“Avnet recognises that it has become increasingly challenging for our channel partners to find new end user opportunities,” commented Keith Robinson, product business group director, EMEA, at Avnet Technology Solutions. “At the same time, we realise that it is hard for end users looking to deploy a mobile technology in their business to find a trusted partner to deliver a solution that exactly meets their requirements. Marketplace was designed specifically with both of these challenges in mind.”
Marketplace is available in the UK, France, Germany, Italy, Benelux and Turkey. In order to appear on Marketplace and benefit from the lead generation opportunities associated with being listed on the site, partners must first register and qualify to become an Avnet Certified Partner. Among the conditions of becoming a certified partner, the reseller must be able to offer local language technical support and hold up-to-date Motorola certifications. Once a partner has been approved by Avnet, they will be supplied with an Avnet Certified Partner logo that can be used on their own website and marketing collateral. This logo will provide end users with the confidence and peace of mind to approach partners that appear on Marketplace about the implementation of their IT solutions.
Every partner that registers to join Marketplace will be able to create a tailored company profile page, in local language, including information about the vertical markets they specialise in and the products they sell. In addition, partners will be able to upload brochures and case studies to their profile and include a link to their website. A dedicated enquiry form will be provided for end users to contact the partner directly. Partners will be provided with regular statistics on site traffic and visits to their profile page, including ‘click throughs’ to their website and enquiry forms submitted.
End user companies will be able to use Marketplace to find a trusted partner to implement their mobile technology project by searching for a partner by region, solution type and or application. In addition, Marketplace provides a platform for channel partners to network with one another and build new working relationships. For example, hardware resellers can locate ISVs with specific vertical market expertise to assist with a project and close a deal.
“We are confident that Marketplace will help our channel partners to discover new revenue streams and opportunities in 2011,” concluded Robinson.