Storage distributor CMS Peripherals has signed an agreement with vendor Acronis to distribute the Acronis True Image (ATI) family in the UK.

The backup and recovery software range includes ATI Workstation, ATI Enterprise Server, ATI Server for Windows and ATI Server for Linux.

The partnership will include co-marketing, with support and training provided by both companies. Acronis will also offer direct sales support for the distributor’s key customers.

Joe Fagan, group product marketing manager at CMS Peripherals, said: “Acronis is an emerging vendor with a clear understanding of the market needs and offers good support for its distributors.”

In addition, CMS Peripherals will distribute Acronis Snap Deploy, a software tool that enables IT managers to configure and deploy multiple desktops or servers.

Fagan said Acronis had not undergone many acquisitions and therefore its portfolio was compact.

“The vendor has a strong hunger to succeed and there are a lot of opportunities to add value around its products,” he said.
“The lack of complexity in its products means that there is a straightforward message to resellers with which they can identify. We also hope to recruit some new resellers through these offerings.

“The sales team is well oiled when it comes to promoting the Acronis portfolio. It has been launched internally, first, to ensure our VAR and SME teams are prepared and well trained,” he added.

Kevin Moreau, general manager at Acronis, said: “Acronis wanted more UK resellers, so it chose CMS Peripherals because of its clear storage focus and UK reach.

“It is always a challenge for companies to take on new products. Acronis has already commenced training with the distributor, in sales, pre-sales and professional services, so the reseller understands how they can add more value.”

Acronis also works with distributor Interactive Ideas, but Moreau claimed there would be minimal overlap in the market.
“CMS is known for its storage focus and Interactive Ideas is best known for offering Linux,” he added.