A new online tool easily enables users to hook up with resellers, ISVs or hardware vendors for partnership opportunities.

September 13, 2010

2 Min Read
ScanSource SUMO Takes Work Out of Finding a Partner

By Charlene O'Hanlon

ScanSource has introduced a new tool that enables users to quickly and easily identify resellers, ISVs and hardware manufacturers for partnership opportunities across all geographies.

The companys SUMO enables members to enter search criteria into a search bar to find a partner that best suits their needs according to level of expertise, location and skillsets.

Users sign up at www.sumopartner.com, where they can search for resellers, ISVs and vendors that can help them fulfill a total solution, be it software, a new vertical or a new product,” said Bobby McLain, vice president of marketing at ScanSource. Once youre in, its as simple as a Google search. Users then can request for the partner to contact them and work directly with the partner should an opportunity arise.”

Anyone can use the SUMO tool to find partners, McLain said, but to register as a provider a company must meet certain parameters. SUMO is available to companies that are existing ScanSource customers or vendors, or ISVs that make a software product related to any of our industries, or affiliates that have some relation to our business that dont fit into the other categories, such as broadband service providers and cable installers.”

SUMO can be used to help resellers extend their geographic reach or create alliances by identifying companies with specific technology or vertical market expertise. ISVs, meanwhile, can use SUMO to find resellers to help them market their software solutions, and hardware vendors can identify resellers to help them close sales in certain areas where they dont have feet on the street.

We have long heard from our customers and vendors that they would like for it to be easier to find partners,” McLain said. Generally, it was accomplished through networking at events or laborious, manual searches. We wanted to create a tool that made it easier for our customers and vendors to find trusted partners that met a specific need, and SUMO does that.”

SUMO also allows VARs to compete on more deals due to an extended partner network that can be tapped into to participate in specific opportunities, the company noted. To find potential partners, users can search as deep into a partners profile as the partner has provided, McClain added. It is up to the provider to describe themselves in as definitive terms as they so choose.”

SUMO is available now for both users and providers. User registration is free.

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