Wyse admits Dell takeover struck fear into channel

Newly acquired Wyse claims vendor has shed its direct-only image, and is embracing its channel

Wyse has launched a new set of channel solutions after admitting that there was "stark raving fear" from its partners when Dell announced its takeover of the firm in April.

The California-based thin-client outfit, which operates entirely through the channel, said that despite a recent change of strategy, Dell's heritage as a direct-only vendor sparked panic among its channel.

Dell acquired Wyse to bolster its virtualisation stable, and announced new offerings for its partners while at VMworld in Barcelona.

Dell Wyse launched its new set of cloud client computing solutions at the tradeshow, expanding its support for VMware View and desktop-as-a-service.

The firm also announced its Cloud Client Computing Advisor (CCCA) tool, which chief marketing officer Jeff McNaught said can bring success to the UK channel. The tool is designed to allow channel partners to quickly determine which Dell solutions best fit its customer.

The CCCA and virtual cloud solutions are available exclusively through the channel.

"The solution expertise of the channel is unmatched by the direct route; it is irreplaceable," said McNaught.

"When we announced [Dell's] takeover, there was a huge concern. There was stark raving fear, people were running through the streets with their hair on fire! We have a very loyal channel and we were near perfect with our model.

"But everyone at Dell understands [the importance of the channel], and Dell is open to the transformation. It can only get better for our channel members."