Lenovo lines up server and storage division

Vendor is set to launch dedicated business unit this quarter

Lenovo is gearing up for the launch of its dedicated server and storage business this quarter as it looks to replicate its stellar success in the PC market.

The firm, which came from relative obscurity when it bought IBM's PC business, is now number one in the global PC market, and is keen to make a similar splash in the server space, giving top-of-the-table IBM and HP a run for their money.

Darren Phelps (pictured), SMB channel director UK and Ireland, told CRN: "We want to grow partner breadth and grow 30 per cent year on year. The SMB space is growing significantly for us, and the mid-market is a huge opportunity for us, and we are putting a dedicated focus around that."

He explained that the server and storage business unit would be launching this quarter, with the head of the division reporting to him, but stressed that the PC business would not suffer a lack of focus.

"Our reseller business has been our success and we have to have an additional focus on the new division so we will not be using the same people. Having a dedicated team is a key message. The people we have coming in will be experts in servers and storage," he said. "We address 80 to 85 per cent of the x86 market, and we need the right people to run the channel business because we want to grow quickly."

Marc Godin, vice president and general manager UK and Ireland, added: "Partners should be confident of recommending our products to customers – given our brand image in terms of quality, reliability and support – these are our strong elements. We want to make sure these strong attributes will resonate well when it comes down to product."