Distributor Arrow’s (ARW) Enterprise Computing Solutions (ECS) unit will team with chip giant Intel (INTC) in a strategic alliance to allocate resources and support dedicated to helping channel partners capitalize on x86 server-based converged infrastructure opportunities in North America.

Arrow is calling attention to its converged infrastructure support lineup—in particular a phased offering it’s calling the x86 Influencer Program with Intel—to arm solution providers with tools, training, marketing and sales support to push x86 architecture into the enterprise server market. The idea is to help channel partners construct converged infrastructure data center solutions around x86 server architecture.

The program with Intel supplements Arrow’s existing pre-sales engineering services, demand generation, education and specialized integration services specific to converged infrastructure solutions under its Empower enablement offering, according to the distributor. The triangulated effort—Arrow, Intel and channel partners—aims to take advantage of what Arrow views as more openings for converged infrastructure solutions in the data center.

“From our vantage point at the forefront of commercializing technology development, Arrow sees converged infrastructure solutions evolving and gaining traction in the data center,” said Sean Kerins, president of Arrow’s North American Enterprise Computing Solutions president.

The Empower program aims to assist solution providers to boost their ability to sell converged infrastructure with enablement training, data analytics and demand generation support. In addition, the distributor is offering solution assessment and architecture, live or virtual proof-of-concepts, solution integration and post-sales implementation assistance to solution provider-led converged opportunities. The point is to speed up deployment so partners can concentrate on other areas to add value.

Intel said the alliance with Arrow helps to strengthen its channel network.

“Our channel partners are tremendously important to Intel, so we constantly look for ways to empower and enable the channel to succeed in today's changing environment,” said Sharon Alt, Intel North American Channels and Distribution managing director.