The North America Services Division of distributor Ingram Micro Inc. has expanded its IM Link services network to include an IBM Professional Services specialization that is available immediately to channel partners in the U.S. and Canada.
The first of several vendor-specific specialty services set to launch as part of IM Link in 2013, the new IBM specialization makes it easy for channel partners to team with and insource the skill set of authorized IBM Software service providers across the U.S. and Canada in a non-competitive environment. The IBM specialists featured within IM Link have proven experience across the entire portfolio of IBM Software solutions, including business analytics, storage and content management, security, mobility, and collaboration software.
The new IM Link specialization also provides existing IBM Software partners the ability to secure professional services resources when their staff is at capacity. Additional IBM specializations and professional services focused on IBM Power Systems, PureSystems, System x, and Smarter Storage Systems will be available in the second half of 2013.
“Specialization is key to meeting the needs of today’s diverse marketplace, but not every partner can afford to go wide and deep across a broad portfolio of solutions and services. That’s why we’ve invested in IM Link and are teaming with vendors such as IBM to introduce specialists into the mix that are willing to partner versus compete for, or decline to pursue, the business opportunity,” says John Redman, manager of professional services, Ingram Micro Services Division, North America.
Unveiled in April 2013 at the Ingram Micro Cloud Summit, IM Link makes it easier for channel partners to collaborate and insource technology lifecycle services from a select community of highly-qualified IT service providers. IM Link operates under a simple, non-competitive service delivery framework that is comprised of four distinct categories. These include planning, implementation, management, and support.
There are no membership dues, transaction fees, or monthly services charges to use IM Link. Additional specializations and networks offered within IM Link include Public Sector, Healthcare, Websense, DataCore, McAfee Web Security, Pro/AV Digital Signage, High Performance Computing, and Virtualization Services.
Ingram Micro channel partners interested in learning more about IM Link are encouraged to create a free account and use the online service delivery platform to insource the industry expertise, business services, and technical talent needed to close new business. IM Link can also be used to fulfill specific projects, deploy regional or national rolls outs, and facilitate ongoing service agreements without risk, brand confusion, or price discrepancy.
