A new business model will see Maclean outsource the majority of its hardware and software procurement to Acquire.

Maclean will continue to offer end-to-end IT infrastructure service for customers, including presales, account management, implementation and support services.

The company says that only the "back-end functions” will be outsourced.

"This is great news for both Maclean and our customers.” says Chris Maclean, CEO of Maclean. "Leveraging Acquire’s procurement systems and combining our buying power means faster quotes with more competitive prices. Having piloted this now for a couple of weeks we’re confident it’s a win-win for everyone.” The deal will also seen Maclean provide better eCommerce through its ‘M-Shop’ procurement portal, which will be "powered by Acquire”.

Explaining the reasons for outsourcing, which has traditionally been an important part of Maclean’s business, Maclean continued, "As our market, and our business matures, we are keen to focus our resources on the areas that offer customers the best return. Our core strength is in building and supporting Rock Solid IT foundations, not procurement, so this partnership delivers an improved service for customers and a tighter focus for ourselves.”

Maclean said the deal frees up additional resource to drive the firm’s new Wholesale IT Service it’s offering to non-competing Managed Service Providers.

"With our first MSP customers running both here and Australia we need all the horse power available to build on that momentum,” he added.