 28, 2010
Where does channelcentral.net locate the Options for all of the Systems? When talking to customers for the first time, this is one of their most common questions. Our starting point is the HP Compatibility Matrix that HP makes available through Smart Portal. However, we often add parts that we locate in Product Bulletin, plus there are a number of options that apply globally that HP doesn’t list in the Compatibility Matrix (cables, software, software support for example) so we add those. Lastly, our customers help us to keep options accurate through feedback (in the case of Options Search, automatically).
So from multiple sources our iQuote logic filters the options based on the specific system unit. In total the number of options in the Compatibility Matrix will be around 150 – once in iQuote it’s roughly TEN times this number.
If you need an option that we don’t list, please use the iQuote Feedback Form.
Posted in configurator, iQuote, iQuote Update | Tagged HP Accessories, HP Options, iQuote Options | Leave a Comment »
August 27, 2010
Hosts can now publish their own Terms & Conditions on iQuote.
At the footer of every iQuote ‘instance’ is a Legal link to Terms & Conditions. The default page has channelcentral.net’s Terms and Conditions of site use. Hosts that allow their customers access to iQuote may want to apply their own legal Terms & Conditions. As a result users will be able to see the Host’s Terms and Conditions and not the standard iQuote T’s and C’s. This small adjustment makes iQuote more aligned to your business practices.
To apply your Legal Ts & Cs to iQuote please send us a request: email support@channelcentral.net
Posted in Channel Business, iQuote, iQuote Update, Quote Software | Tagged Distributors, Hosts, iQuote, iQuote Distributors | Leave a Comment »
August 26, 2010
Now you can add HP Racks & Options in iQuote!
With immediate effect you will notice a new Options Category on all DL Servers and the ML Servers that support Tower to Rack Conversion Kits: Rack Kit. This will allow you to add Racks, Side Panels, Keyboards & TFTs to the iQuote basket. Of course you can also use Shopping List and Options Search to build configurations with these options.

One key difference between the way these Rack Kit options behave (compared to standard options) is that when you export iQuote doesn’t multiply these options by the number of servers you specify. This is because they are rarely required in the same quantity as the servers so get the quantity you want perfect prior to export!
We’ve offered a reasonable selection of Rack Options based on HP’s best selling options data but if you need anything added please use the Feedback form.
Posted in Hewlett Packard, iQuote, iQuote Update | Tagged DL Servers, HP, HP Rack, HP Rack Options, ML Servers | Leave a Comment »
August 25, 2010
Meet, discuss, contribute and get feature previews on LinkedIn – daily. Opt in for email alerts (we never SPAM here !!).
At channelcentral.net we recognise the power of LinkedIn: a great vehicle to spread news on iQuote. The iQuote LinkedIn group has now attracted 50 members, in cricket terms we have hit a half century! What we want now is to attract more members and work our way to a century of members! Feel free to join the iQuote User Group on LinkedIn, 50 members already love it and we are sure you will too!
To find us on LinkedIn simply search iQuote, or follow this link to join:
http://www.linkedin.com/groups?home=&gid=2081850&trk=anet_ug_hm
The iQuote User Group on LinkedIn is available to HP and its partners.
Posted in iQuote, Marketing, Product Management | Tagged iQuote, LinkedIn | Leave a Comment »
August 25, 2010
iQuote: How to Contact Us via Email…useful information to bookmark.
If you need to email us we have a number of useful email boxes:

register@ If you would like to setup a new iQuote user (use the Management function first unless it is a bulk creation or a special user !) or clone. You can also use this address if you would like to evaluate iQuote (or use the form located at www.channelcentral.net/iquote).
support@ If you need help with anything whatsoever use this email address. That includes things like setting up new Sales Teams or promoting Users to Management Level. If you are in iQuote it is better to use the Feedback Form as it sends us extra information we need to help you.
hp@ Send us anything you think will help iQuote such as local price lists, promotional information etc.
interested@ We use this to receive general sales enquiries.
We do have a telephone number too: +44 (0)845 217 8914 but email is generally preferred.
Posted in Hewlett Packard, iQuote, Quote Software | Tagged Contact Us, HP, iQuote | Leave a Comment »
August 23, 2010
Cost per Quote or per User – No Thanks.
Many new Distribution customers expect channelcentral.net to charge iQuote on a per user (a licence) or on a per quote-raised basis. We don’t. Instead we use a subscription model. There are multiple reasons behind this decision but the key factor is that if you had to pay more to add users or raise quotations this feels like a tax on success to us: we want you to increase utilisation. The cost is also far more predictable and we know customers appreciate this.
Posted in Channel Business, configurator, iQuote Update, Quote Software | Tagged HP, iQuote, iQuote Update, IT Channel, Quote Configurator | Leave a Comment »
August 20, 2010
Resellers running iQuote is on the up.
In the UK, where iQuote has been around for 18 months, we are seeing acceleration in the number of Resellers that use Distributor iQuote Clones. We now operate nearly 20 clones, nearly double the number just a month ago. The scale of Reseller using clones varies from small to very large VARs. We’re obviously delighted that HP’s Gold Preferred Partners, Preferred Partners and CDP Managed Accounts are leveraging iQuote. We are also pleased to welcome some Resellers that are new to HP as they “defect” from other brands!
Clones aren’t the only way to access iQuote. Some of our Distributors offer iQuote through their own eCommerce sites and well over a hundred Resellers use iQuote this way.
More about iQuote Clones:
https://channelcentral.wordpress.com/2010/08/09/iquote-clones-from-distribution/
Posted in Channel Business, configurator, iQuote, Quote Software, return on investment calculator | Tagged iQuote Clone, iQuote Distributors, iQuote Resellers, IT Channel | Leave a Comment »
August 19, 2010
iQuote introduces 3 new HP Pro 3125 models. 
The HP Pro 3125 Desktop is powered by the AMD Athlon II X series of Processors. The models introduced to iQuote today come in Micro Tower format, and either 2GB or 3GB of memory. Models in iQuote come with Genuine Windows® 7 Professional and a One year return to base Warranty.
Models added to iQuote:
WU225EA
WU238EA (Top Value)
WU239EA (Top Value)
Posted in Hewlett Packard, iQuote Update, Product Management, Uncategorized | Tagged HP 3125 Dekstop, HP Desktop, PSG | Leave a Comment »
August 19, 2010
iQuote has lots of new BTO (A Model) and Top Value HP 3120 Pro Systems. 
The HP 3120 Pro Desktop is powered by the Intel® Core™2 Duo Processor E Series of processors. Five new models come in Micro Tower format with 2GB of standard memory. Four new models come in Small Form Factor with both 2GB and 3GB models available. iQuote offers models with Genuine Windows® 7 Professional and a 1 Year Return to Base Warranty.
New Models added to iQuote:
HP 3120 Pro Microtower
WU163EA
WU164EA
WU236EA
WU237EA
WU240EA
HP 3120 Pro Small Form Factor
WU173EA
WU176EA
WU179EA (Top Value)
WU180EA (Top Value)
Posted in Hewlett Packard, iQuote Update, Product Management | Tagged HP Desktop, HP Pro 3120, PSG, PSG Desktop | Leave a Comment »