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THIEF RIVER FALLS, Minn. — Electronic components distributor Digi-Key Corporation, recognized by design engineers as having the industry’s largest selection of electronic components available for immediate shipment, and Vicor Corporation today announced the two companies have signed a global distribution agreement.
Vicor Corporation offers a comprehensive portfolio of high efficiency, high density power distribution architectures that enable customers to efficiently convert and manage power from the wall plug to point-of-load and address a broad range of power system requirements including performance-critical applications.
“Vicor is well known for its innovative, high performance modular, plug-and-play components ranging from bricks to semiconductor-centric power solutions, and its world-class manufacturing and applications development,” said Jeff Shafer, Digi-Key’s vice president of global interconnect, passive, and electromechanical products. “Adding these products to our premier power offering is a natural and beneficial decision for Digi-Key and our customers. We look forward to a successful partnership with Vicor.”
For more than thirty years, engineers have relied on the density, efficiency and flexibility advantages of Vicor components. Vicor offers tens of thousands of standard and customized high performance power conversion and management products designed to enable customers to achieve faster time to market, greater functionality and a competitive advantage.
“Vicor’s new relationship with Digi-Key represents an important element of our global growth strategy,” said Richard Begen, Vicor’s vice president of global distribution. “We expect that Digi-Key’s expansive market reach will enable Vicor to expand our global footprint, while increasing our presence and revenue in critical growth markets worldwide.”
Vicor products are available for purchase now on Digi-Key’s global websites.
As the leading integrated Internet-based distributor of electronic components, information about and inventory of millions of products is accessible to customers around the globe, with all products shipped from Digi-Key’s single, North American location. The company’s integrated business model provides product and support information online to help put engineers and procurement professionals in control as they solve tough product development challenges.
The company’s online offerings and resources include: an interactive online catalog; PTM® product training modules; TechZoneSM technology zones; Another Geek Moment videos; Digi-Key toolbar; PurchasingProSM for electronics buyers; TechXchangeSM; a Mobile and Social Center; a Reference Design Library; and Scheme-itSM.
{complink 12799|Digi-Key Corp.}
Barbara, I wonder too why Apple has suddenly decided to publish a list of suppliers it kept secret for so long. Was this because secrecy is no longer necessary or that the disadvantages overway the advantages?
You also raised a valid point. Now that Apple has disclosed its suppliers, the onus for proving compliance with all environmental and social responsibility would be transferred to the suppliers too, or at least shared. Now, Apple won't have to be the only one putting pressure on the suppliers. Labor and human rights agencies will be able to threaten suppliers with reporting them to Apple.
P)lus, Apple comes up smelling roses.
Bolaji–the more I think about it, the more I'm convinced Tim Cook has something to do with this sea change. This indicates to me that–typical for Apple–they've seen something coming and have jumped out in front of it. No question, though, it makes Apple look good, as did its report last year on its manufacturing partners. The information wasn't so pleasant, but Apple faced it head-on. If nothing else, they can demonstrate their due diligence, if, as reported, Foxconn is still having problems with employee rights
Even though I found it very odd that Apple released such information for no apparent reason, I think they are looking ahead at some industry changes about to take place. If nothing else, this pre-emptive strike helps put Apple out front again and makes sure their suppliers are following the rules.
I think this is to ensure competitiveness among suppliers. Only Apple can do this at this time.
I think there are two key reasons why Apple has done this:
1 – By publishing its list of suppliers, Apple surely drew the attention of the competing suppliers. Now that the information is out, many competing companies will be knocking on Apple's door to offer it attractive new deals on parts that they are already using in their products. This will save Apple a lot of legwork. This will obviously put pressure on the suppliers who are already on the list because they will have to work harder to offer at least as competitive prices to Apple and will have to fight for their positions on the list.
2 – Although the existing suppliers will need to work harder to stay competitive in order to remain on the golden list, they have started to reap the benefits of their exposure as a supplier to Apple by means of increasing their share prices. In addition to that, many investors are probably taking a good look and putting a few tick marks on that supplier list as a pointer to where their cash is going to go next.
It all makes sense, doesn't it?
Regards…
I agree. Apple is too smart and calculating in their supply chain management for me to really think this was some benevolent move on their part. They know something's in it for them!
Another point to consider, is I keep seeing stories about Foxconn and Apple's connection to it all over the place – making a big move like releasing the names of suppliers sort of changes the discussion in the media.
I will liken Apple to a chess grandmaster when it comes to the electronics market, most of their moves is preplanned and steps ahead of their rivals. keeping the suppliers list a secret, in the first place generates speculation (life blood of business). Publishing it at this time after much speculation sustains peoples interest..