Tech Data Launches Cloud Accelerator Program for TechSelect Members

To help make the adoption of cloud services easier for its channel partners, Tech Data (TECD) debuted its Cloud Accelerator Program during the company’s semi-annual Fall TechSelect conference in Boca Raton, Florida.

The program, which is available now to all TechSelect members, includes tools and solutions meant to help partners adopt cloud services through a hands-on approach so they can master the techniques surrounding compensation, technology and resources for the cloud.

“We recognize that transformation and the adoption of cloud services is not easy and it requires disruption,” said Stacy Nethercoat, vice president of Tech Data’s TD Cloud division, in an interview with The VAR Guy. “There’s no question that we believe these partners are capable, it’s really about inspiring them to make the choice [to move to the cloud] and then being there to support that journey.”

Nethercoat said her team has worked to build a network of resources to help partners jump-start several different aspects of their cloud businesses, from understanding the technology itself to setting up a sales team and learning how to manage their install bases.

“Over the years, we have sort of collected a body of knowledge based on what we see in the market,” she said. “So we’re able to share that with the partners.”

Tech Data has also worked to curate research both in-house and from their vendor partners pertaining to device agnostic cloud business initiatives to create a further bank of resources for TechSelect members to reference.

“We see ourselves as an aggregator for that, in a way,” said Nethercoat.

All TechSelect members are already signed up for the program, and Nethercoat said they will be receiving additional information soon. Partners will also have access to a revolving set of exclusive vendor promotions as it matures, beginning with a deal with Carbonite (CARB) that will see the security vendor increase its margins for TechSelect partners.