VIP UK has been appointed a Microsoft OEM distributor to target the systems builder channel. The distie has held the status in the past but lost out in an RFP process around seven years ago. The firm started to rebuild its direct relationship with Microsoft around four years ago and, after a period of strong growth, has now regained its official status. Microsoft spent a lot of time evaluating what VIP could do for them. But they wanted a partner that could focus on the OEM space. Microsoft did not carry out an RFP process on this occasion, instead adding VIP to the four incumbent OEM distributors: Ingram Micro, Westcoast, Tech Data and Exertis.