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Microsoft names Tech Data Canada as Exclusive VAD for Virtualization Solutions

Tech Data Canada, a leading distributor of IT products, logistics management and other value added services recently announced that Microsoft has officially named them as their exclusive Virtualization VAD (Value Added Distributor) in Canada.

This recognition was accomplished through the diligence of Tech Data’s Microsoft VAD team, and the notable commitment and investment to build a long term strategic VAD model for Microsoft Canada.

The decision was based on Tech Data Canada’s strong performance across the following key decision factors:

  • CDN Executive Leadership Team Commitment and Trusted Follow-Through
  • VAD “Skin-In-The-Game” Investments
  • Local experience and relationships within SMB Partner ecosystem
  • Competitive Data Insights and Analytics
  • Technical Lab Environment and Commitment to Technical Internal Readiness

In terms of the above points, Tech Data Canada will be fully engaged with the VAR community to assist resellers in achieving Gold and Silver certification levels. In addition, Tech Data Canada will invest in a Business Development Manager focused on Microsoft Virtualization solutions. This individual will assist resellers with positioning, configuration and proof-of-concept toward specific opportunities.

“Tech Data has made notable investments to build a viable long term strategic VAD Virtualization model for Microsoft Canada, enabling our partner channel to take the lead on the private cloud customer conversation,” said Andrea Van Leeuwen, Director, SMB & Distribution, Microsoft Canada. “This partnership with Tech Data is the first of its kind for Microsoft Canada, accelerating our value proposition in the market place in a significant way.”

As part of the agreement, Tech Data has also pledged commitment to executive sponsorship and engagement with key targeted resellers. As Tech Data continues to redefine value, it is also not surprising that the Advanced Technology Solutions Centre (ATSC) played an instrumental role in securing this partnership. Microsoft will leverage the resources available at the ATSC including two Microsoft Virtualization Certified technical specialists to support resellers with specific solutions while providing proof-of-concept.

"Tech Data is strongly reputed as a leading Enterprise grade Solutions provider in the Canadian market, as well as possessing a very strong VAR ecosystem,” said Oguo Atuanya, WW Director, Value Added Distribution, SMS&P, Microsoft Corp. “These two key qualities, combined with Microsoft's powerful Virtualization Solution will enable our partners to deliver very effective solutions to Canadian SMB customers today, as well as help them prepare their environments to eventually harness the power of the Cloud."

“I look forward to leveraging this new initiative to extend our relationship with Microsoft and our mutual Canadian partners,” said Greg Myers, VP Marketing, Tech Data Canada, “This becomes another critically important vector in our Advanced Infrastructure Solutions business. Tech Data Canada has made significant investments to challenge legacy VAD models. Value Added Distribution today requires an ability to not only provide strong technical support, but to also assist vendors and resellers extend their reach into the mid-market. With this partnership, we certainly accomplish that.”

In the coming months, Tech Data will be focused on reseller recruitment and readiness while beefing up its already impressive array of technical certifications. Tech Data Canada has been talking for some time about a Shift to Value. With this news, it appears that not only is the shift complete, but the entire VAD model is being redefined.

Published Tuesday, July 26, 2011 5:30 AM by David Marshall
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