Ingram Micro Launches Full-Service Marketing Communications Agency for Channel Partners

SANTA ANA, Calif., April 11 /PRNewswire/ -- Helping manufacturers and solution providers grow their business, leading technology distributor Ingram Micro Inc. today announced a new in-house, full-service channel marketing communications agency -- Channel Marketing Services. Targeted at U.S. manufacturers and fast-growth solution providers, the new agency offers clients a complete lineup of channel-centric advertising, marketing and PR agency services.

"Two of the biggest challenges facing the IT industry are consistent channel communications and integrated marketing efforts," says Jennifer Baier Anaya, vice president, marketing and communications, Ingram Micro U.S. "With Ingram Micro's new Channel Marketing Services, our customers and manufacturer partners gain immediate access to a seasoned team of communications experts that excel in developing channel marketing strategies and tactics. Our goal is to help manufacturers and solution providers cut through the noise and clearly communicate their vision, benefits, expertise and services in today's commoditized, over-hyped sales environment."

Ingram Micro's new Channel Marketing Services are designed to help technology companies of all sizes communicate more effectively with business partners, customers and employees, as well as channel trade media and IT analysts. Featured services include:

Technology Manufacturer Services: Solution Provider Services: * Channel Messaging * End-User IT Marketing and Marketing Strategies Campaigns and Collateral * Integrated Channel Marketing * Direct Marketing and Campaigns Lead Generation * Direct Marketing and * Field Marketing Support Lead Generation Representatives and Training * Channel Friendly Sales * Agency Express(TM) Online Collateral and Advertising Marketing Portal * Channel PR * Brand Development and Messaging Customized, Integrated Channel Marketing Campaigns

For technology manufacturers, Ingram Micro's Channel Marketing Services can create integrated channel communications and marketing campaigns that map to the company's corporate marketing objectives and tie back to existing distributor co-branded marketing programs. For those manufacturers looking for a more targeted approach to marketing to the IT channel, Ingram Micro's new agency will develop and execute against stand-alone channel communications and marketing campaigns.

"Whether vendors are looking for a primary marketing communications agency or simply want to engage us to add channel expertise to their existing corporate or distribution marketing team, we're ready to help build their business," said Laurie Lavelle, director, creative services, Ingram Micro U.S.

Solution providers looking to re-brand their companies or expand their reach can also use Ingram Micro's new Channel Marketing Services agency to build targeted marketing materials. Furthermore, Lavelle says, "Those customers who are not looking for a complete marketing makeover can tap into Ingram Micro's marketing field representatives and a full suite of on-demand marketing tools readily available via Ingram Micro's Agency Express online marketing portal." These tools include professionally designed and written marketing materials such as brochures, direct-mail pieces and postcards that support Cisco, HP and IBM solutions and can be easily co-branded to target end-user clients.

Cisco Systems, Graphtech Systems and Zhone Technologies Put Ingram Micro to the Test

Leading manufacturer, Cisco Systems Inc., telecommunications equipment manufacturer Zhone Technologies, and fast-growth solution provider and VentureTech Network council member Steve Feldman of GraphTech Systems in Deerfield, Ill., have already taken advantage of Ingram Micro's new Channel Marketing Services.

Graphtech, a successful, full-service solution provider, who has undergone three different name changes and several logos since opening its doors in 1987, heard about Ingram Micro's marketing services at a VentureTech Network event last year. Owner and President Steve Feldman, after uncovering a lack of clarity in how the company was perceived by customers and staff, decided he needed to develop a consistent brand and brand message across his growing business. "By enlisting the help of Ingram Micro's Channel Marketing Services, we've refreshed our brand and now have a consistent value proposition that we take to market every day," said Feldman. "Our new integrated marketing approach has helped minimize confusion among our customers and our salespeople, and has put us back in the driver's seat for growth and profitability."

New channel vendor Zhone Technologies acquired Paradyne and then engaged Ingram Micro to develop an integrated marketing campaign to reach out to new solution providers and educate them on the value and broader offerings that Zhone brings to IP broadband solutions. The company also wanted to ensure it was able to retain current Paradyne partners.

"Manufacturers don't need huge budgets to double or even triple their sales results when they focus their efforts in an integrated go-to-market approach. Ingram Micro's marketing team was able to provide strategic direction with tactical results that have helped Zhone accomplish its channel sales and marketing objectives," said Ron Chan, who is responsible for partner marketing at Zhone Technologies, a market-leading developer and manufacturer of telecom equipment for domestic and international telephone companies, cable operators and the enterprise. "Ingram Micro's team helped us come to market with a solid channel message day after day, which in turn has resulted in increased sales and brand awareness for Zhone."

"When a smart, integrated go-to-market approach is messaged well, it's a powerful catalyst that drives sales, attracts new customers and gives existing customers even more reason to do business with you," concludes Baier Anaya.

Pricing and Availability

Pricing for Ingram Micro's Channel Marketing Service engagements is determined as a set project fee or ongoing retainer, based on the project scope, timeline for the engagement, and marketing services included. To learn more about Ingram Micro's full-service marketing communications offerings, please contact marketingservices@ingrammicro.com, or call 1 (800) 705-7057.

For more information about Ingram Micro's field marketing representatives or Agency Express, please contact 1 (800) 944-5001 or visit http://www.ingrammicro.com/agencyexpress.

About Ingram Micro

As a vital link in the technology value chain, Ingram Micro creates sales and profitability opportunities for vendors and resellers through unique marketing programs, outsourced logistics services, technical support, financial services, and product aggregation and distribution. The company serves 100 countries and is the only broadline global IT distributor with operations in Asia. Visit http://www.ingrammicro.com/.