Ingram Micro holds first annual SMB Alliance Invitational 25 August, 2008 By Erin Bell

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During the event, the SMB Alliance will debut new tools, strategies and resources for partners; announce enhancements to its community social networking site, the SMB Alliance Zone; and reveal its 2008 SMB Alliance Partner Advisory Council, which includes ten of the most influential SMB-focused service providers across North America.

"One of the primary goals for SMB Alliance is to replicate the industry leadership and successes we've captured with Ingram Micro's VentureTech Network, GovEd Alliance and System ArchiTECHs communities and enable our SMB-focused partners to maximize their growth by leveraging the power of partnership," said Jim Manley, VP, VAR sales and the co-host of the SMB Alliance Invitational.

More than 4,000 members and 40 manufacturer sponsors make up the SMB Alliance, and membership is free. Ingram Micro stated that the Alliance is ready to go head-to-head with the likes of Tech Select and VARnex.

According to Manley, the SMB Alliance is a good place for solution providers who focus on selling to small and mid-size business to learn more about best practices, in-demand technologies and what it takes to make their businesses more profitable.

"What's great about SMB Alliance, and all Ingram Micro communities for that matter, is their focus on what matters most to the partner," says Kurt Sippel, President of Applied Tech Solutions. "Whether you're a start-up or a legacy solution provider who's looking to evolve the business, Ingram Micro's partner communities have the resources and support to help you make the move and realize the full potential of your company."

The event runs until Aug. 26. Kerry McDonough, Small Business Sales Director US, Cisco Systems, and Justin Crotty, Ingram Micro's VP of Services will both deliver keynote presentations. As well, VAR-led workshops and sessions will take place on topics including pricing, selling and merchandising managed services in the SMB market; taking advantage of the growing end-user demand for 24/7 help desk service; expanding your managed services business within existing customers; and putting the service in managed services.