Tech Data and Avnet bolster training efforts
Tech Data adds vendors to TD Academy while Avnet unveils new scheme designed to help resellers sell training to end users
Distributors Tech Data and Avnet are simultaneously stepping up their efforts around training, with the former adding more vendors to its online training platform and the latter launching a scheme designed to help resellers sell training to their customers.
Tech Data said it is adding learning materials from an increased pool of vendors to its online training and talent development platform, TD Academy.
TD Academy was originally devised as a portal for Hewlett Packard Enterprise partners, but now contains material on Microsoft and Brocade networking technologies, as well as Promethean and other vendors carried by audio-visual arm Maverick.
Additional vendors, as well as training materials designed for customers of Tech Data Mobile, will be added, Tech Data promised.
TD Academy is already used by 4,000 resellers across Europe, the distributor claimed, adding that it has also redesigned the platform to make it easier to use.
"The TD Academy is a great success and we have been delighted with the level of acceptance we've seen both from HP partners and other resellers who have taken advantage of recent learning programmes for Microsoft Office 365, Azure and Windows 2003 End of Support, and for Brocade infrastructure solutions," said Sara Gemmell, Azlan UK marketing director.
"As we add content from other vendors, the TD Academy will become even more relevant and useful to all resellers, and we fully expect to see many more partners registering and actively using the portal throughout 2016."
Meanwhile, Avnet earlier this month unveiled TrainingNow, a new scheme it claims reflects its "strong focus on continuous improvement through training and enablement".
The programme will make it easier for Avnet's resellers to generate additional revenue from training, the distributor said. Partners can either pick from a menu of standard training sessions from Avnet Academy's published schedule or task Avnet with managing their end-user training programme from start to finish.
Avnet said it conducts about 1,200 training sessions every year at its UK training centres.
"Many partners shy away from selling training because they don't have the time to invest in it," said Richard Whitson, Academy business development manager at Avnet Technology Solutions, UK.
"Our new TrainingNow service takes away the pain and provides competitive differentiation, increased customer engagement and significant financial benefits. By incorporating training into their value proposition, business partners can expect to enjoy enhanced margins, raising overall solution profitability and making a substantial, positive impact on their bottom line."