Sahara, Samsung eye opportunity in optical drives

Date: 08 January 2007
(ICT World)
A distribution agreement established between technology solutions vendor, Samsung, and local ICT and digital lifestyle technology supplier, Sahara Computers, has led to the introduction of a range of products targeted at the local optical drive markets.

This industry alliance, forged in 2002, initially focused on extending presence within, and providing solutions for, the optical drive market.
 
The latest Samsung solutions to be made available include: the SATA DVD writer SH-S183A & SH-S183L, 18x Super-WriteMaster, as well as the Slot-in Slim SE-T084L External DVD-writer.
 
One of the key driving forces behind the release of new product and the strengthening of commercial ties between the two companies is that of affordability in multi-functional digital technology, the companies say.
 
Products are generally more affordable, and this means that DVD writers are becoming the optical disc drive of choice. A competitive pricing structure supports consumers in their quest for a viable option as they upgrade from CD-ROMs, CD writers and Combo Drives, explains Gary Naidoo, deputy MD at Sahara.
 
The alliance also aims to help to position the companies at the forefront of emerging trends within this competitive space, not least of which is the global launch of Blu Ray DVD technology.
 
Samsung enjoys the top market share for optical drives in SA. The company recently became the first supplier of 18x speed DVD writers to the local hardware market. The next step will be Blu Ray DVD technology which, at its current technology level, enables up to 25Gb (and 50Gb on dual layer) to be burnt to a disc, as against the current regular 4,7Gb (8,5Gb on a dual layer), explains Naidoo.
 
Whilst the pricing at this stage is not at the general consume level to make an impact on the commercial market, the partnership with Samsung will certainly help generate further opportunity for trade and additional business when the products are introduced, Naidoo adds.