Weekly Distribution Roundup: Avnet, Tech Data, Ingram Micro

Tech Data: RIM has partnered with Tech Data and Brightstar via ActivateIT, to bring VARs a single repository for unleashing all things BlackBerry. That includes related software for syncing, devices including the PlayBook and good, old-fashioned support. This puts BlackBerrys potentially in the hands of 60,000 VARs, according to Tech Data. The target market is the SMB, and Tech Data’s mobile device arm TDMobility will be heading the program. Any other day of the week, The VAR Guy would see this as a huge boost for RIM in the marketplace, but the problem is with demand. How many SMBs out there aren’t already entrenched in the consumerization of IT? The VAR Guy isn’t sure distribution is the answer to RIM’s problems.

Avnet: Aside from its new love affair with Oracle, Avnet has some good karma banked by receiving the award from the Casimiro Foundation for the 2011 Socially Responsible Corporation of the Year. Essentially, Avnet has been philanthropic, active in the local community and involved with its employees. According to the release,

A tip of The VAR Guy’s fedora goes to Avnet for giving back.

Ingram Micro: Alain Monie is returning to Ingram Micro as president and COO after a stint as CEO at at Allied Signal Inc. He previously held the COO position at Ingram Micro from 2007-2010, and his task, when he returns Nov. 1, 2011, will be to lead the deep performance and operational enhancements at Ingram Micro that were part of his success at both Honeywell and Allied Signal. Meanwhile, Ingram Micro is getting cozy on getting green with the latest EPEAT-approved green IT solutions. Partners working with Ingram Micro can purchase the EPEAT Channel Partner membership and get in on special marketing, tools and products that rate and fit the needs of environments that need to go green with technology.