CA hopes Hammer signing will grow SMB partner base

VAD beats off competition from two rival firms to secure distribution agreement

CA Technologies has signed up distributor Hammer in the hope that the VAD will bring it new market reach, and the chance to "dramatically grow its partner base."

Basingstoke-based Hammer, which will join Ingram Micro and Arrow ECS in the vendor's distribution line-up, will distribute CA's ARCserve family of products.

CA picked Hammer out of a shortlist of three, and said the appointment will help it in its push to attract more SMB VARs.

The vendor hopes Hammer will bring its products to a wider audience, and Chris Ross (pictured), vice president for worldwide sales, claimed the specialist nature of Hammer was important in the selection process.

"Adding Hammer to the mix gives us a number of benefits. As we work through our [plans to] expand in the market, and to grow our SMB VARs, the further reach Hammer can bring us is significant," he said.

CA, which worked with distributors Computer 2000 and CMS Peripherals until about 18 months ago, said it is happy with the variety in its current line-up.

Ross added: "[Hammer is] focused and specialised, which is important. Ingram Micro and Arrow have been our staples for past two years, and we are very happy with them.

"Ingram works on volume and in the SMB space, Arrow focuses on high-value business and SMB, and now we have Hammer, which we think will give us new reach."