Certification Programs and Training Available to Educate Technology Resellers on IBM Solutions for Small Businesses
SANTA ANA, Calif., July 5 /PRNewswire/ -- Ingram Micro Inc. (NYSE:IM)
, the world's largest wholesale provider of technology products and services, today announced that it will work with IBM to offer technology resellers e-business services and solutions aimed at the needs of their small-business customers. The two companies will deliver the service offering through a series of business development funds and targeted certification programs.
Ingram Micro has created a number of value-added services for its technology reseller customers to help them better serve their small business customers, including its Total Opportunity Program (TOP), which provides IBM resellers business development funds of up to $10,000. Qualified Ingram Micro customers will receive the funding for technical certification, sales training and end-user demand generation programs.
"This initiative with Ingram Micro is a key component in our delivery of e-commerce solutions to small businesses," said Rauline M. G. Ochs, vice president, e-business channel sales, IBM. "Ingram Micro's dedication to reseller education, as evidenced in training and development funding, provides small businesses with an invaluable asset."
The training, education and funding available through the TOP program has allowed Ingram Micro's customers to close sizeable deals involving IBM technology. Steve Radusovsky, president and chief executive officer of 4GL Solutions, a Calif.-based technology reseller, located at http://www.4glsolutions.com/, and Ingram Micro customer said, "The support we received from Ingram Micro and IBM through the TOP program was tremendously instrumental in the success of several recent customer wins. The program provided essential information about building a stronger business with information covering everything from marketing tactics to technical details."
As a further incentive for its customers, Ingram Micro also created the exclusive Customer Advantage program to give technology resellers that are new to the services market free certification on IBM and Lotus software solutions and products. Customers can request up to $5,000 in funding for technical certification and end-user marketing, as well as receive Ingram Micro assistance in becoming an IBM/Lotus Software Business Partner.
"The backbone of today's small-business models begins with a solid e-commerce solution," said Donna Grothjan, general manager, software product management, Ingram Micro. "IBM offers the solutions that address small business issues, and we are pleased to offer specialized reseller services that will help better serve the e-commerce needs of the small-business customer."
About Ingram Micro Inc.
Operating in 34 countries, Ingram Micro Inc. (NYSE:IM)
is the world's largest wholesale provider of technology products and services, with sales exceeding $29 billion for the past four reported quarters. Ingram Micro's key business units deliver fulfillment and distribution, product acquisition and selection, supply-chain automation and programs, as well as e-procurement to more than 175,000 technology solution providers, manufacturers and businesses located in more than 100 countries. Ingram Micro is driving the evolution of wholesale distribution for the information technology industry and is the operations engine behind leading global e-businesses today. Ingram Micro can be found at www.ingrammicro.com.
Source: Ingram Micro Inc.
Contact: Becky Vieira, ext. 231, becky_vieira@benjamingroup.com, or
Carrie Brooks, ext. 239, carrie_brooks@benjamingroup.com, both of Benjamin
Group/BSMG Worldwide, 949-260-1300, for Ingram Micro; or Jennifer Marchetta,
Media Relations of Ingram Micro Inc., 714-382-2692,
jennifer.marchetta@ingrammicro.com
Website: http://www.4glsolutions.com/
Website: http://www.ibm.com/
Website: http://www.ingrammicro.com/