Avnet broadens IBM partnership

Distributor expands agreement with Big Blue to supply its retail software offering across Europe

Distribution giant Avnet has expanded its partnership with IBM to supply its retail software portfolio across Europe.

As a result, Avnet will supply IBM’s RSS solutions to its VAR and ISV base across the UK, Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium and Austria, among others.

Miriam Murphy, senior vice president of the IBM product business group at Avnet, said: “Avnet’s track record in accelerating the success of IBM and its VAR and ISV partners has earned us the opportunity to expand our support for the retail market across Europe.

“We will provide dedicated support for business partners looking to expand their sales in the retail market, including training, enablement, solutions demonstrations and proof-of-concept units for use with partners’ customers. We see this as a win for partners looking to support traditional retail markets, as well as those targeting non-traditional retail environments.”

Ted Clark, IBM RSS global channel leader, said: “The benefits Avnet provides to IBM’s business partners extend beyond the company’s value-added services, such as logistics and technical design support. Avnet’s ability to support a broad base of partners across Europe has made it an excellent company to provide pan-European distribution for IBM RSS solutions.

“Its breadth of IBM software, hardware and services expertise will more quickly enable our business partners to provide Smarter Commerce solutions to retailers in Europe.”