Subsidiaries can get on the Kace for Dell
Dell Kace chief outlines how his firm and others can open doors for the PC giant
Dell Kace's chief executive has said his firm and other subsidiaries will help Dell boost its standing in the channel.
The PC vendor acquired systems management specialist Kace about a year ago. Dell Kace chief executive Rob Meinhardt said that customer numbers have since risen from 1,400 to 2,600.
"There were customer concerns around maintaining the premium levels of tech support and whether we would continue to support Mac and Linux," he said. "A year later, it has been proven Dell is willing to invest in us."
Seann Gardiner was recently promoted to EMEA sales director. He told ChannelWeb that staff numbers in the region have gone from three to 15 in the past year and are set to rise to 30 in 2011.
Upgrade Options recently signed on as the first certified Dell Kace partner in the UK. Gardiner revealed VARs including Kelway, Softcat and Lanway are also working with Kace.
"We like the Softcats and the Kelways, but we are certainly [interested in] other regional partners that may have a focus in the public sector," said Gardiner.
Meinhardt added that Dell can use its stable of acquisitions to make a bigger splash in the channel.
"Compellent, EqualLogic and Kace have been a door-opener for Dell," he said. "HisThere are a number of partners that have not historically wanted to work with Dell and some of these products are a bit more channel friendly."