Sonar sounds out resellers as it looks to triple channel presence

First distribution deal in the pipeline for emerging analytics vendor

IT operations analytics (ITOA) vendor Sonar is looking to expand its channel, as it tests the water on its first distribution deal with Exertis.

Sonar provides a SaaS application for IT analytics and is seeking an expanded reseller base prepared to educate the market on its fledgling offering.

Gavin Jolliffe, CEO of Sonar, told CRN its product is currently 100 per cent channel and it hopes a potential distribution deal could come to fruition to boost its channel activity.

"We are currently working with Exertis to secure them as our UK distributor and they are going through internal trials and customer trials, and that is a deal we are looking to move forward on," Jolliffe said.

"We have around 15 UK resellers, some small, some large. We have a target to increase our reseller base in the UK to around 40 to 50 resellers and to secure that distribution deal."

Jolliffe said the product works on an annual subscription model, meaning it is easily accessible and available at a lower price.

"The product is about getting good, deep analytical information through assessments and reports with no overheads, no infrastructure, no maintenance. It is just about consuming high-quality information," he said.

"Working with resellers, there are a number of mutual benefits. Because of the price point and the margins we have been offering, there is a great volume margin which moves a reseller's business into a reoccurring revenue cycle."

Jolliffe said the next step will involve resellers educating the market about "why information is so critical to enabling a business to perform so much better".

"We want resellers with a real desire to disrupt and be different; ones that are committed to understanding the product and have the ability to take the customer through the process of adopting the product," added Jolliffe.