Networking maker TP-Link is leaning on its channel in its push to drive its SME business.
The firm has seen its channel business increase by a third last year and has already rolled out products that have been designed to be delivered by partners to the SME customer base.
The outfit has created an SMB Forum community site for resellers to share best practice and is continuing to expand the headcount on its internal channel team.
Ben Allcock, commercial director for B2B at TP-Link, said that the channel had grown in importance to the firm and it now a 50/50 split between the consumer and business markets.
“We trade with nearly 4,000 resellers a year and these are unique resellers that are coming through distribution. Of those 4,000 we have [strong relationships] with about 500 of those.” He added that it was open to working with more on a closer basis.
“The SMB Forum is dedicated for resellers to go and discuss ideas about how we can improve and what we are doing as a business and we would encourage resellers to talk to each other and talk to us.”
TP-Link works with a number of distributors, including Tech Data, Exertis, CMS, Nimans and Spire Technology specialising in routers and wireless products, both of which have enjoyed an increase in market demand, creating more opportunities for its channel partners.
“Wireless is moving swiftly into non-traditional areas. We are a dominant player in the SME space we are growing at a rate and we need to support channel partners.”
