Ingram, Lenovo Ink Wireless Activation Partnership

"When it comes to laptops, high speed 3G and 4G wireless connectivity is a must have for businesses," says Robert Garry, director of mobility for Ingram Micro, in a statement. "By tapping into the unique activation services available only from the Ingram Micro Mobility Division, Lenovo is making it easier and more profitable for its channel partners to sell and support Lenovo laptops."

Last month, Ingram Micro rolled out a deal with Toshiba in which solution providers who purchase 3G-enabled Toshiba netbooks can have the mobility access with Sprint and AT&T activated by the distributor. But the Lenovo deal is bigger for Ingram Micro. It includes more SKUs and the distributor will also activate laptops on behalf of Lenovo that are not purchased from Ingram Micro, according to an Ingram spokeswoman.

All of Lenovo's ThinkPad laptop models are 3G-enabled and Lenovo also offers a number of 4G-enabled laptop models, including the new ThinkPad Edge laptops built for small to medium businesses.

"We've created this program to give resellers another way of generating additional revenue and to help them drive demand from small to medium business customers for mobile broadband-enabled laptops," says Jay McBain, director of small and medium business at Lenovo, in a statement. "With the support of the Ingram Micro Mobility Division, channel partners have an end-to-end solution that not only increases their overall profitability, but enhances their value add in the marketplace."