SuperMicro Widens Its Reach
The San Jose, Calif., manufacturer of server motherboards and barebone systems recently launched three new options for its partners: an online configurator; online launch kits; and special promotions and discounts for good customers.
Still in beta form, the online configuration tool allows VARs to mix and match motherboards and chassis, said Tau Leng, director of marketing at SuperMicro. Customers must still call a sales representative to order products, but Leng said the configuration tool will be useful for matching motherboards certified for particular chassis among SuperMicro's product line.
David Valencia, vice president of sales and marketing of Seattle-based Pogo Linux, a builder of Linux-based servers, agreed.
Because SuperMicro has three catalogs"one for motherboards, one for chassis and one for barebones"customers have to search through the three to find the products they want.
"Using the configuration [tool] to get the data will be a lot quicker," he said.
Currently, SuperMicro's configurator supports products based on Intel processors exclusively. But Leng said SuperMicro plans to add processors from Sunnyvale, Calif.-based Advanced Micro Devices later this year. SuperMicro also is working to incorporate accessories, such as I/O cards, to the configuration tool, Leng said, and hopes to add that functionality by the end of the year as well.
The online launch kit includes a variety of SuperMicro-developed marketing information for VARs. Previously, VARs had to get that information directly from SuperMicro representatives.
The launch kits for Intel's latest Xeon "Woodcrest" processors include photos, sample brochures, signage images and sample ads.
SuperMicro's final program is a benefits program for frequent customers. Teng said the server maker is still in the development process of the program and is adding VARs on an invite-only basis. It seeks to add special promotions and discountsabove and beyond those currently offeredto VARs that meet certain purchasing requirements.