By Editor
With today’s premium corporate mobile devices, it makes economic and practical sense to protect the gadgets, and the data they carry, from accidental damage. Enter OtterBox, one of the most highly regarded enterprise mobile protective solutions. Andrew Pepperell, Otterbox MEA Representative, discusses how the company’s strategy for the Middle East
As enterprises evolve their mobile strategy, why do you feel OtterBox cases are the ideal protective solution for company-issued devices?
At OtterBox we understand that reliable, accessible and secure technology is crucial to a thriving business. Businesses supply employees with smartphones and tablets to allow them to be accessible at all times and do their jobs more efficiently. This cannot happen if there is a risk of breakage and more inconveniently, loss of data. It is often not the expense of a broken device but the issue of a breakage interrupting a working day. OtterBox allows companies to issue devices to employees safe in the knowledge that they will be protected in rough environments. OtterBox also provides customised enterprise solutions for businesses individual needs. From field work to dusty job sites, busy hospitals and schools, OtterBox is the brand of choice for companies who need to protect their mobile assets and protect employees from experiencing downtime.
Why the focus on cases only when your competitors have a whole range of accessory products in their portfolio
OtterBox offers a wide range of protective solutions, screen protectors and device enhancing accessories for a broad range of devices. Our focus is on protection and providing the best protective solutions for businessess and end-users . We offer a variety of levels of protection designed to suit various enterprise and consummer needs .
Discuss the technology and materials in use with OtterBox cases
OtterBox focuses on attention to detail and quality with every product and doesn’t cut corners. Each case is engineered to ensure full functionality of the device using premium materials. The combination of materials used varies depending on the series in question . All OtterBox cases are tested rigorously in-house and by an independent third-party facility to ensure correct form, fit and function.This level of testing demonstrates OtterBox’s commitment to protection, quality and innovation. We never release a case until it has met the most demanding standards.
How do you strike the sometimes delicate balance between utility and style for OtterBox products?
OtterBox has always listened to customer needs to provide new and innovative solutions.
We recently launched the Symmetry Series case which answered the need for a highly protective case without sacrificing style. Symmetry Series is certified to military-rated drop protection (810G-516.6) for drops up to 4ft, and also comes in a range of different wraparound colours and patterns. Symmetry Series means consumers no longer have to choose between a protective case and a stylish one. Our Defender Series cases offer premium multi-layered protection. The precision design of the Defender Series is tailored to fit the device exactly so that the case retains the device style while maintaining optimum rugged protection.
Discuss your retail/resale strategy and partnerships in the region
We work with a number of distribution and resale partners so that we can tailor our solution to the reseller or enterprise partner’s needs .Mobile technology tools are rapidly changing the enterprise landscape in the region and how business is done. The OtterBox team in the region work with our global enterprise team to ensure a dedicated focus towards bespoke product options, designed to complement a company or resellers needs. Our local team works very closely with our regional distributors in developing all channels with particular focus on Consumer Electronics Retail, Corporate/B2B as well as the Independent Retail Channels. The OtterBox, LifeProof and Clearly Protected brands can be found in leading retailers across the GCC.
Discuss the performance of OtterBox in the regional market and opportunities for future growth
We expect the current upward trend to continue throughout 2015 driven predominantly by new device releases, organisations leaning towards implementing device solutions for staff as well as the introduction of new product solutions from OtterBox as we look to further diversify our product offering. The LifeProof range of waterproof products coupled with the introduction of universal accessories and complimentary products will be a key driver throughout the region. On the corporate side growth in the region will come from our strong focus on specific industries such as Aviation, Education and Healthcare
Are cases stand-alone products or is cross-selling your major sales strategy
The protection of any device whether smartphone or tablet within a multitude of scenarios and environments naturally presents OtterBox with the opportunity to cross sell an array of products. With the various solutions available within the portfolio, OtterBox can cater to an array of device protection requirements which positions us to become a valuable partner to resellers and businesses.
Discuss OtterBox’s partnerships, if any, with the major mobile brands.
Strong partner relationships are important to the company and something we place great emphasis on building .OtterBox works closely with major OEM brands across the globe and we have developed close partnerships with many mobile brands. We are proud to be a member of Samsung’s Mobile Accessories Partnership Programme (SMAPP). We also partner with Motorola to have products certified “Made for Motorola”. OtterBox has also participated in Blackberry’s Build for Blackberry initiative as well as with HTC’S “Made for HTC”. The company has also recently aligned closely with Lenovo on a “Partner Advantage Program.” These important initiatives position us to be at the cutting edge of the accessory market