EMC rolls out local channel support plan

Storage giant appoints first channel development manager in Scotland

EMC has started to implement its regional reseller support plan by appointing its first channel development manager in Scotland.

Storage veteran Mark Baur - who has held roles at Dell, NetApp and Hitachi during his 28-year career - will be based in EMC's Livingston branch. He will focus on local partners - particularly SMBs - as part of the vendor's efforts to better support its channel. He will also lead a reseller recruitment campaign in the region.

Last summer CRN revealed EMC's plans to put more feet on the street across the UK, a move which was welcomed by partners looking forward to more face-to-face support.

EMC's UK head of channel Terry Beale said Baur's appointment reflects the vendor's increasing commitment to the channel.

"We are working to both help our existing partners increase their strength in the market and expertise and also identify new niche partners that have traditionally held incredibly close ties with smaller business where our product portfolio is increasingly relevant," he said.

"EMC is committed to increasing its relevance to this market and Mark's appointment will be key to us achieving this in Scotland."

Baur (pictured) said the Scottish market is very important to EMC.

"There is an immense amount of expertise across the channel landscape in Scotland," he said. "Their knowledge of the needs of both local businesses and the major markets such as oil and gas make them key to the success of EMC in the region. My aim is to provide our partners with the support they need to make working with EMC as easy and profitable as possible."