World's No. 1 Technology Distributor Unites Customers, Adds Services And Resources To Drive Sales Growth And Business Expansion Within Its North America Customer Communities
SANTA ANA, Calif., Sept. 6 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- In preparation for its Fall 2005 VentureTech Network (VTN) Invitational, Ingram Micro Inc (NYSE: IM), announced today that its VentureTech Network (VTN) and Ingram Micro Services Network (IMSN) customer communities foster sales growth and business expansion through partnerships and collaboration among its customer base.
"Many VTN and IMSN members attribute their more than 100 percent year-over-year growth to new business opportunities and practices created through partnering with other community members," said Justin Crotty, vice president, channel marketing, Ingram Micro North America. "Combine this with the tools, training and education, business resources and exclusive vendor engagements there's no question as to why these communities continue to set the bar high for the IT industry."
To encourage more partnerships, and further the member's growth and expansion, Ingram Micro will be adding valuable enhancements throughout 2005 and into 2006. The following will be introduced at its upcoming VentureTech Network Invitational, Sept., 7 - 10 in Austin, Texas:
- Expanded membership and North American reach within its VTN and IMSN communities.
- Advanced training and education tracks through top training provider, Impact Learning Systems, in professional services, and new technologies within Ingram Micro's University VentureTech (UVT)
- Additional support resources, high-end training and education for multiregional, VARBusiness 500-size resellers.
- New business development tools, technology solutions and support for servicing the SMB, Mid-market, Digital Home and mainstream verticals.
- Additional "Practice Groups" that capture the technology expertise of the members for easier identification and enhanced partnering among both communities.
- Practice Groups will be established throughout 2006, while the company offers education, training and market expertise through Ingram Micro's technology bootcamps, as well as member to member sharing opportunities at Chapter and regional events.
- Nimax, a division of Ingram Micro, will launch a Data Capture Practice Group through IMSN.
- Formal communications and sharing of best business practices.
Continuing to encourage a "partner vs. compete" culture among its customers, Ingram Micro's Fall 2005 VentureTech Invitational is themed "Power of Partnership." The event will focus on delivering growth strategies and tactics for its VAR membership, serving as the premier IT industry networking experience.
The event will also feature countless training and education breakouts given by speakers from Ingram Micro's executive team and channel chiefs such as IBM's Frank Vitagliano and HP's John Thompson. In addition, the following industry experts will present to the more than 400 VARs in attendance:
- Promoting Through Partnership -- Helping Discover, Conceive and Refresh Your Brand -- Steve Feldman, President & CEO, Graphtech Systems, L.L.C
- Driving Results From Value-Based Pricing -- Georg Muller, PhD, Strategic Pricing Group Inc
- Managed Services -- Who is Managing Who? -- Tom Allen, President, Avow Technology Solutions
- Show Me The Money! -- Effectively Use Market Development Funds -- Larry Hedin, VP Sales & Marketing, Heartland Technology Solutions
"We're excited about the future of our partner communities," said Crotty. "Membership and our overall focus on enhancing relationships among our customers and vendor partners has never been stronger."
About Ingram Micro Inc.
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 100 countries and is the only global IT distributor with operations in Asia. Visit http://www.ingrammicro.com .
2005 Ingram Micro Inc. All rights reserved. Ingram Micro and the registered Ingram Micro logo are trademarks used under license by Ingram Micro Inc. The names of actual companies and products mentioned herein may be the trademarks of their respective owners
SOURCE Ingram Micro
09/06/2005
CONTACT: Marie Meoli of WhiteFox Marketing and Communications for Ingram
Micro Inc., +1-714-382-2190, marie.meoli@ingrammicro.com; Chris Kelly of
Ingram Micro Inc., +1-714-382-3355, chris.kelly@ingrammicro.com
Web site: http://www.ingrammicro.com
(IM)