ActivateIT Joint Venture Aims to Help VARs Manage Mobility

Tech Data and Brightstar are joining forces to create a comprehensive mobile device and service activation for VARs. Incorporating Brightstar’s wireless mobility prowess and Tech Data’s relationship with the channel, the two companies have created ActivateIT, a joint venture designed to equip partners with the tools and expertise necessary to take on the growing mobility market. Read on for the details …

ActivateIT will be marketed under the TDMobility moniker to Tech Data‘s VAR customers as a central Platform-As-A-Service. Core services of TDMobility will include helping VARs and end users with activation and renewals, as well as data services, software, hardware, related accessories, tech support, billing and more. TDMobility is set to hit the channel in strategic phases during the 2011 year, according to Tech Data.

The joint venture leverages the technology Brightstar gained in its 2010 acquisition of OTBT Inc, which offered a single source for all wireless activation needs, scaling up to large enterprises. Brightstar’s acquisition coincides with increasing demand from both the market and VARs who need services that help them differentiate. Tech Data sees ActivateIT as a perfect fit for VARs actively focused in mobility, tablet devices and cloud computing.

Details on which particular mobile devices will be supported through TDMobility and other elements of the service are scant, but we’ll keep our eyes and ears open as Tech Data rolls out TDMobility throughout the year.

Tech Data’s moves to embrace mobility as a service is indicative of a larger trend in the IT channel based in large part on the consumerization of IT. By wrapping services around mobile devices VARs can increase their revenue and differentiate from their competitors, and this service seems like the logical step forward for mobility-focused VARs. Tech Data’s backing gives ActivateIT and TDMobility both potential and momentum. We’ll keep tabs on how fast it catches on.

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