IRVINE, CA — September 2, 2009 — Toshiba’s Digital Products Division (DPD), a division of Toshiba America Information Systems, Inc., today announced the availability of its laptop computers through WSCA (Western States Contracting Alliance)/NASPO (National Association of State Procurement Officials) Master Purchase Agreement #B27176. Working with participating governmental entities will broaden Toshiba’s public sector reach and offer Toshiba’s Preferred Partner Program Resellers added opportunity to increase revenue. Even with stimulus packages, educational institutions and local and state governments are looking for competitively priced IT resources to handle infrastructure upgrades and provide more computers on campuses.
"We hand-picked an elite group of our Preferred Partner resellers for authorization under the WSCA/NASPO agreement, allowing them to sell competitively priced Toshiba laptop computers into these sectors," said Patrick Mani, vice president field sales, Toshiba America Information Systems, Inc., Digital Products Division. "Our WSCA/NASPO contract will open the market to state and local governments and give schools another outlet to purchase technology at a cost-effective price. Through this channel expansion, Toshiba addresses the challenges and specific requirements involved in implementing large scale technology programs in public sectors."
All institutions and agencies in the public sector must follow specific guidelines for purchasing computer equipment. Participating states join together in cooperative multi-state contracting, which combines volume purchases for greater pricing concessions. Using a "lead state" model, participating states acquire quality products and services cost-effectively and efficiently. Each state leads their own procurement, issues the solicitation, and awards the contracts based on that state’s statutory requirements and processes. Participating states may allow Toshiba’s WSCA/NASPO authorized resellers to sell Toshiba product under the contract. In addition, WSCA/NASPO purchasing entities are able to buy direct from Toshiba and name an authorized Toshiba Preferred Partner Reseller as an agent.
Public schools and governmental agencies will also be able to take advantage of Toshiba’s deep roots in the protection and preservation of the environment. In alignment with the WSCA/NASPO program, Toshiba offers products that are EPEAT Gold and Silver Certified. The company has achieved the Green Electronics Council’s Electronic Product Environmental Assessment Tool’s (EPEAT) highest rating of Gold status on five of its laptop computers, more than any other laptop computer manufacturer to date. Additionally, Toshiba offers a free electronic recycling and trade-in program and reduces bulk packaging to minimize waste, as well as prefers suppliers who have met stringent environmental standards for procurement.
Products available through the WSCA/NASPO program include Toshiba’s mainstream laptops, tablet PCs, ultraportable laptops, mini notebooks and accessories. Some features include Toshiba’s EasyGuard® 1 Technology with PC Health Monitor that helps protect the laptop from spills and jolts as well as continuously checks the performance and functionality of the system’s critical hardware components and alerts users when the system is in need of a tune-up. Additionally, built-in security features and Toshiba’s standard three-year International limited warranty2 also run standard on most Toshiba business laptops.
Pricing and Availability
Toshiba mobile solutions start at $349.00 MSRP3. Laptops are available through WSCA/NASPO and Toshiba Preferred Partner Program authorized WSCA/NASPO resellers. More information about WSCA and Toshiba’s mobile solutions can be found at www.laptops.toshiba.com/wsca.
About Toshiba America Information Systems Inc. (TAIS)
Headquartered in Irvine, Calif., TAIS is comprised of four business units: Digital Products Division, Imaging Systems Division, Storage Device Division, and Telecommunication Systems Division. Together, these divisions provide mobile products and solutions, including industry leading portable computers; projectors; imaging products for the security, medical and manufacturing markets; storage products for automotive, computer and consumer electronics applications; and telephony equipment and associated applications.
TAIS provides sales, marketing and services for its wide range of information products in the United States and Latin America. TAIS is an independent operating company owned by Toshiba America, Inc., a subsidiary of Toshiba Corporation. Toshiba Corporation is a world leader and innovator in high technology, a diversified manufacturer and marketer of advanced electronic and electrical products. These products span from information & communications systems; digital consumer products; electronic devices and components; as well as power systems including nuclear energy; industrial and social infrastructure systems; and home appliances. Toshiba was founded in 1875, and today operates a global network of more than 730 companies, with 199,000 employees worldwide and annual sales surpassing US $67 billion (FY 2008). For more information on Toshiba visit www.toshiba.com.
© 2009 Toshiba America Information Systems, Inc. All rights reserved. All product, service and company names are trademarks, registered trademarks or service marks of their respective owners. Information including, without limitation, product prices, specifications, availability, content of services, and contact information is subject to change without notice.
1. EasyGuard Technology. EasyGuard technology comprises a number of features some of which may or may not be available on a particular Toshiba notebook depending on the model selected. See www.info.toshiba.com for detailed information.
2. Warranty. The terms and conditions of Toshiba’s standard limited warranty, and extended warranty and service upgrade plans are available at www.warranty.toshiba.com.
3. Price. Reseller prices may vary. MSRP means "Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price."
Contact:
Christa Bailey
Access Communications
760-505-5650
christab@accesspr.com
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