ScanSource: Get Innovative, Get Cash

The Greenville, S.C.-based distributor is hosting a contest for solution providers that have deployed creative solutions in 10 vertical markets.

"This is about helping solution providers build a focus in vertical areas, but we're trying to build up the solutions page on our Solution City Web site," said Bobby McLain, vice president of marketing at ScanSource. "The winners get a cash prize, but it's also about networking and maybe developing partnerships with other resellers."

Third-party judges will choose one winner for each of the following verticals: retail, hospitality, government, education, financial services, distribution, manufacturing, food, field mobile and health care. Solutions must include both hardware and software sold by ScanSource or its Catalyst Telecom and Paracon divisions, but solution providers can also include their own applications or products or those purchased elsewhere, McLain said.

The deadline for submissions is Oct. 31.

ScanSource created its Solution City program earlier this year to educate solution providers on vertical market sales strategies. The Solution City Web site includes tips and strategies for selling into different vertical markets, and the winning solutions in the contest will be featured there.