Specialist IBM distributor Avnet has launched an online service for resellers, claiming it can increase productivity by up to 30 per cent.

The service, known as Toolbox, allows resellers to obtain online pricing and quotations, and order and track stock.

Fritz Gaebler, vice president of marketing and business development at Avnet, said resellers are guided through an entire sale from inception to delivery.

"VARs can get pricing that is right up to date from IBM, which means they don't have to do all the calculations and work out all the promotions," he said.

"Resellers can get a 25 to 30 per cent increase on productivity, which gives them more time to get out on the road getting more business."

Gaebler said Toolbox can be used as an asset management tool, reminding resellers when customers are due for software or hardware upgrades.

The back end of the system goes through to IBM and Avnet and places the order directly on their systems, allowing them to track the order.

Marlene Yeoman, general manager northern region at Avnet, said the distributor had spent "multiples of investment" and "immense amounts of R&D" getting the service right. She added that it was "the most powerful innovation Avnet has".

Shamus Kelly, chief executive of IBM reseller NetInfo, said web sites such as these are must-haves.

"A tool that will help us to prepare a quote without having to track someone down to get pricing is hugely useful," he said.

"It's impossible to keep track of pricing changes, licensing arrangements and promotions. The only way to tackle this is with a constantly updated website."