Channel services firms make senior appointments

Rob Wiles joins APSL, while former Azlan director Joe Breen resurfaces at XOR

Two channel services firms have made high-level appointments as they look to cement ties with resellers running short of resource.

XOR Professional Services, which specialises in virtualisation, storage, networking and Microsoft installation and support services, has announced the appointment of Joe Breen to the post of partner sales director. He left his role as corporate sales director of Azlan earlier this year.

Meanwhile, APSL, a voice and data support services outfit specialising in Avaya and ShoreTel, has enlisted Rob Wiles as head of channel.

Wiles (pictured below), who has previously worked for Siemens and distributor Crane, said part of his remit is to ensure APSL is viewed as "the most qualified Avaya red/blue/data and ShoreTel services organisation".

He argued that resellers are increasingly leaning on third-party services firms to bolster their skills.

"Current market conditions are making it difficult for the unified communications channel to invest in engineering skill sets. APSL is able to fill that gap but also enable partners to expand into different product areas as well," he said.

A priority for Wiles in his new role is recruiting VADs, something which has not been done in the past.

He added: "We do not deal with distributors, but in order to scale we need a wider marketplace for both distribution and the credit availability they offer.

"Our main partners are Avaya and Nortel so distributors that sell those products will be where we look first."

XOR has been on a recruitment charge of late and Breen has the task of accelerating the Watford-based firm's growth.

"The fundamental proposition offered by XOR is that of channel enablement," said Breen. "We enable our partners to expand their capabilities to offer a broader, deeper solution offering to their customers, and ultimately assist them in winning more business."