D-Link rekindles ties with business channel

Shift in focus will see reseller relationships and support take precedence over consumer offerings

Networking vendor D-Link is bolstering its support to UK distribution and is aiming to reconnect with VARs that have preconceptions of it being consumer focused.

D-Link’s business is split into three areas: consumer; business solutions; and telco and ISP.

UK and Ireland general manager Chris Davies said he hopes to recruit more VARs, but will focus on cementing profitable partner relationships. “I want partners who knew D-Link four years ago to see how things have changed,” he said. “The solutions and services offerings would surprise a lot of people.”

Marketing manager Andrew Mulholland said he would deliver the right message to the channel to ensure D-Link is not seen as a consumer offering. “We are recruiting people to focus on making contact with resellers that we have never touched before,” he said. “Products we are launching will make them aware there is a place for them.”

Davies said he could access a “little bit more cash” to help reach out to resellers through distributors. “We are also putting measures in place to minimise distributors’ stock risk.”

D-Link launched its Global Alliance Programme last week, which allows resellers and end users to work with the vendor to develop product and services offerings.