The founder of City Software and CSW-IT has returned to the channel with a marketplace platform that he hopes will help managed service providers meet customer demand for hardware.
Lorenzo Coppa co-founded Glüh with Andrew Rauber, his former chief architect from CSW-IT. It marks Coppa's return after his former company went under in 2015 after decades in business.
The Glüh system boasts "seamless no-touch integration" to the web-ordering systems of Australia's major distributors. According to the Glüh website, it integrates with Alloy Computer Products, Alloys, Anyware, Bluechip Infotech, Comsol, Dicker Data, Dynamic Supplies, EMPR, Ingram Micro, Leader Systems, MMT, Seltec, Synnex and Westcon-Comstor.
“Many MSPs just don’t have the resources or, to be honest, the desire to resell IT hardware and software, preferring instead to focus on what they do best: providing managed IT services,” Coppa said.
“With a very effective search and intelligent linking of products like no other quoting system, Glüh provides your clients with quick comparisons between products and comprehensive product information – including specs, manuals and images - with just one click.”
The Glüh system plugs into ConnectWise, AutoTask and Xero and can begin the procurement process with a "few more mouse-clicks".
Coppa said the MSP performed the transactions, while Glüh just clips the ticket on the way through. "We connect the inventory in the supply chain."
His business partner, Rauber, said the system would help MSPs who felt "wary" about reselling hardware.
“Glüh can be set up with just a few hours of your time. The inventory is always up-to-date according to your own supply rules and you – or your customers – can compare products, price and features with the click of a mouse,” Rauber said.
“It is 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."
Coppa also used to own online reseller e-Store, which in 2015 he sold to Shoply, that itself was swallowed up by Harris Technology in 2016. The former CSW-IT is currently in liquidation, and owes $1.4 million to unsecured creditors, according to a January 2017 report by insolvency practitioners PKF Australia.
Another CSW-IT still trades, and is listed as the first customer testimonial on the Glüh website.
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