|
|
|
07 Feb 2005
Linux-based storage vendor Arkeia has partnered with distributor Interactive Ideas to help it recruit a UK channel and spread the open-source message.
The firm, which specialises in backup and recovery software for Linux-based environments, is working with Interactive Ideas on a programme for VARs looking to capitalise on the lucrative medium enterprise Linux market.
Interactive Ideas will supply Arkeia's suite of backup software, including Network Backup, Server Backup and Disaster Recovery modules, to its VAR network.
Mike Trup, managing director of Interactive Ideas, said Arkeia fits well into the distributor's overall strategy.
"We want to offer a complete Linux solution to customers - a kind of one-stop shop," he said. "We are already working with Linux distributors such as Red Hat, Novell, Sybase and SuSE.
"We have seen a leap in demand in the enterprise space for Linux, and Arkeia's products work across all major platforms."
Dominique Audoin, UK and Ireland channel manager at Arkeia, said the UK channel is lagging behind Germany and France in terms of Linux skills.
"As a result, we are looking to focus on medium enterprise-sized firms and departments within large organisations, rather than the smaller firms. We see a definite mid-market opportunity for our channel," Audoin said.
"We chose Interactive Ideas because of its relationships with other Linux vendors and the fact that it is a well-established Linux distributor."
Audoin said Arkeia has a "focused channel strategy" in the UK, and the bulk of its reseller partners will be serviced via Interactive Ideas. It is looking to widen its relationships with integrators to focus on the higher-end enterprise side of business.
Trup said that although Linux take-up among SMEs has been slower than in the enterprise space, he is confident that the sector will catch up eventually.
"In the Linux market, the bulk of conversions have been among firms moving from Unix or Windows and looking to implement a fresh solution. The next three to five years of growth is coming from the SME marketplace; I am certain of that. We are reaching the point where everybody needs to consider a Linux solution at some point," he said.
"Take-up will be slower, because there is a skills shortage in the resellers serving SME customers, but I have every confidence that it will catch up."
Related articles
In this video find out about the fast-growing Chinese vendor's plans for market domination and how the channel is its route of choice
Find out what gifts Acer has in store for partners for 2012 in this exclusive roundup of its recent conference
CRN's premier networking event is back on 17 May at the Ricoh Arena
Date: Thu 17 May 2012
Channel fighters preparing to square up once more on 24 May
Date: Thu 24 May 2012
The proliferation of endpoint devices within the enterprise has highlighted the shortcomings of one of the traditional approaches to data security
This Forrester report compares the costs and benefits of legacy email and productivity software with Google Apps
Dave discovers that rozzers are seemingly living in the technology dark ages
HP's new boss made all the right noises at HP GPC - but are words enough, asks CRN deputy editor Doug Woodburn
|
|
|
Do you agree?
Have your say