Orange adds fizz to channel

Vendor praises relationship with broadliner Ingram Micro as part of indirect push

Orange has hailed its relationship with broadliner Ingram Micro, which it appointed in February, a success, but one source said the mobile vendor’s channel has been slow to take root.

The agreement aimed to enable data resellers to take more wireless and mobile products to market (CRN, 14 February).

Alison Peers, Ingram account manager at Orange, said: “We have seen a very strong uptake of resellers signing up to the Orange partner programme from the Ingram base. We are continuing to work closely with Ingram to build in-depth relationships and take the partnership to the next level by offering customer visits and dedicated training.”

Peers added that Orange will push further channel sales by trying to boost BlackBerry shipments and targeting laptop users with the Orange 3G Mobile Office Card.

Mike Farrah, head of printers, peripherals and mobility at Ingram, said the reseller uptake has been good with more than 100 resellers joining.

“Resellers have seen the opportunity and they have the skills to sell these products to the end-user as a complete mobility package,” he said.

However, one Orange reseller said the relationship had a shaky start, although the vendor is starting to get its act together.

“Our pitch to clients includes Orange, but we have not hung our hat on just being an Orange reseller,” the VAR said.