Dicker Data to launch Australian IoT community to support channel partners

Dicker Data has used its national TechX roadshow to announce plans to support internet of things opportunities among its reseller base.

The distributor is launching an "IoT community" to foster connections between channel partners and IoT vendors, Dicker Data's Jason Hall told delegates. The community is designed to help partners "business desmystify and capture the Australian IoT opportunity".

[Photos: Dicker Data TechX 2017 heads to Melbourne]

Hall, who was recently given the role of general manager of services and IoT, said: "We are actively working with existing vendors to highlight IoT-specific technology. We are working with new vendors to bring them onboard so you can understand the sea of technologies, and we are are actively investing in resources to enable, educate and support the channel so that you can have IoT discussions in confidence with your customers.

"And when a solution needs to be designed we will be there to support and help you deliver it," added Hall.

"To accelerate this we are launching a dedicated IoT-specific channel community. This community will provide curated content from the IoT universe. It will have face-to-face meetups, whereby you can meet new and interesting vendors and get hands on with their technology and where you can network with like-minded people who share your passion and vision."

Dicker's IoT strategy will be underpinned by existing vendors like Cisco and Intel, as well as some of its newly appointed enterprise data partners.

A local example of an internet of things project was presented by Cisco's IoT leader at TechX Melbourne.

Martin Dube shared details of a project between Cisco and Yarra Trams. Sensors were deployed across the tram network to gather data and offer a host of benefits, from preventing passenger congestion to preventative maintenance.

Dicker has announced new enterprise storage partnerships with Dell EMC, Pure Storage and Hitachi Data Systems over recent months.

Chief executive David Dicker said: "Our enterprise data business unit is designed to offer unprecedented opportunities for partners to capitalise on the growing digital transformation market and lead with innovative solutions for the internet of things.”