Ingram Micro is investing further in its Advanced Computing Division (ACD), adding HP’s BladeSystem Matrix to its demo center in chilly Buffalo, N.Y. While The VAR Guy is not a fan of visiting any place where his nose hairs freeze the second he steps outside, the addition of the BladeSystem Matrix may be worth the extra layer of clothing he’d have to don to make the visit. So what’s so special about this technology? Read on for the details …

In short, it’s all about the cloud. According to Ingram Micro, the HP BladeSystem Matrix is a great tool for channel partners to establish private cloud environments. And while it’s suited best for small and midsized businesses, there is also potential for the HP BladeSystem Matrix in the enterprise space. HP designed its converged infrastructure solution to enable partners to provision complex infrastructures “in minutes, rather than months,” according to the company, helping boost the customer and the partner’s bottom line. Sounds nice to The VAR Guy.

The addition of the HP BladeSystem Matrix is part of Ingram Micro’s ongoing effort to build out its data center expertise within ACD. Additionally, ACD has developed a training program around the technology, including training, seminars, bootcamps and even a webinar. All the pre- and post-sales support, co-branding marketing and custom configuration are also being offered. HP plans to offer its own technical support and sales resources alongside Ingram Micro’s, so partners are covered on both sides.

Check out the release, or take a deep dive into Ingram Micro’s Solution Center for details on the demo services.

While the idea of offering services and knowledge-sharing is nothing new in the distributor space, Ingram Micro’s moves to keep its ACD relevant with emerging technologies — and keep its demo center stocked with the latest goodies for a hands-on experiences — put the “value-add” in the company’s “value-added distributor” moniker. It’s a safe bet Ingram Micro isn’t the only distributor out there working for its channel customers, a fact The VAR Guy is all too happy to blog about.

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