Tactile Technologies, Elo TouchSystems` exclusive distributor for Southern Africa, has seen a two fold increase in sales in the first nine months of this year compared with the same period last year.

This, says Tactile`s Mauro Mercuri, is the result of the company`s aggressive launch into the market.

To meet this growing demand for its products, the Cape Town-based company has partnered up with Johannesburg`s ScreenVision for the distribution of the Elo range in the Gauteng region.

ScreenVision deals with displays, components and repairs to all such devices, and specialises in cathode ray tubes and liquid crystal display (LCD) flat panels. They have over 20 years of experience with computer monitors and touch screens.

"ScreenVision shares our business ethos from the perspective of dealing with customers and in the after-sales support they offer," says Mercuri. "Touch screen technology hasn`t yet achieved the off-the-shelf retail position that other computer hardware has, so a great deal of guidance and advice is often required by new customers. ScreenVision is very skilled at doing this," explains Mercuri, "and they are highly professional when it comes to matching up a customer`s needs with the technologies and solutions available."

From 1 January 2004, ScreenVision will become an official Elo TouchSystems channel with the blessing of Elo headquarters in Europe. A nationwide network is in place but the focus will be on the Gauteng area. "However our Cape Town head office will continue to make itself available for advice and assistance," Mercuri assures.

Tactile Technologies for "added value" Elo Europe has recently awarded Tactile Technologies the coveted status of "Value Added Distributor" of its touch screen products in South Africa and neighbouring countries.

The "Value Added" status is only given to Elo distributors who are able to do customer-specific product development (where a customer needs a product tailor-made for their requirements), who are qualified to do all their repairs locally and are able to integrate Elo components and technologies in existing "alien" hardware.

Mercuri is pleased to announce the status of "Value Added Distributor" and says this is a confirmation of Tactile`s intention to become the leading touch technology channel in Southern Africa. And it is with this in mind that Mercuri will be spreading the word about Tactile`s alliance with ScreenVision in Gauteng.

More info on ScreenVision is available at www.screenvision.co.za. More info on Tactile Technologies and Elo TouchSystems can be found on www.tactiletechnologies.co.za and www.elotouch.com.