SugarCRM beats a path to Big Blue
Open-source CRM vendor launches hunt for VARs with IBM skills
SugarCRM has capitalised on its technology alliance with hardware giant IBM by launching a recruitment drive aimed at VARs with Big Blue expertise.
The open-source CRM vendor recently became a member of the IBM Global Alliance programme. SugarCRM will create plug-ins for IBM's cloud products through the partnership.
The collaboration has resulted in the development of a SugarCRM add-on for IBM's LotusLive online messaging and collaboration suite.
Thomas Schuster, vice president for business development in EMEA at SugarCRM, said the vendor is now on the hunt for Big Blue VARs.
"We are going to share a go-to-market with IBM on these products, so we are looking for partners that are highly skilled in LotusLive, as well as other parts of its cloud portfolio," he said.
The company is also stepping up its recruitment activities in the SAP, Microsoft and Sage VAR channels.
"Companies need to properly manage a wider range of customers to be successful," said Schuster.
The firm is also keen to increase its geographical coverage of the UK, he added. "We have eight or nine UK partners and want to ensure we have a good spread in the north and south of England, and Ireland too."