Free service showcases 750 technology specialists to the education sector and welcomes a growing range of manufacturers into the UK’s largest independent buyer’s resource.

Conjungo, the UK’s largest independent technology information resource and supplier search engine, has added its 750th ICT specialist for the education market this month, as the industry prepares for the BETT show in January.

“Having the widest possible choice of suppliers during any tender or discovery phase of a project is essential in gaining value for money and Conjungo now list over 750 IT and telecoms suppliers specialising in the education sector” comments David Cruse, CEO and Founder, Conjungo. “We applaud the work of industry associations like BESA, but many smaller, regional technology product and service providers are dissuaded from joining by the cost and regulations associated with membership, and our service allow them to gain visibility without incurring costs.”

According to Kable, a leading provider of public sector research, ICT continues to be attractive to the education sector. Kable believe ICT is perceived by the government, its agencies and institutions as a main enabler to improve the quality of learning and teaching. For this reason, the government will continue to heavily fund ICT initiatives.

Education ICT expenditure in the UK will keep on growing.  Spend in 2008/9 currently stands at £2.5bn, growing at a compound average growth rate (CAGR) of 4% and will reach £2.9bn by 2011/12.  Considering the economic downturn this 4% growth rate is high, and is affected by two major programmes boosting expenditure; Building Schools for the Future (BSF) and the Primary Capital Programme (PCP).

“Although Conjungo is a free service for channel partners, we maintain accurate list of accreditations through subscribing manufacturers and offer a wide range of educational material to help buyers find the right technology solution backed by search tools to help buyers compile shortlist based on region and skill set.”

Conjungo maintains a searchable database of technology suppliers from vendors with extensive products lines aimed at the education market including Adobe, Acronis, Websense, and Netvoyager.  One of the latest vendors to join the Conjungo network is Steljes (www.mysmartspaces.co.uk), an established provider to the educations sector with products including SMART interactive whiteboards, audience response technology, AV equipment and teaching software.

Graham Wylie, group product & marketing director at Steljes, commented: “By putting our channel partners on Conjungo, Steljes is able to help potential customers more easily find their local approved supplier for SMART Technologies, Turning Point and a wide range of other solutions.”

Steljes join SMART and Turning Technologies to showcase several products at this BETT 2009 on stand B50 and H49.