Tech Data to Supply 3PAR Storage Services for HP Partners

Distributor Tech Data (TECD) is offering installation and startup services to channel partners selling Hewlett-Packard’s (HPQ) 3PAR StoreServ Storage. The services, which will be shepherded by the distributor’s HP Solutions Group, aim to help midtier channel partners expand their services portfolio, engage with customers and boost profits, the distributor said.

Tech Data disclosed the new HP storage services program to channel partners at the distributor’s Fall Channel Link event in Anaheim, Calif. Tech Data is an authorized HP ServiceOne delivery partner.

According to Tech Data, providing HP storage services for channel partners is part of a strategic shift in its business model to embrace “concept-to-completion” solutions across the entire HP Converged Infrastructure stack. The idea is to help channel partners capitalize on the latest technology trends.

"While many resellers provide their own services today, Tech Data can now help our partners scale and expand their business through complementary and augmented services when and where reach is needed,” said Sheri Hedlund, Tech Data HP Solutions Group Product Marketing vice president. “As the channel embraces HP's renewed strategy and focus on its partner community, Tech Data's growing professional services portfolio enhances our differentiated value proposition and enables our resellers to profitably grow their businesses."

Tech Data initially will provide HP-authorized installation and startup services focused on HP 3PAR StoreServ 7000 Storage. In time the distributor said it will expand its offerings to include product lifecycle services and other product services.

The distributor’s HP Solutions Group will supply additional support for the initiative through a dedicated HP configuration portal it opened earlier this year called the Advanced Customer Experience Solution.

Ken Archer, HP Enterprise Group AMS TS Channel and Alliances president and general manager, said the Tech Data deal helps the vendor to step up its partner enablement by simplifying and accelerating the quote to deliver process and broadening its channel reach.

"Strengthening HP's partnership with Tech Data through the ServiceOne delivery partner authorization helps us jointly build out improved enablement for our VAR community," said Archer.