Ingram Micro spearheads new channel alliance
Channel Transformation Alliance aims to ensure the industry reaps the benefits of cloud computing, managed services and other emerging technologies
Ingram Micro EMEA has teamed up with a number of industry heavyweights to form the Channel Transformation Alliance.
The group was formed to support the IT reseller channel’s continued success with cloud computing, managed services and emerging technologies. Founding members include HP, Microsoft, CA Technologies, Symantec, APC, Kingston Technology, SNIA Europe and Solution Provider Community International.
According to a release sent out by Ingram, the Alliance operates with a "shared philosophy and vision" in which the reseller channel "continues to play the leading role" as the trusted adviser to local business clients.
Resellers will continue to be the "virtual CIO" while also becoming a "virtual CEO or cloud experience owner".
It warned that businesses that choose to go it alone and buy direct may struggle to integrate on-premise legacy applications with the cloud and get the maximum benefit of the technologies.
Jason Beal, senior director of services and cloud computing at Ingram Micro EMEA, said: “While some observers predict the demise or dis-intermediation of the IT reseller channel in the era of cloud computing and emerging technologies, the Channel Transformation Alliance believes the reseller channel remains the primary route-to-market and resellers will not only survive through this industry transformation, but also thrive in the era of cloud computing and IT-as-a-Service.
“The Channel Transformation Alliance believes it is our role and duty to provide the IT reseller channel with the education, roadmaps and best practices to make this transition and develop a business model for success with cloud computing. We will further enable our channel partners to clearly articulate and demonstrate the benefits of cloud computing, managed services and emerging technologies to their customers.”
Klaus Rumsauer, channel and SMB sales director ESSN at HP EMEA, said: “With the creation of the Channel Transformation Alliance, a common ground for the IT industry's cloud innovators has been established to share their vision and provide a roadmap and a curriculum for success. The Channel Transformation Alliance will help drive greater visibility into the opportunities and benefits that cloud computing brings to the IT channel at large, as well as providing information on how to overcome perceived challenges, and HP is proud to be a founding member.”