Accredited dealers will now be able to offer installation and training to DataFort’s end-users as well as providing the ‘must-have’ for any backup customer - engineer-assisted on-site support. Dealers will also receive access to both DataFort’s prospect database and joint marketing effort.

DataFort have built a training system that is the next-best-thing to a human teacher. “Our web-based dealer training programme covers everything from installation and functionality to security and pricing,” explains Marcie Terman, DataFort’s Business Development Director. “The dealers have to undergo a detailed multiple choice exam. But if they get a question wrong they’re not logged-off. Instead, our system rephrases the question in a different format until it is completely satisfied that they understand the subject matter.”

Computers In The City – the 12 year old London reseller whose clients include the US Embassy and the New York Stock Exchange - is excited about the Premier Dealer Programme. “DataFort have shown the utmost commitment to the UK channel since their company launched,” says their MD, Simon Betts. “This programme shows some significant advances in both training and vendor-dealer relationships which many other companies could learn from.”

“It’s no coincidence that this launch comes at a time when research groups such as IDC and Posetiv are predicting strong growth in storage sales for resellers,” says Terman. “Our Premium Dealer network is now over forty-strong. We are happy to work with dealers in this way, allowing us to place more focus on product development.”