Johnson Hsiung (Bluechip Infotech)
Bluechip Infotech has partnered with Melbourne-based specialists Glüh, rolling out the software-as-a-service (SaaS) platform to service providers across Australia.
The start-up was created to provide a sales platform for managed service providers (MSPs) and value-added resellers, allowing the channel to sell technology solutions to small and medium sized businesses (SMBs) and enterprise customers.
“Glüh SaaS is one of the best in the market, and we’re delighted to bring their solutions to businesses in Australia,” said Johnson Hsiung, managing director of Bluechip Infotech. “Glüh has been a game changer for the existing MSPs that are using it and we’re glad to be bringing this game changer to our customer base.
“Our MSP partners are continually seeking out solutions that not only help them complete day-to-day tasks quicker, but that enable their businesses to grow into more profitable, efficient operations.
“Glüh has both the track record and the data to show its platform can meet those needs, and we’re looking forward to expanding its market presence in the region.”
The partnership comes as Bluechip continues to increase investment within the expanding MSP market in Australia, targeting more than 3,000 providers nationwide in the process.
From a technology standpoint, Glüh operates as an integrated sales, quoting, automated procurement and B2B eCommerce SaaS platform for IT services providers, integrating with ConnectWise, Autotask and Xero.
“Bluechip Infotech is a well-respected wholesaler to many MSPs and therefore well suited to sell Glüh SaaS,” Glüh co-founder Lorenzo Coppa said. “Glüh will undoubtedly increase trade between Bluechip and MSPs.”
According to Coppa, Glüh “overcomes the resistance factors that make it difficult for MSPs to sell IT products”.
“Many MSP and reseller businesses have been transformed since Glüh’s launch last year, some increasing total revenue by 60 per cent in 12 months,” he explained.
“With online shopping now mainstream, businesses are increasingly expecting to buy IT products online – and they want to buy from their own IT service provider. Amazon has been a game-changer, encouraging online spending, just as eBay did.”
But for Coppa, Amazon is an “impersonal marketplace”, creating a gap in the local market for Glüh to capitalise.
“Glüh delivers a more specialised IT product range based on locally supported product by MSPs that people already know and trust,” Coppa explained. “Glüh takes less than an hour set up and integrate to existing systems.
“The inventory is always up-to-date according to the IT service provider’s own supply rules. The ITSP – or its customers – can browse their recommended products, compare products, price and features with the click of a mouse.
“It’s no secret that MSPs have been wary about selling hardware; quoting can be time consuming; suppliers are constantly updating what’s on offer; items are in and out of stock and it is hard for MSPs to be price competitive. Glüh overcomes all these problems.”
Of note to the channel, Coppa said Glüh helps partners “future proof” businesses by enabling “greater client engagement and keeping potential competitors out”.
“This really is an end-to-end system that allows MSPs to effortlessly add a whole new dimension to the services they already offer clients,” he added. “Working with a large number of ITSPs, I consistently hear how Bluechip’s personalised service is preferred to other wholesalers.”
