Spanish group Nexis SA has opened a LapTop Centre in Madrid, the first in a chain of centres which will sell and distribute portable computer equipment and services. The company plans to open further centres as soon as possible in Barcelona, Bilbao, and Seville, after that extending the concept via franchises to create a Spain-wide chain. Nexis is also negotiating with some foreign companies in order to offer international services. The aim is to provide a service to the new laptop-owning executive who requires personal service and maintenance for his or her portable computer wherever he or she may be. The LapTop Centres will be aimed at large companies and public institutions, free professionals, the small and medium-sized company and the individual user. They will also offer user training services and integrated systems for customers and attempt to solve the deficiencies existing in the portable environment in Spain such as a lack of peripherals – with plans to seek out and import the latest models. LapTop Centres will also be vendor-independent, offering a range of brands and products. Each system sold will have a maintenance guarantee valid throughout the country. The idea of having specialised centres is a new concept in Spain and the venture reflects explosive growth in the Spanish portables market. From a standing start a year ago, the market is expected to grow at a rate of 90% each year for the next five years.
