Toshiba ANZ celebrates one millionth notebook

Media release

Toshiba ANZ celebrates one millionth notebook - New Zealand represents rising share

Auckland, 23 March 2004

Toshiba (Australia) Pty. Limited, Information Systems Division (ISD), has become the first mobile computing Manufacturer to reach the one million mark for notebooks sold in Australia and New Zealand since 1985.

"The notebook market is growing at a double digit rate. The technology and price gap between notebooks and desktop PCs is closing fast, and the market is responding, shown by the increasing replacement of desktops in the office and at home," said Steve Ford, Country Manager for New Zealand. Toshiba notebooks became available in New Zealand in the mid 80s through A distribution and reseller network, which has continued to be the company's sole method of selling, supported by a local office established in 1986.

In the early days, New Zealand accounted for approximately 5 percent of ANZ revenues. Today it has grown to 18 per cent, buoyed along by strong corporate and government business and a reputation for reliability, style and innovation. "Toshiba's innovation is an outcome of its research and development budget which is roughly equal to Australia's total expenditure as a country in this area. Many of our competitors invest very little in R&D and source their notebooks directly from Taiwan.

"While industry standards for interoperability remain paramount, there is always room for technological development, particularly now around fuel cells, VoIP, new form factors and wireless networking software," he said.

"We believe the industry is on the verge of the next wave of innovation and our commitment to R&D puts Toshiba in the prime position to lead it." Toshiba sees this milestone as a validation of the company's channel Sales model, claims Steve. "Every one of these one million notebooks has been Sold through a reseller partner, adding to the local economies. Their Commitment to Toshiba and to providing personalised customer service and support is vital to our ongoing success."

Toshiba's ANZ operation continues to hold the highest market share Within Toshiba world wide. This means our local customer requirements are a top priority of broader international product development strategy, he added. Toshiba released the first commercial notebook in 1985, supported by Battery technology inventions including NiMH in 1990 and Lithium ion in 1995. Toshiba introduced first CD-Rom notebook optical drive in 1995 followed By CD-RW in 2000. It led the notebook market in the adoption of the latest generation processors from Intel in particular the inclusion of Pentium processors in 1994. The world's first TFT notebook display was introduced by Toshiba in 1991, followed by poly-silicon displays in 1999.

ENDS

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