Storage specialist Hammer has signed its first Intel distribution deal outside the UK.

Under the deal, the distributor will supply Intel's server and storage product portfolio to the Nordic region.

For the last two years Intel has been restructuring its Intel Authorised Distributor programme. The agreement with Hammer means this process is now complete.

Alberto Cacace, European general manager at Hammer, said: “Hammer’s business has successfully continued to increase during the last two years in the Nordic regions, and we now have a dedicated Intel team including a new BDM who will assist the team with growing Intel server and storage business within the Nordics region.

“Hammer's appointment by Intel to be the only authorised server and storage distributor for the Nordics regions is a great achievement and will give us the opportunity to build on our high levels of service and focus.”

He added: “There is no doubt that Hammer's exceptional portfolio and expertise combined with Intel’s strong reputation in the market place will give partners an unprecedented advantage when developing their server and storage business.”

After opening its Stockholm office two years ago, Hammer now plans to expand its presence with additional technical resources in the second half of 2008.

Christian Bohn, channel manager for the Nordic region at Intel, said: “The appointment of Hammer is a very important step in driving our server business in the Nordic region.

“By being able to offer Intel’s full portfolio of server components combined with a strong technical expertise, Hammer will fill an important role that has been missing in Intel’s distribution network.”