1991: The foundations for the internet were being laid, but it was far from reality for the majority of us, notebooks were new – and heavy and expensive – tablets were a form of medication, clouds floated in the sky. The Microsoft flag was unveiled, and the vendor was pushing Microsoft Windows for Pen Computing using pen-based computers, while its software line-up included Microsoft Publisher, Works for Windows 2.0, Microsoft Entertainment Pack and Windows 3.0.

It was also the year Ingram Micro New Zealand – then Tech Pacific – began distributing Microsoft, a then 16-year-old software vendor.

Twenty-five years on the two companies are celebrating the anniversary.

Oscar Huijsse, Microsoft New Zealand senior operations account manager, says Ingram Micro has grown from being simply a FPP/Open partner to being a full-service partner, covering OEM, FPP, Open, Open Value, ISV, SPLA, CSP, hardware and devices.

Ingram Micro New Zealand now distributes the broadest range of Microsoft product offerings in the market, including exclusive distribution for Surface Commercial and Surface Hub.

David Rayner, Microsoft New Zealand consumer channels director, says the distributor is a pivotal partner for Microsoft in building strength in the Windows ecosystem.

Through the years a range of Ingram Micro product managers have handled Microsoft – with many of them still working at Ingram, including Melanie Wrann, Jennifer Hall, Rachel McBeth, Matt Connor, Barbara Kidd and current product managers Angela Goodacre and Jonathon Williamson, Ingram Micro's Microsoft Cloud product manager.

“Their 25 years of commitment, energy and enthusiasm selling Windows and Windows devices from multiple manufacturers has been incredible, and I look forward to continuing our partnership for the next 25 years,” Rayner says.

“I was luck enough to be invited to the Ingram Micro New Zealand 10-year celebration and I am very pleased to be able to share in the excitement of the 25-year anniversary that is now being celebrated,” Huijsse says.

“This is an example of true partnership where we have been able to share the ups and downs, as well as a profitable relationship, not only financially, but individually as well,” he adds.