Distribution Roundup: Tech Data Hires VAR Exec, Cloud Training From Avnet

Distribution News Roundup

Here's a look at the latest news from the world of distribution, including an acquisition by Arrow, new cloud training from Avnet and Tech Data hiring a former VAR executive to run a storage group.

Arrow Acquires Another EAD Company

Arrow Electronics has agreed to purchase Redemtech, a wholly owned subsidiary of Micro Electronics that specializes in electronics asset disposition (EAD) services.

Redemtech, headquartered in Columbus, Ohio, has 400 employees and expects to generate 2012 sales of about $60 million, according to Arrow.

This marks Arrow's second acquisition of an asset disposition company this year. The Englewood, Colo.-based distributor also bought TechTurn early in 2012.

Tech Data Names New AIS Vice President

Tech Data has appointed Ken Griffin to the role of vice president of the Clearwater, Fla.-based distributor's Advanced Infrastructure Solutions (AIS) Storage Solutions business.

Griffin rejoins Tech Data after eight years at Bayshore Technologies, a Tampa, Fla.-based VAR that was named to CRN's Solution Provider 500 and Tech Elite 250 lists in 2012.

At Tech Data, Griffin will be responsible for the strategic direction of the AIS Storage Solutions group as well as other associated channel program, partner enablement and engagement activities, according to Tech Data.

Ingram Micro Expands Retail Market Presence

Ingram Micro plans to expand its retail support to include national warehouse presence for white goods and consumer electronics and has also developed data analytics and market intelligence services that are available to retailers and e-tailers.

The new services are powered by Santa Ana, Calif.-based Ingram's Business Intelligence Center and will complement the distributor's existing sales, marketing and technical support, as well as credit, leasing and financial services.

Jenne Builds Conference Room Bundles

Jenne, an Avon, Ohio-based distributor of IP telephony, audio and videoconferencing, unified communications, data networking and IT security products, has developed exclusive videoconferencing bundles from LifeSize, which offers client-server and video equipment, and Revolabs, a provider of wireless audio systems. The bundles include: a medium/large conference room solution that includes LifeSize Room 220, LifeSize Room 221i and Revolabs Fusion; a small/medium conference room solution that includes LifeSize Express 220 and Revolabs HD Dual; and a SOHO solution that includes LifeSize Passport and Revolabs HD Single.

Avnet Offers Cloud Training

Avnet Technology Solutions has launched a new training program for its Avnet Cloud Solutions group, a framework that enables Avnet ISV, MSP and solution provider partners to receive training around the cloud computing technology, including how to develop a cloud practice, according to the Phoenix-based distributor.

Additionally, Avnet had enlisted ITpreneurs to further enhance its cloud training offerings. ITpreneurs works with CompTIA and the Cloud Credential Council to offer a vendor-neutral cloud certification program. Qualified partners will be able to access the ITpreneurs cloud training program at a discounted rate, according to Avnet.

Synnex Holds Lenovo Programs

Synnex is teaming with Lenovo to host three interactive onsite training sessions in September for solution providers around Lenovo's ThinkServer product family. The sessions are scheduled for Sept. 11 in Phoenix, Sept. 18 in Boston and Sept. 20 in Dallas. During the training, solution providers will learn more about the product, programs, services and solutions to drive more profitable growth from ThinkServer solutions, according to Synnex. VARs can then participate in a "Show-and-Tell" session in which they can demo the products onsite.

Catalyst Telecom Adds Jabra Headsets

Catalyst Telecom, a division of ScanSource, has added Jabra headsets to its line card, according to the Greenville, S.C.-based distributor. The headsets can complement a solution provider's voice portfolio as an end user's voice infrastructure evolves from a traditional desk phone to softphones, mobile devices and other unified communications solutions, according to the distributor.