Lenovo Unveils Service Provider Program: Here’s What MSPs Need to Know
Lenovo (LNVGY) is officially on the lookout for managed service provider (MSP) partners. The technology giant has announced a partner program for IT service providers, a move that follows its acquisition of the IBM (IBM) System x server business last fall.
The idea behind the program is to provide IT service providers with discounted pricing, special financing and a catalog of hardware and software solutions that they can buy and use to as their own infrastructure to host services for customers.
A Lenovo spokesperson told MSPmentor that his company is “targeting service providers of all shapes and sizes” with its partner program.
“Lenovo realized that cloud and managed service providers have unique requirements and needs that separate them from traditional enterprise customers,” he said. “In order to meet those needs and be a successful partner, we needed a unique and specific program designed specifically for service providers.”
So what does the program offer MSPs? Lenovo said the program gives MSPs “a streamlined channel engagement process” and “offers service providers advantages in the form of competitive prices, unique financing plans and the ability to choose infrastructure from a large and diverse product portfolio.”
Lenovo said the program’s features include:
- The ability to purchase System x and Flex System products directly from Lenovo distributors (approved service providers will also be eligible to purchase ThinkServer products using Lenovo’s existing business partner programs)
- Business development funds to support business growth in the form of a backend rebate.
- Access to special extended payment programs, if qualified, for up to 120 days payment deferral
- A trade-in program for eligible products
- Enterprise solution services at special rates
Brian Hamel, vice president and general manager of Lenovo’s enterprise business group, said the new program gives service providers “a simple, efficient and profitable means to deliver high-value services to customers.”
Full details about Lenovo’s MSP partner program are available here.
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