Ingram Micro solution providers are getting a new shortcut to Cisco Smartnet orders—a one-step process available through the distributor's Reseller Services Portal.
The new capability, announced at the distribution giant's VentureTech Network Invitational partner event Oct. 16, comes from MaintenanceNet, a provider of maintenance contract management services. The technology is built into the portal's Integrated Quoting Module, a self-help service renewal system.
The companies said the new capability decreases ordering time to minutes.
"The introduction of this new quick step quoting and ordering functionality makes it that much easier for our solution providers to sell Cisco SMARTnet services," said Justin Crotty, vice president of services for Ingram Micro North America, in a statement. "By using the Ingram Micro RSP our partners can reach their service revenue goals faster and still deliver exceptional service to their customers."
The companies said that the new ordering functionality also makes it easier for solution providers to align the appropriate services with their customers' products, allowing them to recommend replacement services accurately and in a timely fashion.
"We are always looking for new ways to help manufacturers and their channel partners sell more services," said Scott Herron, CEO of MaintenanceNet, in a statement. "The new ordering functionality was designed to help sales teams identify the best service choices for their customers, and then place orders for those services online in real time quickly, easily and securely."
The Carlsbad, Calif.-based company's Integrated Quote Management is available as a stand-alone or integrated solution for distributors, value-added resellers and manufacturers, company officials said.
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