Computerworld

Gen-i leaves suppliers to launch online service

Industry sources say many jobs are at risk at BlueCo Communications and Total Network. Between them they employ around 150 staff

Gen-i has dumped two of its mobile technology suppliers as it plans to launch a portal service.

Industry sources say many jobs are at risk at BlueCo Communications and Total Network. Between them they employ around 150 staff. BlueCo describes itself on its website as a premier partner of both Telecom and Gen-i, while Total Network says it is New Zealand’s longest-running independent dealer of Telecom and Gen-i products.

Neither company responded to Computerworld NZ inquiries.

Gen-i will retain its relationship with a third supplier, LeadingEdge, for those customers who wish to talk to someone.

Gen-i says that over the coming months it will migrate transactional mobile business to a new online service tool that will provide clients with faster transactions times, greater visibility and control, and a single point of management for their mobile fleets.

“By moving to a more efficient and effective service model, we can improve the customer service experience, support our clients on their mobility journey and also become a lot more competitive in the mobile market,” said Steve Mills, GM of corporate clients.

“The market has moved from simply being about the provision of mobile connections and handsets. By leveraging our advanced digital network, the Cloud, mobile applications, and ICT services, we can enable our clients to do business and deliver service on whatever device they want, whenever and wherever they want it. This capability unleashes impressive productivity, cost reduction and growth benefits.

“As an extension of our in-house centre of expertise, our nationwide mobility partner will play a key role in helping our clients leverage mobility for competitive advantage. I’m very pleased to confirm we have entered into discussions with LeadingEdge as our preferred supplier for this critical role,” he said.

Mills said that Gen-i acknowledged that this will be a significant change for clients, staff and business partners so it will be working closely with all partners to phase in the new model gradually over the coming year.

Currently, BlueCo, Total Network and LeadingEdge provide new or replacement products such as phones and peripherals.