Bell Micro prepares Pillar thriller for UK resellers

by Stuart Wilson, Wednesday 15 October 2008

Specialist value-added distributor (VAD) Bell Micro has signed up Pillar Data Systems in the UK

Specialist value-added distributor (VAD) Bell Micro has signed up Pillar Data Systems in the UK. The distribution deal will see Bell Micro push Pillar’s application aware storage systems to resellers in the UK. The agreement builds on an existing relationship in the US.

The partnership will provide Bell Micro’s reseller base with the opportunity to offer customers a scalable application aware data storage solution optimised for Oracle, virtualisation or e-mail management environments. Pillar Data Systems, in turn, hopes to leverage Bell Micro’s installed partner base, enterprise storage skills and partner services to expand its rapidly growing business throughout the UK.

”We have chosen to partner with Bell Micro as a result of the company’s reputation in the market and its focus on further developing its Enterprise storage portfolio," said Chris Jones, VP EMEA at Pillar Data Systems.

"With Bell Micro as a key partner we are looking to recruit a small number of highly motivated and professional resellers that can benefit, not just from our growing pipeline and great install base but also from the promise of future healthy reseller margins and services revenue," Jones added.

Both companies have got together to launch a partner recruitment and development plan. Pillar claims that its registered service provider programme offers significant value add for all interested resellers.

"With the Pillar Axiom solution, Pillar Data Systems is an innovative fit for our enterprise storage division. The agreement broadens Bell Micro’s enterprise storage portfolio and gives our partners and their customers access to a storage solution which reduces data centre operational costs and delivers utilisation rates double the industry average," added Richard Carpenter, European general manager, enterprise storage division at Bell Micro.

"Organisations of all sizes are increasingly focused on understanding the value of data, yet still require advice and guidance. With this in mind, Bell Micro will be working with Pillar Data Systems to ensure reseller partners are educated on approaches to managed storage, as well as understanding how best to deliver these new solutions," he added.