Samsung Preps Vertical Market Channel, Business Software Push

Samsung, pioneer of Galaxy tablets and smartphones running Google Android, is branching out aggressively into vertical market software for schools, health care, financial services, retail and hospitality opportunities. While Apple sells direct to consumers, Samsung will lean heavily on channel partners to win the vertical market wars vs. other device makers.

Samsung's strategy is on display at the company's New Jersey offices — which The VAR Guy toured earlier this week. During the two-hour visit, our resident blogger heard how Samsung was partnering with a range of ISVs and also writing its own software. The result could help Samsung — and its channel partners — far deeper into at least five vertical markets.

One key example: The Samsung School software platform ties Galaxy tablets into educational workgroups. Without physically visiting each desk, a teacher can use his or her own tablet to quickly see what each student is viewing on his or her desk-side tablet.

Of course, Samsung will need savvy channel partners for the vertical market push. That's where Richard Hutton, director of channel marketing for Samsung Electronics America, enters the picture. Hutton joined Samsung in 2005 after 15 years at Ingram Micro.

During his first few years at Samsung, Hutton helped VARs to promote flat panel displays and other basic infrastructure. But now, Hutton is helping channel partners to master a range of Samsung hardware and software solutions.

What channel moves is Hutton preparing to make next? Keep a close eye on The VAR Guy's coverage. Our resident blogger has a few hunches… but mum's the word for now…