Samsung adds Ingram Micro to rugged device network

Samsung Electronics Australia has added Ingram Micro Australia to its B2B Mobile eXperience distribution network, expanding distribution of its rugged smartphones and tablets in Australia.

The agreement makes Samsung's rugged mobile and tablet range available through Ingram Micro's reseller and systems integrator network, creating another route to market for devices aimed at enterprise, government and frontline sectors.

The arrangement builds on an existing relationship between Samsung's display business and Ingram Micro. It comes as Samsung seeks broader coverage in industries that use rugged devices in field and operational settings, including logistics, transport and field services.

The new distribution deal covers smartphones and tablets designed for tougher working environments, including devices with IP68 ratings, MIL-STD-810H specifications and Samsung Knox security.

Broader access through Ingram Micro is expected to help systems integrators and solution providers that bundle hardware, software and cloud services for customers. Those partners often manage deployments in more complex environments, where devices are used by workers outside offices, in vehicles or on industrial sites.

Shawn Kwon, Vice President of Integrated B2B at Samsung Electronics Australia, said demand for rugged devices had been rising across local industries.

"We are experiencing an increased appetite for rugged devices, and as this demand continues to expand across Australian industries, strengthening our distribution ecosystem is critical," Kwon said.

He said Samsung aimed to widen customer access while maintaining existing channel relationships.

"By collaborating with Ingram Micro Australia, we are growing our network to provide greater customer choice, and ensure our solutions reach more businesses - spanning a wide array of frontline sectors, from retail through to healthcare - that rely on rugged devices to support these teams. With the infrastructure and resource boom continuing, we are also gaining strong momentum in construction and mining industries. The collaboration between us and Ingram Micro Australia strengthens Samsung's overall channel architecture by extending availability through a broader reseller network nationwide. This diversification is designed to help grow the total market, broaden product availability, and increase purchasing choice for customers, all while maintaining continuity for existing partners," Kwon said.

Channel reach

For Ingram Micro, the deal expands its relationship with Samsung into mobile devices for business customers. It said the move covers Samsung's MX portfolio for the Australian channel, giving partners access to a broader range of mobility products and related services.

Australian distributors remain a key route into the business technology market, particularly for vendors that rely on resellers, managed service providers and integrators to reach end users. In sectors such as government, education and healthcare, procurement can also depend on established supplier networks with logistics and support already in place.

Mo Kandeel, Director of Consumer, Client & Endpoint at Ingram Micro Australia, outlined the distributor's view of the agreement.

"We're excited to announce the expansion of our strategic relationship with Samsung, now encompassing full distribution of Samsung's mX solution portfolio across the Australian channel. This strengthens Ingram Micro Australia's commitment to delivering best in class mobility, security, and productivity solutions to partners, while enabling Samsung to scale its reach through Ingram Micro Australia's established distribution, logistics, and enablement capabilities. By combining Samsung's innovation in mobile devices and enterprise mobility with our Australian channel expertise, together we are positioned to unlock new growth opportunities across commercial, government, education, and emerging vertical markets," Kandeel said.

Rugged demand

Rugged devices are a specialised segment of the broader mobile market, serving workers who need hardware that can withstand dust, water, drops and temperature changes. Buyers include transport operators, warehouse managers, emergency services teams, utilities workers, healthcare staff and construction crews.

In Australia, demand has been shaped by investment in infrastructure, mining and large service networks spread across remote and metropolitan areas. Organisations in those sectors often look for devices that can be managed centrally, integrated with specialist software and used over long deployment cycles.

The broader channel set-up is intended to make it easier for partners to offer either standalone hardware or more complete solutions that combine devices with software and cloud services. That could give channel firms more scope to tailor offerings for customers with specialised requirements, from device management and security to field workflow applications.

The addition of Ingram Micro also reflects continued competition among device makers to secure stronger routes into business and public sector accounts. Rather than rely solely on direct sales, manufacturers increasingly use distributors to expand reach into niche verticals and regional markets where partners already have customer relationships.

For Samsung, the move adds another layer to its Australian B2B operations as it pushes deeper into sectors where rugged equipment is a practical requirement rather than an optional extra. The arrangement is intended to broaden product availability and increase purchasing choice through a wider reseller network nationwide.