[asterisk-biz] Re: Not one to bitch and moan, but...

[JR Richardson]

> I was thinking about all of the Digium products that I have either bought
> for clients or have had the client purchase equipment from Digium, and
> realized that while there is a big push for reseller and distributors, there
> is nothing in place for the, for want of better word, interconnect. I find
> myself jumping on the web, looking at Digium's site for general pricing, and
> then playing the hunt for what reseller is going to provide me with the best
> price. I would be nice if there could be some formalized synthesis between
> the reseller and the consultants.
>
> Right now, most consultants more or less stumble into an opportunity.
> Asterisk has become the watch word as a ton of sometimes clueless CIO types
> attempt to see how Asterisk fits into the equation. When I go out to pitch a
> deal, I have to develop my own marketing crap, go and seek out the biggest
> bang for the smallest buck, and pull rabbits out of my hat. I would really
> be nice is I could get some of the benefit that Digium offers to resellers
> and distributors... The reason I bring all of this up is because I went to
> see what would be needed to get a reseller relationship with Digium. As I
> started looking at the Q&A, I realized that I would not fit in any sort of
> way in their requirements. I was also looked at another company (who does
> not sell any Digium items), which does allow for consultants to receive
> discounts, does provide some marketing  materials, and gives priority for
> support.
>
> Without being arrogant, to some degree, it is the consultants that create
> the need for Digium hardware! There needs to be some program in place that
> recognizes that need and creates a program that will support the
> consultants.
>
> Just my $0.02 and anyone is will argue this point... Or not! :)

Digium addresses this very issue at the Astricon General Conference.
The team did recognize the need for better marketing material support
to help consultants sell solutions.  I can't speak for Digium, but I
know they brought on someone in Jan dedicated to expanding this piece
of the business.  They need some time to get these 'programs' you
spoke of up and running, but we should see some dedicated efforts in
the next few months.

As far as hardware goes, pick a distributor or vendor you like and
work with them for qty discounts and such.

Good luck.

JR

-- 
JR Richardson
Engineering for the Masses