As two forces in the Texas technology scene, Directron and Axion realized that they
could do more than just offer products and services to customers--they
could offer them to each other as well. Company president Michael Chang
chats about the decision to get hitched.
Why did Axion and Directron decide to merge?
The short answer is because the previous owner of Axion wanted to exit
this business and focus on his other businesses. However, this merger
makes sense from many other aspects. The synergy of these two companies
will help the company to compete better in the market. Many skills,
technologies, and product categories are complementary to each other
between these two companies. The merger will make the combined company
stronger and better.
What are some of the benefits of the partnership for customers?
The joined company can provide lower prices, more product selection, and
better services to our customers than the two separate companies. It
will make it more convenient for customers to shop, upgrade, and build
their own computers from one-stop resource. We'll try to keep the strong
points from both companies while eliminating or reducing the weak areas.
Why do you feel there is a need for what you provide?
As long as there are people out there who want to build/repair/upgrade
their own computers for fun, saving money, or the challenge, there is a
market for our products.
As long as the "big" system builders can't provide satisfactory
after-sale services, there is a market for our services.
What makes your company unique?
Number one is flexibility. We can build, deliver, install, and service
1000x computers with 10x and even 100x different hard drive
images/configurations within one week without charging the customers an
arm and a leg. We have the capacity to do mass production of highly
customized systems. We are still a relatively small company, which means
we can make decisions quickly in response to market changes and customer
needs.
Number two is location. Our business is to provide discount computer
hardware, parts, software, desktops, laptops, servers, peripherals, and
accessories. Not too many companies are left in the Houston area to
provide the products and services as we do.
Number three is experience. We started the business in 1991. Our
business model has gone through many phases including wholesale, e-tail,
system integration, IT consulting, etc. Such a wide range of experience
has put us in a strong position to serve our customer base--whether it's
individual, public school, government agency, or giant corporation. We
have the talent, know-how, capacity, and experience to serve their
computer needs.
What kind of challenges does your company face, especially after
combining forces?
Initially, we'll have to combine the technologies behind these two
companies to have a well-integrated and more efficient back-end system.
The customers should see immediate benefits from the integrated system
since we shall be able to combine the advantages of two systems.
Eventually, we hope to have two slightly different but equally
successful business models for AxionTech.com and Directron.com while
keeping them as separate Web sites.
do you know a local company we should cover? Let us know about it.
Send your local profile candidates to emillard@computeruser.com.
