Date Posted: 10/6/2010
Arrow ECS Launches Skill Builder for IBM Resellers
ENGLEWOOD, Colo.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Arrow Enterprise Computing Solutions, a business segment of Arrow Electronics Inc. [NYSE: ARW], has launched an online training tool that enables resellers to track their firm’s – and individual team members’ – progress toward gaining skills and obtaining certifications to sell more IBM solutions.
Dubbed the Skill Builder, the tool features a comprehensive curriculum of step-by-step instructions for becoming an IBM reseller, gaining certifications to sell and configure IBM technology, selling into specific vertical markets and other areas of expertise.
“Skill Builder provides a roadmap for the certification and training courses that are available to resellers,” said Mark Taylor, vice president of Arrow ECS’ IBM group. “In addition, this tool makes it easier for resellers to track their team’s progress toward completing courses and building their skills.”
The curriculum includes not only sales and technical coursework but also resources for marketing, business development, financing and other functional areas. Additional curriculum, such as industry-specific training to assist resellers with increasing their expertise in verticals including health care, finance, manufacturing, services and retail, will be continually added.
The coursework is self-paced and can be completed wherever and whenever an Internet connection is available. The tracking feature enables both individual staff and team managers to monitor progress toward completing the coursework for use with evaluating personnel performance and identifying the team’s strengths and weaknesses.
“We’re intensely focused on helping resellers deepen their skills and competencies as a key source of competitive advantage and growth,” said Ayman Antoun, vice president, business partners and midmarket, North America, IBM. “The Arrow ECS Skill Builder tool delivers targeted learning for users based on specific platforms, levels and solution areas, providing additional opportunities for resellers to build skills and deliver increased value to clients.”
“One of the most important tasks for us has been building training plans for multiple programs involving multiple employees, as well as tracking and maintaining coordination between our internal team’s progress and IBM’s records,” said Diana Hales, director, vendor relations and enablement, InfoSystems Inc. “Skill Builder enables us to not only build plans for each team member, but also look at our company as a whole to ensure we are meeting the goals set in our IBM Partner Plan – all in one place.
“Skill Builder not only enables InfoSystems to build training plans, but assists in every step, from planning our strategy for enablement through to coordination and communication of meeting or exceeding program requirements,” Hales said. “Better enablement within our team ‘on their terms’ has permitted us to attain certifications and IBM Partner Points more quickly. Skill Builder’s reporting has also allowed better communication with the IBM teams regarding our skill sets, strengths and market focus.”
Skill Builder is just one of the many valuable tools, such as SmartCart, solutions labs and the MPower program, offered to help Arrow ECS resellers grow their business. Visit http://ecs.arrow.com/ibmgroup/ for more information about Skill Builder and other Arrow ECS enablement offerings for resellers.
About Arrow Enterprise Computing Solutions
Arrow ECS, a business segment of Arrow Electronics Inc. [NYSE: ARW], provides enterprise and midrange computing products, services and solutions to value-added resellers, system integrators, and independent software vendors. Based in Englewood, Colo., and with offices in 26 countries, Arrow ECS connects its customers to the world’s foremost technology suppliers. Arrow ECS reported $4.9 billion in global enterprise computing solution sales in 2009. Visit ecs.arrow.com for more information.
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