Tech Data stepped up its commitment to Apple this week with the introduction of AppleAdvantage, which will provide VARs with a dedicated Apple-focused sales team, among other benefits.
AppleAdvantage will also provide Tech Data resellers with project-management resources, extended-term financing and additional product offerings from vendors that complement Apple technology. The new program enhances Tech Data's existing offering for Apple VARs, which includes MacFocus, a specialized community of solution providers within Tech Data's TechSelect organization comprising more than 400 resellers focused on the small and midsize business market.
Pete Peterson, Tech Data's vice president of systems product marketing, says Apple's recent resurgence had led to increased interest in the company from both end users and the channel.
"Our business with Apple has grow significantly. We had one of our best quarters with them recently," Peterson says.
Currently, there are around 30 TechSelect members within MacFocus, and Tech Data would like to see that number grow, both by adding Apple VARs to TechSelect and by helping existing TechSelect members build an Apple practice. Peterson says the addition of a dedicated sales team for the distributor's Apple business will help that goal.
Angela O'Donnell, managing director of W. O'Donnell Consulting of New York, says her company is excited about Tech Data's move to deepen its partnership with Apple.
"We've already seen results from being part of MacFocus," O'Donnell says. "Tech Data has helped us by giving us the ability to access Apple executives that we would never have been able to reach on our own."
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