Ingram Micro announced new services aimed at helping VAR and managed service provider partners leverage IT sales opportunities across the state, local and education markets.
These offerings—which include the First Responders Configurator, the E-Rate Program and an enhanced Diversity Business Partner Network—are designed to drive higher revenues and profitability.
The First Responders Configurator is an interactive information tool that enables channel partners to qualify opportunities and design custom technology products for first responders, including police, fire and emergency medical services. The tool helps the resellers identify the best services and products for the specific first responder’s role and recommend the best hardware to fit the make and model of the vehicle in use.
“There is a great amount of opportunity in the marketplace,” said Diane Lees, senior vertical markets manager, Ingram Micro U.S. “The first-responder IT market continues to grow to address the need for the various [types of] technology used in these vehicles, from cameras to laptops to storage and the plethora of mounting hardware needed to secure all of this equipment. Each vehicle has its own mounting needs.”
The new configurator helps Ingram Micro’s partners ensure that they have the components needed to meet the requirements of the specific first responder and the vehicle in use, Lee added. “For example, the needs of a chief may be different than a patrolman, and each vehicle model has its own requirements. This new tool helps our partners ensure the right solution is recommended for the job.”
For the education sector, the new E-Rate Program, powered by Funds for Learning, is designed to help partners participate in the Universal Service Administration Company (USAC) E-Rate Program by offering prioritized leads, training and reseller support, said Lee. This is a “federal program that provides discounts to schools and libraries for Internet access and cell phone services,” she said.
“The USAC E-Rate program can be complicated to navigate, and this service from Ingram Micro aims to simplify and assist our partners in executing accordingly to the rules so they can focus on getting technology in the hands of the students,” Lee added. “This service is a part of Ingram Micro’s ongoing efforts to stress the importance of technology in education and to further connect schools to maximize student outcomes.”
Ingram Micro also enhanced its Diversity Business Partner Network with more resources and benefits for members of its Public Sector Elite community.