Tech Data has been appointed as the exclusive B2B distributor for the Microsoft Band 2 activity tracker and will be working with select resellers to drive commercial opportunities in key target verticals such as corporate wellness, blue light services, utilities, insurance, healthcare, and research.
The distributor will be collaborating with Microsoft to drive interest in the new device, which features 11 advanced sensors, making it the most sophisticated wearable device in the market today. In particular, Tech Data will be looking to support resellers and ISVs who are interested in developing applications for deployment in commercial settings.
Michael Cain, Business Development Manager for Wearables at Tech Data, said that the potential for Band 2 in the business sector is incredible. “It’s still very early days but we are already uncovering huge opportunities and creating some very interesting case studies. Demand from our reseller partners has been huge and the initial ADR pilot programme that we launched with Microsoft at the start of the month has been really well received.”
The Band 2 is designed to help users live healthier and achieve more. It features a new curved display, making it extremely comfortable to wear. Using Cortana voice-activation, wearers can reply to texts or set reminders with the touch of a button.
Alongside a continuous optical heart rate monitor and onboard GPS, the Band 2 has 11 advanced sensors, which track calories burned, deep exercise, floors climbed and sleep quality. It also records speed and distance and elevation gains, all while maintaining up to two-day battery life. Microsoft Health is available as a universal Windows app, a dedicated app for iOS and Android devices, and via a Web Dashboard, providing users with an incredibly detailed analysis of their data.
They can also stay in touch by using the Band 2 to preview email, calendar alerts, calls or text messages, and to view social updates. The vibrant, full-color AMOLED display is bright and easy to read, and is protected with durable Corning Gorilla Glass 3.
Tech Data is currently offering a dedicated business development program in conjunction with Microsoft for Band 2 as well as making further investments and additions to its wearables portfolio over the course of 2016.