Tech Data Lets Partners Go To Cloud School At Their Own Pace

Tech Data partners now have a new way to learn to build their cloud practice as the distributor updates its exclusive Cloud Practice Builder with a self-guided online curriculum.

The enhanced Cloud Practice Builder was unveiled at the Clearwater, Fla.-based distributor’s Tech Select Partners Conference, being held in San Antonio this week.

[Related: Tech Data, Cisco Partner For Simplicity]

“We are excited to not only continue delivering custom consulting services, historically offered through Cloud Practice Builder, but also to add an online component that allows partners of all sizes—including small and midmarket companies—the ability to identify a clear and defined road map to develop and grow their cloud business,” Stacy Nethercoat, vice president of cloud solutions, Americas, at Tech Data, said in a statement. “We believe our expanded Cloud Practice Builder offering will lower the barrier of entry to cloud enablement support, giving our customers the ability to scale their cloud solutions quickly and cost- effectively.”

Tech Data said that since its debut the Practice Builder methodology has been a consultant-led, high-touch and limited-access program. However, with this new offering Tech Data is enabling more customers than ever before to embrace the cloud and extend their business’ capabilities without the guesswork, cost, ramp-up time or resources to develop in-house expertise.

“I found that going through Cloud Practice Builder’s Cloud Practice Assessment confirmed my gut feel for our company’s cloud capabilities—which are strong. But it also forced me to question where different cloud offers play in our immediate sales funnel and midterm strategic goals,” said Tom Tavarez, vice president of business sevelopment at solution provider Micro Technology Solutions, Fairhaven, Mass. “Our cloud path clearly pointed out what bases need to be addressed immediately—specifically how we need to build up our knowledge base, which is essential for effective positioning and selling, as well as technical competencies in Azure and how Tech Data can assist filling gaps until we get where we need to be.”

With the new online curriculum, partners can assess their current level of cloud capability and get a customized, step-by-step road map for cloud business transformation, Tech Data said. The curriculum is paced so that partners can complete it in from a few weeks to months, which Tech Data said allows them to “embrace fast-paced learning” and minimize drop-off. In addition, partners will have access to Tech Data’s curated cloud tools, resources and templates for quick deployment.

The expanded program also enables partners to easily connect with Tech Data’s cloud experts to discuss critical components of their cloud practice, including strategy development, training and enablement, marketing services and sales execution, Tech Data said.

“Cloud Practice Builder is an excellent springboard to cloud business advancement for businesses—both small and large,” said Patrick Wong, CEO of solution provider Wong Computing Services, Prairie Village, Kan. “Tech Data has hit the mark with this online program, offering channel partners like myself a way to easily take the pulse of our current business with the Cloud Practice Assessment tool, and a simple recipe to rise to the next level through the cloud path provided to us.”