IBM welcomes two new distributors, Arrow Electronics and NEXTGEN

IBM has announced the appointment of two new value-added distributors to optimise existing routes to market, expand IBM's reach and accelerate the growth of new technologies.  

Arrow Electronics and NEXTGEN Group will work across software, hardware, technology lifecycles services and cloud products, the company states.

The distributors will work towards converting their existing partner base to IBM, as well as recruiting new partners. According to a statement from IBM, each company brings a wealth of experience and expertise that will expand the IBM Ecosystem and help new partners gain the benefits of delivering IBM technology, including AI and hybrid cloud, to their clients.

IBM has also recently expanded the distribution footprint of Meier Business Systems SYSTEMS (MBS) in Australia to include Hardware & Technology Lifecycle Services, along with their current software offering. This broadens the options for business partners in Australia to a choice of four distributors, including long-time partner Tech Data Australia. 

Elisa Kelsall, IBM's General Manager of Ecosystems and Alliances, says, "Arrow and NEXTGEN each bring a wealth of experience and expertise that will expand the IBM Ecosystem and help new partners gain the benefits of delivering IBM technology to their clients."

In a blog post about the announcement, Kelsall says, "This is an exciting time for our market as each company brings a wealth of experience and expertise that will expand the IBM Ecosystem and help new partners gain the benefits of delivering IBM technology, including AI and hybrid cloud, to their clients."

"Through our work with strategic and specialised business partners, we are looking forward to building relationships with an expanded set of partners who can help clients solve the most complex challenges in business and society with hybrid cloud and AI."

John Walters, NEXTGEN Group CEO, comments, "The company had been watching IBM transform and modernise their technology and channel model over the past few years."  

"Their more recent technology acquisitions and their channel first strategy fit neatly into NEXTGEN's GTM and can be enhanced by our channel services model. We recognise that IBM has a unique value proposition and level of market maturity. We look forward to working with IBM to achieve increased success in the channel." 

Paul Marnane, General Manager of Arrow's enterprise computing solutions business in Australia and New Zealand, says, "We are excited to welcome IBM's full product portfolio to our vendor offering in Australia, extending on our vast global relationship. Channel partners can lean on Arrow's local team to leverage global best practice to build their IBM practice."

"Leveraging our growth framework, Arrow will guide channel partners on their journey from strategic alignment, capacity development, go-to-market readiness, client engagement and ultimately, scaling their IBM business."