Lenovo Announces Service Provider Program for Cloud, MSPs
Lenovo is finally throwing its hat into the cloud and managed services arena with the North American launch of its Service Provider Program, the company’s first partner program designed for cloud vendors and MSPs. The hardware giant expects the program to provide partners with a more manageable engagement process and exclusive benefits to help them grow their businesses and increase their overall margins.
Lenovo is finally throwing its hat into the cloud and managed services arena with the North American launch of its Service Provider Program, the company’s first partner program designed for cloud vendors and MSPs, which it announced in December. The hardware giant expects the program to provide partners with a more manageable engagement process and exclusive benefits to help them grow their businesses and increase their overall margins.
The program follows on the heels of Lenovo’s recent acquisition of IBM System X in October, as it looks to flex its muscles in the cloud services arena. The company said the growing Cloud and Managed Service Provider and Hyperscale Public Internet segment is a “sweet spot” for potential growth, with its business growing at 19 percent CAGR.
“Managed services spending is expected to triple in the next few years, and with the recent integration of the IBM System x portfolio, Lenovo is well-positioned to offer beneficial programs to new and existing providers,” said Brian Hamel, vice president and general manager, Enterprise Business Group, in a statement. “This new program will provide approved service providers with a simple, efficient and profitable means to deliver high-value services to customers.”
Direct from the press release, Lenovo said its cloud and MSP partners will have access to benefits including:
- Access to technology and lower acquisition costs to increase IT availability via the option to purchase systems directly from distributors for a discounted price.
- A Lenovo Kickstart program, which will allow service providers to defer payments for up to 120 days. An additional trade-in program for select products will also be available, as well as a Rent and Grow program.
- Express and FlexPac solutions with special rate incentives on Enterprise Solutions Services.
- Business development funds and Lenovo x86 vouchers that can be used for skill certifications.
- Access to business development funds and consumption based pricing.
The program is currently only active for North American partners, but Lenovo said it plans to roll the program out globally within the next several months.
