Leading IT Distributor Trains and Recruits More Than 1,100 Cisco Channel Partners; Announces New Tools, Training and Resources to Help Partners Sell to Small and Medium Businesses (SMBs)SANTA ANA, Calif., March 15, 2007 /PRNewswire via COMTEX News Network/ -- Ingram Micro Inc. (NYSE: IM),
today announced several new SMB-focused program enhancements to Glacier, the
distributor's successful Cisco channel partner enablement program. The new
resources, which include business development and sales tools, technical
support, marketing, recruiting and training programs, were added to accelerate
Cisco channel partner capabilities, particularly for those successfully
selling into small and medium sized customers, says Ken Bast, vice president,
vendor management, Ingram Micro U.S.
"Since its inception Glacier has helped more than 1,100 channel partners
expand their Cisco expertise, differentiate themselves, and gain a competitive
edge," continues Bast. "This new lineup of SMB-focused program resources and
support has increased Glacier's overall appeal. By adding more solutions
support and sales expertise, Glacier will help partners successfully sell,
deploy and support Cisco networking, security and unified communications
solutions into the small businesses market."
The new Glacier program enhancements are designed to educate SMB-focused
channel partners on how to sell, support and market Cisco technology
solutions. As part of the program, Ingram Micro has introduced several
business-building tools and resources that will help solution providers drive
demand, expand their technology expertise, and increase services revenue.
These include:
-
Business Development Consulting - A dedicated team of Ingram Micro
Marketing Development Managers and Account Executives who work
one-on-one with channel partners to develop a solid demand generation
strategy and written plan to increase sales and enhance
profitability.
- Specialized Cisco Training - In addition to regional Webinars and
hands-on demos at Ingram Micro Solution Centers, solution providers
can enhance their expertise and earn certifications through Ingram
Micro on select Cisco products and solutions targeted specifically at
the SMB market.
- Cisco Services Program - Solution providers can leverage Ingram Micro
to navigate Cisco's Service Contract Center, as well as receive
valuable training on Ingram Micro's Reseller Services Portal and
other Cisco Services offerings that will help partners develop a
services practice and establish a recurring annuity stream.
"Ingram Micro's Glacier program opened our eyes to all the different
market opportunities and support available as a Cisco channel partner," says
Sojin Lim, executive vice president and owner of Computopia, a technology
solution provider in Warwick, RI. "Today, whether it's SMB or enterprise, we
lead with Cisco and take comfort in knowing Ingram Micro's Glacier program
offers us experts and resources to help us each step of the way."
Since its debut in 2004, Ingram Micro's Glacier partner program has
recruited more than 1,100 solution providers for Cisco. Overall, the program
has grown 20 percent year-over-year and is credited with helping solution
providers gain access to the Cisco tools, resources and support they need to
drive demand and grow their business.
"To be successful in the SMB market, IT manufacturers need channel
partners who are prepared and motivated to recommend and sell their products,"
concludes Bast. "That is why we continue to work with Cisco to build more
value into our Glacier partner program and bring to market the right tools,
resources and support Cisco channel partners need to succeed in both the
enterprise and SMB."
About Ingram Micro
As a vital link in the technology value chain, Ingram Micro creates sales
and profitability opportunities for vendors and resellers through unique
marketing programs, outsourced logistics services, technical support,
financial services, and product aggregation and distribution. The company
serves 140 countries and is the only broadline global IT distributor with
operations in Asia. Visit www.ingrammicro.com.
SOURCE Ingram Micro Inc.
Ann Shiveley of WhiteFox Marketing & Communications, +1-303-908-0550,
Ann.Shiveley@whitefoxpr.com, for Ingram Micro Inc.; or Jennifer Baier Anaya of Ingram
Micro Inc., +1-714-382-2692, jennifer.baier@ingrammicro.com
http://www.ingrammicro.com
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