Arrow ECS launches MPower SmartCart 12 February, 2009 By Vanessa Ho

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"A lot of these mid-market partners don't have any type of marketing department. If they do, it's very small and what we are finding and what partners are telling us is through these marketing services that we are offering they are able to expand the number of campaigns and leads they can generate for their sales force," said Robert Spee, director of marketing for Arrow ECS' Midmarket Group.

The newly launched application makes a variety of marketing materials developed by Arrow ECS available for purchase online by resellers. The materials include complete lead generation campaigns and marketing services for promoting a variety of hardware, software and storage solutions to midsized companies. Designing and producing marketing campaigns is completely automated for resellers through SmartCart, and all of the materials can be customized to reflect each reseller's unique brand identity and positioning.

For example, MPower partners will get access to over a 100 marketing campaigns like various collateral scripts, e-mail blasts and promotional services for a live or online event. As well, partners get access to video segments they can order to incorporate into their e-mails.

"[SmartCart] streamlines the whole process and allows us and our partners to actually do even more in the marketing area," noted Spee.

The materials can be purchased either by credit card, invoice or with marketing development funds (MDF) that resellers receive from suppliers. SmartCart integrates MDF account information so resellers can complete the transaction instantaneously. It tracks the balance of those accounts and uses a fund management dashboard featuring charts and transaction data that provide resellers with a clear view of where they are spending MDF money and how much of the funds remain.

Spee said that there are a number of items available at no charge to MPower partners such as demand generation scripts, telemarketing scripts, e-mail blasts and direct mail letters that they can immediately download and customize. Other items like video clips and things like that might be several hundred dollars and then into the thousands of dollars depending on the customized campaign.

Also, SmartCart supports a system for tracking the response rates on lead generation campaigns and provides reports that resellers can use to demonstrate proof of performance when requesting additional funding from suppliers for future campaigns.

Through SmartCart, resellers can upload their own target distribution lists, or they can indicate geographic regions, vertical industries or information technology markets they would like to reach, and Arrow ECS will compile mailing lists that meet those parameters using the distributor's comprehensive business intelligence tools and processes.

"SmartCart enables resellers to more effectively target new markets while simultaneously saving them time so they can focus on other aspects of their business," state Spee.

Further information about SmartCart and the MPower Midmarket Partner Program for resellers serving midsize companies is available at www.arrowmpower.com.