Tech Data adds more services and support around power protection

Tech Data has indicated that it is stepping up its efforts to help channel partners take power protection solutions out to market.

The distributor is providing more installation and maintenance services for partners to take advantage of as it looks to get more power protection sold into a variety of situations, ranging from single-room systems to larger scale systems running on multiple sites. The option covers all of the UPS products that are in the channel player’s portfolio, which includes APC, Schneider Electric, Eaton and a range of supporting products from the likes of HPE, IBM and Lenovo.

The expectation is that with services such as fast response to emergency call outs, preventative maintenance visits, and support and emote monitoring, more resellers will be tempted to pitch power products.

The distie is also offering pre-delivery configuration, virtual warehousing and subscription billing options for resellers to take advantage of. To add depth to the sustainability pitch there is also a chance for partners to use Trade-In Tech Data Reenew services to make sure products are properly recycled or refurbished.

“We’ve been receiving more requests for support and maintenance cover for power supplies. We have always had the capability to install and service UPS devices, and we’ve now extended it significantly – with these added options, we can cover virtually any scenario,” said Mark Glasspool, services director at Tech Data UK.

Even before the recent highly damaging storms lashed across the UK, there was a growing awareness among users that they need to have power protection to make sure systems kept running.

“End-user customers of all sizes are more dependent than ever on their IT systems. With the skills shortage affecting both end-user and reseller partners, there is a much greater need for a trusted adviser and service provider partner that can step in and take care of essential tasks, while full-time IT staff and technicians focus on other, more complex and involved matters,” said Glasspool.

Some of the large UPS vendors have been increasing the opportunities for the channel to provide power on a more managed services basis in a bid to widen the appeal of the technology to the growing MSP community.

Last October, Schneider Electric cut the ribbon on a managed-power-as-a-service offering, working with its UK distribution partners Tech Data and Ingram Micro to get the option in front of more MSPs.

Speaking at the time, David Terry, vice-president of IT channels at Schneider Electric Europe, said it was clear that the popularity of managed services meant that the opportunity was also significant, and he quoted numbers that placed the size of the potential addressable market at $160bn globally.