AMD introduces a new channel program. TalkSwitch introduces a sales training event for resellers. Spare Backup signs distribution agreements with TigerDirect.com and PC Mall. Seagate and Adaptec announce a channel program to promote SAS. Network Chemistry forges a distribution agreement with Channel Management International.
AMD Launches Commercial Channel Program
Microprocessor and flash memory vendor Advanced Micro Devices Inc. (AMD) of Sunnyvale, Calif., has announced a new channel program designed to help systems integrators, VARs and distributors gain better access to and develop solutions for AMD Opteron processor-based platforms.
The AMD Commercial Channel Access Program provides its partners with Web-based self-service access to resources and education through the AMD Access Portal, including tools, information, training and help in multiple languages. The goal of the Web portal, said Kevin Knox, vice president of AMD's worldwide commercial business, is to help partners bring AMD64 processor technology to market quickly while providing a high level of service to customers.
Other features of the new commercial channel program include distributed channel communications, joint customer solution pilots, channel-specific marketing support, access to the AMD business development team, field-based channel account managers, opportunities to collaborate with AMD and its ISV (independent software vendor) communities, and AMD-supported campaigns to help build awareness.
Over time, the program will expand to include specialized technical support, more information resources and tool kits for co-marketing.
Get more information here.
TalkSwitch Introduces VAR Channel Sales Training
Telecommunications vendor TalkSwitch of Ottawa, Ontario, has introduced a new sales training seminar series to help its VARs increase revenues.
The TalkSwitch-On-Tour seminar series includes several full-day seminars featuring product demonstrations, overviews of the small business market with tips on how to sell into it, and information on the new TalkSwitch&You channel partner program.
The series will kick off in Ottawa on November 10th, followed by several stops in the United States.
Get more information here.
Spare Backup Increases Distributor Reach
Spare Backup Inc., provider data migration and remote backup solutions based in Palm Desert, Calif., has signed distribution agreements with two major distributors.
Under the terms of its agreement with TigerDirect.com of Miami, Fla., TigerDirect Inc., a division of Systemax inc., will market the full line of Spare Backup's products to the consumer and SOHO (small office/home office) market.
Spare Backup also inked a deal with PC Mall Inc. of Torrance, Calif., which will market Spare Backup's products on its Web sites, business catalogues and retail outlets.
Get more information here and here.
Seagate, Adaptec Join Forces to Promote SAS
Seagate Technology LLC of Scotts Valley, Calif., has teamed with Adaptec Inc. of Milpitas, Calif., to offer a channel program they hope will bolster sales of SAS (Serial Attached SCSI) by system builders and resellers.
The program offers partners a SAS Starter Kit designed to enable partners to more easily transition their customers from parallel SCSI to SAS environments. The kit includes two Seagate Cheetah 15K.4 hard disc drives, an Adaptec 48300 SAS HBA (host bus adapter), and necessary cabling.
Partners can buy the SAS Starter Kit at half-price from November 1 through December 30, with a limit of one SAS Starter Kit per partner.
Get more information here.
Network Chemistry Partners to Expand Presence in Canada
Network Chemistry Inc., a vendor of wireless intrusion detection and prevention solutions based in Redwood City, Calif., has partnered with Channel Management International Inc. of Gatineau, Québec, to expand its presence in Canada.
To achieve the goal, CMI will market Network Chemistry's RFprotect, RFprotect Distributed and RFprotect Mobile to its VARs in Canada, leveraging its experience in the corporate and government market segments.
Get more information here.
Channel News and Analysis 
