MSI-ECS: A bigger, better IT powerhouse it will be

In June 2005, MSI (formerly Microcircuits Systems Internationa), distributor of top IT (information technology) brands since 1986, bought out Singaporean shareholder Digiland, ending a partnership that began in 1998.

In January 2006, MSI welcomed a new partner, ECS Holdings Limited, also of Singapore, which bought close to 50 percent stake in the company renamed MSI-ECS Philippines, Inc.

Why the switch?

MSI-ECS president and chief executive officer Jimmy Go says it was all a matter of business alignment. He happily reports that the corporate separation from Digiland was amicable.

"We found that the business directions of MSI, which was very focused on IT, and Digiland, which has geared toward electronics and medical equipment, were no longer aligned. Both sides agreed to part ways. It was not at all hostile," he said.

Go immediately scouted for a new partner and found publicly listed ECS, which had been looking for a Philippine partner for many years.

It has operations in Singapore, China, Malaysia, Thailand and Indonesia, posting a combined 2004 revenue of S$1.865 billion. It represents top brands like Hewlett-Packard, Apple, Sun Microsystems, IBM, Oracle, CheckPoint and Veritas.

Ranking either first or second in all its country markets, ECS’s entry into the Philippines through MSI-ECS is expected to further strengthen its position as a leading Asian ICT distributor by expanding its network of 14,500 channel partners in 29 offices.

MSI-ECS currently has over 2,000 re-sellers and two offices located in Cebu and in Manila. It represents 21 brands, 11 of them on an exclusive basis. It is the top distributor in the Philippines for such brands as HP, IBM, Lenovo, Samsung, Acer, NEC and Oracle.

Go says the partnership with ECS is a strategic move for MSI as the company strives to be the "dominant and most admired IT distribution company in the Philippines." MSI-ECS is committed to developing a "pervasive alliance" with customers, suppliers and employees.

He assures customers and channel partners that the service they are receiving from MSI-ECS will even get better.

"Change is something permanent in our industry. We always reorganize, restructure, so that we can adapt to the market. So we will change but not because of the entry of ECS, but to respond to the demands of our customers."

Go added, "we have to be creative in our approaches to stay ahead of our competitors. The success of any company always depends on its people. This is why we continuously train our people to be

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MSI ECS Philippines, Inc.
www.msi-digiland.com
MANILA: Topy II Building
#3 Economia St.
Libis, Quezon City
688 3333
CEBU: #3 Rosita’s Compound
Ouano Avenue corner Circumferential Road
Mandaue, Cebu City
(032) 345 9441 to 43