In a surprise move by Microsoft, the software giant has chosen Ingram Micro Canada to be its exclusive regional value-added distributor for its Unified Communications (UC) products.
Microsoft rarely partners with just one distributor. Under the terms of an expanded Canadian distribution agreement with Ingram Micro Canada, the Mississauga, Ont.-based distributor will provide dedicated business development, sales, marketing and technical services including advanced integration on behalf of Microsoft Canada to its mutual channel partners.
Related story: Watch this video on how Subaru Canada got a leg up on its competitors with Microsoft’s Lync UC solution.
Currently Ingram Canada sports a team of Microsoft-focused sales, marketing and technical field experts as well as its Ingram Micro Services Network.
The distributor does plan to work with authorized Microsoft channel partners and technology alliance partners including Polycom, Plantronics and other networking equipment providers as part of this arrangement.
Jackie Magee, senior product manager for Lync at Microsoft Canada said Ingram Micro offers the business resources, regional reach and advanced technical support needed to further enable our channel partners to capitalize on the growing demand for UC solutions among Canada’s SMB market.
Tim Billing, vice president vendor management, Ingram Micro Canada, by focusing Ingram Micro Canada efforts on partner recruitment and business enablement, as well as offering pre- and post-sale technical support, we are further empowering Microsoft partners to meet the growing demands for UC solutions and services in Canada.