SHARE
Facebook X Pinterest WhatsApp

IBM Goes on Storage Stampede

IBM is shaking up its storage distribution lineup by appointing Tech Data for its N series NAS products, and speculation is rife that it may also appoint Ingram Micro for the same range. The N series consists of high-end, enterprise-class network-attached storage hardware and software that IBM self-brands and resells from Network Appliance. The products […]

Jan 3, 2008
Channel Insider content and product recommendations are editorially independent. We may make money when you click on links to our partners. Learn More

IBM is shaking up its storage distribution lineup by appointing Tech Data for its N series NAS products, and speculation is rife that it may also appoint Ingram Micro for the same range.

The N series consists of high-end, enterprise-class network-attached storage hardware and software that IBM self-brands and resells from Network Appliance. The products will ship through Tech Data’s AIS (Advanced Infrastructure Solutions) division.

Amy Belcher, director of product marketing for AIS, said Tech Data’s reseller partners were looking forward to adding the N series products to their line cards, and that the distributor already had two N series-certified systems engineers and a dedicated IBM product manager on staff to assist resellers.

The N series products are configured and built to order based on end-customer needs, Belcher said, so while technically the products are currently available through AIS, actual delivery time will depend on customers’ customization requests.

The channel rumor mill is working overtime on whether IBM will also appoint Ingram Micro. Sources have told The Channel Insider the deal is done, but both companies refused to confirm or deny the speculation.

However, rival distributors of the N-Series claimed they were not threatened by IBM’s move to expand its distribution.

Tony Madden, senior vice president and general manager of the IBM solutions division of Avnet, a value-added distributor, told The Channel Insider that his company had sourced IBM’s N series for about 18 months. He added that Avnet has official distribution relationships with IBM for the N series products and Network Appliance for its version of the solutions.

Madden said IBM’s move to Tech Data was part of IBM’s broader strategy of increasing its presence in the midmarket and taking on rivals such as Dell that are also aggressively pursuing the storage area. “We’re not threatened, though,” Madden said, adding that he felt IBM’s addition of another distributor would only increase awareness of the product. “The N series is targeted for the midmarket and SMBs [small and midsize businesses], and that’s where IBM wants to increase its focus,” he said.

To boost its product portfolio, IBM also announced Jan. 2 that it will acquire XIV, a storage technology company based in Tel Aviv, Israel, for a reported $300 million.

Click here to read more about IBM’s acquisition of both XIV and a key storage industry luminary.

Belcher said the acquisition and the distribution deal signaled IBM’s move toward a more software-focused approach to data security and management. “There’s an industry mind shift away from huge boxes stuffed with data to a more software-oriented play,” she said.

Belcher said it was “too soon to tell” whether IBM would also offer XIV’s Nextra storage products through distribution.

Recommended for you...

Dell Updates PowerProtect to Boost Cyber Resilience
Jordan Smith
Sep 4, 2025
August M&A Roundup: CrowdStrike, Accenture Moves & More
Jordan Smith
Sep 4, 2025
Lyra Technology Group CEO on Scaling Local MSP Model, AI & More
What MSPs Should Keep in Mind as They Deploy Agentic AI
Channel Insider Logo

Channel Insider combines news and technology recommendations to keep channel partners, value-added resellers, IT solution providers, MSPs, and SaaS providers informed on the changing IT landscape. These resources provide product comparisons, in-depth analysis of vendors, and interviews with subject matter experts to provide vendors with critical information for their operations.

Property of TechnologyAdvice. © 2025 TechnologyAdvice. All Rights Reserved

Advertiser Disclosure: Some of the products that appear on this site are from companies from which TechnologyAdvice receives compensation. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site including, for example, the order in which they appear. TechnologyAdvice does not include all companies or all types of products available in the marketplace.