Distri-boo-tion Watch: Tech Data, Synnex, Avnet

Happy Halloween! Fangs for joining us for our Halloween edition of Distribution Watch, a terrifying segment where each segment is haunted by the ghosts of distributors’ present (just kidding). In this horrifying piece, we’ve got terror-iffic news from the guys and ghouls at Tech Data (TECD), Synnex (SNX) and Avnet (AVT).

Tech Data: Microsoft (MSFT) has tapped Tech Data to participate in the Microsoft Cloud Solution Provider Program, which is expected to expand cloud sales opportunities for resellers by helping them to provide direct billing, combined offers and services and direct provisioning of solutions. Tech Data will also consolidate monthly billing for Cloud Solution Provider subscriptions as well as monthly bills for additional cloud services into a single invoice to simplify the payment process, according to the company.

"We continue to see growing demand in cloud technologies such as Office 365 and Windows Intune," said Stacy Nethercoat, vice president, Product Marketing, TDCloud at Tech Data, in a statement. "Tech Data's participation in the Microsoft Cloud Solution Provider program enables our resellers to engage at every part of the customer lifecycle. Through TDCloud and our global cloud services delivery platform, Tech Data helps reseller partners manage the lifecycle of Cloud Solution Provider subscriptions. When a reseller joins the Cloud Solution Provider Program, they can build stronger relationships with their clients and provide the best cloud solutions to drive their business."

Synnex: The distributor has been named by Ruckus Wireless (RKUS) as the Ruckus Wireless Distributor of the Year during the company’s 2014 Ruckus Big Dogs Partner Conference in Las Vegas. Synnex took home the distinction of top distributor for “outstanding achievement in quality, service and support through the CONVERGESolv Secure Networking group” and for various wireless achievements throughout the channel.

"Synnex is honored to be recognized as Distributor of the Year by Ruckus Wireless," said Peter Larocque, president, North America Distribution, Synnex. "Our longstanding relationships with key vendors like Ruckus Wireless enable Synnex to provide an unmatched array of solutions for a wide range of customers—from veteran wireless resellers to those with limited experience with access points.”

Ruckus Wireless President and CEO Selina Lo recognized Synnex for its contributions to the sales and distribution of Ruckus Wireless solutions and for providing exclusive value-added features to the Ruckus portfolio, including free remote heat-mapping services, an asset buyback program and other financial offerings, according to the press release.

Avnet: Avnet Electronics Marketing Americas has signed a distribution agreement with Quectel Wireless Solutions, a global manufacturer of wireless machine-to-machine communications modules. The agreement will allow Avnet to offer Quectel’s cellular communications solutions and GPS modules to customers in the Americas, according to the press release.

“The three most dreaded words in the M2M connectivity world are ‘out of range,’” said Alex Iuorio, senior vice president, Supplier Management and Business Development at Avnet Electronics Marketing Americas. “Bringing Quectel’s innovative cellular modules to customers in the Americas will enable Avnet to support growing demand for sophisticated wireless devices, including advancing M2M and Internet of Things applications, and excise these words from the M2M user’s lexicon.”

That’s it for Distribution Watch this time! Make sure to stop by again next week, when your favorite feature rises from the grave for another round of fresh distribution news. Now get out there and get some candy, and remember to dress the part!