Opal gives ASI foothold into Leading Edge Stores

Box builder and service provider, ASI Solutions has struck an exclusive retail deal with Leading Edge Computer Stores which will see the retail chain sell ASI’s OPAL DUO.

Fitting into the palm of a hand, the Opal DUO by ASI is a PC device which gives the user access to Internet, live TV, music, pictures, and also saves and plays videos.

Maree Lowe, managing director at ASI said the Opal also runs Windows XP Media Centre and is Intel Viiv compliant for digital home users.

“We have wanted to do something like this with Leading Edge for the past four years. Now we have a product that fits into the growing digital home arena,” she said.

Leading Edge Computers can combine the Opal DUO with any other retail home or business product or service, she said.

Ross Whitelaw, general manager at Leading Edge Group said ASI’s OPAL gives its retail stores the ability to bundle products and services for its customers.

“As customers prepare for the Christmas rush, the home entertainment area is where the money will be spent,” he said.

Lowe said Opal will also fit into Leading Edge’s other market segments such as corporate, government and education.

“Digital advertising is now everywhere. A product like Opal will fit into that type of environment,” she said.

ASI also plans to add a retail division to it business, with five new hires to be made over Christmas, said Lowe.

Opal will also be available to ASI’s traditional resellers. Christmas buyers will be able to update to Windows Vista Home Premium for a modest handling fee, she said.