Quantum merger hit sparks partner drive
Vendor hails storage and enterprise integration as it reveals channel recruitment plans
Tape drive vendor Quantum has hailed the integration of ADIC a success and is looking to recruit additional channel partners to push its combined product set.
Quantum acquired ADIC last summer for $770m and at the time VARs reserved judgement on the effects of the acquisition.
However, Steve Mackey, area sales director at Quantum, told CRN: “Quantum was always strong as a volume tape storage provider and ADIC was strong in the enterprise space with a software emphasis. We have put all these parts together into the main business and are now looking towards growth.”
Mackey said the two firms’ channel partners have also benefited from the merger, despite the resulting ‘complex’ channel model, which divides VARs into enterprise and premier levels. Quantum also works with distributors Hammer, CMS Peripherals and Bell Micro in the UK.
“We have a high-volume device business that fits the two-tier model, and also the enterprise side of the business, which has quite a high direct touch with corporate customers,” Mackey said. “We haven’t lost any partners, in fact we are recruiting, and are looking for VARs to sell our latest disk-based technology.”
He added that the vendor is looking to get about 30 additional premier-level UK partners on board this financial year.
Michelle McMurray, group marketing and partner manager at CMS Peripherals, said: “We have a very good relationship with Quantum and have a number of open conversations with it regarding each product portfolio and the different strategies. We are currently helping it with partner recruitment.”