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Ingram Micro has launched a new Cloud Conduit services initiative to help VARs and MSPs better partner with cloud computing vendors, including Amazon Web Services, Rackspace Hosting and Salesforce.com.
In addition, Cloud Conduit will help introduce cloud providers to third-party, cloud-based ISV applications, according to Jason Beal, director of services sales at Ingram Micro North America.
The program’s goal is to help solution providers get better educated on what’s available and how to offer it to customers, according to Ingram Micro. It’s offered in combination with Ingram Micro’s Seismic managed services portfolio, according to Beal.
“These relationships will simplify the aggregation of cloud services for our [MSP and VAR] partners, much like we did with Seismic and managed services. One of our goals behind Cloud Conduit is to make it that much easier for MSPs and VARs to build a practice around cloud computing and engage with the industry’s leading cloud innovators and ISVs,” Beal said. “On the vendor front, the Cloud Conduit gives players like Salesforce.com and Amazon access to those Ingram Micro channel partners who are offering managed services and interested in making the move to cloud.”
Ingram Micro announced the program at its first Cloud Summit held Monday in Dallas, a one-day event held prior to Ingram’s annual Seismic partner conference.
Ingram Micro isn’t reselling Amazon Web Services, instead it’s working in an advisory role to develop reseller channels for Amazon, said Justin Crotty, vice president of services for Ingram Micro. “We are planning to go into beta shortly with the goal of ultimately reselling AWS to our channel partners,” Crotty said. “On the Salesforce.com side -- we are helping to develop go to market channels for their AppXchange partners [ISV] through the Cloud Conduit program.”
Amazon is counting on Ingram Micro to develop a new community of customers and solution providers for its Web Services, according to Terry Wise, director of partner relations for Amazon Web Services. “Customers and solution providers will be able to innovate and accelerate the delivery of new applications all while cutting costs,” Wise said in a statement.
Meanwhile, Ingram Micro will also take an indirect role with Salesforce.com, providing channel development, marketing, and channel sales services to Salesforce.com’s community of AppExchange ISVs, according to the distributor.
