Wendy O’Keeffe (Tech Data)
Tech Data has launched a new partner program in New Zealand, with plans in place to rollout a cloud marketplace in the near future.
The move comes as the tech giant joins an expanding list of distributors doubling down on cloud in the channel, through the launch of StreamOne Cloud Marketplace.
At this stage, the launch is only applicable to Australia, with New Zealand expected to follow suit in a matter of months.
Through offering provisioning, billing and end-user lifecycle management, the digital platform is designed to enable partners to scale, launch and manage a broad range of cloud services.
Specifically, this includes software-as-a-service (SaaS), infrastructure-as-a-service (IaaS) and platform-as-a-service (PaaS), backed up by “advanced offerings” such as assessment, migration, security and monitoring.
“Right now partners can use the platform to access Microsoft Office 365 and Azure services along with simple management and billing capabilities,” Tech Data country general manager A/NZ, Wendy O’Keeffe, said.
“In the coming months, we’ll be bringing on additional leading and niche cloud solutions from our world-class vendors.”
Built by Tech Data, the platform also allows partners to manage the entire end-user lifecycle for consumption- and subscription-based cloud services, with the local launch following a rollout in India last month.
To supplement the move, the distributor has also launched a revamped partner program across A/NZ, in a bid to expand cloud capabilities across both sides of the Tasman.
The program spans vendors, cloud service providers and managed service providers (MSPs) through a “single unified” ecosystem.
From a technology perspective, the program includes public cloud via StreamOne and Tech Data’s billing platform, as well as private and public managed cloud services, value-added solutions, and managed service provider license fulfilment.
“By joining our Cloud Partner Program, partners gain access to benefits like support, tools, training and rewards--all designed to take their cloud business into the stratosphere,” O’Keeffe added.
According to O’Keeffe, the program will provide access to “all major cloud platforms” on one platform, as well as localised business, technical and operational support.
Further features include access to Tech Data’s solutions support team based in Sydney, alongside training, workshops, tools and learning resources, including tier rewards across Stratus, Atlus and Cirrus.
The launch of StreamOne in Australia - with New Zealand expected to follow suit - comes as distribution dives deeper into the cloud, as illustrated by the unveiling of a new independent division within Ingram Micro, which is designed to help service providers build, scale and monetise cloud and digital services.
Under the banner of CloudBlue, the practice will sell CloudBlue commerce platform and services directly to service providers, including MSPs, telecommunications providers, large value-added resellers and other distributors.
The launch also sees the distribution giant strike a “one-of-a-kind” strategic alliance with Microsoft, allowing both parties to co-sell the CloudBlue commerce platform to new service providers joining the vendor’s Cloud Solution Provider (CSP) program.
