Ingram Micro Adds Linux and Other Open Source Technologies To Solutions Line Card

LAS VEGAS, IBM PARTNERWORLD, March 2 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Ingram Micro Inc. (NYSE: IM), a leading technology sales, marketing and logistics company, today announced a comprehensive suite of Linux and other open source-based technology products, solutions, support and training services. Acknowledged as a welcome addition by many of Ingram Micro's solution provider customers, the company's move to distribute these emerging technologies comes as no surprise to IDC analysts.

"Demand for products that work together with Linux and other open source technologies is growing," said Al Gillen, IDC research director, system software. "IDC predicts that revenue from Linux operating system sales will pass $168 million in 2007, and corporate spending on all forms of software related to Linux will grow from $1.6 billion in 2002 to over $11 billion in 2007. Linux and other open source products can serve as a springboard to sell additional software, support services and hardware."

"As a solution integrator focused on the enterprise space, Linux spells big opportunity for me and my sales team," said Bob Kusche, general manager, DSG eServer and Linux Solutions. "A number of our customers are looking to migrate from UNIX to Linux, and now, with Ingram Micro's expanded open source and Linux offerings, we can identify these solutions and get it all under one roof. That saves me time and money and, in the end, makes for a better customer experience."

As part of its new Linux and other open-source technology offerings, Ingram Micro is offering in-depth marketing tools and has developed a highly trained team of field sales representatives, Emerging Technologies Group, who can assist solution provider customers who want to transition from UNIX to Linux sales. The company is also planning to offer technical education and training courses to its customer communities, including the VentureTech Network and the Ingram Micro Service Network. Ingram Micro's Solution Center -- a multifunctional development, testing and training lab for solution providers and manufacturers -- is also scheduled to debut a number of training courses and demonstrations throughout the year for those partners interested in learning more about open-source technology.

"Our solution provider and manufacturer partners rely on us for more than just product," said Kevin Murai, president, Ingram Micro North America. "We're an extension of their sales and support teams. Our technical engineers and sales teams help them meet and even anticipate customer demands. With more business critical applications or deployments, such as server migrations, we'll work side by side with our partners to ensure the technology solutions are implemented with ease and efficiency."

Ingram Micro Debuts Broadest Linux and Open Source Technology Line Card

Committed to giving its customers the business advantage, Ingram Micro has expanded its line card to include Linux and other open source technologies from leading manufacturers such as Red Hat, Computer Associates, HP, Intel, IBM, Legato, Novell, SuperMicro, TrendMicro, Veritas and VMWare.

Red Hat in particular has stepped up its efforts with Ingram Micro and the channel and sees the company as a strategic go-to-market partner. "By teaming with Ingram Micro, we're maximizing our reach and taking the lead on generating and fulfilling demand for Red Hat Enterprise Linux solutions," said Mike Evans, vice president of channel sales and development at Red Hat. "As the leading enterprise Linux provider, it's critical to establish the solid partnerships to aid in the delivery of quality solutions. With Linux as the centerpiece, Ingram Micro is building a comprehensive set of components that can be combined to build stable and reliable open source architecture."

To help its manufacturer partners market to the right audiences, Ingram Micro has created a targeted marketing campaign designed exclusively for its Linux and other open source technology manufacturers. As part of the campaign, Ingram Micro is offering its manufacturer partners unique opportunities such as sales and technical enablement and end user demand generation. The company is also working closely with its manufacturers to identify key solution providers within its existing customer base that hold specializations in UNIX, currently sell into the mid-market or enterprise sector or have a keen interest in getting into this market place.

Further, to help its partners grow sales and earn maximum return on their marketing dollars, Ingram Micro has strengthened its enterprise sales and marketing teams and invested more resources into its technical support capabilities. Manufacturers and solution providers requesting more information on Ingram Micro's Linux and open source sales and marketing opportunities should contact Diane Lees at (716) 633-3600, ext. 67410, or diane.lees@ingrammicro.com.

About Ingram Micro Inc.

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 global IT distributor with operations in Asia. Visit www.ingrammicro.com.

(C) 2004 Ingram Micro Inc. All rights reserved. Ingram Micro and the registered Ingram Micro logo are trademarks used under license by Ingram Micro Inc. The names of actual companies and products mentioned herein may be the trademarks of their respective owners.

SOURCE Ingram Micro Inc.