Tech Data Teams With ConnectWise

Business Wire, Forbes, May 07, 2007 -- Tech Data Corporation (NASDAQ:TECD) today announced an expanded relationship with ConnectWise, a leading business automation software publisher and creator of one of the channel's most widely adopted professional services automation (PSA) solutions. ConnectWise's expertise and insight will aid Tech Data, its reseller community and business partners as they establish partnerships and develop technology solutions to capitalize on the demand for managed services in the small-to-midsize business (SMB) market.

"Managed services have the potential to reshape the way hardware, software and professional IT services are delivered to end users," said Bob O'Malley, senior vice president, U.S. Marketing. "The challenge facing the channel today is the increasing number of disparate and incompatible approaches to deploying managed services, especially in the SMB market. Through our managed services initiative, Tech Data and partners like ConnectWise, a market leader in PSA solutions, will work closely with resellers, business partners and remote monitoring and management (RMM) providers to promote standardized, VAR-centric solutions for SMBs."

"Tech Data has the established relationships and influence to lend considerable leadership in the managed services market," said Arnie Bellini, president, ConnectWise. "By extending our partnership with Tech Data, it is our goal to enhance resellers' ability to locally brand and deliver a wide array of managed services to their end-user customers. Strong alliances between distributors, MSPs, hardware manufactures, software publishers and ConnectWise will help us create an IT ecosystem where everyone wins."

Managed Services Enablement
Tech Data is dedicated to assisting resellers and business partners make the MSP transition profitably. The distributor's extensive financial, logistics, configuration, technical, sales, marketing and education resources will assist in introducing new and innovative managed services channel strategies. Tech Data also will leverage its technical expertise in a broad array of specialized technologies increasingly being adapted to a managed services model. These solutions will include, for example, security monitoring and threat assessment; print management; IP telephony; e-mail management and archiving; unified communications; and remote data replication and disaster recovery.

History of Collaboration
Today's announcement expands upon a long-standing relationship between ConnectWise and Tech Data. ConnectWise, a Tech Data customer since 1984, was the first member to join Tech Data's SMB reseller community TechSelect when it was established in 1999. Three years ago, ConnectWise also joined TechSelect's Affiliate program, a forum for members to engage emerging manufacturers, ISVs and service providers. The company's ConnectWise PSA is used by more than 12,000 IT professionals throughout the channel, helping resellers better manage and efficiently run their businesses. ConnectWise is the only PSA solution to fully integrate with all leading managed services applications.

Managed services resellers will be supported through Tech Data's TDOnCall suite of technical services. TDOnCall offers resellers an array of services designed to help build their business by increasing margins, streamlining operations and enhancing service levels. To learn more about managed services available through TDOnCall, call (800) 237-8931, ext. 64257, or send e-mail to tdoncall@techdata.com.

About ConnectWise
ConnectWise is the leading Web-based professional service automation (PSA) software application designed exclusively for technology consultants, integrators and developers. More than 12,000 IT solution providers rely on ConnectWise to more efficiently integrate key business operations across the enterprise from business development and project management to client services and billing. The technology enables IT companies to drive greater accountability, operational efficiency, profitability and tighter systems integration. Visit www.connectwise.com for more information or call 813-463-4700.

About Tech Data
Founded in 1974, Tech Data Corporation (NASDAQ GS: TECD) is a leading distributor of IT products, with more than 90,000 customers in over 100 countries. The company's business model enables technology solution providers, manufacturers and publishers to cost-effectively sell to and support end users ranging from small-to-midsize businesses (SMB) to large enterprises. Ranked 109th on the FORTUNE 500(R), Tech Data generated $21.4 billion in sales for its fiscal year ended January 31, 2007. For more information, visit www.techdata.com.