Azlan builds Lotus Foundations

Distributor tasked with driving demand for IBM's latest software in SME channel

Azlan has been selected by IBM to generate demand for its latest Lotus software release in the SME channel.

Lotus Foundations is aimed at end-user firms with between one and 500 employees and is described as an "out-of-the-box first server" solution that offers SMEs functionality without the complexity. It also offers remote access, advanced file management and directory services, a built-in firewall, anti-virus, anti-spam and backup and recovery software.

The distributor will market the software to its extensive European SME reseller base, providing it with sales training and marketing support for the software.

Gareth Hansford, vice president of distributor management for Western Europe at IBM, said: “With its exceptional coverage and proven track record in SME reseller identification, recruitment and enablement, Azlan was an obvious choice for the Lotus Foundations programme.

“We will work together to make resellers fully aware of the market potential and to provide them with the support they need to maximise and develop their opportunities with Lotus Foundations.”

Sean Kendrick, director of marketing and SME at Azlan Europe, said: “IBM is synonymous with efficiency and Lotus Foundations deliver to small businesses in a package that is both affordable and easy to manage.

“For SME resellers it presents an ideal opportunity to use Azlan’s eco-system to offer IBM quality and resilience to existing and new customers. Lotus Foundations presents resellers with a real SME server solution to serve the lower end of the SME market, and we expect this offering to bring both new partners and new customers to IBM for the first time.”

Initially, Azlan focus on recruiting resellers in Belgium, France, Germany, Norway, Poland, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland, with scope to extend to other European markets later this year.