Most people think of technology as impersonal. In fact, it’s deeply personal. Technology transforms the way people go about their business. It takes people – skilled and dedicated people – to make technology work for business.

Businesses can buy hardware and software on the phone or over the Internet. But on their own, hardware and software can’t solve business problems or streamline business processes. That takes a close relationship with a local solution provider who understands how to make technology work.

How do small and medium businesses find technology providers who can help them achieve their business goals?

There’s a simple answer: Look for a solution provider who’s a member of the VentureTech Network (VTN), a nation-wide organization of solution providers with a compelling offering for small and medium businesses (SMBs): depth of industry knowledge, expertise in best practices, quick resolution of problems, and installation of the right solutions, the first time.

In Canada, there are 45 VentureTech solution provider members with 50 locations. There are 350 members in the U.S. The VentureTech Network also includes manufacturer partners like IBM.

Providing solutions into the small - and medium - business community in Canada is a key focus for IBM. The needs of SMBs are radically different from larger-scale customers. They need to work with diligent solution providers who understand the unique needs of each individual customer.

VentureTech solution providers are dedicated to providing high-quality solutions and local support. IBM provides quality technology, support and services that enable VentureTech members to provide the highest-quality solutions.

No business can be all things to all people, and no solution provider can be all things to all businesses. But through collaboration on challenging projects, and conferences where they share skills and ideas, VentureTech members vastly increase the range of solutions they can offer their customers.

Through VentureTech solution providers, IBM provides proven solutions to small and medium businesses

Before becoming VentureTech members, solution providers undergo a rigorous evaluation including a due-diligence check. Applications are passed on to VTN’s seven member advisory board, which is elected by the membership at large. Membership in the VentureTech Network is subject to periodic review.

“One of the biggest problems in our industry is there are way too many trunkslammers – people with a couple of bucks and no skills,” states Peter McMahon, Vice - President, Sales, for Protek Systems, an IBM Business Partner with locations in Windsor and London, Ont., and a member of VTN. “If you just pick a technology provider out of the phone book, how do you know you’re dealing with someone with a solid reputation and a solid skill set?”

VentureTech membership addresses that question. “Among the thousands of solution providers across Canada, only 45 are part of the VentureTech Network,” says Don Conaby, President of CONPUTE, an IBM Advanced Business Partner based in Oshawa, Ont., and a member of VTN. “We look for partners with a high level of integrity, and high-level skills and training.”

Up close and personal

VentureTech members combine a solutions approach to selling with close personal service. “We have the flexibility to meet the unique needs of each SMB client,” Mr. Conaby states. “We provide everything SMB clientsare looking for: quick response, local support, and a long-term relationship with a trustworthy partner.”

“SMB customers need providers who can take responsibility for delivering a working solution, instead of just throwing hardware at problems,” adds Larry Poirier, CEO of Nitro Microsystems, an IBM Business Partner based in Ottawa, and a member of VTN. “Whether we’re working on an Exchange 2000 migration or an ERP and IBM ^implementation, we work with customers to develop solutions to their everyday business problems, minimize downtime and improve their business processes. We offer a full range of outsourced services, from network management to help desk.”

When you deal with a VentureTech solution provider, you’re getting the expertise of all the other members. VentureTech solution providers frequently involve other members inprojects that require special skills and services. For one project, Protek flew in a VTN member from Vancouver whose skills complemented Protek’s. “The knowledge-sharing among VentureTech members is phenomenal,” Mr. McMahon states.

In addition to ad hoc knowledge-sharing, VTN members share skills during two semi-annual national conferences and two semi-annual regional meetings. “At these events, members have a forum to deliver presentations on the solutions they offer,” says Robert Paluzzi, Senior Manager, VentureTech Network for Ingram Micro Inc. (Canada). “When you work with a member of the VentureTech Network, you’re being exposed to a much broader suite of proven solutions for your type of business.”

Businesses with multiple locations can get national service through VentureTech solution providers. “VTN is an extension of my company,” Mr. McMahon says. “One of our national accounts told me, ‘The value you bring to me is that I can call you at nine in the morning about a problem in Calgary. The next call I get from you is that afternoon to tell me the problem has gone away’.”

“With VentureTech, customers get the depth of a national organization and a close relationship with a local solution provider,” Mr. Conaby adds. “It’s the best of both worlds. The VentureTech Network represents the best of the best in the small - and medium - business marketplace.”

The VentureTech Network is operated by Ingram Micro, the largest distributor of IT products in North America.

For information call 1 877 VTN 0001
or visit our Web site at www.venturetechnetwork.ca