Tech Data Launches Cloud-Focused Enablement for Solution Providers

Tech Data (TECD) has introduced a new cloud-focused education and enablement program through its TDCloud business unit to help solution providers identify new opportunities in the cloud.

Announced on Wednesday at the Clearwater, Florida-based technology distributor’s TDCloud Partner Summit, being held this week in Miami, the new program is being offered as part of TDCloud Academy, an educational program released in August 2011 that customizes education tracks for solution providers and focuses on launching, expanding and maximizing cloud businesses.

“This new program is built on current cloud trends and current partner needs,” said Stacy Nethercoat, vice president of TD Cloud product marketing at Tech Data. “Tech Data is in tune with the dynamics of the cloud and the impact to partners, and this new program and its content reflects that.”

The TDCloud Education and Enablement program consists of six modules in each track and includes value-added training, eLearning and consulting. There are three tracks available to solution providers:

“Through extensive research, channel partner feedback and support from industry experts, Tech Data created a program designed to accelerate the adoption of cloud solutions and identify new cloud opportunities,” she said. “The TDCloud Education and Enablement program offers customized education tracks for solution providers focused on launching, expanding, and maximizing cloud businesses.”

To place Tech Data solution providers into the right track, the company plans to use its customized Partner Evaluation Tool, a self-scoring system that analyzes knowledge, business infrastructure and attitudes toward cloud computing.

“We believe TDCloud is offering the most comprehensive program available in the IT channel,” she said. “Through TDCloud, solution providers will learn how to create cloud-based business solutions and create sustainable, tiered cloud practices.”

This news follows Tech Data’s decision to start providing Oracle (ORCL)’s suite SaaS-based cloud applications to service resellers in the United States through its TDCloud business unit.

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