Ingram Micro bullish about partner AI use to connect business systems

Ingram Micro has talked-up "growing adoption" by partners of its Xvantage Integration Hub, including its secure Model Context Protocol (MCP) server.

It reports that "hundreds of channel partners globally using the platform to connect AI assistants with business systems, automate workflows" and make what it claims are "faster, data-driven business decisions."

"The Xvantage Integration Hub and MCP Server address a challenge we're hearing consistently from Australian partners: how to securely connect AI to the systems, data and workflows that drive everyday business operations,” said Hope McGarry, VP and chief country executive, Australia.

“This reflects our focus on helping partners move from AI experimentation to practical implementation,” she continued.

“Through our specialist teams, partner enablement initiatives and the continued evolution of Xvantage as an intelligent operating layer, we're helping Australian partners build the capabilities needed to translate AI opportunity into real business value."

The distributor shared a testimonial by Fuse Technology managing director Chuong Mai-Viet, who stated: "The integration into Autotask and also Kaseya Commerce Manager really revolutionised the back end of our system."

"We went from selling about $20,000 to $30,000 worth of hardware a month to now we on average do about $300,000 a month in hardware with the same number of staff."

Some US partners also put their name behind the platform. Matrix Integration estimates the platform will save its team between 1,000 and 1,500 hours this year.

"Being able to easily connect to Ingram Micro and access our data via a secure MCP Server - without having to invest in and build it ourselves - is a huge strategic and operational advantage for our customers and us," stated Keith Schuetter, president of Matrix Integration.

"The integration with AI assistants and LLMs is powerful - enabling us to see activity across clients, access data in real time, share intelligence and use AI to further innovate, automate, streamline and integrate our tools at a rapid pace and without any reservations."

Ryan Evans, CEO and systems engineer at IT Design Consulting, stated: "Within a month of using the quoting integration tool, we've cut down the quoting process from hours and even sometimes days to essentially no lift."

“With Ingram Micro’s XI Hub and MCP Server it takes seconds for the quote to be generated where it used to take hours. We are using this time saving as a pitching tool to win new customers over our competitors."