In addition, in the first quarter of 2007, Freedom sold a total of 45 converged solutions, as convergence moves towards the mainstream.
The data division was launched as a result of positive feedback from Freedom customers when asked whether they were favourable to using a supplier who can serve their data, voice, security and desktop support needs.
During the first six months of operation, Freedom marketed extensively to its customers to explain its new offering through direct mail, telemarketing and e-mail marketing. Freedom is predicting that 10% of total revenues will come from data by the end of 2007.
The success of the data division has endorsed Freedom’s approach to extensively test a market first to establish market demand. As a result of the strong demand, Freedom is looking for a data company with extensive LAN/WAN experience, and also a desktop services company.
Tom Perry, head of marketing, Freedom, commented: “Our test-and-invest approach is delivering for us, the past six months of operation for our data division has allowed us to learn about the market and confirm that Freedom is a brand that is welcomed in the data market.
We are confident that data offers significant growth for Freedom, as we continue to enjoy success in converged solutions. Our business understands the need to bring on skill bases such as Cisco and Microsoft skills. We are now in a position to go into the market and look for acquisitions in the region of £5m-£10m.”