Call it a careful test of partner relations. Take a close look at the Red Hat Summit today, and Red Hat seems to be hugging Synnex in one arm and Tech Data with the other. Of course, Tech Data and Synnex are fierce rivals. So why is Red Hat showing them equal love today? Here’s the scoop.

First, a little background: Red Hat today launched the Catalyst Program — a partner strategy that aims to give VARs a range of integrated, certified open source solutions. Take a closer look and you’ll find both Synnex and Tech Data endorsed the Catalyst Program.

In a prepared statement, Synnex Senior VP Bob Stegner says:

Also in a prepared statement, Tech Data VP Stacy Nethercoat offered:

Hmmm. Is there a bigger story here involving Synnex and Tech Data — and their focus on Red Hat? You bet.

How Deep Is Your Love?

In recent months, both Synnex and Tech Data have been working hard to maintain Red Hat’s affections.

The situation reached a fever pitch when Red Hat in April 2009 launched the Open Source Channel Alliance with Synnex. That Red Hat-Synnex deal introduced some new stress on an existing Red Hat-Tech Data relationship, The VAR Guy hears. Plus, Tech Data had been developing a strategy of its own called the Open Source Ecosystem proposal.

Red Hat’s challenge: Move forward with Synnex and the Open Source Channel Alliance — without leaving a strong Tech Data relationship behind. Today’s Catalyst Program announcement proves Red Hat is working hard to maintain that balancing act.

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