IT Distribution Roundup: What's New In Partnerships, Programs

What's New In Distribution?

From new vendor relationships to enhanced programs and support for VARs, here's a roundup of recent news from the world of IT distribution.

Ingram Micro Adds Next Level Security Systems

Ingram Micro has a new distribution relationship with Next Level Security Systems, a physical security company delivering unified networked security technologies.

Ingram Micro's Physical Security business unit will sell and support Next Level products including the NLSS Gateway, an IP-based security management platform, the NLSS Gateway integrates video management, access control, video analytics, intrusion detection and remote management services into a single appliance.

Tech Data Inks RIM Blackberry

Tech Data and Research in Motion have signed a deal for Tech Data to distribute RIM's Blackberry devices, software and support services through the distributor's new TDMobility offering operated by ActivateIT.

"RIM is a strategic vendor partner for our launch of TDMobility into the channel, and ActivateIT is key to making the complete solution possible," said Joe Quaglia, senior vice president of U.S. Marketing at Tech Data, in a statement. "We’re excited to offer our reseller customers the opportunity to increase their footprint in the channel by making complete, end-to-end BlackBerry solutions more easily available."

Avnet Starts Oracle Exadata Demos

Avnet has added the ability for Oracle solution providers to demonstrate the benefits of Oracle Exadata Database machine in their IT environments. Through Avnet's Under Our Wing program, The demos are available onsite or virtually, and Avnet also has an initiative to help Oracle VARs obtain a specialization in that area, according to the distributor. Meanwhile, Avnet has also developed a mobile sales toolkit for VARs that features product, market and best practice information that can be accessed by any mobile device.

Arrow Empower Program Builds VAR Expertise

Arrow Enterprise Computing Solutions has created a multivendor enablement program called Empower to help VARs build expertise in five different areas: next-generation analytics, value-added services, data center convergence, secure enterprise and mobility.

The Empower program provides guidance, solutions and resources to VARs, and includes comprehensive product information, training, demand generation campaigns and sales, marketing, technical finance and services support, according to Sean Kerins, president of Arrow ECS North America.

D&H Launches Vertical Support Pages

D&H Distributing has created a series of vertical market resource pages on its Web site to help solution providers better understand the products and programs designed for specific markets.

The first resources available include specially-designed pages for education/government and health-care markets, according to the Harrisburg, Pa.-based distributor. They include a list of vendors offering discounts and programs in those markets and access to Webcasts and other information.

Westcon Adds Brocade Into Center of Excellence

Westcon Group has fully integrated Brocade products into its LEAP (Learn, Experience, Architect and Plan) Center in Denver, Colo. The LEAP Centers0 were created last year as a means to help VARs replicate a real-world data center and to showcase solutions for end users.

The Denver facility now includes Brocade's NetIron router, BigIron switch, TurboIron top-of-rack switch, FastIron switch portfolios, SecureIron ADX, Brocade 650 and Brocade VDX 6720 data center switches, according to Westcon.

"To understand the impact of virtualization, partners require a highly interactive, hands-on experience that mirrors their customers’ real-world data center environments. That’s where our LEAP initiative comes in," said Andrew Warren, vice president of Westcon Group, in a statement.