Ingram Micro Joins Linux Camp

The Santa Ana, Calif.-based distributor has developed a Linux-focused initiative that includes new resources in marketing, technical support, solution center training and demand-generation programs.

Ingram Micro developed the program because, although Linux has previously had most of its traction in the enterprise, more SMB customers are now expressing interest in the platform, said Bill Brooks, senior director of technical support for Ingram Micro.

"Our VARs are coming to us to gain an understanding of new technologies and solution sets to take to [their] customers," Brooks said. "A lot of our VARs don't have the comfort level to respond. They come to us to develop that comfort level."

Ingram Micro receives about 150 calls a week regarding Linux, double the amount from six months ago, Brooks said. "They are exploration-type questions," he said. "The calls we're getting tend to be for smaller business with one or two servers, businesses with around 50 employees."

Brooks said the interest was coming from solution providers serving both new businesses and existing businesses migrating from a Microsoft environment.

Linux is a fast-growing business opportunity for Network Management Group, said Steve Harper, president of the Hutchinson, Kan., solution provider. "Linux is a viable alternative now that Novell has made its move with SUSE and IBM's interest. It's helped validate Linux to us and to our customers," he said.

Solution providers are still learning how to sell Linux to solve specific business problems, Brooks said. "We believe some VAR apprehension is a big factor [inhibiting] wider opportunities [for Linux]," he said. "There still exists some implementation issues. There are some interoperability issues. That tends to make VARs tread lightly in this area, but improvements in that area are rapidly coming."

Solution providers can attend training sessions by Ingram Micro starting on May 13 in Santa Ana.

Ingram Micro has added Linux and open-source products from Red Hat, Computer Associates International, Hewlett-Packard, Intel and IBM, among others.