Storage vendor broadens VAR base

Storage vendor Network Appliance (NetApp) has signed an agreement with distributor Bell Micro to supply NetApp’s product portfolio to a broader range of VARs.

NetApp will supply Bell Micro with products and services that will enable VARs to build solutions such as storage consolidation, data centre operations, and enterprise applications. Bell Micro joins DNS Arrow as NetApp’s distributor, both of which offer their resellers business building tools, training, marketing, sales and technical support.

“We wanted to expand our customer reach and broaden our VAR base," said Pete Rawden, UK channel director at NetApp. "Adding another distributor means that more resellers can get products easier and faster and deliver to users the benefits associated with NetApp products, including: maximising data infrastructures while minimising complexity, overhead and technical staffing costs.

“We … selected Bell Micro because of their capabilities and skills that will allow us to move in new directions and reach new end users. The appointment of Bell will also bring new complimentary partners to our community over and above but not affecting our DNS Arrow partners,” added Rawden.

John Toal, director for Bell Micro, said: “Our VARs look to us for solutions that improve customers’ storage management, performance and processes as well as saving them money.”